Vol 28 Issue 35

SepteMbeR IS SuIcIDe pReventIon Month

Suicides surpass homicides in this country.. The United States is seriously struggling emotionally. The Centers for Disease Control reports that in the U.S. suicides were committed at an all-time high last year and for every suicide death, there are 25 more suicide attempts Nearly 1 in 5 adults have been professionally diagnosed with depression. Over 90 percent of persons who commit suicide have diagnosable, treatable psychiatric illness at the time of death which is why every September mental health organizations and individuals across the United States work to raise awareness of suicide prevention.

People of all genders, ages, ethnicities, and occupations can be at risk of suicide, but those with military service, LGBT+ youth, and victims of violence are all associated with a significantly increased risk for suicide.

Suicide is preventable. Knowing the warning sign and knowing how to access helpful resources can save lives.

Abrupt, intense alterations in mood, or a rapid emotional relief after a long period of despair sometimes indicate that someone is contemplating ending their own life. Sudden, excessive drug or alcohol use, despair over a loss or the inability to overcome a trauma are suggestive of suicidal thoughts. Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, but especially expressing the idea of being a liability to loved ones are often strong predictors of suicidal behavior; such language should always be taken seriously.

Having attempted suicide in the past, giving away possessions or “saying goodbye” are also signs of potential suicidality that should be urgently addressed.

Suicide on pg. 4

Minor Paul “Buster” Malonson, 74, of Houston, TX passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2023 in Houston, TX. He was born on February 10, 1949 to John Curley, Sr. and Viola Syon Malonson at Jefferson Davis Hospital in Houston, TX. Paul graduated from G.W. Carver High School in 1967 where he excelled as a student and an athlete. He went on to play football at Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern University (“TSU”). Paul graduated from TSU in 1972 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

Paul on pg. 3

LAFAYETTE ~ Christiana Melancon Chaisson, 85, native and lifelong resident of Lafayette, LA passed away on Monday, September 11, 2023, at her home. A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (914 Saint John Street, Lafayette, LA).

Christiana on pg. 3

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

If you don’t know your history, you don’t know who you are.

- Roy Douglas Malonson

By: Jazz Paz

Minor Paul “Buster” Malonson

Christiana MelanCon Chaisson

William Monroe Trotter Jr. Tristar Web Graphics - Layout Design/Print

A Revival of God Consciousness

Bobby Mills, Phd

Biden is Old, But Has Mental Wellness

STORIES, PICTURES, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, EMAIL TO

Age is only a number, but with age for most Godfearing individuals comes wisdom. Therefore, age is only a number, but mentality is everything. At the same time, sin drives individuals demonically sick, because sin is of the devil. America, know this: Former President Donald J. Trump is certifiably mentally unstable. Sadly, it appears as though Trump is not the only certifiably unstable personality, but MAGA Republicans such as: Christian Right Evangelicals, The GOP, White Nationalists, Fox “FAKE” News, some spiritually misguided Blacks and other minorities, especially Vivek Ramaswamy. We all know, that in a multicultural democratic society: “For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he:” (Proverbs 23: 7). America, this scriptural verse is a spiritual truism. Every American knows that Donald J. Trump is seeking to dismantle American democracy and institute White Privilege Autocracy. Moreover, Trump presented himself to the American people as a successful business leader, yet he has six ungodly bankruptcies. On the other hand, successful businessmen such as, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have no bankruptcies. Under false pretenses as a successful businessman Trump became President. Afterwards he

perverted and corrupted millions of Americans to try and overthrow Multicultural Democracy on January 6th, 2021, and to not hold him legally and morally accountable for the insurrection. Trump is an anti-democracy rock thrower seeking White Privilege ways to hide his hand, and at the time, hoping that JUSTICE does not reveal that he threw the rock. Yet, we all know, that in a democracy the wheels of justice oftentimes grind ever so slow, yet ever so fine, but in due time, individuals will do the time. Donald J. Trump your day of justice reckoning has finally come. Unfortunately, the same individuals who voted for Donald J. Trump in (2016) and again in (2020) find no fault in him, even though he has four felony indictments and (91) criminal charges. What an absolute ungodly shame! The empirical behavioral evidence speaks for itself, Donald J. Trump, is not only old, but insanely and mentally unstable. America, individuals who desire to know, and live by the truth also desire wisdom, because: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction”.

(Proverbs 1: 7).

