HOMELESS & MENTAL HEALTH CHAMPION
By: Shelley McKinleyOmar Sesay, Program Director for e Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, currently leads three outreach programs that target the homeless of Harris County with the intent of reducing the number of people living on the streets. The programs are: PATH which stands for Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness; HOT which stands for Homeless Outreach Program; and SUDOP which stands for Substance Use Disorder Outreach Program. Each of these programs focus on the individual and what he or she needs immediately, like shelter, followed by
a menu of services. As Sesay explains, “There is a difference between mental health and mental illness. We all have mental health. Protect it. It is okay to seek assistance.”
PATH is a program that provides clinical mental health and non-clinical services to adults ages 18 or older who are both homeless and have a mental illness or co-occurring substance use disorder. The goal of the program is to improve the individual’s quality of life by connecting them with ongoing outpatient mental health services at The Harris Center.
Champion on pg. 3
History is His Story, not the Truth or Our Story.
Black History is 24/7/365, not
just 4 weeks
Roy Douglas Malonson
Robert LeDay was born on December 3, 1952, in Lafayette, Louisiana. He was the h child born to the union of the late Alcide LeDay and Orelia Jean LeDay. Robert grew up in a traditional Catholic family. He was baptized at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington, LA, where he served as an altar boy for 11 years. Robert attended Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in St. Landry Parish and graduated as a valedictorian. He went on to further his education at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He graduated with the class of 1974 and obtained a Bachelor Degree in Accounting.
While at Southern University, Robert was married to Mary Davis, and their oldest child, NaTasha, was born in Baton Rouge, LA in 1973. ey then moved to Houston, Texas and became members of St. Monica’s Catholic Church. Two daughters followed: LaChrisha was born in 1977, and the youngest daughter, LaToya, was born in 1981.
After moving to Houston, TX, Robert worked as an accountant for Arthur Andersen. Three years later, he worked for Ernest and Whitney. Robert eventually moved on to work for Shell Oil Company for eight years and then HL&P, where he worked for five years.
Robert was always a leader and had an entrepreneurial spirit. While he continued working, he began his RL Tax & Accounting Services. He was laid o from HL&P and continued working his accounting business full-time for 30 years until he retired in 2023.
Leday on pg. 5
e Victimizers came from European nation-states and victimized Indigenous Native Northern Americans. ey could not enslave Native American Tribes. us, Whites went to Africa captured and brought Africans to America for slave labor, and now they have the unmitigated gall to claim victimization. America, we must spiritually and Godly attempt to understand who these confused individuals really are, because it is satanic thinking. e individuals who wrote e Preamble and the U. S. Constitution were of British descent. ey not only understood oppression, but they were oppressors all over the world. However, to their credit they wrote two almost perfect governing documents, the Preamble to the Constitution and the Constitution itself. Yet, they could not, and have not lived up to the spiritual tenets, and moral laws of such magni cent documents. In fact, they set a bad example for others by owning slaves. Now the sons and daughters of slave owners are claiming victimization in opposition to the document that their ancestors and forefathers wrote. What a shame, that in the most successful nation-state economically and militarily the historic Racial Victimizers in the 21st century is now claiming to be the victims. Whites are not victimized by Blacks
and other permanent-tan minorities. Whites are only victimized by their lack of God conscience, themselves, and each other. Sadly, most Whites do not understand that God is about inclusion, and He is no respecter of person, so saith John the Revelator: “ ou art worthy, O’ Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou has created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4: 11). e question is what historically has happened to ip the racial discrimination script. America, a word to the wise should be su cient: stop attempting to play God, and stay in your lane, because: “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:” (1 John 1: 6).
Christian Right Evangelicals, e GOP, White Nationalists, and Fox “FAKE” News cease playing the victimization role, because you were, and you still are Victimizers. Institutional racism and racial dehumanization are alive and well, and you are the Power Brokers of the past that America is attempting to overcome spiritually and economically.
Unfortunately, in 2016, (73+) million Americans fell prey to the wilds of the devil in Donald J. Trump, and e Apostle Timothy spiritually warned us concerning men such as Trump: “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be a partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.” (1 Timothy 5: 22). America, it’s only a spiritual TEST, (73+) million Americans failed the spiritual test.
