Volume 29 Issue 19

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

THE VISION UNVEILED

By: Shelley McKinley, Ed.D.

Booker T. Washington (BTW) High School –Houston ISD, named a er the most in uential spokesman for Black Americans between 1881 and 1915, is working to achieve what other schools aspire to do which is graduate global citizens. Building on their partnership between the Rydings College in Zimbabwe, Africa, along with support of elected o cials and the BTW 125 Committee, Principal Dr. Carlos R. Phillips II allows his students to solve global issues through engineering. Recently the school unveiled a commissioned life-sized statue of Booker T. Washington in the BTW HS Plaza to cel-

ebrate the school’s illustrious history as well as share ‘ e Vision’ with the community.

e oldest living male and female graduates of BTW HS, Rev. Dr. F.N. Williams (c/o ‘1945) and Pastor of Antioch M.B.C, and Mrs. Charlotte K. Bryant (c/o 1948), Executive Director of the Blue Triangle MCA, Inc., were on hand to pull the cords at the unveiling. Rev. Dr. F.N. Williams exclaimed, “BTW! ere ought to be some shouts in this house, the greatest high school in the United States of America!”

We the People

We need to start holding each other accountable.

- Roy Douglas Malonson

State Representative Senfronia Thompson

TRAILBLAZER IN TEXAS POLITICS

By: Sharon C. Jenkins

Senfronia ompson is a name that resonates with the echoes of history and the relentless pursuit of justice and equality. Growing up in Houston, ompson’s journey from a college student at Texas Southern University to a revered state representative is a testament to her enduring commitment to civil rights and social justice. Her experiences during the turbulent times of segregation and the civil rights movement have profoundly shaped her career and life.

Early Life and Education

ompson’s formative years were marked by the harsh realities of segregation. As a college student at Texas Southern University, she was thrust into the forefront of the civil rights movement. e pivotal moment that ignited her lifelong activism was her participation in a sit-in at a segregated drugstore. She recalls, “During those days, everything was segregated.

By Travis McGee

We are just weeks before hurricane season and on May 16, 2024, we experienced “Derecho” the storm before the storm that was as unpredictable as Houston’s weather. Derecho struck on the 16th of May and lasted to midday of the 17th of May.

Hurricane season starts June 1st and ends November 30th, so have we gotten a sneak preview of a very active hurricane season? Earlier indications are predicting just that. ere is a highly active season anticipated due to the combination of La Nina and record water temperatures in the Atlantic as well as the Gulf of Mexico. On average there are about 14 named storms during hurricane season, but this season has at least 20 named storms thus far.

I am no weatherman, but I have lived in this city for over 50 years now and have witnessed how unpredictableweather is here in Houston. When we do experience a storm it is usually one of historical proportions a ecting Houston residents nancially, damaging property, and most importantly ending human life.

Sometimes the a ermath of the storm is worse than the storm itself for many reasons, because of failing infrastructure, drainage issues, lack of resources, FEMA, insurance disputes, etc. just to name a few. Hurricane season can have a mental, physical, and

psychological e ect on you because of past storms. Residents being without electricity and AC in the Houston heat for weeks at a time is beyond torture. is is o en compounded with having to deal with FEMA and insurance companies that tend to drag their feet answering claims and rendering the needed nancial assistance.

Make no mistake about it Houston has seen some of the worse storms in the history of the United States and the winds alone from “Derecho” were compared to Hurricane Alicia which was a Category 3 hurricane that hit Houston in August of 1983. Alicia caused over 3 billion dollars in damage and claimed 21 lives. So, winds being compared to Alicia are very alarming since some of hers were up to 130 mph.

ough this recent storm did not a ect the cityin the same way citywide, we still had casualties, property loss, damages, blackouts, etc. Schools, homes, businesses, and downtown Houston were all a ected.

In times like these, we must know the di erence between NEEDS and WANTS. e victims of the storm need help. On the otherhand, the opportunists of the storm want attention and free stu . If you are fortunate enough to have a roof over your head with electricity and AC considering the fact that people have died in this storm, you are blessed. Everyone should allow those that need the help to get help, prioritize NEEDs over WANTS. I personally live in the SouthPark Sunnyside area of Houston and we came out surprisingly good this time.

