December 31, 2023
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
African-American News&Issues
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
Vol. 28, Issue 50
FREE
We the People In 2024 we need to stay focused and be proactive instead of reative. - Roy Douglas Malonson
Left to right: Lucy Bremond, Linda Jones-Hartman, Tela Bryant, Charlotte Bryant, Patrina Dobson, Lillian Bourgeois, Candace Bourgeois, Clarise Gatlin
FORCES JOIN TOGETHER By: Shelley McKinley
The historic and newly renovated Eldorado Ballroom, established in 1939, served as the site where Cheniere and the Astros Foundation hosted senior citizen groups for a delicious meal by Chef Chris Williams, along with musical accompaniment from the violinist, Demola. For some attendees they could recall their parents getting dressed to attend performances by the likes of Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. For others, they personally attended performances of artists such as Etta James and Ike and Tina. The event also planted the seed for support of the upcoming 2nd Annual Cactus Jack HBCU Classic. The round-robin collegiate baseball classic, designed by the Astros Foundation and Astros Youth Academy to highlight Historically Black Col-
leges and Universities (HBCUs) and their baseball programs, will feature six teams: Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M, Grambling State University, Southern University, Jackson State University, and Alcorn State University. Paula Harris, Executive Director of the Astros Foundation asserted, “The College Classic has existed for 23 years, while this is the second HBCU Classic. We are going to level the playing field.” Cheniere’s accountants and lawyers served as waiters during the event. Cheniere Foundation Executive Director, Wendy Craven, who initiated the partnership with the Astros Foundation and The Eldorado Ballroom exclaimed, “We’re here, we’re your neighbors, and we care about you!” Forces Join on pg. 3
DR. MARGARET FORD FISHER BECOMES CHANCELLOR The Houston Community College (HCC) Board of Trustees has unanimously voted to name Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D., as sole finalist to serve as the institution’s next Chancellor. Dr. Ford Fisher has served as HCC’s Interim Chancellor since Sept. 1, 2023. Dr. Cynthia Lenton-Gary, the Board Chair, lauded the Board’s decision, stating, “Dr. Ford Fisher’s deep institutional knowledge, coupled with her forward-looking vision and nationally recognized leadership, makes her the ideal leader to navigate HCC towards a future rich in educational excellence and innovation.” The Board of Trustees will hold a subsequent meeting to act on the final appointment of Dr. Ford Fisher as Chancellor, no less than 21 days following her selection as sole finalist, per state law. Fisher on pg. 3