WHAT ABOUT THE CRIME?
Depending on who you ask crime is up and crime may be down at the same exact time. Most crime isn’t reported, but often time even when it is reported it’s not investigated depending on the demographic and the zip codes. There are over 260,000 incidents that could be cases and should not be considered incidents or simple reports a er years of collecting dust in the crime lab.
Again, saying that crime is down while the crime isn’t actually being properly investigated is what we call an untrue statement, some may even call it a lie.
Others may call it pencil whipping the numbers and some might even call it Order Grade Bull$*!#. But, everyone should call for accountability, including HPD.
This crime lab fiasco doesn’t start or end with one person but neither does crime. In order to fix the problem, we have to first admit that we have a problem. Houston, we have a problem and there’s been too many bodies dropping all over Houston and not just in the so-called dangerous neighborhoods like Sunnyside. We are just three months into the year and crime is very high according to the victims of the crimes.
problem has never been the communities but instead, the people coming in and out of them where you have both. There is no such thing as bad community, but there is such a thing as neglect. Crime is the effect of neglect. A bad crime lab equates to distrust, false imprisonment, no accountability, and wasted tax dollars just to name a few.
In the past, certain cases after sitting in the lab for six or more years have been outsourced with hundreds of thousands remained untouched at the crime lab. Finding evidence six years later on the same clothing you found zero evidence on prior to is more than suspicious and red flags should be raised.
The victims of criminal activities deserve far superior treatment than having to rely on an unreliable crime laboratory in what is soon to become the third largest city in the United States. If we are truly “Houston Strong” we must be all the time and not just when it’s Hurricane Season. Crime is indeed up, and it will take everybody to bring it down, but it has to begin with transparency plus accountability.
If our city is uncertain about the crime statistics or whether they are increasing or decreasing, it would be wise to consult the victims themselves. They deserve to have the crimes committed against them thoroughly investigated, and they should receive truthful answers instead of generic political responses.
Intakes for new clients are performed every morning on a rst-come, rst-serve basis. Individuals experiencing homelessness can walk-in to request services (no referral required). Individuals may also be referred by other shelters and homeless providers, other Harris Center programs, Houston Police Department (HPD), Harris County Sheri ’s O ce (HCS), Homeless Outreach Team, or local hospitals.
e PATH program is a grantfunded program by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
HOT is a specialized team of one sergeant, six HPD Police O cers, one Metro PD o cer, one senior peace o cer, and three Mental Health Care Coordinators who engage in street outreach to the homeless community to provide outreach services and case management to individuals who are homeless and experiencing a serious behavioral illness. e goal of the team is to reduce the number of people who are homeless and living on the streets. e HOT Team
collaborates with the Houston Police Department’s Mental Health Division to serve individuals of all ages. Referrals may come from the client, family, friends, law enforcement, businesses, or agencies. Services include referrals for housing (i.e., shelters, personal care homes, sober living facilities, etc.), social services, substance use treatment, behavioral health treatment, and primary healthcare. Admissions to more restrictive levels of care when necessary are also made.
SUDOP allows Community Health Workers to provide intake assessments and make referrals to detox and/or outpatient services for individuals in the community. SUDOP operates as a community outreach program that responds to individuals experiencing substance use disorders and/ or mental health disorders who desire change and need
assistance in building a foundation for their recovery. e SUDOP team is a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN), Master-Level Clinicians, Care Coordinators, Psychiatric Technicians, and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors (LCDC). SUDOP services are available for adolescents and adults ages 14 years or older.
In his spare time, Sesay also serves as the Team Behavioral Health Clinician for the Houston Texans which he has done for the past four years. In a Dec. 2022 Houston Chronicle interview, Tavierre omas credited Sesay for advising him to embrace counseling and focus on his mental health following an injury. Initially omas got texts from Sesay, but eventually returned the texts with phone calls, starting his counseling journey.
“ is role ts me. I come from a family of athletes. I played college basketball on a scholarship and my brother played professional basketball. My parents are immigrants from Sierra Leone and my father played soccer professionally. My sisters were athletes,
too,” stated Sesay describing how he relates to the Houston Texans players.
