October 15, 2023
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Vol. 28, Issue 39
FREE
African-American News&Issues
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
Aldine ISD Board DIVISION
BY: Rachel Thompson
Voters are being asked to demonstrate through their ballot, just how much they value diversity in education and among their School Board Trustees. According to the Texas Education Agency’s 202122 Texas Academic Performance Report, Aldine ISD’s two largest student populations are Hispanic (74%) and African American (21.5%), yet one possible outcome of the upcoming November 7th School Board election could result in African American representation missing completely or Hispanic representation reduced to two Trustees. Positions I, 2, 6 and 7 are up for grabs. Listing current Trustees first, Position 1 features Randy Bates versus Jill Metcalfe. Position 2 is Paul Shanklin versus Zaheer Malik. Position 6 is Dr. Kimberly Booker versus Araceli Ramos. Position 7 features Viola Garcia versus Mikela Levi. The candidates seem to have aligned themselves, as evidenced by their flyers. A joint fundraising campaign was held for Bates, Shanklin, and Booker. According to the Araceli Ramos for Aldine ISD Facebook post, Jill Metcalfe, Zaheer
Malik, Araceli Ramos, and Viola Garcia are a selfidentified “dream team”. That’s right. Viola Garcia has joined forces with the opponents campaigning against the incumbents. Mikela Levi appears to be campaigning alone. Looking at the current School Board members, there are three African American, three Hispanic, and one White Trustee. There are also three men and four women among them, making this a relatively balanced School Board with the majority of student groups represented. However, this is subject to change. Voters must ask themselves a series of questions: What is the benefit to the candidates themselves by aligning this way? If all the African American Trustees are removed, who will advocate for African American students? If all the African American Trustees are removed, how will the dynamic change between the School Board and the Superintendent? Ideally, the School Board and the Superintendent should operate as a “Team of Eight.”
It is evident that there is not a “Team of Eight” since Viola Garcia, who is currently on the Aldine ISD Board of Trustees, has formed her ‘dream team’ to get the three African American trustees and the current superintendent, Dr. LaTonya Goffney, packing and out the Aldine ISD door. For the ‘dream team ‘candidates, is this campaign all about revenge and a plot to get a Board without African American representation? Is this campaign about race and a plot and scheme to get what Viola Garcia has wanted for years, a Hispanic superintendent? Is this campaign about trickery, strife, hatred, bitterness, and political gimmicks to work against the Aldine ISD district and school board? Community members must also remember this is not new behavior from Viola Garcia. She co-signed a letter to President Joe Biden and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland comparing parents protesting school policies to “domestic terrorism”.
Aldine on pg. 3
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October 15, 2023
A Revival of God
Consciousness Bobby Mills, Phd
We Do Not Need Heroes God is the only hero. Far too many Americans have a God-complex, especially Southern political demagogues, and Northern hypocrites, such as: Donald J. Trump. What America needs now are public servants, not self-centered heroes. This is why America deserves better than what The GOP is politically offering. However, the original slaves who endured untold inhumanness to the nth degree are Godly heroes, because they built the infrastructurefoundation of something greater than physical death, the physical institutional foundation of democracy itself. Again, lest we forget that the physical foundation of American multi-cultural democracy was built off the backs of slave labor. Of course, generations of Blacks who have endured the evil of racism are also Godly heroes. Even though, some Godfearing Whites in conjunction with Blacks vehemently fought to remove the chains from Black bodies, but the chains of a slave mentality remained on the minds of far too many Black Americans. Hence, non-God conscienceoriented Whites made sure through legalized racial barriers that Blacks keep their minds in chains through obedience to Jim Crow Laws, especially in the South. America, more so than ever before, we need Godfearing
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
EDITORIAL Christian servants in the public square of every ethnic-nationality, and religious persuasion. Otherwise, we can never fulfill the leadership vacuum in our multicultural democratic society, because we will always have too many want-to-be heroes for all the wrong reasons, and only for a season, because: “Be not deceived: God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6: 7). Therefore, we do not need heroes in our national political discourse, in our pulpits, in our police departments, and most of all, in our families. What America needs now are citizens who have an impeccable God-conscience. Most of all, America needs citizens who spiritually understand and embrace The Preamble to the U. S. Constitution as well as the constitution, itself. America, heroes are individuals with a Godconscience, and most of all, individuals who desire to serve, rather than to be served. Thus, a hero is not an individual who incites an overthrow of the U. S. government, and moreover, entices others to not obey constitutional laws. Heroes are not law enforcement officers who shoot unarmed individuals while fleeing a crime scene. A hero is not a police officer who shoots and kills an unarmed pregnant woman driving away from an alleged shoplifting incident. A hero is not an individual who sees the color of an individual’s skin before they see the universal dimension in humanity. For more visit aframnews.com
And all that Jazz Esperanza Jazz Paz
