Volume 29 Issue 11

African-American News&Issues

Vol. 29, Issue 11

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

FLOYD P. SMITH

By: Shelley McKinley

An Acres Homes icon, Floyd P. Smith was born on February 3, 1935, just seven months before the formation of the Houston Negro Chamber of Commerce (HNCC), housed inside the Blackowned Pilgrim Temple building located at Bagby Street and West Dallas Avenue. Against the backdrop of laws requiring segregation, and

residential neighborhoods restricting African American mobility and advancement, Floyd P. Smith built businesses that met the needs of his community by providing goods, services, and jobs. Like those founders of the HNCC, which worked to empower and promote African-American businesses in the city, Floyd P.

Smith 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

SGT. MAJ. JAMES WILLIAMS

JUL 6, 1935 - MAR 3, 2024

Sergeant Major James L. Williams, a proud veteran of the Original Bu alo Soldiers passed away peacefully at his home 1n Houston Texas on March 4, 2024.

e son of Eva and James D. Williams, Sergeant Major Williams grew up in Houston, Texas. He was born on July 6 1935 in Louisiana.

At the age of 15, Sgt. Major Williams enlisted in the United States Army. He valued his service as a Bu alo Soldier of the U.S. Army highly. He received numerous honors and recognitions: including the Silver Star for his dedicated service. As part of this service, he served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He served as Advisor to the Vietnam Regular Army and performed 3-combat tours of duty from 1965 to 1967. During his service he was assigned airborne special operations. A er 21 years of service, to his country, he retired in 1971 as the last of the original Bu alo Soldiers.

Sgt Major Williams 1s survived by his sister, Jo Ann Smith, of Missouri City, Texas, his nieces & nephews, his church family and a host of family and friends. A service honoring his life & legacy will be held at Crestmont Park Church of Christ. He will be laid to rest at the Houston National Cemetery.

March 29,

A Revival of God Consciousness

Bobby Mills, Phd

MAN VERSUS MALE

spirit of the devil in uences the immoral character of the world.

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We are looking for historical writers That can produce stories that address current and historical realities affecting our community. PLEASE

Twenty- rst century America is spiritually characterized by untold socio-economic societal confusion. ere was no moral confusion in Jesus. Jesus was spiritually able to integrate both divinity and humanity. All humans are tripart beings, soul, mind, body, and so was Jesus, but Jesus was able to morally integrate the tripart nature of his being. Unfortunately, because of the sinful nature of human beings, some men nd it di cult to morally integrate esh and spirit. In fact, some men lose spiritual contact with the divinesoul-man dimension in their being, and their minds ip to their worldly maleness rather than Godly man-ness. A man’s mind must be of God, because it is written: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in the fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

(Philippians 2: 6-8). Praise be to God! e question is why is there so much spiritual moral confusion in American society? Herein lies the answer, the spirit of the devil is the author of confusion, and the

On the other hand, the Spirit of God is characterized by love, joy, obedience, and peace. is is why faithful Christian believers can boldly declare that the joy they have the world did not give, and the world cannot take it away. e devil introduced confusion and disobedience into the world in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve by in uencing Eve to violate God’s command not to eat of the tree in the center of the Garden of Eden. Don’t mess with the apples, because the apple on the tree will become the pear on the ground if you get the socio-spiritual dri .

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

TAKE ACTION! Publisher Roy Malonson asks that we join the African- American 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’ OUR BLACK PAPERS? on government employees’ partisan participation). :)

In the twenty- rst century, there is a profound spiritual di erence between man and male. Too many individuals have ipped the spiritual and biological script, especially in the Black community. Male is a biologically xed sex status designation that is eternal in the heavens. Biological sex status designations occur at conception: male and female. ere are no inbetween biological sex status designations: “And God said, let us make man in our image, a er our likeness:” (Genesis 1: 26). e image of God is spiritual, not anthropological. Man is Spirit. Male is biology, and we are devilishly attempting to make biology sociopsychology. Herein lies one of the major socio-spiritual problems in twenty- rst century America, too many men are devilishly caught-up in their maleness (biology) rather than their spiritual man-ness, and therefore, they become a male of the world rather than a man of God!

For more visit aframnews.com

Smith Cont.

