“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
PERSISTENCE
By Anthony Zurcher
Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday night, delivering a speech which hit the key notes her campaign wanted - but had only rare moments of soaring rhetoric and broke little new ground. The ground-breaking was in the nature of the nominee herself - the first woman of colour to become a major party’s presidential nominee. “Never let anyone tell you who you are,” Ms Harris said. “You show them who you are.”
But for roughly 45 minutes on Thursday, she tried to tell Americans who she is - and what she would do if she wins the White House. Here are four takeaways from her conventionclosing remarks.
1. Harris promoted her middle class roots
Many Americans know who Ms Harris is, but not many know what she believes in or details of her background. First and foremost, her convention speech set
Your vote and your money are the two most powerful things you have. Be careful who you give them to.
- Roy Douglas Malonson
By: AP News
Join us as we celebrate the life and legacy of Justin “BeatKing” Riley.
Justin’s memorial service will be held August 29, 2024 at Bayou City Event Center. His gathering of family and friends will be a celebration of his humble spirit and fun energy. Admission is by ticket only as capacity is limited. Tickets will not be available at the venue or on the day of his service.
Please wear all black clothing or your favorite BeatKing Shirt. We will serve Justin’s favorite foods, provided by Cali Kitchen. The Memorial Service for Justin “BeatKing” Riley Event Information We welcome you to join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Justin “BeatKing” Riley at Persistence on pg. 3 Beatking on pg. 4
EDITORIAL
A Revival of God Consciousness
Bobby Mills, Ph.D.
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
America it is attempting to be judgmental, but only God can judge the heart of the human mind. Since the election of Donald J. Trump in 2016, America has been in a tunnel of sinful darkness headed towards another Civil War. The reality of God is coming on November 5th, 2024, with the election of VP Harris as President. God said let there be light, and darkness was dispelled, quickly. America when God speaks it is over, change is on the way, and there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel that represents justice, freedom, and equality for all. Sadly, in 2016, we momentarily lost spiritual sight of the
light at the end of the tunnel representing who we say we are in the Preamble and the U. S. Constitution. America, we have been in MAGA spiritual darkness far too long, and it is time to move on, toward that eternal light of democratic multi-cultural inclusion, because God has said: “if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1: 7). Prayerfully, in the eternal spiritual light of God, we shall never again see skincolor before we see individual moral character. Praise God, and more importantly, we will never again waste our greatest resources, each other, and our God-given human talents, because of the spiritual darkness concerning racism. Thus, it has rightly been said: “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” The Preamble to the U. S. Constitution is one of the most important documents in human history:
ARE SMART PHONES MAKING OUR KIDS DUMB?
Cell phones used to be the universal status symbol, necessary to making your child “cool” among friends. Now they are indispensable to their safety, to promote their technological literacy, and to keep parents informed of their whereabouts. Or are they? Multiple studies show school children’s screen time use leads to misconduct, hyperactivity, and inattention. Increased use of tech is associated with lethargy, obesity, depression, insomnia, and social isolation.
Emily Cherkin, a middle school teacher, observed the presence of smartphones transforming the lives of her students. Now her job is a screen-time consultant,
educating parents about their dangers. “I have talked to hundreds of parents,” Cherkin reports, “and no one has ever said to me, ‘I wish I gave my kid a phone earlier’ or ‘I wish I’d given them social media access sooner.’ Never.”
Smartphones, social media, and video games intensify dopamine (a forceful “feel good” hormone) inside a child’s brain, addictively luring their attention to the screen like a magnet. The child’s brain is deceived into believing that this activity is supremely critical, more urgent than the desire for other activities that inspire smaller spikes, such as scholastic success, or playing outside with friends.
Teens also tend to develop anxiety and depressive symptoms with excessive screen use. The prevalence of unrealistic airbrushed and altered bodies and unachievable social successes encourages kids to despair of achieving the same standard themselves or in a romantic partner.
“We Africans in America have been socially engineered to reject our past, and far too many of us live in a state of suspended animation. We deny the historical realities confronting us daily. Too many of us mistakenly believe that the past has no bearing on the present and is unrelated to the future. Thus, we have been conditioned to live our lives disconnected from cultural values, principles, and ideals - essential for peaceful living.”