Home Wasn’t Built in a Day Houston is gentrifying more quickly than the other Texas cities, and four predominantly Black neighborhoods, the Fifth and Third Wards, and Independence Heights and Sunnyside, are becoming proportionally more Hispanic and whiter. In the 1800s the Third Ward was what architectural historian Stephen Fox referred to as “the elite neighborhood of late 19thcentury Houston, a silkstocking neighborhood of Victorian-era homes” where whites lived in the lower part of Third Ward, and African Americans were segregated in shotgun shacks north of Truxillo Street with Alabama Street being the dividing line between the black and white areas. Now Emancipation Avenue is the street widely viewed as the center of Houston’s music culture, the “main street of Black Houston.” Third Ward is home to some of the most celebrated African American artists, activists, educators, and leaders. John Biggers, George Floyd, and Sam “Lightnin’” Hopkins all spent time in “The ‘Tre”. In 1970, Carl Hampton, one of America’s most dynamic and influential young Black civil rights leaders was assassinated by HPD in Third Ward for providing decent clothing
and food on behalf of the People’s Party II the community members whose had basic needs were unmet. Beyoncé is from the Third Ward area and it’s featured in her music video No Angel. Her Drunk in Love and Pretty Hurts singles are remembrances of her neighborhood. Houston rappers often reference Third Ward in their lyrics. Rapper Drake also publicizes the Third Ward as his adopted home in his music. “Know I do this [expletive] for Third Ward already/ Know I do this [expletive] for H-town already.” Some of the old Third Ward churches still call back members who now live in Missouri City and other suburbs. The Trinity United Methodist Church, which began in 1848, is the oldest African American church congregation in the City of Houston. In 1910 the construction of Union Station caused the “residential character of the area to deteriorate” according to Ralph Bivens of the Houston Chronicle. The area “began a long downward slide toward the skid row of the 1990s.” In 1938 Cuney Homes, a public housing complex, opened across from Texas Southern University. It was updated in 1997. In 2004 Third Ward had the most “you buy, we fry” fish restaurants in the City of Houston. Gentrification in the historic Third Ward began in 2016 when Highway 288 claimed that too many Blackowned homes were in its way and so were condemned. For more visit aframnews.com
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION Aldine on Cont. Her
actions
led to multiple state school board associations to withdraw their membership or their dues from the National School Boards Association (NSBA) and for federal authorities to investigate parents as domestic terrorists. Garcia’s actions and affiliation brought shame to the district in a major way. For the African American candidates, is the goal to get elected or re-elected then forget about the voters that got them their seats after the election season is over? We hear from them during election seasons, but have a hard time maintaining meaningful contact with them when the
October 15, 2023
election is over. Yet frequent discussions on school and curricular improvements is what it will take to move Aldine ISD from a ‘C’ rating to an ‘A’ rating. Dr, LaTonya Goffney, Superintendent of Aldine ISD, has an Executive Team consisting of 11 people. Seven (63%) of the Executive Team are Hispanic, three (27%) are African American, and one (10%) is White. Again, relatively reflective of the student body in Aldine ISD. This, too, is subject to change if the School Board changes and seek a new Superintendent. Voters in Aldine ISD need to think long and hard before casting their ballot. While some candidates may hope that voters choose
along racial lines, students and teachers cannot and should not do the same. We will be watching campaign tactics, rhetoric, and the races for each position closely. Vote for candidates who want the best for students, staff, and the district as a whole. Clearly the main thing has been left out this election, the academic success of students. What does any of this racial driven behavior have to do with the success of Aldine ISD? Regardless of color, remember to vote for the MOST QUALIFIED candidate who will be accessible outside of election season and move Aldine ISD forward.
JOHN
WHITMIRE
“John Whitmire is a problem solver. My mother Beulah Shepard always said that he would help her when no one else would. John Whitmire has always been there for our community, this election we Shepard, need –toDiane be there for him.”
Community BETTER Leader TOGETHER WE MAKE HOUSTON
PROUDLY ENDORSED BY
Senator Carol Alvarado
Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia
Houston Police Officers’ Union
Houston Professional Texas Gulf Coast Fire Fighters Assn. Area Labor Federation
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGES
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO), will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. to receive public comment on the proposed January 2024 changes to METRO service. The public is invited to attend the hearing and provide comments in person. The public may also join the hearing and provide comments virtually on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81285956302 or by dialing: 346-248-7799 or 888-475-4499 (toll free), meeting ID: 812 8595 6302. Additionally, if you do not want to provide comments during the public hearing, visit RideMETRO.org/LiveStream to view a livestream of the event. A video recording of the meeting will also be archived on METRO’s website at RideMETRO.org for review. The proposed service changes may include: Changes to bus routes 44, 67, 85, 102, and 108, as well as schedule changes to the 4, 5, 6, 11, 25, 28, 29, 30, 36, 40, 44, 46, 47, 56, 58, 60, 80, 82, 85, 86, 99, 102, 153, 161, 162, 217, 222, 298, 360 and 433 routes. The public hearing will provide updates on METRO's service standards, including temporary service adjustments in response to changing ridership and workforce availability. Copies of proposed route maps and available timetables will be available beginning on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, for public review online and in the lobby of the METRO RideStore, located in the Lee P. Brown METRO Administration Building at 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the 2nd floor Board Room at 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas (served by bus routes 6, 11, 32, 44, 51, 52, 54, 82, 85, 102, 137, 160, 161, 162, and METRORail).
