October 29, 2023
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Vol. 28, Issue 41
FREE
African-American News&Issues
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
Almeta Crawford High School
By: Rachel Thompson
Is Black Marriage on the Rocks?
By: Jazz Paz
During slavery Black couples “jumped the broom” to symbolize the sweeping away of old lives and their commitment to each other even under unaccommodating and dangerous circumstances. Often owned by different families and separated geographically, subject to being sold separately, these couples tenaciously and often covertly celebrated and preserved their unions. In 1890, 80% of African American households were led by two married adults. Between 1950 – 1970 Black women in their 40s were more likely to have been married than were white women of the same age. Over the last 50 years, the overall marriage rate in the U.S. has dropped by nearly 60%; many of the life events we link to marriage, such as cohabitating
or having kids, are increasingly occurring outside of marriage, and African Americans have become the most unmarried people in this nation. Though the majority of African Americans say they want to be married only 29% are, and many of those alliances are insecure. This is injurious to Black children and adults and hinders the growth and stability of the Black middle class. Eighty-eight per cent of African American teens believe marriage is personally important, (https:// www.healthymarriageinfo.org/research-policy/ marriage-facts-and-research/marriage-anddivorce-statistics-by-culture/african-americansand-black-community), but more than two out of every Marriage on pg. 3
When approaching the newly dedicated Almeta Crawford High School one can only say “Wow!” considering who it is named after and how her name is displayed prominently on the building. Named after the popular retired African American teacher who taught at Dulles High School in Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) for 39 years, Mrs. Almeta Crawford’s personality, favorite colors, and love for the New Jersey Writing Program can be found in every corner of the school. The school colors are teal and grey, her favorite colors, which she wore for the dedication. FBISD asked for nominations regarding naming of the school and hundreds of her former students nominated Mrs. Crawford. Principal Keith Fickel stated, “As most high school teachers serve 180 students per year, Mrs. Crawford taught 7,020 students during her tenure at Dulles High School. If you include the 10 years prior, she taught another 1,800 students. Therefore, Mrs. Crawford touched the lives of at least 8,820 students which equates to 11% of FBISD’s current enrollment. If Dulles is the flagship, Crawford is the spaceship!” During Mrs. Crawford’s remarks, she told the story of the call she received from former FBISD Superintendent Charles Dupree informing her that she had been nominated and was the recipient of the honor. “When Superintendent Dupree called to say that the school would be named after me, I asked Almeta on pg. 4
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Contributing Writers Dr. Bobby Mills Rachel Thompson Jazz Pazz Asia Williams William Monroe Trotter Jr. Shelley McKinley Tristar Web Graphics - Layout Design/Print Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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October 29, 2023
A Revival of God
Consciousness Bobby Mills, Phd
Beware of False Politicians It has rightly been said that politics is a pile of you know what, and this is precisely why the Bible emphatically states: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits,” (Matthew 7: 15-16). Houston, we have a whole lot of false politicians of all colors and stripes masquerading as Godly public servants. False prophets were commonplace in Old Testament times, and false politicians are commonplace, especially in 21st century partisan political America. For example, the Texas Senate’s acquittal of Attorney General Ken Patton in his recent impeachment corruption trial: shameful and disgraceful. Of course, False Politicians are pros at making deals with the devil and creating hell as an undesirable outcome for the public. Without a doubt, False Politicians are Pros at turning the Truth into a lie. In fact, False Politicians are always like unto a snake in the grass, ready, willing, and able to pounce on anybody’s you know what which rhymes with grass. Houston, we all know that in the Garden of Eden the snake disguised himself as truth-oriented reality, but in fact, he was lying, because his desire was to institute
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EDITORIAL devilish hell against God’s Truth. Too many twenty-first century politicians tend to align themselves with the selfish deception program of the devil by proclaiming one thing, and doing another by saying Lord, Lord, and running with the devil. To be sure, every voter in the upcoming Mayoral race should clearly understand who they are voting for, and most of all, why they are voting for that individual. There are some spiritual questions that every City of Houston voter should ask of himself or herself in the upcoming Mayoral race: (a) in difficult times whose voice and presence did you witness and experience in your community concerning problems? In times of grievance, personal family lost, who showed up to grieve with you and your family? In times of natural disasters what political personality carried, both the political and economic water for the community on a universal basis, regardless of race, color, or creed. It’s time out for petty backdoor, back-biting politics when the holistic well-being of the City of Houston is hanging in the balance, regardless of race, creed, or color. It is especially time out for small-minded males and females, regardless of racial-ethnic group identification to cease and desist seeking to assassinate the public reputation of a servant-leader and patron of the City of Houston and the Great State of Texas, because of petty ungodly personality politics. Therefore, know this nothing can separate us from the love of For more visit God. aframnews.com
