Vol. 29, Issue 24
A MODERN DAY BUFFALO SOLDIERS’ JOURNEY
By: Paul J. Matthews as told to Sharon C. Jenkins
As an African American leader in Houston, my journey has been shaped by several pivotal moments and experiences that have signi cantly in uenced my work and contributions to the community. Among these, the establishment of the Bu alo Soldiers National Museum stands out as a most cherished accomplishment. is museum not only demonstrates the ability of African Americans to create something inspiring but also highlights the incredible history and contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers, the black peacekeepers of the American West. These soldiers built camps, and railroads, delivered mail, maintained telegraph lines, and chased down outlaws, playing a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States.
One of the challenges I faced while pursuing my dreams was learning how to navigate the complexities of establishing and maintaining a museum. At the time, I was the Director of Military Sales for Merck, the world’s largest pharmaceutical company, overseeing all military installations in the US and Europe. This role afforded me the opportunity to travel extensively, which in turn enriched my understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and histories.
Re ecting on the current challenges young African Americans face, such as the Florida governor’s e orts to remove black history from school curricula, I emphasize the importance of black history as
AfricanAmericanNews&Issues:YourTrustedSource: 85,000WeeklyCirculations,212,500+Readers,and 147,000+FacebookCommunityandstillgrowing
We the People
We need to start holding each other accountable.
- Roy Douglas
By: Kiara Alfonseca
Reggie Jackson, a Major League Baseball legend and National Baseball Hall of Famer, openly recounted the racism he encountered while playing in Alabama, expressing, “I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.” During a Negro League tribute game at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, where he joined other Black baseball stars, Jackson re ected on the hardships he faced, including being subjected to racial slurs and denied service in restaurants and hotels because of his race.
“It was tough,” Jackson shared on a Fox Sports pregame show, recalling incidents where he was singled out with derogatory language.
He described an unsettling encounter at a country club dinner hosted by the Kansas City A’s owner, Charlie Finley, where he was initially barred entry until Finley intervened and insisted they leave for a more accepting place.
Malonson
EDITORIAL
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
By: Henry Lerma
Jesus did not come to see social change. He did not come to alter the tax code. He did not come to address economic issues. They were not a concern for him. Was he aware of them? Absolutely. He had perfect knowledge of absolutely everything. There was no abuse, no inequity that he was not fully aware of. He knew that there was a great need for social reform. He knew that there was a great need for tax reform. He knew that there was a great need for care of the poor and the sick who were believed, even by the Jews, to be under the punishment of God and who were treated with indifference and abused. He knew that widows were mistreated, orphans were mistreated.
And yet he never came to bring about a social revolution, his appeal was always to the hearts of men, it was always to the souls of men, not their political freedoms. It was not social justice that he sought. He didn’t participate in civil rights. He wasn’t involved in a crusade to abolish slavery. He preached the gospel, and he knew that all that is just and all that is equitable and all that good and all that is noble and all that is elevated will come when hearts are changed. He was interested in a new social order. He was interested in a new spiritual order, and so he didn’t come to create a new nation, he came to create the church.
The only appropriate response is and always has been a return to the word of God to resolve our differences. For it is there that God has revealed to us all the truth we need to serve him and live for his glory. Unfortunately, as we have seen so often, movements tend to turn people inward, toward mysticism and subjectivity, and away from the word of God. Don’t heed that siren call.
A Revival of God Consciousness
Respectfully,
Henry Lerma
e slang characterization for the editorial title is Uncle Toms in ree Piece Suits. is slang references individuals who are completely confused concerning their self-identity. Uncle Toms will continue to exist if the Black community remains spiritually divided on how best to live within a capitalistic society based upon vulgar materialism and slave labor. Black men who are supportive of Trumpism are still excessively obedient and servile to the concept of White male privilege. ere are two ways individuals can de ne themselves, internally and externally. Internal selfidentity is based upon the reality of God, because God knew us before we were conceived in our mother’s womb. We are amid untold confusion in American society, and it is extremely di cult to have a Christian mindset, because: “in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural a ection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, erce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3: 1-5).
Too many men in three-piece suits have an external selfidentity pro le based solely upon materialism. God knew us before we had knowledge of ourselves, we should obey God with clean hearts and pure souls, because: “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshipped with men’s hands as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; and hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;” (Acts 17: 24-26). Hence, individuals should worship God with a perfect heart and sound mind, not worship material things. God deserves our perfect devotion, “dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from eshly lusts, which war against the soul;” (1 Peter 2: 11). Most of all, be not confused and deceived by an ungodly wantto-be dictator and his MAGA-Cult followers who are boldly of the world. e Bible admonishes us: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If a man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the esh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” (1 John 2: 15-17).
