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