Vol 28 Issue 27

Stay Woke

Justice clarence thomas

This

Education in thE Black community

By: Bobby E. Mills, PhD

Maya Angelou was right. When someone tells you who they are, believe them. In particular, believe those who endorse “anti-wokism.” Those people fear and despise you.

The first recognized use of “woke” was p ronounced by Marcus Garvey in 1923. “Wake up Ethiopia! Wake up Africa,” was his advice for pan-national Black people be alert and responsive to their suppression and to react vigorously to it. In 1938 Huddie “Leadbelly”

Ledbetter sang about nine young Black men who were deceitfully accused of raping two white women on a train in northeast Alabama

in 1931. “Stay woke … Keep your eyes open” especially travelling through Alabama. In 1940, members of the Negro United Mine Workers swore that their striking brothers would “stay woke up longer” than their opposition. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. told the 1965 Oberlin College graduates: “There is nothing more tragic than to sleep through a revolution. … The great challenge facing every individual graduating today is to remain awake.”

By: Jazz Pazz Stay Woke on pg. 3

Family socialization, teaching and formal educational development are the life blood of any racial or social group, especially in a multi-cultural democratic society. Blacks must spiritually understand that the system is not interested in Black children being proficiently educated, because the system works for the system, and we all know who controls the system. The profound spiritual example of this declaration is North Forest and HISD. Seemingly the best superintendent HISD had in recent years was Dr. Roderick Paige, who later became the first Black U. S. Secretary of Education appointed by President George W. Bush, Jr. Unfortunately, the historic and consistent miseducation of the Black community has become an overwhelming monumental societal problem in 21st century America.

Education on pg. 7

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

person is very dangerous for black people for reversing everything we have fought and died for.

EDITORIAL

A Revival of God Consciousness

Bobby Mills, Phd

Face To Face with Self

There is an ole saying among Blacks: Whites do it, so let’s do it. Consequently, all Black people understand that we have been spiritually and socially conditioned to imitate Whites. Imitation can be suicide. Whites brought Black people from Africa to a foreign land flowing with milk and honey and socially conditioned Black people to imitate them. In most instances Black people imitate Whites, even to the degree that many Black people indulge in self-hatred, because many Whites hate Black people. This insane ungodliness must cease and desist because Black people are only destroying themselves spiritually, mentally, and physically, especially with Black-on-Black crime. Sadly, Black people will kill each other before God gets the news. Black people, you are not the problem, systematized institutional racism is the problem. No individual chooses his or her skin color. Skin color

is the will of God. The slave chains have been off Black bodies since January 1, 1863, but some Black people still have invisible chains on their minds. In fact, some Black people are more hateful and destructive towards other Black people than Whites, because they have been socialized and baptized in self-hatred. Even when Black people elect Black politicians to public political offices, the benefits are minimal, only public imagery. Unfortunately, Whites and other minorities usually benefit the most from Black politicians being in public offices. Therefore, Black people must cease and desist from simply blaming Whites for all of their institutional social problems and begin holding each other socio-economically accountable. The primary objective of this editorial is not to emasculate Black people, but to inspire and enlighten Black people to engage in selfintrospection, and if we are honest with ourselves, we will not like what we see and learn. First, let’s take a spiritual and socioeconomic look at our families.

Is Texas Behind in Education?

It has been said that “Texas has four of the 10 least educated cities in the country and only one of the 10 most educated cities in the U.S,” according to a recent study by WalletHub. With these statistics, is Texas falling behind when it comes to education?

In this study, they analyzed and compared the nation’s 150 largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). They looked at the quality of the public systems, education gap, gender, etc. There were four areas that took the four of the bottom nine spots in the rank. These areas include The Brownsville-Harlingen, McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Beaumont-Port Arthur and Corpus Christi. Why is this happening? What factors contribute to the second largest state in America taking four of the bottom spots on the list? Not acceptable.

Education has evolved over the last decade when it comes to how students

learn, and who’s doing the learning. COVID did not help the education system, but even before COVID, there has been a decline in school success rates. We see this happening now with one of our biggest school districts in the state of Texas (HISD) as they were taken over by the state due to low performing schools.

I believe that some of these factors that are hindering our students aren’t new factors. These include limited resources, low income neighborhoods, high turnovers, getting high quality teachers, etc. We can also add to the list high stakes testing, parental involvement, schools maybe not keeping up with updated educational trends, just to name a few. Regardless of the issues that may be impacting, we have to find a way to improve our school systems. For me, it starts with parental involvement. We need our parents and guardians involved in their child’s education. Children need our support, without it, their success will be harder to obtain. We have a lot of work to do.