- Anthony T. Browder
Esperanza Jazz Paz
out to change that.
She recounted her mother’s journey as an immigrant from India. She spoke about how her parents met – and how they ultimately divorced. She talked about her childhood upbringing in a working-class neighbourhood in Oakland, California.
“The middle class is where I come from,” she said. “My mother kept a strict budget. We lived within our means. Yet, we wanted for little. And she expected us to make the most of the opportunities that were available to us.”
Ms Harris also spoke of why she chose to become a lawyer – and a prosecutor. She drew a line from her early days in the courtroom to her public services as a politician.
“My entire career, I have only had one client,” she said. “The people.”
2. A vision for the future - with few details. Ms Harris’s speech included calls for unity and a pathway beyond the “bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles” of modern American politics. She said that the US had a “precious, fleeting” opportunity to “chart a new path Forward.” But that chart had few details. Vague calls for unity and a path beyond partisanship are rhetoric many presidential hopefuls
have used in the past.
When Ms Harris did turn to policy details, she spoke in generalities.
She said she will be focused on lowering the costs of “everyday needs” – including healthcare, housing and groceries. She specifically called out abortion rights – and framed it as a means of preserving freedom, which has been a recurring theme at this Democratic convention.
“America cannot truly be prosperous unless Americans are fully able to make their own decisions about their own lives, especially about matters of heart and home,” she said.
Ms Harris, in her speech, styled herself as a centre-left moderate, putting little daylight between her policies and those of her boss, the man she hopes to replace, Joe Biden.
“Everywhere I go, in everyone I meet, I see a nation ready to move forward,” she said. “Ready for the next step, in the incredible journey that is America.”
The exact details of that step, however, are to be determined.
VOTER EMPOWERMENT
By: Rachel Thompson
The twists and turns of Texas’s 18th congressional district race, as well as President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election seem to have re-energized voters at the grassroots level. Registered voters are working hard to connect with unregistered eligible voters and prepare them to exercise their civic duty. Assistant Chief Anthony Bryant, President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. of Houston, organized the first of several Voter Empowerment events that allow citizens and scheduled speakers to fellowship with one another. Omega Psi Phi, Inc. hosted the event at the Omega Nu Phi Educational Center (ONPEC). As Bryant stated, “When voters are empowered, elected officials are more likely to be held accountable for
their actions and decisions. This leads to better governance and more responsive leadership.”
Fraternity and sorority members block-walked to invite surrounding residents to go to the ONPEC, where they were greeted by other members of the Divine Nine and directed through the voter registration process. The Houston Area Urban League provided instruction on the use of the ballot machine, while political dignitaries such as the Honorable Judge Shannon Baldwin, City Councilwoman Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, and Former City Councilmember Amanda Edwards shared the power of voting with attendees. According to City Councilwoman Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, “Voting is the most powerful tool we have
to create meaningful change. It’s how we continue to fight for a better future. By encouraging each other to vote, we strengthen our nation.”
Judge Baldwin expounded on that sentiment by saying, “The discipline of voting in every election is true freedom! But you can’t bask in that freedom until you’re educated on politics and how it affects our socioeconomic lives.”
Former City Councilmember Amanda Edwards who currently serves as general counsel for Houston Parks Board and Board President of Be The Solution: Community Empowerment Organization stated, “When we talk to some of those who say, ‘You know my vote doesn’t matter’ what you can say is President Biden heard them, and we made a change. We are making change happen with
Vice President Kamala Harris coming on board to serve as president. II encourage you to continue to do this work, get out and vote, and spread the message of why it is important. It’s because our democracy is standing in the balance.”
Keoni Josiah, Immediate Past Basileus Nu Phi Chapter, engaged with everyone present to share why voter empowerment helps to prevent disenfranchisement.
“Voter empowerment ensures that all communities, especially marginalized groups, have a voice in the political process. This leads to more equitable policies and decisions that address the needs of all citizens,” stated Josiah. Amidst opportunities to learn, attendees were also treated to music, line dancing, food, school supplies, and fun.