Sesay is a board member of B Free 2 Fly International (BF2F), an organization near and dear to his heart because it is a non-pro t organization addressing domestic violence. He advocates for his younger sister who was murdered in 2016 by her boyfriend. Education and prevention are some of the services that the organization provides.
Concerning mental health in the Black community, Sesay commented, “Society has given a false perception of mental illness. Stigma is still there so people nd ways to mask it. We have to check on each other and not allow things to get worse. Black mothers are seeking help for their sons. It is also becoming more prevalent for males to seek help.” Sesay’s background is unique allowing for a Pan-African perspective. He immigrated from Sierra Leonne in the 8th grade when his parents sent for him.
Omar Sesay is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S). He is a graduate of Willowridge High School, and earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Central Arkansas. He got his Master’s degree at Prairie View A&M University, and is currently a Ph.D. Health Psychology Candidate at Walden University. He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and several state and national counseling organizations.
RELIGION LETTER TO THE EDITOR
KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER COUNCIL AND COURT 151
By: SH-FBISD NewsKnights of Peter Claver-Council and Court 151 engaged St. Monica parish in some exciting activities in celebration of Black History Month. e 2024 theme was, “We’ve Come is Far by Faith.”
ere is a longstanding tradition of recognizing outstanding individuals or historical events during Black History Month; however, we wanted to highlight one of the most cherished locations in the Acres
Homes community, our parish-St. Monica Catholic Church. During the Masses on February 3rd and 4th, the committee presented a brief history of St. Monica parish followed by the entire congregation’s singing the theme song in celebration of all parishionerspast and present.
On February 18th, we presented awards to several members for their outstanding personal achievements and their dedicated service to the organization.
SUPPORT BLACK NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS
Black NEWSPAPERS tell our story AND OUR HISTORY!!! I am privileged to be featured in this week’s African American News (https://aframnews. com/ online and hard copies available at all HEBs, Randalls, JoeV, Frenchy’s, Foodtown, and around town!) If we don’t intentionally support our institutions they do go AWAY! ere are openings for more writers in Dallas, and San Antonio! Our Black Publishers create experience and jobs. In today’s times, WE NEED BLACK OWNED NEWS!!!
ank you Roy and Shirley Malonson for your years of commitment to the community with your businesses and newspaper! I love Shirley Ann Gi Shop. It is a great place to nd all my gi s (from dolls to omas Blackshear and more...and great owers! https:// shirleyanns owershop.com/ Shirley Ann’s Black Kollectibles & Flowers 100% Black Owned! Flower delivery 6130 Wheatley St · (713) 692-1100).
WHAT CAN WE DO AS A FAMILY TO SUPPORT OUR BLACK PAPERS? TAKE ACTION! Publisher Roy Malonson asks that we join the AfricanAmerican News & Issues Newspaper’s FACEBOOK, and click and share the website. e online link is https:// aframnews. com/. And when you can advertise your business - think about our Black newspapers! e stories o en inspire us to take action and tell stories we wouldn’t hear otherwise, and in the case of my story, I hope it encourages youth to go for their dreams. I can tell you as a student at UT, when I thought of grad school I dreamed of going to Harvard and set out to do so, including enlisting our UT President for a recommendation. Harvard was a great experience as I am a political and news junkie - the Kennedy School was perfect for me. Please remember to vote. (Note: As a federal employee however if you see me quiet right now on the upcoming election - I can’t get involved in democratic/republican elections due to the Hatch Act. ere are restrictions on government employees’ partisan participation). :)
He and his sister, Rita Songs, also opened L&S Small World Academy, a daycare center, which stayed in operation for 35 years.
In 1990, Robert was married to Dorothy Je erson. Dorothy had one daughter, Angela, from a previous marriage. ey were married for 34 years.