Bobby Mills, Ph.D.
EDITORIAL
By Zibora Gilder Tales and Tastes from the South
REFLECTING
With the world in constant motion and recent Supreme Court decisions making headlines, it’s essential to remember the greats of the past. urgood Marshall’s birthday, coming up on July 2nd, reminds us of his incredible legacy. As the rst Black Supreme Court Justice, Marshall played a pivotal role in the Brown vs. Board of Education decision.
His dedication to family and community is truly inspiring. Picture young urgood, working in his father’s restaurant, earning a $20 tip from a belligerent, racist senator. at experience taught him to navigate a system designed to disenfranchise and humiliate minorities, turning adversity into sweet, southern lemonade. Marshall’s rejection from the University of Maryland fueled his drive to become one of the most strategic and diligent lawyers of his time. is setback motivated him to win cases that paved the way for the historic Brown vs. Board of Education decision. His tenacity and understanding of which battles to ght and where to ght them showcased his genius and innovative mind.
In stark contrast, Supreme Court Justice Clarence omas o en seems to undermine the very paths that allowed him to inherit his position. Michael Waldman on MSNBC described omas’s approach as “originalism,” meaning only laws rooted in history and tradition are valid. is perspective suggests that the views of property-owning white men from the 1700s should govern modern America. Bless his heart! Overturning crucial legislation during such a critical election year highlights the need for vigilance.
Honoring urgood Marshall’s legacy is more important than ever. With six Texas Supreme Court seats up for either re-election or new appointments, educating oneself about the candidates is vital. e Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the highest appellate court in Texas for criminal cases, decides every appeal on the Texas death penalty.
Additionally, the Houston 1st and 14th Court of Appeals have vacant seats. Candidates such as Brendetta Scott, Sarah Beth Landau, Julie Countiss, Richard Hightower, Amber Boyd-Lora, Velda Renita Faulkner, Charles Spain, Frances Bourliot, Megan Hassan, and Margaret “Meg” Passant are running for these positions. Understanding their platforms and decision-making processes is essential.
From one southern belle to another, it’s time to use the power at hand. urgood Marshall once said, “Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. is is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.”
Recipe of the Month: Pineapple Coconut Cake
No southern re ection is complete without a sweet treat. is month’s delight is a Pineapple Coconut Cake, adapted from grandbaby-cakes.com. It’s perfect for enjoying on a porch swing with a cool glass of sweet tea.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp coconut extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups cake our
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
For the frosting:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp coconut extract
• 1 cup sweetened shred-
American history. It is crucial for young people to understand where we came from and the struggles we endured. e story of the Bu alo Soldiers, who served not just for themselves but for future generations, inspired me deeply. I rst learned about them as an ROTC cadet at Prairie View A&M University in the 1960s, reading just two paragraphs in a military book. is small glimpse sparked my lifelong fascination with these brave men and their blue uniforms.
Growing up in a segregated America in the 1940s, I attended historically black institutions, which shaped my worldview and instilled a strong sense of resilience and determination. My experiences in the military and subsequent exposure to the rich history of African Americans further fueled my desire to contribute meaningfully to my community.
profound moment occurred at the Houston rodeo during Black History Day. Our display featured reenactments and a young boy was so moved by the experience that he hugged the reenactor and tearfully declared, “I’m a Bu alo Soldier.” is powerful moment rea rmed the importance of our work and its impact on the younger generation.
roughout my career, I have always been inspired by the tenacity and determination of the Bu alo Soldiers. eir motto, “Ready and Forward,” and the 9th Cavalry’s “We Can, We Will,” resonate deeply with me and have been guiding principles in my life. ese mottos instill enthusiasm and perseverance, traits that I strive to embody and pass on to others.
my personal and professional goals. A particularly memorable moment at the museum was when a group from Paris, France, visited speci cally to see the Bu alo Soldiers National Museum. Considering Houston’s numerous cultural attractions, their visit underscored the museum’s international signi cance and the univer-
Houston is known for its rich cultural diversity, and I have strived to enhance this diversity through both my personal and professional goals. A particularly memorable moment at the museum was when a group from Paris, France, visited speci cally to see the Bu alo Soldiers National Museum. Considering Houston’s numerous cultural attractions, their visit underscored the museum’s international signi cance and the universal appeal of the Bu alo Soldiers’ story. Another
One of the most signi cant contributions I have made to the greater Houston community is the establishment of the Bu alo Soldiers National Museum. e museum serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, showcasing the achievements of black soldiers and their role in shaping American history. ROTC programs, students, and visitors from around the world come to the museum and leave with a newfound appreciation for these unsung heroes. As a living legend and role model, I hope to leave a legacy that encourages future generations of African American leaders to follow their dreams,
GOING OUT OF BUSINESS SALE
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FROM 11AM TO 4PM
ILLEGAL DUMPING
By Travis McGee
Illegal dumping is a city/county problem that has plagued Black and Brown communities for decades now. We all know illegal dumping is wrong as well as it being a crime however it’s not treated as such in Black and Brown communities.
all know it wouldn’t remain there for months at a time and we also know it would be properly and thoroughly investigated.