Trump loyalists, God desires that you come to know the TRUTH, know God in the pardoning of your sins if you seek forgiveness, and learn to act accordingly, because every individual has free will choice. However, if you know the truth and continue to sin, God will turn you over to a reprobate

nO Place like HOMe

Where we stay predicts our future. It limits or expands our educational and career opportunities, our circle of friends, our marriage prospects, even our life span. In Houston, where advertised rents can vary from less than $300/monthly for a studio apartment beyond the Sam Houston Tollway in north Houston, to a $65,000,000 listing for an eight bedroom, ten and a half bath estate on nine acres with 24-hour private security at The Lodge at Hunters Creek, near Memorial City, there would seem to be a home for every budget and lifestyle. But these ads offer no relief to the multitudes of homeless citizens. In fact, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development documents African American individuals as having a disproportionately higher incidences of homelessness (40 %) relative to our population (13%) ever since records have been collected. Black families are at even greater risk of being without shelter. In 2020 African Americans accounted for about 52% of that population, with whites accounting for about 35% according to the annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress and since then the despair has increased for Blacks even as it has eased for other ethnicities. Poverty is a strong predictor

of homelessness. From slavery to segregation, African Americans have been disallowed competitive opportunities. The high rate of homelessness is a result of this inequity.

In September this year the average rent for a onebedroom apartment in Houston is about $1300. To afford this, one full-time worker would have to earn $8.13 per hour just to avoid eviction and have no money left to buy food, pay utilities, or obtain other necessities. With evictions increasing (they are higher now than before the pandemic) most landlords require tenants who spend no more than 30% of their income on rent, which limits a full-time minimum wage earner in Texas to dwellings costing less than $400 per month. Although some of the lowest income employees have seen significant raises since 2020, their enhanced pay has not been sufficient to challenge galloping inflation. Capricious incidents such as job loss, chronic or acute poor health, domestic violence, or other emergencies that can quickly precipitate homelessness. Service and hospitality workers, the previously incarcerated, the majority of whom are Black, as well as our Black veterans are most vulnerable to being unhoused, as are those who live with friends or family without being named on a lease. If a partner demands that you leave at 3 a.m. and your name is not on the lease contract, there are no laws protecting your right to remain even if you the one are paying the rent.

Dr. Bobby Mills

Jazz Pazz Asia Williams

Paul Cont.

Upon graduation, Paul embarked upon a career in the Automotive industry as a Dealer Representative with the Ford Motor Company. As a result of his success as a Dealer Representative, he was selected to participate in Ford’s Auto Dealer Development Program. After completion of the Program, he became the Owner and General Manager of the Northwest Ford Lincoln-Mercury auto dealership in Hempstead, TX. At the time, he was one of a handful of African-Americans in the United States to be an Owner and General Manager of a major automotive dealership. Throughout his 30-year career, Paul served as a leader and a mentor to countless numbers of people in the industry.

After he left the car business, Paul decided to move into the field of Education by becoming a teacher in the Aldine Independent School District. He jumped right-in as a substitute teacher and obtained his Texas Teachers Certificate quickly thereafter. Paul taught students in the Gaining Ap-

Christiana Cont.

The Reverend Chester Arceneaux will officiate the services. The burial will be held after services at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Lafayette.

Christiana was the owner and operator of Chris’ Beauty Salon. She was a devout Catholic, parishioner of St. Anthony Catholic

propriate Performance (“GAP”) program which was designed to serve students with emotional, therapeutic, and behavior needs. He also served as an Advisor for students in the Business Professionals of America Program. In 2015, he reluctantly retired from teaching in order to focus on his health.

Some of the things Paul enjoyed doing when he was not working, were going on long drives and road trips, coaching youth sports, reading about United States and World History, going to see movies, cooking/ baking, watching college football games, gardening, and working in his yard.

Paul is survived by his wife of 54 years, Maggie, his sons Eric, Marcus (wife –Heather), Jeff (wife – Carolina), and his daughter, Cassandra. He was preceded in death by his son, Stephen. He is also survived by his grandkids Matthew, Samantha, Morgan, Carter, Mallory, Ava, Meredith, Olivia, Sofia, Ariel (husband – Herve) and Cara. His great grandkids

Church and a member of St. Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary. Christiana was the matriarch of her family. She was a nurturer, a confidant, a caregiver and always placed others before herself. She had a passion for making people feel special in her presence. Christiana was exceptionally proud of her family and displayed numerous

Xavier and JameleRay. He is survived by his brothers, Roy Douglas (wife – Shirley) and John Curley, Jr. (“JC”), his sisters Betty, Carolyn, and Madell (husband – James) and Deborah (husband –Greg). He was preceded in death by his brothers, Sidney (wife – Herbert Jean “Peaches”), Robert (wife – Wilma) and his sister, Juanita. He is also survived by his Uncle Horace and Aunt Georgia in addition to many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral Services for Paul will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at St. Monica Catholic Church located at 8421 W. Montgomery Rd., Houston, TX 77088. The Viewing will be at 9:00 A.M., the Praying of the Rosary will be at 10:30 A.M. and the Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 A.M. Burial services will be handled by Paradise Funeral Home & Cemetery North – Dignity Memorial located at 10401 W. Montgomery Rd., Houston, X 77088.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED METRO FISCAL YEAR 2024 OPERATING & CAPITAL BUDGETS

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is holding a public hearing to receive public comments on its proposed Operating and Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2024 (October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024). The public hearing will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 21, 2023, in the METRO Board Room on the Second Floor at 1900 Main Street in Houston, Texas 77002.