Besides being a leader and entrepreneur, Robert will be remembered as a person that cared for everyone, and always made people laugh and smile. He was an active community member, and was involved in the Acres Home Chamber of Commerce for ve years, in addition to other community organizations. He continued his work in the Catholic Church as a dedicated member to St. Monica’s Catholic Church and was active in the Knights of Peter Claver. He was also dedicated to helping the youth, and in addition to L&S Small World Academy, he began the L&S Youth Sports Organization which continued even a er he stepped away. Robert will be remembered as a person that thoroughly loved people and especially loved his family. Anything he could do to bring his family together brought him joy.
rough traveling, assisting with family reunions in Lake Charles, Louisiana and Washington, Louisiana, banquets with Acres Home Chamber
of Commerce, going out to eat, sports, or home celebrations, Robert wanted his family around. He leaves behind many wonderful memories of these family gatherings.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Alcide and Orelia Jean LeDay; Roosevelt LeDay (grandson), two nieces: Toni Wims (god-daughter) and Tayneshia Je erson; his seven deceased sisters, Vera LeDay, Mary Jack Levy, Stella ierry, Inez E. Boutte-Edwards, Ida omas, Marlene Woods, and eresa Jack; and three deceased brothers: Fredrick LeDay, Freddie LeDay and Curley LeDay. He leaves a legacy of love to his wife, Dorothy LeDay, Daughters: NaTasha LeDay, LaChrisha Bibby (David Bibby), LaToya Christian (Robert Christian Jr.), Angela omas (Fredrick omas); Grandchildren: Natalie Fofung, Brandon Fofung, Crystal Bibby, Angela (Mia) omas; three sisters: Rita Songs (Daviddeceased), Verlie Wims (Alfred), Lucy Smith (John); three brothers-in-law: Edward Je erson Jr. (Gladys), Horace Ray Je erson (Janet), Ricky Je erson (Elnora); three sister in-laws, Nan Arceneaux (Gerald), Janice Je erson, Connie LeDay; one Godson: Rayshon Fleeks, and a host of beloved nieces, nephews and cousins from the Alcide and LeDay family, and the Je erson family, along with other relatives.
EDUCATION
ALPHA PHI ALPHA ALUMNI BROTHER OF THE YEAR
By: Frederick V. RobertsFrederick V. Roberts, a member of the Epsilon Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was named Alumni Brother of the Year for the Texas District at the Texas Council of Alpha Chapters Convention in San Antonio, Texas on February 9-11, 2024. is marks the fourth consecutive award for Roberts who was initiated at the Eta Gamma Chapter in November 1974 at Prairie View A&M University. e award is based on the contributions to the fraternity at the national, region and district with participation in the fraternity’s national programs and projects. Additionally the brothers contributions to the development and enhancement of the brotherhood, contributions to the community and the university, civic engagement, professional development and overall citizenship and recognition for services to the community at large.
Some of Roberts’ engagement includes serving as the Parliamentarian for the Epsilon Tau Lambda Chapter, the Prairie View A&M National Alumni Association, Prairie View Local Alumni, the Prairie View City Chamber of Commerce and the Prairie View Retired Teachers and School Personnel Association; Interim Communications Director, One Hundred Black Men
of America, Metropolitan Houston Chapter, former Secretary Prairie View Economic Development Corporation
4B; member of Phi Delta Kappa Education Fraternity, National Association of Black MBA’s and the National Association of Black Accountants.
Roberts is also engaged in various activities at the university to serving as a member of the Collegiate Advisory Committee for Eta Gamma Chapter, Advisor for the Collegiate 100, Frederick Douglass Leadership Institute and United Brand Association at Prairie View A&M University. Additionally, Roberts provided leadership and Parliamentary Training for the Top Teens of America Prairie View Chapter, the Class of 2024 and the P3 Mentoring Programs at Prairie View A&M University.
2024 MISS OLD GOLD AND BLACK
By: Frederick V. RobertsMiss Jocelyn Dorsey is the new Miss TCAC Miss Old Gold and Black for 2024 at the recent pageant held in San Antonio, Texas on February 9-10. Jocelyn, representing the Eta Gamma Chapter at Prairie View A&M University, will represent the Texas District at the Southwest Region Convention of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 20-21. Jocelyn’s win marks a repeat for the chapter as Miss Chloe Nyree Tolbert won the title in 2023 and represented the district at the regional convention in Fort Worth.