Allowing the illegal dumping to remain in our ditches, public streets, drainage, infrastructure, and etc. for months at a time is also a crime. e victims of the illegal dumping are communities all across the city of Houston and Harris County, but believe it or not the community is o en blamed for the crime vs. the person(s) actually committing the crime. e residents are asked to call 3-1-1 or various other numbers only to witness the dumpsites to remain and grow for months at a time.
ere’s no such thing as a bad community, you simply have good and bad people coming in and out of them.
e good people welcome good proactive illegal dumping enforcement initiatives versus excuses and more illegal dumping, however the only people the lack of enforcement bene ts are the illegal dumpers.
We o en hear the city and the county say we need to work together but in reality, they don’t work together on a more productive /proactive basis to maximize services and resources that bene ts the taxpayers.
For decades now illegal dumping, environmental hazards, and quality of life issues have been very well documented in Black and Brown communities across our city and county, with very little improvements or notable solutions. I doubt if someone dumped next to city hall or commissioners court they wouldn’t get caught on tape, arrested, prosecuted, and etc. in a matter of minutes. I also doubt if they would call 3-1-1 versus a department to get it removed in a matter of minutes. We
Just last year Black and Brown communities across the City of Houston led a complaint with the Department of Justice claiming discriminatory practices of the City of Houston regarding illegal dumping in Houston, Tx. We are told to call 3-1-1 only for the cases to be CLOSED days if not minutes a er you call it in. 311 excuses or 3-months, 1 week, and 1 day for them to even get to the problem, either way it unacceptable. To most of us that still rely on commonsense “CLOSED” normally means the problem has been thoroughly investigated and solved (meaning cleaned up and any possible violators prosecuted versus none of the above. If the dumping is still present there’s no logical reason for the case to be closed unless it’s to manipulate the numbers, just like with the crime lab.
One Clean Houston was pretty much a reactive initative to the complaint led by the Black and Brown communities to the Department of Justice. is initiative was supposed to allocate approximately 18 million for cameras, investigators, rapid cleanup, better enforcement, prevention/ education, and etc.
In closing I think sim-
LOCAL
TEXAS AMONG TOP STATES BEING TARGETED BY DEBT COLLECTION SCAMS
By: Gretchen Andsager
Americans now owe over $1 Trillion in credit card debt, it may come as no surprise that younger generations are nding themselves targeted by opportunistic scammers. A new report by BadCredit.org revealed 78% of millennials and Gen Z report being targets of debt collection scams. When it comes to the states dealing with the most debt collection scams, Texas had the sixth most debt collection scams at 48.5 per 100,000 people in 2023. States with the most debt collection scams
ranked (per 100,000):
1. Georgia: 77.8
2. Delaware: 63.1
3. Florida: 61.6
4. Nevada: 59.1
5. South Carolina: 57.9
6. Texas: 48.5
7. Tennessee: 46.7
8. Alabama: 45. 4 & Louisiana: 45.4
9. Maryland: 44.0
10. North Carolina: 42.8
On average, young adults have lost $3,067 to scams so far in their lifetime and nearly half (46%) of millennials and Gen Zers are concerned about falling victim to a nancial scam.
In 2023, the FTC
received more than 124,400 debt collection scam reports. e most common types of scams young adults report falling victim to? Phishing, identity the , and mobile payment scams.
How to Identify a Debt Collection Scam
While debt collection is legal, there are important rights Americans have under the law and tips to help you identify a legitimate debt collector from a scam. According to the FTC, debt collectors can call you, message you on social media, or send letters, emails, or text messages. However, a collector
your debt collection rights.
Debt collectors are not allowed to harass, threaten, use profane language, lie, or call you more than seven times within a one-week period.