The public is invited to attend the hearing and provide comments in person. You may also join the hearing on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86265060377 or by dialing 346-248-7799 or 888-475-4499 (toll free), Meeting ID: 862 6506 0377 Participation on Zoom is only necessary if you want to provide comments virtually during the public hearing. Otherwise, you may view a livestream of the hearing online at https://www.ridemetro.org/about/board-meetings. A video recording of the hearing will also be archived on the same page.

A copy of METRO’s proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets is currently available for review by the public on METRO’s website at https://metro.resourcespace.com/pages/collections_featured.php?parent=16624 and in the lobby of the METRO RideStore in the Lee P. Brown METRO Administration Building, located at 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002.

PROCESS FOR PROVIDING PUBLIC COMMENTS

It is recommended that anyone wanting to make public comments at the hearing register as a public speaker with METRO’s Board Office at least 48 hours in advance of the date of the hearing by calling 713-739-4834 or sending an email to boardoffice@ridemetro.org, and providing their name, address, and telephone number. If you pre-register, your comments will be heard first at the public hearing. Your name will be called at the appropriate time for you to make your comments.

Alternatively, you may provide public comments after the pre-registered speakers by raising your hand when called upon if you are present in the Board Room, by selecting the “Raise Hand” feature on the Zoom platform online, or by pressing *9 if joining by telephone. Those calling in will automatically be placed on mute. After an unregistered speaker’s name or number is recognized, their microphone will be unmuted and they will be able to provide their comments.

The public may also provide comments by email to Budget.Book@ridemetro.org or by calling METRO Customer Service at 713-635-4000 in advance of the public hearing.

pictures throughout her home of every milestone and event of their lives. Her world revolved around her two daughters, sons-inlaw, and grandchildren. She beamed with pride at their accomplishments.

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LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE, ACCESSIBILITY AND SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

Upon request, METRO provides free language assistance at METRO public hearings to help patrons who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English in accordance with its language assistance plan. METRO’s public hearings are also accessible to persons with disabilities. Request for language assistance and other accommodations should be directed to the Board Office at 713-739-4834 at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.

Fort Bend isd hosts annual Band night on oCtoBer 3

Fort Bend ISD

(September 13, 2023) – Fort Bend

ISD will present an evening of competitive marching exhibitions during its annual Band Night event on Tuesday, October 3 at Hall Stadium (3335 Hurricane Lane, Missouri City, TX 77459), at 6 p.m. Open seating will be available

on the home side only. Admission is free and concessions will be available.

All 12 of the district’s high school band programs (Austin, Bush, Clements, Crawford, Dulles, Elkins, Hightower, Kempner, Marshall, Ridge Point, Travis, and Willowridge high schools) will perform

their competition shows in preparation for the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Marching Contest, which will be held on Saturday, October 14 at Hall Stadium. For more information, call FBISD’s Fine Arts Department at (281) 634-7651.

Suicide cont.

People who feel marginalized, either by age, financial insecurity, bullying, criminal or legal difficulties or discrimination are vulnerable to self-harm, but according to the Harvard School of Public Health, “Every study that has examined the issue to date has found that within the U.S., access to firearms is associated with increased suicide risk.” If you or someone you know is vulnerable to depression or thoughts of self-harm, your highest priority must be to remove the means. The chances of committing suicide are 140 times greater when a gun is used than for any other method. If you are suicidal, know that despair is temporary. Experts emphasize that most suicide attempts are impulsive acts, and the overwhelming majority of those attempted acts are never repeated once the feelings fade, but a gun works so efficiently

that there is no opportunity to reconsider your situation. Give any available weapon to someone you trust to store safely away for you. Do not try to cope with your own or anyone else’s threatening thoughts or behavior on your own. People need professional help and support to defeat feelings about taking one’s life. Even if the immediate emergency lapses, make plans to consult with a doctor or other mental health professional. They will assist in getting you appropriate treatment to release the burdens you suffer. With their supervision effective coping and problem-solving skills can be mastered and used to remedy previous mistakes and manage ongoing difficulties. Powerful protective measures of self-preservation include recognizing your reasons for living, such as beloved family, friends, or pets. A strong sense of cultural identity is strength-hardening, as

are community involvements such as church and other organizational memberships.