Smith promoted Black enterprise and contributed to the civic and economic welfare of Acres Homes residents. He also served as a role model for the young business-minded people in his community.

As the third among four siblings born to Emory and Elizabeth Smith, Floyd P. Smith went on to develop his entrepreneurial spirit under the supervision of his mother, as he accompanied her delivering clothes from the cleaners. His professional journey began at WKM and Houston House before venturing into entrepreneurship. He started by opening Pecan Garden Cleaners and Pecan Garden Washateria in Studewood.

Floyd P. Smith later expanded his businesses to Acres Homes, establishing S&P Carwash, West Little York Cleaners, S&P Package, S&P Discount Auto Parts, S&P Grocery, Bernadette Superette, Floyd’s Premier Nursery, Floyd’s Sod, Floyd’s Premier Delivery Service, and Floyd’s Premier Mu er Shop. e S&P Gas Station was the last gas station independently owned by a Black man in Houston, TX. He also founded the Family PAC.

On October 29, 1954, at the age of 19, Floyd P. Smith married Geneva E. Smith. Together they raised three children: Bereatha Smith, Cynthia SmithJamison, and Percy Smith (Sonia). ey were married for 69 years, and have grandchildren and great-grandchildren to carry on his legacy. Floyd P. Smith built a legacy and a standard for Black entrepreneurship that will live on within Acres Homes and beyond.

AA

Bereatha, Percy, Geneva, Floyd and Cynthia

TRINITY EAST UMC VALUES BLACK HISTORY

By: Janette Cosley

Senior Pastor Rev. Marilyn White of Trinity East UMC says everyday is Black History. She knows a lot of people don’t want to talk about the painful past, however she says we must re ect on what God has done by delivering Black people from slavery. A recent celebration included songs of worship by Trinity East UMC’s youth and young adult choir, also the All Star Diamonds Praise Dancers performed. Refreshments were provided by life-time member, Roy Moore who says he feels strongly that elders must pass on their stories of challenges and triumphs to the next generation.

ose in attendance agree with Pastor White that every day is Black History. e following are their comments:

Brenda Stewart who coordinates Trinity’s Gathering Place program for people with mild to moderate cognitive issues says all year long we can learn about the contributions of African Americans. She questions why only one month is observed and why that month is the shortest of the year.

Collins White, an usher at Trinity says he is grateful to learn about African Americans who gave us great inventions.

Je Evans who joined in the celebration says he likes to remember his own family’s history at this time of the year. He honors their sacri ces to keep the family together.

Gazella Fletcher says she grew up in the 1950s and did not realize she was living in “segregation” because her family provided a good home for her and always made her feel valued. As a child, she remembers going to the basement of department stores to shop and eat, but she didn’t realize that was because of “segregation.””

Paul Jackson believes he developed an appreciation for all history over

the years thanks to the focus on Black History Month.

Godfrey McCoy, a long-time member of Trinity re ects on the happy Juneteenth celebrations that occurred long before there was a national observance of Black History Month.

Jerome Foreman who recently moved to Houston from Panama City, Florida says he is learning more about his father’s side of the family now that he lives here. He’s developed a better understanding of why Black History is important.

Special guest, James “Smokie” Phillips of Constable Precinct 7 is grateful every day to those whose shoulders he stands on. He says one of those people who opened the doors of opportunity for him was the late Harris County Constable A.B. Chambers.

Nelda Lewis says she doesn’t want to forget the hardships African American families went through to provide a strong foundation for future generations. She believes it’s important to retell the history to young people.

A highlight of Trinity’s Black History Month program was the performance by e Bulldog Express Drumline. It showcased the importance of drums in African American culture. Drum beats were o en coded messages that enslaved people communicated to each other. Drums were used to preserve artistic culture and they were an integral part of spiritual practices. Drums also signaled resistance and that caused fear among slaveholders. Today’s marching bands are a link to the past and the importance of drums to the African American community.

Roy Moore & Pastor Marilyn White

Nelda Lewis, Trinity East UMC member

Brenda Stewart Trinity East UMC, coordinator of Trinity’s Gathering Place.