I am running to be your State Senator to continue building a better Texas I am no stranger to service, I’ve been serving communities in Houston in some capacity since 1995. From running a non-profit to serving on the Houston City Council and now serving in the Texas House. We’ve been through a lot: Hurricane Harvey, the ongoing COVID pandemic, Winter Storm Uri, the failure of our electric grid, and now — coming under attack from Greg Abbott. In this political climate, our communities can’t afford to have inexperienced leadership. That’s why I’m running to be your next State Senator. I have been on the battlefield while right-wing extremists have attacked our communities, stripped away women’s reproductive rights, politicized flooding projects, and underfunded our public schools while pushing voucher
scams. While Republicans gutted public education, I authored legislation to expand vocational education to prepare our children for the workforce. As a member
of the budget-writing committee, I’ve secured millions of additional dollars for public schools in Houston and our local universities, like Texas Southern University. As vice-chair of two public safety committees, I’ve fostered relationships across the aisle without compromising my values. This district is a diverse and vibrant place to live, but with many communities facing real problems- they deserve a leader who can bring home solutions, not just empty promises. I am committed to being a leader who advocates for you, your family, and your community. As your next State Senator, I will work tirelessly to ensure our communities thrive. I can’t do this without you, can I count on your support? In Service, Rep Jarvis Johnson
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION Marriage Cont. three black women are unmarried, and they are more than twice as likely as white women never to marry. Ralph Richard Banks, Black author of Marriage for White People? Suggests that since Black women have so diligently concentrated on educational and earnings goals, they have postponed their marriage plans, and black men have lost ground. With twice as many single Black women graduating from college each year than Black men, they are more likely than any other group of women to marry less educated and lower earning men; highly educated Black
women are more likely to never marry. Armon R Perry’s Black Love Matters: Authentic Men’s Voices on Marriage and Romantic Relationships acknowledges that too many Black men are not desirable marriage candidates because their financial struggles prevent them from supporting a wife and family. Sociologist, Harvard professor and author William Julius Wilson recognizes the dearth of “marriageable” Black men to be the result of their high rates of incarceration and mortality. He reports that two thirds of black women prioritize a husband to provide a good income, compared to 32% of
October 29, 2023 white women. More than half of black women consider it very important for a husband or partner to be well-educated, compared to only 28% of white women. Half of Black women say that financial stability should be an important precondition for marriage, but only a quarter of white women admit to feeling that way. Maybe that’s why new research from Yale University indicates that “Black men are more likely to marry outside of their race, and black women are more likely to marry outside of their education.” Compared to their single contemporaries, married African American men make
more money and are happier and healthier. To promote stable Black marriages, society must enable Black men to achieve more education and acquire better employment opportunities. Black men are generally only half as liable to be hired as others, and they are less well paid. Advanced schooling and professional work experience not only make men more attractive nuptial partners, but also marginally protected from the risks of incarceration and racial violence. Churchgoing can also be encouraged as a worthy habit of Black men. Brad Wilcox’s and Nicholas H. Wolfinger’s book, Soul Mates:
AFRAMNEWS.COM 3 Religion, Sex, Love and Marriage Among African Americans and Latinos, posits that Black male worshippers are significantly less vulnerable to what the sociologist Elijah Anderson has called the “code of the street”: the attitude of inevitable violence, criminality, and the perceived need to defensively intimidate by one’s demonstrated strength. These men are statistically less susceptible to incarceration, and more likely to be engaged in studies or paid work than their peers, all of which predicts higher incomes for young churchgoing Black men later in life. Churches that respect their men’s
employment with jobs ministries, or merely by sharing information among members regarding existing work opportunities, seem to have the strongest communities of committed men. The moral of church offers Black men a sense of dignity, purpose, and inspiration. Church-attending Black men also are highly valued by their wives, more than a third of whom describe their relationships with their husbands as “excellent.” And isn’t this what we all want, to be able to meet, marry, and live happily ever after?