To learn how to identify a debt collection
scam, take a look at the full report and let me know if you have any questions!
https://www.badcredit. org/studies/debt-collection-scams-by-state/
has to give you validation information about the debt within ve days of their rst contact. ey must tell you their name and mailing address, the name of the creditor you owe, how much money you owe, what to do if you don’t think it’s your debt, and AA
This year, 2024 the G.W. Carver class of 1964 is planning a reunion gathering to celebrate sixty (60) years after graduating from Panther Land. All George Washington Carver High School attendees from the years of 1950 -1978 and guest, friends & family are invited to attend. We look forward to seeing everyone! From 6:00PM-Midnight “Cash Bar” // Ticket Price: $80 per person Attire: “Dress to Impress” Payment Options: Please send by Zelle to: dflake@ekalf.net or Linda Austin -832-660-1600
Mail checks to: Linda Austin // 7355 Walkers Forest Dr. Houston, Texas 77088 On Memo Line: G.W. C.1964 60th Class Reunion
All payments must be received by August 14, 2024
Method of making Reservations for Rooms at the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow. Reservations for the event will be made by individual attendees directly with Marriott reservations via reservations link or by Calling 1(888) 236-2427. Traditional Guestrooms $89.00 per night. Please reference “George Washington Carver C/O 1964 60th Reunion.” Reservations must be received by Friday, August 23, 2024.
Georgetta Harding Johnson 214-228-2625 geo_h_johnson@yahoo.com Verna Hatchett Jordan 281-260-0577 Vj_mink@hotmail.com
Dorothy Flake 832-723-3172 dflake@ekalf.net
Linda Baldwin Austin 281-445-3974 or 832-660-1600 austinlafox@yahoo.com
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
e Houston Independent School District is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may log in to view speci cations and submit their responses at the following link https://houstonisd.ionwave. net/Login.aspx until 5:00 p.m. (CST) Wednesday, July 24, 2024, for the following supplemental solicitation for the following projects: RFP 24-04-07 Career and Technical Education Pre-proposal conferences via Microso Teams will be held in conjunction with this RFP. Information regarding dates, times, and a link to join the meeting can be located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab speci c to this solicitation.
POLITICAL
BEN CARSON ASSERTS TRUMP WILL MAINTAIN AFRICAN AMERICAN SUPPORT
By: Miranda Nazzaro
Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson expressed his belief on Sunday that former President Trump will continue to attract African American voters because he is “not a conventional politician.”
Carson highlighted Trump’s appeal, stating, “ e reason that many in the minority community are gravitating towards Trump is because he doesn’t follow the typical political playbook of testing the winds.” He
emphasized Trump’s directness and decisiveness, noting, “When he commits to something, he follows through. ere’s no ambiguity about his intentions; he’s transparent and resolute, with a track record to show.”
Carson, who served under Trump, praised the former president’s actions bene ting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and his initiatives in prison reform.
“He doesn’t just talk the talk, he
walks the walk, and this resonates. I believe he will continue to attract support, not only from the African American community but from all walks of life,” Carson a rmed.
Recent polling indicates a growing level of support for Trump among Black voters, traditionally a stronghold for Democrats. According to aggregated polling data from CNN, Trump could capture as much as 20% of the Black vote.
Both Biden and Trump have intensi ed e orts to court Black voters, with Trump making appearances in cities like the South Bronx and Detroit and launching initiatives targeting Black Americans ahead of Juneteenth.
In contrast, Biden’s campaign has launched “Black Voters for BidenHarris,” aiming to rally support within the Black community.
National polling suggests a tight race between Trump and Biden, with Trump currently holding a slight lead of 0.6 percentage points in polling indexes.
FIRST BLACK MAYOR IN RURAL ALABAMA
By: Aallyah Wright
Patrick Braxton is overwhelmed with gratitude. He’s been juggling a year’s long legal battle to serve as the lawful mayor of his hometown, Newbern, Alabama. After years of harassment, his rural town enters a new chapter: Its rst Black mayor will nally get to serve.
Braxton will be reinstated as mayor of Newbern, according to a proposed settlement reached on June 21. e settlement awaits the signature of U.S. District Judge Kristi K. DuBose.A er 60 years of no elections, residents will get to exercise their right to vote. e town has also pledged to hold regular municipal elections beginning in 2025.
In nearly a year since Capital B was among the rst to report on Braxton’s ght, he has garnered support locally and nationally.
On a recent morning in May, he traveled nearly three hours from his hometown to Mobile for a preliminary injunction hearing, asking the courts to demand the town hold regular elections in November. When he and his council members arrived, they were met by a busload of
more than 30 residents who also traveled nearly three hours to showcase their support.
In 2020, Braxton became the rst Black mayor in Newbern and experienced harassment and intimidation for doing so. However, the previous majority-white town council blocked him from the post.
He and his council led a federal civil rights lawsuit against them in 2022 for conspiring to deny his civil rights and position because of his race, challenging the racially
discriminatory voting and electoral practices in Newbern in the process, Capital B previously reported.
For at least 60 years, there’s been no elections in this 80% Black town of fewer than 200 people, which Braxton’s attorneys argued is a violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and due process under the Fourteenth Amendment. e Act provides an avenue to challenge states and jurisdictions using racially discriminatory voting policies.