HOW TO COMMENT ABOUT THE SERVICE CHANGES
If you would like to make public comments in person or virtually, please register as a public speaker with the METRO Board Office at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing. Call 713-739-4834 or send an email to BoardOffice@RideMETRO.org and provide your name, address and telephone number. As explained above, you may attend the public hearing in person or virtually on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, to provide comments. If you pre-register, your comments will be heard first at the public hearing. Your name will be called at the appropriate time to make your comments. You may also provide comments by: • Writing to us at METRO, ATTN: January 2024 Service Changes, 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 • Faxing comments with a subject line referencing "January 2024 Service Changes" to 713-652-7956 • Calling or texting METRO Customer Service at 713-635-4000 • Submitting comments on the METRO website at RideMETRO.org All comments should be submitted to METRO by 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
HELP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
For individuals with disabilities, assistive services or copies of public documents in an alternate format can be provided. Individuals with impairments may call 713-750-4271 a minimum of five (5) working days prior to the public hearing.
LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE
Upon request, METRO provides free language assistance to help patrons who have a limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English, in accordance with its language assistance plan. Please call 713-739-4018 or email METROPublicAffairs@RideMETRO.org to request language assistance or other accommodations at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.
OTHER
1. This public hearing conforms to requirements described in the Federal Transit Administration's Circular 9030.1E, published January 16, 2014, page VI-7. 2. METRO does not discriminate based on disability in the admission or access to, or in treatment or employment in, its services, programs, and activities. 3. METRO is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, its transit services based on race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
ELECTION DAY: NOVEMBER 7TH • EARLY VOTING: OCT. 23RD - NOV. 3RD WWW.
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October 15, 2023
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POLITICS
Senate committee overwhelmingly passes ‘school choice’ bill to full Texas Senate
AUSTIN, Texas — The third special session of the 88th Texas Legislature is underway. On Tuesday, state senators spent the day in committee hearings listening to what the public thinks about key bills filed this session. At the top of the list is education savings accounts (ESAs), which critics have called a form of school vouchers. The Senate Committee on Education took up Senate Bill 1, on ESAs. That’s taxpayer money parents could use to help pay for tuition at accredited private schools. SB 1 has officially made it out of the Senate’s Education Committee. The testimony from the public was a mix of both support and opposition to the plan. SB 1, by State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), establishes
an ESA program in Texas. The program would provide $8,000 per student that could be used to pay tuition at accredited private schools in the state. Some eligibility requirements for these accounts are students enrolled in public schools 90% of the time in the previous year, those entering pre-K or kindergarten and private schoolers who were enrolled the prior year of their ESA application. Any money left over could be used on other educational expenses like tutoring. Creighton said because the money will be managed and allocated through the Texas Comptroller’s Office, it’s different than a voucher. JUST IN: The Senate Education Committee has voted in a 10-3 vote to PASS Senate Bill 1 to the full senate. Reminder, this bill is
about education savings accounts which many say are no different than voucher programs. @ KVUE #txlege — Ford Sanders KVUE (@fordsandersTV) October 10, 2023 “Rather than it being a voucher that goes directly to the family, this is a savings account that once approved would be able to, moneys within it would be able to transfer to an approved provider for an education,” Creighton said. The Democratic senators on the committee who oppose ESAs questioned Creighton on the transparency and framework of the bill. State Sens. Royce West and José Menéndez said these types of programs are rooted in racism and segregation. For more visit aframnews.com
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PUBLIC NOTICE Notice to Proposers Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for: • RFP #900 – CSP #900 Process Technology Center Pilot Plant Construction Services Electrical & Control Equipment. Electronic submittals due by 2:00PM, Tuesday, November 21, 2023. • WebEx pre-proposal meeting: Wednesday, October 25, 10:00AM; call-in number 1-408-792-6300, Meeting #2622 021 5201 • Contact: dina.sauser@lonestar.edu or (832)813-6532. • 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 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 login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https:// houstonisd.ionwave.net/Login.aspx until 2:00 p.m. (CST) Monday, October 30, 2023, for the following solicitation: RFP 23-04-09 Fuel: Unleaded, Biodiesel, ULSD and Related Products & Services A pre-proposal conference 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 Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for: • RFP #912 Welding Supplies, Lab Gases, & Steel. Electronic submittals due by 3:00PM, Wednesday, November 1, 2023. • WebEx pre-proposal meeting: Monday, October 23, 2023, 2:00PM; call-in number 1-408-792-6300, Meeting #2621 436 1097 • 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.
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Let’s make Houston happen! 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 8 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.
Pol. Adv. Paid for by Garcia for Houston Campaign
To sign my pledge, donate, volunteer, or request a yard sign, click the QR code below or call 346-316-6051
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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