4 AFRAMNEWS.COM Almeta Cont.
if I were dreaming!” Mrs. Crawford received that call two years ago and was an active participant in touring the school during the building process, as well as choosing the school colors and the mascot. The Crawford Chargers emblem features a lightning bolt and they use the hashtag #chargedup. It was explained during the dedication that the lightning bolt represents power, energy and strength, all characteristics of their namesake. According to the school’s website, Crawford received numerous awards for her dedication and skill, being named Teacher of the Year at Dulles High School and receiving a state proclamation
October 29, 2023 in 2013 for her outstanding service in education and devotion to students. She was awarded the 2018 Jan DeBlance Memorial Award for Instructional Excellence by Abydos Literacy Learning and was honored at the 31st Annual Abydos Literacy Learning Conference in San Antonio, Tx. The audience included seven rows of family, including her three children, as well as members of the FBISD executive leadership team, builders, contractors, and former colleagues and students. Mrs. Caldwell was presented with certificates, proclamations, and the US Flag from representatives of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Al Green,
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
and Mayor Sylvester Turner. As a resident of District K in Houston, Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum declared it, “Mrs. Almeta Crawford Day!” The FBISD School Board sat on stage with Mrs. Crawford throughout the dedication. Board President Judy Dae began by reading Mrs. Crawford’s favorite poem entitled, ‘Myself ’ by Edgar Albert Guest, however three lines into the poem, Mrs. Crawford took over and recited it from memory. The dedication closed with Mrs. Crawford’s jovial remark, “I’m 85 years young and I’m still having fun. To God be the glory!”
For more visit aframnews.com
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October 29, 2023
Being a great place to work has its rewards. And awards. Because of our investments in industry-leading programs and resources, and our commitment to helping teammates achieve their personal and professional goals, we were awarded the Grand Stevie Award for Organization of the Year. I’m proud of this recognition, really proud of our dedicated employees, but most especially proud to be part of this community we all serve. Hong Ogle President, Bank of America Houston
Learn more at bankofamerica.com/houston
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The Stevie Awards recognize the achievements of businesses and professionals worldwide. Organizations self-nominate, providing data for various categories, and winners are determined by the average scores of more than 240 professionals worldwide serving as judges. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender © 2023 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice to Proposers Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for: • RFP #916 – Automated Proctoring Solution. Electronic submittals due by 2:00PM, Thursday, November 16, 2023. • WebEx pre-proposal meeting: Friday, November 3, 2023, 3:00PM; callin number 1-408-792-6300, Meeting #2623 228 9547 • 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
We are actively looking for a Data Entry Clerk to locate, collect, manually enter and verify batch record data. Data quality and data availability to consumers are of the utmost concern. Batch process data are recorded into paper Batch Records by the manufacturing team as part of normal production activities. A Data Entry Specialist will need to understand the process, its flow and track unique steps such that he/she can enter the requisite data into a database. Data will be verified after entry and the system locked to prevent unauthorized changes. Responsibilities will include Data Entry Paperwork verification for orders Scanning documents Fast pacedóresponsible for processing certain volumes daily. Interested candidates should add up and write frb056232@gmail.com for more details.
Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for: • RFP #917 – RFP #917 Course Selection Tool. Electronic submittals due by 5:00PM, Thursday, November 16, 2023. • WebEx pre-proposal meeting: Friday, November 03, 10:00AM; call-in number 1-408-792-6300, Meeting #26225719314 • 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.
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NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals addressed to the OST/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ #7 (Authority) will be received and read out loud at the Authority’s offices at 3131 Emancipation Ave, Suite 225, Houston Texas 77004, attention to Theola Petteway, Executive Director; for furnishing all necessary materials, equipment, superintendence, and labor for the construction of the TIRZ #7 Public Parking Lots, until Friday, November 17th, 2023, at 1:00 pm (CST). Hard copies of the bid must be delivered in person. Bids will be publicly opened and read. Any bids received after the closing time will be returned unopened. The project involves landscape, irrigation, special paving, lighting, security cameras, hardscape improvements, parking lot resurfacing, as well as all labor, equipment, materials, and incidentals required for the Project. A NonMandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held to review the scope of work. The Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 at 2:00 pm(CST) at the Authority’s offices at 3131 Emancipation Ave, Suite 225, Houston Texas 77004. Prospective Bidders may attend the pre-bid either in person or virtually. All information as to how to register for the pre-bid conference are included in the Bidding Documents that can be found at civcastUSA.com. A complete set of the bidding documents are on file at www.civcastUSA. com. There is no cost to download the Bid Documents but you must register at civcastUSA.com.
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GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
October 29, 2023
AFRAMNEWS.COM 7
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:
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gilbertandrewgarcia giilbertandrewgarcia1
@gilbertgarciatx @gilbertandrewgarcia www.linkedin.com/in/gilbertandrew-garcia-532b7522b
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