Vol 28 Issue 22

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

BEE’S BELIEVERS

By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.

One NFL player is giving back to his community through his nonprofit Bee’s Believers, founded by Emmanuel Ellerbee. Bee’s Believers was created in 2021 to get kids interested in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), in conjunction with athletics. In the African American community, there is this misconception that you must be a rapper or an athlete to be successful, and Ellerbee “wants to show kids about the options they have in their life.” He made it known that people talk about school, but not in a way to where it is glamorized or praised, and when it comes to performing and playing professional sports, “only a small percentage of people are going to be able to play professionally, or even become a performer or artist at a very high level.”

By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.

Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day,” is a very important day for Black people, and even though it should have been recognized sooner, this day became a federal holiday in 2021 by President Biden. Jamelle Bouie said, “Juneteenth may mark just one moment in the struggle for emancipation, but the holiday gives us an occasion to reflect on the profound contributions of enslaved Black

Americans to the cause of human freedom.”

Juneteenth dates back to Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived and announced the freedom of slaves. Technically they were already free, but they didn’t know it. Two and a half years prior, the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863.

Juneteenth on pg. 3

Ellerbee tells his student athletes that if they have a passion for sports and obtaining a career within the arts, he encourages them to follow their passion, but to understand that there are other careers and opportunities available as well. For their artist and student athletes to visualize this, Bee’s Believers exposes them to different career avenues by bringing in different speakers, so they hear from different individuals who are working in various STEAM fields.

Believers on pg. 5

EmmanuEL ELLERBEE

Contributing Writers

A Revival of God Consciousness

Bobby Mills, Phd

692-1892

What does Trump’s (37) federal indictments mean for the well-being of American democracy? Certainly, it is not that America’s political system is working, because if that were the case, Trump would have never received the GOP nomination in 2016. America’s political system is working for the lunatics among us, some Christian Right Evangelicals, The GOP, White Nationalists, Fox “FAKE” News, and some spiritually misguided Blacks and other minorities.

Even after experiencing four years of utter chaos of the Trump doctrine of “Make America Great (White) Again,” most Americans learned absolutely nothing. However, we do have an eternal paradigm stated by one of the world’s greatest scientific minds, Albert Einstein who said with great clarity, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” America,

this is the classic definition of insanity. Therefore, the (73+) million voters who voted for Trump are a classic example of what Einstein was referencing regarding insanity. America let’s thoroughly examine The Trump Doctrine. Is Trumpism spiritually grounded in insanity? Or are the subscribers to the Trump doctrine and philosophy of governance in a multicultural democracy spiritually insane? These are the questions that every Godfearing American must ask? Because Donald J. Trump has proven to the world community that he is insane, and the only thing he loves is money, and he believes that money and power are synonymous. Sadly, when Trump announced his Presidential campaign in June of (2015) descending his golden escalator in Trump Tower, Trump highlighted his prejudices and institutional racism against Blacks and other minorities, especially Mexicans referring to them as rapists, robbers, and drug traffickers. Unfortunately, Hispanics have an extremely bad understanding concerning how the GOP feels about them.

The Overflow

For Dad

I was blessed to have a father who is loving, supportive, and who has always taken care of his family. I talk to my dad every day, sometimes more than once. I go to him for advice, guidance, and if I am having a bad day, I know he will have the right words to say. He was also my first example of how a woman should be treated. No matter what he had going on work wise, he also made sure we had everything we needed and that we knew we were loved.

Father’s Day was first celebrated in Washington on June 19, 1910. It wasn’t until 1972 (58 years after Mother’s Day) when Richard Nixon signed a proclamation that Father’s Day become a nation-wide holiday. In the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June, but in countries like Europe and Latin America, the celebration of fathers falls on March 19, which is St. Josephs Day, a traditional Catholic holiday.

Kids need their fathers. As I reflect on my youth, I learned so much from

my dad. He has taught me many lessons about life that range from finances, relationships, religion, and the list goes on. Even in my adult life, I am still learning from him.