Stewardship is an essential spiritual element of God conscience as well as human community, because: “ e earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Psalm 24: 1). Every individual is a steward or caretaker, and all individuals must be wholeheartedly committed to the proper stewardship management of the earth and its natural resources. Unfortunately, Christian Right Evangelicals, e GOP, White Nationalists, Fox “FAKE” News, and some spiritually misguided Blacks and other minorities believe that climate change is a hoax. How malnourished of the brain can one be? Climate change is the result of ungodly, devilish, and improper stewardship management of the earth and its resources. Wasting natural resources is a sin. Human beings not only exploit each other but seek to exploit God, nature, and natural resources, as well. In doing so, we are leaving our children and children’s children an inhabitable planet. God has an admonition for environmental exploiters: “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” (Colossians 3: 23-25).

America, it happened again, attempting to play God has become a dangerous lifestyle proposition. e weekend of May 17th, 2024, in the metroHouston area we experienced another disastrous e ect of lack of environmental stewardship. Climate change is real. Climate change is not a hoax. America, we must spiritually learn how to be faithful stewards to foster eternal faith in God, and free-will obedience to the principles of God. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells a parable about a superslick accountant regarding stewardship: “ ere was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and said unto him, how is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. en the steward said within himself, what shall I do?” (Luke 16: 1-2). America, we are in a what shall I do predicament? Too many individuals are destroying their own natural environments for the love of money. e Bible spiritually asks the question: will a man rob God? Of course, we know that some men will rob God, their children, others, and ultimately themselves, and this is why we have climate change environmental problems. In the twenty- rst century, God is asking us to give account of our stewardship responsibilities of the earth, its natural resources, as well as our faithfulness and accountability to each other. e primary climate change problem is created by the petrochemical industry, and we all know that there are other sources of energy that we can e ciently utilize.

Bobby Mills, Ph.D.

Cont.

Mrs. Charlotte K. Bryant followed by saying, “I’m just so thrilled to see that Eagles still soar!” ey served as a living bridge between the past and the future of BTW HS.

e Vison includes allowing students to solve today’s problems with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). To date students have produced alternative energy sources such wind turbines, and created rockets that are launched to record breaking heights, while including travel to Zimbabwe to see rst-hand how STEM improves life for Zimbabweans by providing electricity and clean water. Dr. Phillips is tiptoeing into STEAM with the addition of Art, changing STEM to STEAM. e statue sculptor, Bridgette Mongeon, has actively been involved with BTW HS and the BTW 125 Committee over 10 years to bring this sculpture to fruition. “You will see one man’s vision, and how

the use of other people’s talents and gi s can create an amazing work. You are also going to witness what our students are doing here in Houston and also doing in Zimbabwe with the students of Ryders College,” shared Dr. Phillips.

e unveiling was a ceremonious event led by Co-Masters of Ceremonies, Mr. and Miss BTW HS in the auditorium of the school located on Yale Street. Rev. Terry K. Anderson of Lilly Grove MBC provided the Invocation followed by Lorraine Gibbs, Chairperson of the BTW125 and Engineering instructor, Dr. Nghia Le, who shared that this is the 50th year for the Engineering Program at BTW HS. He has been on sta for 20 years. Dr. Le remarked, “A second attempt of the rocket launch achieved lio in 2015.

Attendees at the unveiling of a commissioned life-sized statue of Booker T. Washington in the BTW HS Plaza

EDUCATION

LONE STAR COLLEGE GRANTS EMERITA TITLE TO DISTINGUISHED PROFESSORS

By: Roycelyn Bastian

e Lone Star College Board of Trustees awarded the title of Professor Emerita to Annie Beni eld, Ph.D., LSC-Tomball and Joan McAninch Samuelson, Ph.D., LSC-Kingwood during the May board meeting.

IF MY DREAMS DON’T SCARE ME THEY AREN’T BIG ENOUGH

By: Alicia Marcha

work has transformed colleagues and the title of

“Lone Star College is proud of the sel ess dedication of Dr. Beni eld and Dr. Samuelson,” said Mario K. Castillo, J.D., LSC chancellor. “ eir work has transformed the lives of students and colleagues and the title of Emerita is an expression of the college’s gratitude for their outstanding service.”

the political process with the hopes of transforming them into civicallyengaged citizens.

Upon the Chancellor’s recommendation, the Board may confer the “Emerita” title upon retiring faculty, administrators or sta to recognize signi cant contributions to the college through long and distinguished service in administration, teaching, support, or other service.

Beni eld began teaching political science at LSC-Tomball in 1998 and remained until she retired in 2021. During her tenure, she received the LSC-Tomball Advance Equity Award, a faculty excellence service award and was named teacher of the month by the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce.

Beni eld aimed to facilitate students’ learning about democracy and

“I chose to work in education because I wanted to have a meaningful impact in society, similar to my past educators who had an indelible impact on my growth and development,” said Beni eld. “A er serving as a faculty member for 23 years, I am deeply humbled and honored by such an extraordinary tribute from Lone Star College. Emerita status lets me remain engaged in academia.”

