Volume 29 Issue 17

“Addressing

Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

We the People

Your vote and your money are the two most powerful things you have. Be careful who you give them to.

- Roy Douglas Malonson

JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE AND EMPOWERMENT

By: Sharon Jenkins

KILLING THE LEGACY

By: Bobby E. Mills, PhD

Justice Clarence omas was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1991, a er the death of Justice urgood Marshall, the rst Black Justice. omas is the second Black Justice to serve on the Court, appointed by President George H. Bush, and his appointment was troubling because of accusations made by Anita Hill, a longtime associate. Justice omas is the longest serving member of the Court since Justice Anthony Kennedy retired in 2018. Hence, Justice omas is the oldest member of the

Supreme Court, but God knows that he is not the most spiritually wise member by any stretch of one’s imagination, because: “ e wise shall inherit glory: but shame is the promotion of fools (Proverbs 3: 35).” Justice omas has not received any glory but has been extremely foolish. Of course, there are foolish individuals in high positions all around the world, even Jesus walked with one (Judas), and we all know the rest of the story.

Legacy on pg. 3

In the heart of East Texas, amidst the sprawling landscapes and tight-knit communities, a story of resilience and advocacy unfolds through the life and legacy of Mr. Michael Harris. Born in Galveston, Texas, in 1952, and raised in Panola County near Carthage, Harris’s journey exempli es the transformative power of community support, the pursuit of social justice, and the profound impact of media advocacy in underrepresented communities.

e Early Years and In uences

Michael Harris’s upbringing was shaped by the challenges of his environment and family circumstances. Raised by his grandparents alongside his brother due to his mother’s circumstances, he learned early on the value of resilience and the importance of communal bonds. e rural setting of Panola County instilled in him a deep appreciation for community support and the strength that arises from mutual aid.

Harris on pg. 3

Thurgood Marshall

Clarence Thomas

Michael Harris

James, the brother of Jesus, warns us concerning the worthlessness of riches. erefore, when Jesus returns money will be worthless in the Kingdom of God. Hence, to further clarify the spiritual message when individuals hear a loud noise in the sky, and in the blinking of an eye, they will be caught-up in the sky with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and for those who are le behind, you can have all the earthly riches; it’s yours, because you will be in hell. us, it has already been established: “And again I say unto you, at a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again, I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19: 23-24). For example, Jesus encountered a Rich Man. e Rich Man asked Jesus what he must do to be saved. Jesus replied to the Rich Man, sell all your earthly goods, give the lthy lucre (money) to the poor, come, and follow him. e Rich Man dropped his head and sorrowfully walked away! erefore, individuals should spend time storingup riches in God’s eternal kingdom, not riches on earth which are under the in uence of the devil. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches

EDITORIAL

us about money: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust, doth corrupt and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6: 19-21). America, let’s clearly understand this: “ e wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.” (Proverbs 3: 35). Hence, never become a fool for money, because a fool, and his money will soon part ways. is is why money is simply a tool: use it as a tool or use it as fool. Sadly, there are many Rich Men who use money to confuse, corrupt, control, and play God. Will someone, please tell rich men, such as Donald J. Trump that they are committing idolatry attempting to make money God. Laying up treasures in heaven is about obedience to the will of God, and to love one another. erefore, money in and of itself is not a problem. e problem is the love of money. Individuals need money to support their families, support the churches where their families worship, and to support charitable causes. It is the love of money that leads to evil (1 Timothy 6:10). erefore, when individuals adopt worldly life-style choice standards evil runs rampart, because the evil spirit of the devil is fathering the world. us, money can become a thorn in an individual’s side, if not used wisely.

How Long is Too Long

By Travis McGee

Houston, we have a problem and that problem is too many lights, cameras, and no action. Press conference a er press conference, march a er march, election a er election, townhall a er townhall, Imma do speech a er Imma do speech, and dead body a er dead body the problem of” CRIME” remains the same. Whether you stay in SouthPark, Sunnyside, ird Ward, Fi h Ward, or in communities like River Oaks crime is up. But the only di erences are the demographics, prioritization, resources, and how crimes are actually investigated. It’s a historical fact that crime is expected to happen in certain areas and not others, but the fact of the matter is crime doesn’t have a particular address or color. Public safety has never been prioritized the same in the” HOOD”.