Left to right: Britney Gilkey, Pansy Wade
ON RACIAL JUSTICE & CIVIL RIGHTS
THE DEMOCRATS’
PLATFORM
1868
The Democratic party . . . demand[s] . . . the abolition of the Freedmen’s Bureau and all political instrumentalities designed to secure Negro supremacy. † . . . Instead of restoring the Union, it [the Republican Party] has – so far as in its power – dissolved it, and subjected ten states, in time of profound peace, to military despotism and Negro supremacy. † †
THE REPUBLICANS’ PLATFORM
1868
This Convention declares its sympathy with all the oppressed people which are struggling for their rights.
† The “political instrumentalities” that the Democrats believed were “designed to secure Negro supremacy” included not only the Freedman’s Bureau but also the various civil rights laws that had been passed by Republicans. By 1868, Republicans had not only abolished slavery but also passed civil rights laws repealing the Fugitive Slave Act, removing color restrictions, and opening juries, marriage, voting, employment, education and military service to African Americans. Democrats vehemently opposed each of those civil rights laws, and Democratic President Andrew Johnson even vetoed several of the bills, but Republicans had overridden each of his vetoes. So opposed were Democrats to equality for African Americans that at the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution abolishing slavery, only 19 of the 82 Democrats (23%) voted to end slavery while 100 percent of Republicans – 118 of 118 – voted for the Amendment. Democrats were so accustomed to the suppression of black Americans that simply to give them equality – to make blacks and whites equal under the law – meant “Negro supremacy” to the Democrats, which they condemn in this platform.
†† The years from 1865-1868 were marked not by profound peace – as Democrats here claim – but rather by profound violence, with numerous deadly mob attacks against African Americans. The ten states that were “subjected to military despotism and Negro supremacy” were ten of the Democratic states that had seceded from the Union during the Civil War to form the slave-holding nation of the Confederate States of America. The “despotism” to which those states were subjected included the federal requirement that the southern states rewrite their state constitutions, and have citizens in those states ratify those new constitutions, to recognize the civil rights of African Americans. Since the newly enfranchised black voters outnumbered white voters in many Democratic southern states, only if blacks were prevented from voting couold the civil rights provisions in the state constitutions be defeated. Therefore, massive riots erupted in many southern Democratic states, with Democrats attacking black voters on their way to the polls and causing the deaths of thousands. Federal troops were eventually sent in to quell the violence and allow voting to proceed. With federal protection of black voters, those constitutions eventually did pass, thus providing civil rights for African Americans. (Unfortunately, however, within ten years, those states were released from Reconstruction and federal troops were withdrawn. Democrats regained control of those states and revised their constitutions to exclude civil rights for blacks.) Therefore, this platform statement is patently false: there was no profound peace, and the “military despotism” about which Democrats here complain was simply the use of federal troops to protect ballot boxes and allow African Americans to vote.
the Bayou City Event Center. As we gather to honor his memory, please take note of the following information designed to ensure a respectful and smooth-running event.
Tickets and Donations
Admission: Attendance to the memorial service is by ticket only. Tickets are available through beatkingkong.com/events, subject to space availability.
Donation-Based Tickets: Instead of a fixed price, tickets are available in exchange for a donation of any amount. Guests are encouraged to contribute what they feel appropriate.
Non-Refundable Donations: All ticket payments are considered donations and are non-refundable. Your contributions are a cherished gift in memory of BeatKing and will be used to honor his family and legacy.
Receipts and Acknowledgements: Donors will receive a receipt for their contribution. However, it’s essential to note that these donations may not be tax-deductible. We recommend consulting with a tax professional.
Event Conduct
Respect and Decorum: The memorial service is a solemn occasion. Attendees are kindly asked to conduct themselves with dignity and respect for the memory of Justin “BeatKing” Riley, his family, and other guests.
Attire: With respect for the occasion, please wear appropriate attire. All black, your favorite BeatKing shirt, business or formal wear is recommended.
Mobile Devices: Please silence all mobile devices upon entering the venue. We encourage guests to refrain from using phones or other electronic devices during the service.
Security and Accessibility
Safety Measures: For the safety and security of all attendees, bag checks may be performed upon entry. We reserve the right to deny entry to anyone who refuses to comply with security procedures.
Accessibility: If you require special accommodations, please contact our event team ahead of the service so we can ensure your visit is comfortable and respectful of your needs.