Beni eld helped to organize Constitution Day at the college, served as the Texas Community College Teachers Association president, chaired the Social Sciences Department and served as the League of Women Voters of Houston president in 2022. She earned

a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Alabama A&M University, a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from Clark Atlanta University and a Ph.D. from e University of New Orleans.

Samuelson was one of the founding faculty members of LSC-Kingwood in 1984 and retired this May a er 40 years of service. As a dedicated English professor, she has won numerous innovation and faculty fellow awards, helped launch LSC Honors College, and was a pioneer in Online Learning, having taught online courses before LSC had a dedicated LMS. Additionally, she worked as a website designer for LSC-Kingwood before the systemwide site.

ing because it is the one dream that is big and scary. Big because I will and every day with

ations. How much I learn throughout my nursing journey

I have a Monster’s Inc. t-shirt that says, “If Your Dreams Don’t Scare You ey Aren’t BIG Enough.” Every time I wear it I think, “Are my dreams big enough? Are they scary?” I truly believe that nursing is my calling because it is the one dream that is big and scary. Big because I will be helping others each and every day with sometimes life altering situations. How much I learn and retain throughout my nursing journey could

save someone’s life one day. How big is that? Scary because I won’t be able to save everyone. e rst time I ever thought about becoming a nurse was in my late teens. I was working at a hospital as a Dietary Technician. I remember knowing the faces of some of the

the faces of some of the regular pa-

they saw a familiar and friendly face. e most impactful person from my hospital experiences was my niece, born at 24 weeks and spent months in to the hospital

tients and knowing when they had been there previously. ey knew that I remembered them and I could tell that they appreciated that they weren’t just another patient to me. When I would smile and speak, their face would light up because they saw a familiar and e most impactful person from my hospital experiences was my niece, born at 24 weeks and spent months in the NICU. I went to the hospital

Dreams on pg. 5

Dr. De’ Reese Reid-Hart, Lone Star College Montgomery President and Alicia Antonia Marcha, Associate Degree in Nursing Graduate.

Joan McAninch Samuelson, Ph.D., LSC-Kingwood English professor and Annie Benifield, Ph.D., LSCTomball political science professor.

almost every day. When she was about to be discharged months later, I took First Aid/CPR and a few other courses so I could help care for her when she came home. She wore a heart monitor constantly and I had to administer oxygen to her whenever I fed her. She was so beautiful and resilient. I cared for her without a second thought.

I wish I could say that I immediately switched my major and went to nursing school but I didn’t. I was already in school to get a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and completed that while working for the Acres Home Center for Business and Economic Development. While there I helped create and run a Youth Entrepreneur Program and the construction of the Beulah Ann Shepard Building.

en I became a stay at home mom/volunteer/substitute teacher/ Mother’s Day Out teacher/Sunday school teacher/volunteer assistant coach/group tness instructor/group tness manager. I feel that all of these experiences led me right back to where I needed to be. No matter where I am or what I do, I am always caring for someone.

A er going through the fear of a biopsy and possibly having breast cancer, I nally realized that my moment is now. My benign mass was my door to something more meaningful. It told me to live my life to the fullest each and every

day. I made making a di erence and positively impacting those around me without sacri cing my dreams and aspirations a priority. Starting nursing school was the next step in my journey. It not only challenged me but through courage, time management, hard work, and perseverance, it has also empowered not only myself but others.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”(Aesop). I strive each and every day to go out, spread kindness, and light up the world. What better way to do that than through nursing.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic my mom called and asked me if I still wanted to become a nurse. I said, “Yes, now more than ever.” Nurses were on the frontline day in and day out ghting COVID-19. ey are true heroes and I am honored to work alongside them saving lives one patient at a time.

August 2022, I graduated from nursing school as a Licensed Vocational Nurse a er working as a Nursing Tech while in school.

May 2024, I graduated with an Associate Degree in Nursing and will begin my journey as a Registered Nurse while continuing to pursue my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Like Oprah said, “ ink like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness.”

LIFELONG DEMOCRAT. THE LEADER WE TRUST. THE FIGHTER WE KNOW.

your vote is your voice. don’t be silenced in this election — get out and vote may 28th for democrat jarvis johnson for texas senate

Jarvis has fought for our community on City Council and in the Texas House. He‘s laid it all on the line for our voting rights, healthcare, and public

Now, he needs YOUR vote to win.