Crime should be prioritized the same everywhere and not just in the so-called a uent areas of town. 911 calls should be treated like an emergency call vs being asked nine hundred and eleven questions even before the called is even dispatched out. Since there’s an increase in violent crimes and bodies dropping all over the city, all calls have to be considered priority and a possible emergency at the same time. In order for any of us to start to correct the problem we have to be very transparent when addressing and admitting

that we do have a problem. We can start by saying that the crime is up and has been up for some time now.

e response time and police presence have to get better in a more proactive manner. Every o cer should have a route like a mailman, which would lead to proactive community policing vs reactionary policing. All law enforcement should be working together to increase manpower and resources in doing so it only increases the chances of cases actually getting investigated and solved, no matter how big or small. Investigating crimes thoroughly will make the stats more accurate and increase transparency. Our law enforcement has to present the right charges in order for the DA to accept the proper charges to properly prosecute, so the judge and the jury can give the proper sentence, but everyone has to do their part. e “Catch and Release” and” Hug A ug” Programs have only made the problem worse when it comes to violent crime. It’s going to take much more thcn lights and cameras. It’s going to take plenty of action, pro-action that is. Much more than prayer without works, vigils, stop the violent walks and marches, press conferences, and Imma do speeches. We have to raise our kids, keep our schools open, promote trades the same way we do college, increase police presence and response time, and most importantly stop allowing ELECTED employees to use our tragedies as a very unproductive self-promoting platform with zero accountability a er the cameras are gone.

Bobby Mills, Ph.D.

Legacy Cont.

Unfortunately, Justice omas has gone a step further for a Righteous President to appoint him to the highest court in the land presenting himself as a righteous man with a universalized God conscience. Sadly, most Americans have been extremely disappointed both in Justice omas’s judicial temperament, moral judgments, and his exclusive judicial voting decisions (record). Justice omas’s non-inclusive mentality and judicial voting record has mentally, legally, socially, and economically hurt the USA, himself, and his family. Judas was known as the son of prediction in Jewish culture, and Justice omas is known as the Judas in Black culture. In fact, Justice omas has done immeasurable reputational harm to himself as well as the Black community. is is why, in the Black community, Justice omas is known as an Oreo, Black on the outside, White on the inside, and highly spiritually confused. However, with God there is only human beings, not de ned nor conditioned by skin-color. All of us come from the lineage of Adam and Eve, who were kicked out of the Garden of Eden, and now we are all born of a woman, with a few days, and full of trouble.

Judas kissed Jesus and betrayed him. Justice omas has told Blacks to kiss where the sun does not shine. Hence, Justice omas has betrayed the tenets of multi-cultural democracy, and the notion of being a strict constitutionalist via ultra-conservatism, which in turn, is socio-economic and ethnic exclusion. History will be the judge of Justice Clarence omas, and he will not be held in high esteem as was his predecessor, Justice urgood Marshall. To add insult to injury history will not be kind to his wife, because of her MAGA exclusionary White Privilege Oriented Activities. America, there is an accountability judgment day coming for us all, and the playing eld shall be leveled, because: “As it is appointed unto men once to die, but a er this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9: 27). is scriptural verse is also applicable to the rich men who did specialized favors for Justice omas, and his family. America, know this Justice omas is patiently waiting to

enjoy his plunder, anxiously praying for the Presidency of Donald J. Trump so he can retire, and e GOP can continue to stack the court with conservative exclusionary politicians, not democracy-oriented jurists. Just as a reminder, the Barn-Builder said: “this I will do”, I will tear down my barns, and build greater barns. But God said unto him, ou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.” (Luke 12: 18-20). e Barn Builder never received the opportunity to drink, eat, and be merry, because that night the Grand Reaper knocked on his door, and said your time is now, and all his earthly goods went to others. Be careful what you say and do materialistic hoarders, because: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverbs 18: 21). Justice omas’s judicial thinking and socio-economic philosophy concerning life were in uenced by omas Sowell. A noted Black economist who characterized Black students at Cornell protesting concerning perceived injustices as hoodlums. America is a nation that is comprised of citizens from around the world, and sometimes we are referred to as the melting-pot of the world community. erefore, everything we do and say must re ect the basic principles of a multi-cultural democratic society, and the highest court in the land should never be in uenced by partisan politics, only by law. Justice omas is an utter disgrace to God, self, and country, because he more so than any other justice has politicized the Supreme Court. America must always be the spiritual light on the hill that draws all individuals to the reality that equal is equal, not more or less equal by creatively living to the Godly principles of the Preamble and the U.S. Constitution. e Preamble to the Constitution should be canonized because of its spiritual moral truths: “that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”.