The Overflow President/Chief Editor Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D. - Editor Contributing Writers Dr. Bobby Mills Dr. Chelsea Davis Bibb Crystal Lashan Asia Williams Tristar Web Graphics - Layout Design/Print For more visit aframnews.com

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

Stay Woke cont.

It took almost 75 years and the Black Lives Matter movement for racist personalities to comprehend the term which retains the same meaning, and it unsettled them. Rocked them, agitated, and alarmed them.

Conservatives dread “woke” as promoting ominous progressive values and liberal ethics. When Tucker Carlson was spewing forth on the Fox News Network, he instructed his gullible audience that everything from Black Lives Matter to brown M&Ms are vendors of malevolent wokeism. He declared that “woke” is more threatening to the security of this country than Russia.

Nikki Haley, who is running for President, anguishes over wokeness as “a virus more dangerous than any pandemic, hands down.”

Vivek Ramaswamy, who aspires to the same office, reassures his followers that “he travels the country calling out the woke-industrialcomplex in America,” by which he seems to mean disparaging all marginalized communities, critical race theory,

and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Racial resentment and grievance are the enduring brand of certain citizens who have inspired parts of the Republican population for years. Their mission is to embolden the bigots

who pose as victims and to stifle the truth. The recent upsurge of the anti-woke crusade is the newest effort to preserve

whistle, a white hooded robed used by its shriekers as a wornout lovie, one which does not conceal but blatantly exposes their zealous embrace of racism, homophobia, transphobia, and all the inequalities they try to use to burden those they judge to be unacceptable.

a modern-day blend of McCarthyism and white grievance. To be anti-woke is to be fanatically chauvinistic, xenophobic, and anti-American. We need to be alert to pretenders who may disguise themselves as elite celebrities or national marketers profiting from their manipulation of Black votes, passions and society while secretly sneering at their Black supporters.

Language is powerful. When Ron DeSantis brags that Florida is the state “where woke goes to die” and claims he will end woke, he means it.

the traditional social and political rank. It promotes deliberate misunderstanding of words. It is a dog

It is urgently vital to acknowledge this philosophy as an unambiguously and rabidly conservative tactic,

Believe him. Believe all of them.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

The ensemble TheaTre’s rolling World Premiere of Phenomenal Woman

By: Crystal LaShan

Maya Angelou is one of the world’s most well-known poets, so it was a fantastic surprise to discover things I never knew about this extraordinary literary genius. Beautifully directed, thoughtfully choreographed, brilliantly written, and flawlessly acted, the world premiere of Phenomenal Woman did not disappoint. I felt many emotions as I enjoyed every minute of this wellwritten play. I learned so much about Maya in every stage of her life and the dynamic women who molded her into the internationally loved and admired woman everyone knows.

Elizabeth Flax was an endearing and powerful voice as older Maya narrating the story of Maya

Angelou’s life at every stage. Manniah Harris, as young Maya, was energetic, thoughtful, and tugged at my heart as we experienced some of the most traumatic experiences of her life.

Choreographer Aisha Ussery brilliantly took the audience through various emotions as Curtis Von portrayed Mr. Freeman, who took advantage of young Maya’s innocence. I have never seen a traumatic event expressed in such an authentic and caring manner—pure Genius.

Houston Actors

Alirc Davis and Rita L. Hughes were great reminders of the overflowing excellent talent that exists right here in our hometown.

Lakeisha Randle, as Maya, was energetic,

thoughtfully acted, and gorgeously portrayed with caring detail. Foster Davis was a loving and pleasant surprise portraying the lover and husband of Maya Angelou, Tosh Angelos, whom I never knew she had. Callina Anderson portrayed Vivian Baxter beautifully, bringing to life the woman I knew as Maya’s mother from I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. The entire cast was stellar and a delight to watch. Bravo Brava to Angelica Cheri for creating this masterpiece which perfectly celebrates the Phenomenal Woman Maya Angelou was and why we will celebrate her for generations to come.

Manniah Harris as young Maya, Elizabeth Flax as Older Maya, and Lakeisha Randle as Maya Angelou.

Houston Actor, Alric Davis as Bailey and Manniah Harris as young Maya.

Houston Actress, Rita L. Hughes as Momma, Manniah Harris as young Maya, and Houston actor Alric Davis.

Toni Hickman, Angelica Cheri, Stephanie Brown, Eisani EpedemakSaba, and Diamond.

Camille Murphy, Dr. Richland Mosley, Crystal Toussant, Pearl Black, and Rae Greer.

The Ensemble Theatre’s Artistic Director, Eileen Morris, Phenomenal Woman’s Playwright, Angelica Cheri, and Director, Jackie Alexander.

The Ensemble Theatre’s dedicated Theatre Guild Members.