There are several roles that fall upon a father such as the protector, leader, provider, and much more. Being a parent is no easy task and there are many societal expectations that can make it hard for our fathers. There are also some misconceptions about fathers not doing their fair share of responsibilities. However, there are many fathers who take care of business when it comes to the kids, housework, and more. There are even some stay-at-home dads too.

Father’s Day is more than just celebrating fathers. It is also about encouraging and uplifting fathers to continue their journey of fatherhood. In the words of Ama Vanniarachchy, “A father’s tears and fears are unseen, his love is unexpressed, but his care and protection remain as a pillar of strength throughout our lives.” Words can’t describe how much I love my dad and how much I appreciate everything he has done, and everything that he’s still doing for me.

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

Thank you, dad.

Chelsea Davis-Bibb,

Ed.D. - Editor

Dr. Bobby Mills

Design/Print

Web Graphics - Layout

Juneteenth cont. Slaveholders knew that the slaves were free but they ignored the proclamation and continued to hold them hostage. This is also one example of why slave owners didn’t want slaves to learn how to read and write. If they didn’t know anything, they couldn’t question anything or do anything that would lead them towards a path to freedom. There are a few individuals that have contributed to Juneteenth being recognized. One person in particular was State Representative, Hon. Albert Ely Edwards,

also known as “The Father of Junteenth,” who was born in Houston, Texas. Edwards began his political career at the age of 41, and was elected to the Texas State Legislature from Houston’s House District 146. His first task was establishing a law that recognized the emancipation of slavery. In 1979, legislation passed the Texas State Legislature and it was signed into law. Another individual who contributed to the success of Junteenth was Opal Lee, also known as the “Grandmother of Junteenth,” who played

an instrumental part in getting Junteenth recognized as a federal holiday. Her efforts did not succeed in getting Junteenth as a holiday during the Obama or Trump administration, but after the George Floyd incident and more individuals becoming more aware about Black history and the inequities that Blacks face, the idea of the holiday was more accepted.

For more visit aframnews.com

Developing Places with Purpose

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.

will be a key connection point for the upcoming

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Houston Arts AlliAnce GrAnt WorksHop

By: Crystal LaShan

The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Arts, Houston Arts Alliance with City of Houston At-Large No. 4, Council Member Letitia Plummer, sponsored a grant workshop for the Houston Community to learn about the arts grants, services, processes, and awards that are available to Houston residents. This was an effort to help Houston citizens improve their chances of getting a gift to support their art projects. All creative producers were invited, no matter what their art discipline is.

This workshop was packed and truly did a service to the community at large. A recent study of Houston Arts Alliance grant recipients revealed that 65% of grantees were White men. Houston is one of the most diverse cities in our nation, but only a tiny fraction of the Arts opportunities is given to people who reflect Houston’s population. That is a major problem.

Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) is a local arts

and culture organization whose principal work is implementing the City of Houston’s vision, values, and goals for its arts grantmaking and civic art investments.

For more visit aframnews.com

BlAck Girls run oWner/ ceo JAy el AlexAnder comes to Houston

By: Crystal LaShan

BGR Houston was excited to welcome their fearless leader, Jay El Alexander, the owner, and CEO of BGR, who came to participate in the Harmonie Grace Foundation 5K Walk/Run, which is an annual race to raise awareness for micro-prematurity and prematurity. This event recognizes families who have experienced prematurity, NICU experiences, and after-life infant loss. You can learn more about the Harmonie Grace Foundation at www.harmoniegracefoundation.org. This is a great cause to bring Mrs. Alexander from the East Coast to Houston to join over ten BGR Houston Run groups that meet all around Houston and surrounding areas.

There’s a massive misconception that black women don’t run. In 2009, Black Girls RUN! (BGR) was created to tackle the growing obesity epidemic in the African American community and provide encouragement and resources to both new and veteran runners.