Harris

Cont.

Harris’s exposure to media during the civil rights era le an indelible mark on his aspirations. Witnessing disparities in media representation fueled his determination to challenge these narratives and amplify the voices of marginalized communities. His journey began as a quest to rede ne storytelling and media representation. Journey to Houston and Media Advocacy

Upon completing high school in 1969, Harris ventured to Houston in pursuit of education and employment opportunities. Houston’s diverse urban landscape provided fertile ground for his aspirations. He immersed himself in the world of media, driven by a passion to bridge societal divides through authentic storytelling. His career trajectory took shape as he delved into journalism and radio, where he carved out a space to elevate underrepresented voices. Harris’s work aimed to humanize issues o en overlooked by mainstream media, fostering empathy and understanding across cultural and racial lines. rough his e orts, he challenged stereotypes and ampli ed narratives that had long been silenced. In his role as radio talk show host at 1230am on

KCOH, he spoke his mind giving others the courage to speak theirs. Advocacy and Community Empowerment

Central to Michael Harris’s legacy is his commitment to community empowerment. Beyond the con nes of his professional career, Harris engaged actively with local organizations and initiatives aimed at upli ing disadvantaged communities. He understood the transformative potential of collective action and dedicated himself to fostering social change from the grassroots level. rough his involvement in community projects and advocacy work, Harris became a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, especially in his role at KCOH. He was named Houston’s Top Jock in 1986 and is a member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. His approach was grounded in the belief that lasting change begins with empowering individuals and communities to become agents of their own progress. His legacy underscores the importance of grassroots activism and the value of investing in community-driven initiatives.

Read more at aframnews.com

Read more at aframnews.com

Michael Harris, his wife and George Foreman

MEGAN THEE STALLION’S $35K DONATION

By: David Ellison (Commissioner Pct 1)

With a $35,000 donation from Grammy-awardwinning rapper Megan ee Stallion’s nonpro t organization and the help of 50plus volunteers, Harris County Precinct One wrapped up renovations today at the Finnigan Youth Education Town (YET), which included improving rooms for meditation activities, literacy, technology and ne arts.

selected

Megan ee Stallion’s Pete & omas Foundation, which honors her parents, also brought 50 volunteers who she calls “hotties” to the Fi h Ward community center to help with the renovations, which included painting, carpeting, new furniture, Apple products (MacBooks), state-of-theart podcasting hardware and so ware, as well as selected “banned” books.

their children from underserved and vulnerable communities. Programs are constructed with a well-rounded focus on recreational, educational, and socialemotional development.

“I want to personally thank Megan ee Stallion and her foundation for the generous support that will help us advance our mission to provide every child with activities and experiences

“banned” “I want to personally that will help and

thank Megan ee generous support mission to provide every child with activities and that nurture their body

mind, foster healthy behaviors, and help them develop essential life skills,” Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis said. “In particular, I’m extremely thankful for her contributions to improvements to the Literacy Room, which includes new banned books and space for meditation. As the right to read is under attack in Texas, which includes banning books and eliminating libraries in HISD, kids need safe

programming at our community centers for children and seniors to implementing alternative responses to policing and investing millions in reducing maternal mortality rates that disproportionately a ect Black women,” the proclamation reads. “We salute her unwavering love for the people of Houston and Harris County and mirror that deep commitment and investment.”

e YET, along with

At the YET, the Pete & omas Foundation funded renovations to the Literacy Room that addresses literacy loss and regression through hands-on tutoring and curricula by partner organizations like the Children’s Defense Fund spaces and robust access to literature.”

atmosphere where youth can take a brief retreat for meditation or re ection. Many who experience anxiety, frustration or uneasiness will bene t from a place to regroup. is also aligns with Megan ee Stallion’s initiatives on addressing anxiety and stress.

Also, Commissioner Ellis proclaimed ursday as “Megan ee Stallion Day.”

“. . . Harris County Precinct One invests in and champions causes Megan ee Stallion is in solidarity with – from pointed

e YET, along with the precinct’s Lincoln Community Center in Acres Homes, serves 5,000-plus children, teens, young adults and seniors annually.

In addition, the Literacy Room now includes meditation space for a serene, quiet and peaceful

e two centers o er free year-round, outof-school enrichment programming to caretakers and Freedom Schools. Before the renovations, YET’s hundreds of books were inaccessible because of the lack of bookshelves.