Houston Food Bank, Congresswoman
Sheila Jackson Lee’s Toys for Tots, Arts Mentorship and Vocal and Acting Coach. When asked her reason for competing for Miss Old Gold and Black, Jocelyn stated, “I have been eagerly waiting for an opportunity such as this. Being Miss Old Gold and Black would provide me with the opportunity to inspire, cultivate and pay it forward to my community and my beloved HBCU. I want to be a voice for the voices that are overlooked and counted out, I want to provide a fresh new perspective to the student body, as well as being an active role model of what it means to walk in authenticity, excellence and grace.”
Members of the chapter are hopeful that Dorsey will capture the SW Title and compete in the General Pageant in Chicago this summer.
AA
Roberts occasionally serves as a speaker for various events; direct programs and activities. For the past 40 years, Roberts has served as Chairman and Producer for the Miss Old Gold and Black Scholarship Pageant, producer for the Mr. Collegiate African American Leadership Pageant. Roberts is a Journalist and frequently writes stories for Prairie View Today, the Waller County Express, Waller Times, African American News and Issues and in prior years, the Hotline Press and Waller County News Citizen, other media outlets.
to pursue excellence in their studies
authentic selves and paying forward to their community through service.”
Jocelyn is a junior Vocal Performance student from Houston, Texas and aspires to be a Contemporary Christian Artist, Entrepreneur and a Broadway Star. She lives by Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Her platform is “Let your real light shine through: Excellence, Authenticity, and Community. Inspiring students and my HBCU to pursue excellence in their studies and goals while learning to be their authentic selves and paying forward to their community through service.”
Some of her achievements include
American News and Issues and in prior years, the Hotline Press and Waller
Roberts is looking forward to representing the TCAC District at the upcoming Southwest Region
in New Orleans later in March.
Some of her achievements include Miss Old Gold and Black, Texas Council of Alpha Chapters and Eta Gamma Chapter at Prairie View A&M University; the Best Actress in the Tommy Tune Award, TMEA All-State Women’s Choir and National Opera Association 1st Place in the Opera and Musical eatre division. Prairie View A&M University is the rst HBCU to compete and place at this prestigious competition. She is also the Miss Music and eatre and a member of the PVAMU Singers as well as the PVAMU Concert Chorale. Her civic and community engagement include volunteering at the
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS: Request for sub-contractor proposals for Harris County Sheri ’s O ce Complex project (Package 1 - Demolition) Durotech, Inc., as Construction Manager at Risk on behalf of Harris County, Texas will receive subcontractor/vendor proposals for the Harris County Sheri ’s Complex project located at 5910 Navigation Blvd., Houston, Texas 77011. is solicitation is for Package 1 – Demolition. Package 1 of this project includes demolition of all existing structures, foundations, and paving at the project address location. Proposals and quali cation statements will be received by Durotech, Inc., from interested proposers, subproposers and suppliers until 2:00 PM on Monday, March 25, 2024, for Package 1 – Demolition scopes of work in the presence of the Owner and Architect at the o ces of Durotech, Inc. at 11931 Wickchester Lane, #205, Houston, Texas 77043-4501, Phone: 281-558-6892 and Fax: 281496-5637. All bids should be submitted by email at bids@durotechgc. com or hand delivered to the o ces of Durotech, Inc. Construction Manager Contact: Sidhesh Kakodkar or Julian Ciarella. All MBE/SBE/WBE/ HUB rms are highly encouraged to submit proposals on this project. A preproposal meeting and site walk will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024 @ 10:00 AM at the project address location (5910 Navigation Blvd., Houston, Texas 77011). Drawings and Speci cations will be available for review at the ofces of Durotech, Inc., and at the plan rooms of AGC, Dodge Data & Analytics, Virtual Builders Exchange, Brazos Valley Contractors Association, Construction Data and CMD Group, and Durotech’s Online Plan Room. Prevailing wage rates in conformance with Harris County, Texas Requirements will be paid on this project. All proposals shall remain valid for ninety (90) days. e Owner, Architect/Engineer and Construction Manager reserve the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive any informalities and irregularities in the proposal process, and to make the awards in the best interest of the Owner. By submitting a proposal, each proposer agrees to waive any claim it has or may have against the Owner, the Architect/Engineer, Construction Manager and their respective employees arising out of or in connection with the administration, evaluation, or recommendation of any proposal; waiver of any requirements under the Proposal Documents, or the Contract Documents; acceptance or rejection of any proposals; and award of a Contract.
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