Houston Council Member Dr. Letitia Plummer with potential Grantees.

Colleena Payne, HAA Grants Manager, three possible Grantee, and Taylor Jackson, HAA Director of Grants.

Taylor Jackson, HAA Director of Grants, speaking to a packed crowd.

Harmonie Grace Foundation Founder and CEO, Andriauna Davis speaks to her participants.

Skai Shadow was pumping up the runners to get ready to start the Harmonie Grace Foundation 5K walk/ run.

Lisa Wells, BGR Owner/ CEO Jay El Alexander, and Shermain Joseph Rene BGR Houston with BGR Owner/ CEO Jay El Alexander

Believers Cont. Ellerbee knew he wanted to play football in college at a high level and even had dreams of playing in the NFL. As a high school student, his coaches would preach repeatedly about the importance of getting an education and having a backup plan in case football didn’t work out. Ellerbee’s parents were also big on education and pushed him to do well in school. He wanted a school that would not only give him the opportunity to play football, but also a good education. A graduate of Rice University, Ellerbee majored in civil engineering, and achieved his dream of making it to the NFL as an undrafted rookie. He has played for four teams and has overcome different challenges

Because football is such a rough sport, Ellerbee has known people to have had devasting injuries that could be a career ending. Although Ellerbee had to work hard to recover and get back to the sport he loves, after his injury, there was some relief knowing that in case things didn’t go as planned he knew he had his “engineering degree in his back pocket.” Ellerbee said, “It was ingrained in me through my coaches that I had throughout high school, throughout college, and also my parents that helped me realize and see the bigger picture that getting to the NFL is not the final destination.” The name Bee’s Believers is unique and came from Ellerbee’s last name.

Happy Juneteenth to my fellow Houstonians!

As I announced at my recent Mayoral Campaign Kickoff, below is my pledge to you and all of Houston.

Please see below:

PLEDGE to HOUSTON

We All Love Houston Houston should be in the same breath of the great cities in the World To get there, we must get on the right track, together As Mayor, I pledge to complete or initiate the following reforms within the first 100 days Join me to MAKE HOUSTON HAPPEN!

1.CRIME

Expand community policing to improve response time

Increase civilian employees to free up officers for neighborhood engagement Improve Law enforcement coordination among jurisdictions

2.TRANSPARENCY

Place the city’s past 5 years check registry online. Conduct an audit of the City’s Housing Department to address concerns of corruption. Conduct an audit of the City’s Health Department to address issues surrounding the FBI raid.

3.INFRASTRUCTURE

Implement improvements to the city’s water system Fix potholes effectively on the first attempt Spend drainage fee money on drainage projects.

4.FINANCES

Institute financial best practices, write off worthless assets and avoid structural deficits

5.QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL HOUSTONIANS

Address affordable housing challenges in Houston Collaborate with local groups regarding stray animals

Evaluate recent car lane eliminations to prevent future traffic nightmares. Increase fines NOW for illegal dumping. Audit the recycling program to make sure the trash gets where it is supposed to go

6.REPAIR GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Implement the will of the voters by entering into arbitration with the Houston Firefighters Improve relations between Austin and Houston Engage with TEA to understand the pathway for HISD’s success.

7.MAKE

CITY HALL WORK FOR EVERYONE

Place reasonable Council Member Requests on the Council Agenda Streamline the permitting process and adopt market-based pricing Ensure a FAIR procurement process so insider influence is eliminated Consolidate city departments to eliminate redundancies and improve efficiencies Make board appointments easier and eliminate conflicts.

To sign my pledge, donate, and volunteer, click the QR code below

visit my website:

www.garciaforhouston.com

Follow me on Social Media:

gilbertandrewgarcia

giilbertandrewgarcia1

@gilbertgarciatx

@gilbertandrewgarcia

www linkedin com/in/gilbertandrew-garcia-532b7522b

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