Physical exercise and conversation with a specialized caregiver may be as helpful in lifting depression as prescription medication.

The first step to overcoming a sense of dread and loss of control is reaching out for comfort. Anyone can call or text 988 to reach the free and confidential Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, every single day in English or Spanish. (U.S. veterans or service members who are in crisis, press “1” for the Veterans Crisis Line, or text 838255.)

GLBTQ+ community members and allies can text ‘START’ to 678-678 to speak with a Trevor counselor who is understanding of LGBTQ issues and won’t judge you. All messages are anonymous, and you can share as much or as little as feels comfortable.

WoMen’s resourCe Center ProMotes Culture as Mental health strategy

By Gregory Stevens

The Women’s Resource Center, Inc. (WRC), founded by Dr. Willie Mae Lewis to help with mental health transitions and life skill development, continues to build greater mental health awareness in our communities.

Bishop Corey Wilson, Pastor Laverne West of Unspoken Ministries and Aswad Walker of the Shrine of the Black Madona serve as key members of WRC’s leadership team tasked to create culturally competent, intergenerational, community-based mental health teams that teach individuals and families in their networks the positive use of stress, along with treatment supports for those experiencing trauma.

The training and ongoing community support this team offers and teaches concur with the Mental Health Foundation’s assertion that people with mental health issues face discrimination, making it difficult to find work, maintain long-term relationships, live in decent housing and experience a socially active life.

WRC graduated its fifth Mental Health Certified

Coaches Cohort, an internationally recognized distinction, on Aug. 26, 2023. Graduates emerged from the program equipped to support therapists, organizations and individuals in decreasing mental health stigmas that affect people’s wellbeing. These newly certified mental health coaches provide support to therapists and institutional mental health initiatives by encouraging the use of cultural appreciation. With their commitment to cultural competence, these coaches purposefully avoid perpetuating harmful mental health stereotypes via their content and actions.

Diane Gilbert, director of the National Medical Malpractice Advocacy Association, was the keynote speaker at the WRC graduation. A previous Texas gubernatorial candidate, Gilbert challenged and inspired gradu-

ates and those in attendance with her address entitled “Bridge over Troubled Waters.”

“Graduates, I charge each of you to use the tools acquired in training to create a wave of compassion and activism for genuine systemic change,” said Gilbert.

Georgia Provost, a Houston City Council’s District D candidate, spoke to the need for proactive activism in our communities. She emphasized the importance of using the Mental Health Coaching platform to address issues surrounding mental health stigmas in our communities.

“But you can’t just talk about it, you’ve got to do it,” Provost implored.

Pastor Denise Caulfield, WRC’s Community Connect director, associate pastor at Riverside UMC and executive director of Wesley Foundation@ University of Houston agrees that joining groups and people to embrace whole body wellness in the community is the new form of mental health preparedness.

“I joined the Navy to be a better role model for my younger siblings,” said Smith.

Growing up in Houston, Smith attended Madison High School and graduated in 2017.

Today, Smith relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Houston to succeed in the military.

“The most valuable lesson I learned from home and family is to always remember to be grateful that I have the opportunity to serve,” said Smith.

These lessons have helped Smith while serving at Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron 50.

The CMV-22B is the Navy’s version of the U.S. Marines’ V-22 Osprey. It is designed to replace the C-2A Greyhound, which has provided logistical support to aircraft carriers for four decades.

CMV-22Bs are vertical takeoff and landing tilt-rotor aircraft, which have an increased operational range, faster cargo loading/unloading, increased survivability and enhanced communications compared to the C-2A Greyhound.

This year commem orates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola. One year later six of them, known as “The First Six,” earned their “Wings of Gold.”

Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally, and today women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. According to Navy officials, our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.

With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.

and sustaining combatready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy’s physical presence around the world has a psychological effect on our adversaries,” said Smith. “They know not to mess with us.”

Smith has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am proud of the fact that I have made it this far in the Navy,” said Smith. “I almost quit early on, but I’m glad I didn’t. I feel like I’m in the Navy for a reason.”

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According to Navy officials, the mission of the CMV-22B is to provide timely, persistent air logistics for sustained carrier strike group lethality, anywhere in the world.

As a member of the Navy, Smith is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities

As Smith and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

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houston natiVe KaMron sMith serVes the u.s. naVy

PuBlic NOTice

September 25th, 3:00PM; call-in number 1-408-792-6300, Meeting #2623 317 1282 • Contact: janet.bradley @lonestar. edu or (832)813-6299.

• 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.

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