Additional Information
Parking: Complimentary parking is available onsite. Guests will require both a parking pass and admission ticket to enter. We recommend arriving early to secure a spot.
Seating: Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. We will seat you by arrival. Your table may include other friends or family of Beatking.
Inside a typical slave ship
UNPACKING HOUSTON’S ELECTRICITY OUTAGES - PART I
By Bill King
The Houston area has been subjected to two widespread power outages this year. Many in our region went two weeks or longer before power was restored. The outages have sparked widespread public outrage and castigation of the power companies, primarily CenterPoint, by the media and politicians.
However, there has been generally more heat than light as far as understanding Houston’s vulnerable grid and how to improve it. We are faced with a multi-faceted, complex problem. There are no easy answers, no silver bullets. But that does not mean that we cannot improve the situation or that we should settle for the current dysfunction. To do so is costly, risks the health of some of our fellow Houstonians and is causing serious brand damage to Houston. Deconflating Generation and Distribution Issues
There are two distinct problems that cause the loss of power in our region. The most common is damage to the distribution system, generally caused by some kind of weather event. Occasionally, part of the electric distribution is taken down by flood waters but much more
frequently the outages are caused by wind damage to overhead power lines. Less common are events when the Texas grid (ERCOT) does not have enough power to meet the demand of all its users. Generally, the failure of the system to generate enough power are fairly short-term events and have historically been more common in the summer, especially later in the day. More serious shortages in the winter occur less frequently. The near total collapse of the grid during the Uri winter storm in February 2021 was an extreme example of this kind of event.
It is possible that an event can cause both generation and distribution disruptions. Also, flaws in the distribution system can exacerbate a generation failure. Uri was an example of both.
I am increasingly convinced that it is unlikely that we are going to have another near collapse of generation like we saw in Uri. There have been a number of reforms to how the grid operates
that make a potential collapse much less likely. Also, new generation, especially solar and battery back-up, is being rapidly added to the grid and the State seems to be determined to add more natural gas backup power.
However, relatively little has been done to improve the problems with our regional distribution system. That is likely because it is a much more difficult problem. Adding additional generation is mostly a money problem. Federal subsidies are incentivizing solar power to quickly be added to the grid and the State can throw enough money at the problem, especially over a few years, to make sure there is sufficient electricity on the grid. But the issues in attempting to make the distribution system more reliable are much more complex and involve the resolution of numerous conflicting interests.
STATE SENATOR COOK RESPONDS TO TOWN RESIDENTS
By Gladys House-El
On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, newly elected Texas state senator Molly Cook, District 15, attended Freedman’s Town weekly meeting, shared her platform of support and listened to the concerns of residents of a diverse gathering. School teachers, business owners, retirees, youth, various nationalities, etc. Housing is always a priority closely followed by employment, jobs and justice. The audience listened to the
unique elected official because she has rallied HISD to improve the environment for students, teachers, taxpayers, etc., opposed 45 freeway expansion, and always out front in the cause for the people. Cook shared the role of a state senator and how the Texas legislature works in the capacity of senators. She made it clear that she and her staff will be supporting heritage Freedman’s Town. The CDCFT hosted the meeting
and presented a written short list of immediate issues needing urgent corrective action. Cook is the first state elected official to meet in Freedman’s Town to hear the concerns of the grassroot residents. City councilman Julian Ramirez is the first on council to do so and that led to a quick response from Parks and Recreation scheduling a new basketball court at Wiley Park by this year’s end.
107TH ANNIVERSARY OF CAMP LOGAN WAR
Freedman’s Town grassroot residents and other Moor American neighborhoods celebrate annually the remembrance and show of love, respect and appreciation to the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry soldiers stationed at Camp Logan (Memorial Park today), for standing against Jim Crow Houston police department and rac-
ist Caucasians that led to the war on August 23, 1917. Attendees of Freedman’s Town listened and learned while others posed questions. Danny Russo of Houston’s French Town provided entertainment. Recommended reading of Dr. Fred McGhee’s book, “Mutiny of Rage: The Camp Logan Riots and Buffalo Soldiers in
Houston” on the Camp Logan War is available on Amazon and the movie “24” is on DVD, but you must be courageous to view it. Gladys House El has the transcripts of the three court martials and it is educational reading. Hat recipients recognized for their community service.