Another improved room is the Technology and Computer Lab. e old computers, while functional, were outdated. e lab now has functional equipment that is relevant to today’s world, including tablets, game consoles (with educational programs), STEM Kits and more. Most of the children served do not have access to this technology.

Read more at aframnews.com

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, center, smiles as Reese Norman, 9, left, and Kimorre Miles, 9, hold books at the Finnigan Youth Education Town’s renovated Literacy Room, thanks to a $35,000 donation from Megan Thee Stallion’s nonprofit Pete & Thomas Foundation.

LOCAL PRESIDENT OF COB

By: Council of Bishop The United Methodist Church

Before nearly 800 delegates and hundreds of observers, Bishop Tracy S. Malone, resident bishop of the East Ohio Conference, on Tuesday a ernoon took the mantle as the new president of the Council of Bishops (COB) of e United Methodist Church. In so doing, she became the rst Black woman in the history of the global denomination to ascend to the pinnacle of episcopacy leadership.

Bishop Malone accepted the gavel from outgoing President Bishop omas Bickerton to a standing ovation at the General Conference of e United Methodist Church, which is taking place at the Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C.

“I am honored to serve as the President of the Council of Bishops in the midst of these challenging and hope- lled times in the life of our beloved United Methodist Church,” she said. “Fresh winds of God’s spirit are moving across the Church and creating missional pathways for the next visible expression and witness of e United Methodist Church.”

Bishop Malone was elected as president during the COB meeting at Lake Junaluska in November last year. She will lead the COB for two years. “I stand here tonight hopeful, encouraged, grateful, and excitedly

expectant,” Bishop Malone said as she received the gavel at a COB meeting April 20, “for what God will do through my leadership and through our leadership together as we trust in God’s provisions for the now and the emerging next expression of e United Methodist Church.”

Bishop Malone said at that meeting that she is o ering nothing less than herself to the ministry of leading the COB.

“I am prepared to bring all of who I am and my gi s, wisdom, and experience to my role as President of the Council of Bishops and to my leadership and role in the Church,” she said.

Bishop Malone, who was elected bishop in 2016, added that she has “unshakable con dence” in how the bishops will lead the “whole church,” she said.

BLACK GIRLS DO ENGINEER

By: Jenifer Gulley

Black Girls Do Engineer recently signed an Education Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the National Security Agency in an e ort to continue playing a key role in developing science and technology talent for possible national security challenges.

e NSA’s collaborative H4I program is for students to have the opportunity to cultivate essential skills by deconstructing and analyzing NSA and Microso problem sets, all while collaborating and networking with government and industry partners. Students will form interdisciplinary teams and work to solve real-world NSA and Microso problem sets. At the end of a 12-week cohort, students exit the program with a minimum viable product ready for deployment.

She will lead a COB leadership Team that includes Bishop Ruben Saenz, resident bishop of the Central Texas and North Texas Conferences, as president-designate; Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, resident bishop of the South Carolina Conference as secretary; and Bishop omas J. Bickerton of the New York Conference as the past president of the Council. Read more at aframnews.com

e National Security Agency (NSA) partners with select universities and nonpro t organizations as part of the Agency’s Minority Serving Institution (MSI) Hacking 4 Intelligence (H4I) program. It is a program where the U.S. Government and industry partners, collaborate to solve national security problems. e program engages HBCU students and college bound students studying STEM disciplines. Black Girls Do Engineer, a 501c3 nonpro t organization that provides access, education and resources to Black students K-12 in STEM. Black Girls Do Engineer was selected to participate because of its stellar reputation in hosting cohorts of students through various STEM subjects including co-ed HBCU and High School programs, utilizing Microso technology to do so.

“ is partnership with NSA will allow our program to provide our cybersecurity resources and curriculum to Higher Education institutions through our developed BGDE digital infrastructure enhanced by Microso tools,” states Kara Branch the Founder and CEO of Black Girls Do Engineer.

Black Girls Do Engineer’s licensed STEM curriculum is committed to excellence in cyber defense education and research. Some of its programs include cybersecurity, arti cial intelligence, data science and a host of technical training.

Bishop Tracy S. Malone

DIFFERENCE

As a born-and-bred Texas company, H-E-B is committed to fostering a culture of diversity & inclusion in Texas, both in our workplaces and the communities we serve. Celebrating the differences and similarities of all Texans is integral to everything H-E-B does, every day, from employee recruitment to supplier registration, store locations to in-store product selection.