Gazella Fletcher & Paul Jackson Trinity East UMC members

EDUCATION LOCAL

FIREFIGHTER SETTLEMENT LONE STAR COLLEGE EMPOWERS LEADERS

By: Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association

Houston re ghters overwhelmingly support the proposed settlement to end their eight-year contract impasse with the City of Houston. e agreement, which a judge will receive on Monday, won an unprecedented 94% approval rating during 48 hours of voting over the weekend.

“ is resounding show of support from the rank and le underscores the historic signi cance of this agreement and positions us well heading into Monday’s meeting with the judge overseeing our contract impasse proceedings,” said Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association President Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton. “A er eight years of sacri ce, our re ghters nally feel valued and respected. e morale boost is evident in their endorsement of the settlement terms.”

e agreement provides $650 million in lump sum payments to cover back pay owed to re ghters for the eight years they worked without a contract and includes a new ve-year contract. All active re ghters, retired re ghters, the families of re ghters who died in the line of duty since 2017 and those who le for medical reasons are

In addition to the back pay, the agreement makes permanent the temporary 18% pay hikes re ghters received three years ago. It adds another 10% increase on July 1, 2024, and speci es additional annual pay bumps through 2029.

e agreement maintains existing bene ts and introduces new incentives, assignment bonuses, holiday pay, and increased uniform allowances.

“ is contract is designed to facilitate sta recruitment and retention,” said Lancton. “We lost 500 re ghters over the last eight years. It’s time to make the Houston Fire Department an attractive place to work again. We owe a debt of gratitude to Mayor John Whitmire. anks to his leadership, we can put the last eight years behind us and move forward together.”

Judgment bonds will cover the cost of the back pay owed to re ghters, protecting the city’s nancial stability while ensuring budgetary capacity for the costs associated with the new ve-year contract.

By: Roycelyn Bastian

Every March, the nation recognizes Women’s History Month as a time to re ect and celebrate women’s contributions in business, education, global a airs, technology and other elds. Lone Star College highlighted advancements made by women during the recent LSC Women in Leadership Panel and Luncheon.

“Lone Star College embraces the essence of Women’s History Month as a time to pay tribute to the resilience, innovation and in uence of women across generations,” said Carlecia Wright, LSC chief culture and engagement o cer. “ e college values and respects the experience and journeys of all employees, providing students with expert role models to help train and guide them.”

Lone Star College’s top female leaders shared their professional journeys, lled with successes and setbacks, to encourage faculty, sta and students to realize and achieve their goals. e panel also o ered advice to empower future leaders to achieve their goals while mentoring others on their paths to success.

learning to the work that you’re doing.” e LSC Women in Leadership Panel and Luncheon panelists included Bridgett Johnson, LSC executive vice chancellor, Operations; Kristy Vienne, Ed.D., LSC vice chancellor, Finance and Administration; Virginia Fraire, Ph.D., LSC-University Park president; Valerie Jones, Ed.D., LSC-CyFair president; Lee Ann Nutt, Ed.D., LSC-Tomball president; and De’ Reese Reid-Hart, Ed.D., LSCMontgomery president.

“As you advance in your career, be honest, ask for and accept feedback and be the mentor to others that you needed when you rst started,” said Vienne. “Hard work, kindness, collaboration and growing your skills will help you personally and professionally.”

LSC recognizes the signi cant historical contributions and achievements that Women have made in the United States and across the world. Visit LoneStar. edu/WomensHistory to watch the event and see a list of upcoming LSC Women’s History Month events.

eligible for the lump sum payouts.

“Whether you are early, in the middle or late in your career, it is important to stay informed, continue to learn and take advantage of all the opportunities even if they seem scary,” said Virginia Fraire, Ph.D., LSC-University Park president. “Find ways to connect what you’re

Women’s History Month began in California as Women’s History Week in 1978. In 1987, the United States Congress designated March as Women’s History Month. Learn more at WomensHistory.org.

For more visit aframnews.com

(front row, left to right) are Lee Ann Nutt, Ed.D., LSC-Tomball president; Virginia Fraire, Ph.D., LSC-University Park president; Bridgett Johnson, LSC executive vice chancellor, Operations; De’ Reese Reid-Hart, Ed.D., LSC-Montgomery president; (back row, left to right) Kristy Vienne, Ed.D., LSC vice chancellor, Finance and Administration; Valerie Jones, Ed.D., LSC-CyFair president; and Carlecia Wright, LSC chief culture and engagement officer.

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