Enjoying a great date night, Actor Tim Eric with his wife, and Ensemble Director, Rachel Hemphill.

SPOTLIGHT

Phi beTa sigma ConClave grand orChid ball

By: Crystal LaShan

Elegant and exciting were a few words that best describe the energy of the Phi Beta Sigma Conclave Grand Orchid Ball. Handsome Sigma

Men from far and wide were clean in their white embossed jackets accompanying their dates, who often wore beautiful shades of royal blue. The best grown and sexy entertainment was enjoyed at this well-attended event. Ledisi’s voice was outstanding and did not disappoint.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is an international fraternity engaged in communities worldwide for over 100 years. Sigmas are known as an organization that cares about people.

Through a variety of programs and initiatives, Phi Beta Sigma continues to live out its mission of “culture for service and service to humanity.”

The week of July 10th-16th, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity celebrated 108 years of international service for its International Conclave in Houston, Texas. Their theme, “Believe in Our Power, Leading the Movement,” recognized the trailblazing servant leaders impacting communities from coast to coast.

The fraternity’s fundamental mission is based on their public promise to vigorously impact the communities they serve by facing and eradicating

societal ills that challenge their living conditions.

Their Conclave brought together professional men representing many communities and occupations who are actively involved in the work of their fraternity. Along with developing strategies and plans for being an active, visible presence in their respective communities, fraternity members will continue commemorating 108 years of active involvement and influence in business, education, social services, and politics worldwide. It is safe to say that the Sigmas painted Houston blue all last week, and we hope they enjoyed every minute.

Houston’s own Phi Beta Sigma’s Disciples of 6 chambers enjoying their first conclave. Joe Presswood, Darrick White, Jabari Collins, and John Murray – Sigma Theta Sigma Fall 2022

Musical Sensation Ledsi brought the house down with her amazing voice.

Phi Beta Sigma National President, HON. CHRIS V. REY, J.D., and his fraternity brothers.

Vocalist Rhonda Thomas with world renowned Saxophonist Kyle Turner, kept everyone on the dance floor.

Notice to Proposers Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for:

• RFP #886 Welding Supplies, Lab Gases, Flat Bar, Pipe & Plate Supplies. Electronic submittals due by 2:00PM, Friday, August 11, 2023.

• WebEx pre-proposal meeting: Thursday, August 3, 2:00PM; call-in number 1-408-792-6300, Meeting #2622 397 7289

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

• Must Register to Bid: http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/supplier.htm .   If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the on-line registration process, contact MC-vendors@ lonestar.edu.

Notice to Proposers Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for:

• RFP #848 Operational Audit – Student Financials. Electronic submittals due by 3:00PM, Monday, August 14, 2023.

• WebEx pre-proposal meeting: Thursday, August 3, 2:00PM; call-in number 1-408-792-6300, Meeting #2622 397 7289

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

• Must Register to Bid: http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/supplier.htm .   If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the on-line registration process, contact MC-vendors@ lonestar.edu.

Notice to Proposers

Lone Star College Request for Proposal:

CSP #880 Moving and Relocation Services Electronic bids due Friday 08/11/23 by 2 PM. All bid event documents can be found in the iStar Vendor Portal. For details on how to register and bid, attend the Pre-proposal WebEx tutorial on Monday, 07/31/23 at 10 AM; Meeting #2622 367 4912 Password: 2VZwrz5xuu6

https://lonestar.webex.com/ lonestar/j.php?MTID=m0d2132e86 2ecfe5310c0b655f95e5a6d

For more information, please visit https://www.lonestar.edu/vendors Contact MC-vendors@lonestar.edu or Lydia.Sterling@LoneStar.edu

Notice to Proposers

Lone Star College Request for Proposal: CSP #877: Process Technology Center Pilot Plant Construction Services Electrical & Control Equipment. Electronic bids due Friday 08/14/23 by 2 PM.

Site Visit Monday 08/01/23 at 10 AM at the Lone Star College Process Technology Center located at 14001 Lockwood Road, Houston TX 77044. (Meet in the Lobby).

All bid event documents can be found in the iStar Vendor Portal. For details on how to register and bid, attend the Pre-proposal WebEx tutorial on Tuesday, 08/02/23 at 10 AM; Meeting #2624 029 7069 Password: 6WSdM6avHY3

https://lonestar.webex.com/ lonestar/j.php?MTID=m5241407e4 b5fb12a5661fd8a57699c73

For more information, please visit https://www.lonestar.edu/vendors Contact MC-vendors@lonestar.edu or Lydia.Sterling@LoneStar.edu

Notice to Proposers Request for Information will be received by Lone Star College for:

• RF #883 Purchase of Medical Ultrasound System. Electronic submittals due by 3:00PM, Thursday, July 27, 2023.