LOCAL

FIRST TO SAIL 10 MILLION GUESTS FROM GALVESTON

By: Aria Bell

Marking a Texas-sized milestone today, Carnival Cruise Line further solidi ed its position as the market leader in Galveston, Texas, becoming the rst cruise operator to embark 10 million guests from the port. Carnival Cruise Line recognized Marsha Taulton of Houston as the 10 millionth Carnival guest cruising from Galveston on Carnival Breeze.

leading cruise operator sailing year-round from the port. Carnival ships o er a variety of itineraries from Galveston, with dozens of options available into the spring of 2026, visiting popular destinations across the Caribbean and e Bahamas.

I had the opportunity to participate in the sit-in strikes, where we would occupy places that served food, knowing they wouldn’t serve us. We just sat there, occupying the seats so they couldn’t serve anyone else.”

Society, the Legislator of the Year Award from the Texas Family Law Foundation, a Friend of County Government Award from the Texas Association of Counties and was named one of the most outstanding legislators by Capitol Inside’s rst All-Decade Team for 2000s and one of the Top 10 Best Legislators by Capitol Inside and Texas Tribune, two popular online political subscriptions.

of breast cancer. Mental Health and Juvenile Justice ompson’s legislative e orts also encompass mental health and juvenile justice. She has worked to secure signicant funding to provide mental health services for seniors and young people in her district.

Champion for Civil Rights and Education

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

landmark embarkation. that speaks to the suc-

e 10 millionth guest milestone follows an expansion of Carnival service at the port that began with the introduction of the cruise line’s new agship, Carnival Jubilee, which was the rst new cruise ship to be christened in Galveston. e expansion continues in October when Carnival Miracle begins sailing from Galveston and completes a four-ship deployment strategy. At the end of this year, Carnival’s guest capacity in Galveston is expected to increase by 20 percent compared to last year, carrying more than 800,000 guests. Carnival launched the

the port and the greater Carnival launched the rst year-round cruise program from Galveston in 2000 and continues to be the

Taulton and her husband, Paul, were welcomed aboard by Capt. Isidoro Renda and Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO Rodger Rees, and the ship’s team led an impromptu celebration of the landmark embarkation. “ is is an achievement that speaks to the success of our longstanding partnership with the port and the greater Galveston community,” said Christine Du y, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We are grateful to our guests who have sailed with us from Galveston over the past two decades, continually driving the popularity of this homeport forward. e future is certainly bright, as we’re delighted to welcome more guests aboard than ever before from this great city – next stop, 20 million!”

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One particular incident stands out vividly in her memory. ompson and other students faced a life-threatening situation when a white man brandishing a double-barrel shotgun threatened to kill them. Despite the imminent danger, they remained seated, paralyzed by fear yet resolute in their mission. is harrowing experience solidi ed ompson’s commitment to the cause, as she hoped her actions would pave the way for future generations to live in an integrated society.

Legislative Career ompson’s journey from the sit-ins of Houston to the halls of the Texas Legislature is a story of perseverance and dedication. Elected in 1972, she has been serving for over 50 years, becoming one of the longest-serving women in the history of the Texas Legislature. Her legislative achievements are numerous and impactful, re ecting her deep commitment to social justice, women’s rights, and education.

Rep. ompson received the Patient Care Champion Care Award in 2011 from the Harris County Medical

One of ompson’s notable legislative battles was her relentless ght against discrimination in higher education. She recalls the disparity in resources between predominantly white institutions and historically black colleges like Prairie View A&M University, where she earned her master’s degree. ompson’s advocacy led to signi cant funding and resources for Prairie View, ensuring that future generations of students would have access to quality education and facilities.

Advocacy for Women’s Rights

roughout her career, ompson has been a staunch advocate for women’s rights. In her rst legislative session, she played a crucial role in passing legislation that allowed women to obtain credit cards and property in their own names, a signi cant step towards gender equality. Her work extended to healthcare, where she championed the inclusion of 3D mammograms in insurance coverage, ensuring early detection

Recognizing the importance of these services, she ghts tirelessly to ensure they are available to those in need, demonstrating her commitment to the well-being of her constituents.

Re ections on Progress and Regression ompson’s perspective on the current state of civil rights and social justice is one of cautious optimism tempered by concern. While acknowledging the progress made since the days of segregation, she is deeply troubled by recent regressions, particularly the decisions of the United States Supreme Court that threaten to undo decades of progress.

“When I look at the Supreme Court, it’s heartbreaking. e struggles we fought for, the marches, the protests, all seem to be under threat,” she laments.

ompson’s re ections highlight the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities. She draws parallels between past and present struggles, emphasizing that the ght for equality is far from over.

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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.