State Senator Molly Cook speaks to audience of concerned residents in Freedman’s Town/Fourth Ward
Group picture after meeting of those who could remain AA
WWI hat recipient Andre Pruitt, his wife Shana, daughters Adraya and Adrela, multitalented artist and musician Danny Russo, John Fenley of Freedmen’s Town Association, Inc. and David Tyler, also WWI hat recipient.
Notice to Proposers Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for:
• RFP #958 – Financial Aid Verification and Professional Judgement Services. Electronic submittals due by 2:00PM, Thursday, September 19, 2024.
• WebEx pre-proposal meeting: Tuesday, September 3, 2024, 10:00AM; call-in number 1-408-792-6300, Meeting #2633 367 9161
• Contact: janet.bradley@lonestar.edu or (832)813-6299.
• Must Register to Bid: http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/supplier.htm . If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the on-line registration process, contact MC-vendors@ lonestar.edu.
Notice to Proposers
LEGAL NOTICE
The Houston Independent School District Purchasing Services Department located at 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, TX 77092 is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https://houstonisd.ionwave.net/Login.aspx until 10:00 a.m. (CST) Wednesday, October 2, 2024, for the following solicitation: RFP 24-05-08 Solid Waste Disposal, Sustainability, and Organic Waste Landfill Diversion
Pre-proposal conference via Microsoft Teams will be held in conjunction with this RFP. Information regarding dates, times, and instructions to receive a link to join the meeting can be located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab specific to this solicitation.
Lone Star College Request for Proposal: RFQ #959 Commissioning Services Victory Expansion and RFQ #960 Magnolia responses are due on Tuesday, 9-10-24 by 10 AM with the Pre-Bid Conference for Vendors on 08-26-24 at 11 AM. Join from the meeting link https://lonestar.webex.com/ lonestar/j.php?MTID=m5a9d29fd9c 28f513e1eee15504968413
All bid event documents can be found in the iStar Vendor Portal: https://fsm.lonestar.edu/psp/fsmprd/ SUPPLIER/ERP/h/?tab=DEFAULT
A short video is provided on how to place bids and register in the Bid Attachments.
For more information, please visit https://www.lonestar.edu/vendors Contact MC-vendors@lonestar.edu or Lydia.Sterling@LoneStar.edu
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
The Houston Independent School District is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https://houstonisd.ionwave. net/Login.aspx until 5:00 p.m. (CST) Wednesday, September 25, 2024, for the following solicitation for the following projects: RFP 21-06-04-C Leadership, Teacher, and Staff Development
Pre-proposal conferences via Microsoft 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 specific to this solicitation.
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS: Request for sub-contractor proposals for FBISD Clements High School Rebuild (Demolition, Earthwork, Site Utilities, Building & Site Concrete) “Durotech, Inc., as Construction Manager at Risk, on behalf of Fort Bend I.S.D, will receive sub-contractor/vendor proposals for the Clements High School Rebuild project, as designed by DLR Group for the following scopes of work – Demolition, Earthwork, Site Utilities, Building & Site Concrete. Proposals and qualification statements will be received by Durotech, Inc., from interested proposers, sub-proposers and suppliers until 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 in the presence of the Owner and Architect at the offices of Durotech, Inc. at 11931 Wickchester Lane, #205, Houston, TX 77043-4501, Phone: 281-558-6892 and Fax: 281-496-5637. Construction Manager Contact: Sidhesh Kakodkar/ Julian Ciarella. Drawings and Specifications will be available for review at the offices 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. Prevailing wage rates in conformance with State of Texas law will be paid on this project. All proposals shall remain valid for sixty (60) days.
The Owner, Architect/Engineer and Construction Manager reserves 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.”
GREAT EDUCAT RS THE HEART OF LEARNING STARTS WITH
Nominate a deserving teacher, principal, counselor, early childhood learning center, school board or school district.
Created in 2002, the H‑E‑B Excellence in Education Awards was designed to honor and thank outstanding public school professionals. Through this program, H‑E‑B awards over $700,000 annually to deserving educators who go the extra mile to serve their students and communities.
To submit a nomination or application, go to heb.com/nominate.