• WebEx pre-proposal meeting: Tuesday, July 25, 2:00PM; call-in number 1-408-792-6300, Meeting #2621 339 3414

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

• Must Register to Bid: http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/supplier.htm .   If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the on-line registration process, contact MC-vendors@ lonestar.edu.

Notice to Proposers Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for:

• RFP #855 Operational Audit – Financial Management. Electronic submittals due by 3:00PM, Monday, August 14, 2023.

• WebEx pre-proposal meeting: Thursday, August 3, 2:00PM; call-in number 1-408-792-6300, Meeting #2622 397 7289

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

• Must Register to Bid: http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/supplier.htm .   If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the on-line registration process, contact MC-vendors@ lonestar.edu.

Notice to Proposers Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for:

• RFP #830 Welding Supplies, Lab Gases, Flat Bar, Pipe & Plate Supplies. Electronic submittals due by 2:00PM, Friday, August 11, 2023.

• WebEx pre-proposal meeting: Thursday, August 3, 2:00PM; call-in number 1-408-792-6300, Meeting #2622 397 7289

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

• Must Register to Bid: http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/supplier.htm .   If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the on-line registration process, contact MC-vendors@ lonestar.edu.

EmpoWEring Black VotErs

By:NNPA

To bolster Black voter participation and secure a groundbreaking achievement in House leadership, a prominent ally of the Congressional Black Caucus is launching a super PAC with ambitious plans to spend tens of millions of dollars.

The newly formed organization, called the Rolling Sea Action Fund, will focus on mobilizing Black voters and aiding Democrats in flipping the House majority.

The ultimate goal is to elect the first Black speaker of the House.

Niccara CampbellWallace, former political director of the Congressional Black Caucus PAC, is heading the initiative. While the Rolling Sea Action Fund will be aligned with the all-Democratic Congressional Black Caucus, it will operate as a “hybrid PAC.” This designation permits the group to raise candidates’ funds while

maintaining a separate account to spend unlimited sums on advertisements and other electionrelated expenses.

To seize the House majority, Democrats must flip five seats during next year’s congressional elections.

If achieved, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries could become the nation’s first Black speaker of the House.

In an NBC interview before the launch of the Rolling Sea Action Fund, Campbell-Wallace expressed confidence in the group’s ability to execute a multipronged strategy in 2024 with an expenditure exceeding $10 million.

This strategy includes advertising campaigns, in-person organizing, and engagement in crucial communities.

The PAC will concentrate its efforts on districts with more than 8% Black voting age population, mainly focusing on the most competitive House seats.

Campbell-Wallace also indicated the possibility of the group’s involvement in primary races.

“We know that Black voters are the cornerstone of the Democratic Party and of protecting American democracy,” Campbell-Wallace told NBC.

Education Cont.

The foundational word of education is “educe” that is to draw out or elicit the best in individuals. It appears that public education in the 21st century brings out the worst, not the best in students, teachers, administrators, trustees, parents, and some taxpayers. Questions: what are the driving forces behind the desire for vouchers as it relates to parental choice? Is it about educational development (children) or money and paychecks? Or is it about the resegregation of public schools?

especially Black parents neglect to embrace the spiritual principle that home is the first school: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

(Proverbs 22: 6).

reading is the foundation of education. The Bible emphasis reading because if individuals cannot read and comprehend, they become vessels, sounding brass and a tinkling symbol (noise). This is why the Bible emphatically declares: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” (Revelation 1: 3).

All parents, especially Black parents must help their children learn to embrace this spiritual cultural challenge:

Almighty God knows that there is enough blame to go around. Far too many Blacks have depended upon others to provide a quality education for their children: for example, the Governor, state board of education, School Board Trustees, state Senators and Representatives, and teachers and administrators. Effective publicschool education is a necessary tool for the well-being and survival of multicultural democracy. However, we should never forget that the first school is the home environment. However, it seems apparent that too many parents;

The Founders thought that formal educational development was so important and essential to the development, well-being, and survival of multicultural democracy that they created a formalized free public educational school system. This was instituted primarily because the Founders desired that individuals learn how to read the Bible, because the human rights principles of democracy require a spiritual understanding of life. There is a Chinese Proverb that clearly enunciates the basic facts of life: “If there is right in the soul, there will be beauty in the person; if there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the home; if there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation; if there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.” (Chinese Proverb). All parents must be willing to institute within their family environments a culture of why education is so important, and

• I choose to love myself, and therefore become my best friend in order that I might learn to love and respect others.

• I choose to develop my mind, because my mind is my defense system against exploitation by myself or others, and more importantly, my mind is the key to self-discipline and self-moderation.

• I choose to have positive life goals, because life is about choices and choices have consequences, whether good or bad.

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