Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
HOUSTON
3rd Ward native, Rep. Lauren Simmons was officially sworn in her for first term in the Texas House of Representatives. She represents House District 146 (HD146), HD146 covers historic and underrepresented neighborhoods like Third Ward and Sunnyside.
LIVINGSTON
A bill named after 11-year-old murder victim Audrii Cunningham was filed in the Texas Legislature. Texas House Bill 2000 or “Audrii’s Law.” Cunningham’s murder Don Steven McDougal was not required to register as a sex offender despite previous convictions of harming children. If Audrii’s Law is passed it will expand the state’s sex offender registry requirements.
AUSTIN
Named top city for tech and engineering workers in 2025. Austin was ranked #2 for the number of professional opportunities in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) fields.
PRAIRIE VIEW
A LEGACY REMEMBERED
By: Chloé Richards
e world has lost a true champion both on and o the track. Fredrick Vaughn Newhouse, an Olympic gold and silver medalist, trailblazing leader, and proud alumnus of Prairie View A&M University, passed away on January 20th, 2025, at the age of 76. Over the course of his extraordinary career, he won a gold medal in the 4x400 relay and a silver medal in the 400m at the 1976 Olympic games in Montreal, Canada. Known for his excellence, dedication, and impact, he will be remembered as a symbol of perseverance and success.
Born in Honey Grove, Texas (90 miles northeast of Dallas), to the late Lucious and Cleopatra Newhouse. He graduated salutatorian from Galilee
High School in Hallsville, TX in 1966. Newhouse chose to attend Prairie View majoring in electrical engineering, a decision heavily in uenced by his high school counselor and his older brother Luscious. In a 2020 interview with his alma mater, he said “My brother Lucious was at Prairie View when I graduated from high school. He naturally talked a lot about the good experience he was having. He told me the girls were pretty, and that sealed the deal for me! My high school counselor also pressed me to consider Prairie View. It was during that transition period of integration.”
A er his rst semester at Prairie View, Newhouse decided to play Legacy on pg. 3
PVAMU Alumnus, Olympic gold Medalist, and two-time PVAMU Sports Hall of Fame inductee Fredrick Vaughn Newhouse passed away on January 20th, 2025.
MARSHALL
Wiley College offers tuition incentive to new students. Wiley will give students a $750 tuition credit, for all new Wiley college students if they enroll for the fall semester before June 28th, 2025.
DALLAS
Kimberly Bizor Tolbert named Dallas’ first Black woman city manager. She received a 13-2 vote by council members. She will be responsible for hiring a new police chief and exploring voter approved charter rules.
FREDERICK VAUGHN NEWHOUSE
A Revival of God Consciousness
Bobby Mills, Ph.D.
are looking for historical writers That can produce stories that address current and historical realities affecting our community. PLEASE SEND YOUR INQUIRIES TO
Power without positive spiritual-moral direction is a dangerous societal proposition. On January 20th, 2025, America witnessed a classic example of ungodly White Power on full display from the Oval O ce in e White House. President Trump’s bold pardoning of January 6th, 2020, rioters portend some di cult days ahead for America. White Power Law and disorder seemingly will be the governing platform of the Trump administration. America let’s behold how GOP politicians will white-wash President Trump’s pardoning of violent criminals who attempted to overthrow the government, multicultural democracy. Apparently, if you are White, you are THE LAW. Sadly, Trump has made a sinful mockery of the concepts of “law and order” and “no one is above the law”. Apparently, the Preamble, the Constitution, and timehonored enacted laws have no real teeth. Seemingly Christian Right Evangelicals have absolutely no understanding of the religion of Jesus, only a desire to embrace ungodly bastardized partisan religious tenets concerning White Power and White Privilege, not genuine religion. White Power is not the answer to the socio-economic problems facing American society. Jesus is the answer to all problems. e brother of Jesus,
EDITORIAL
Coping, Creating, Conquering
By Chloé Richards
TRANSLATION?
Our generation nds itself at a crossroads when it comes to respect. We are told to act like adults but still treated like children. We are “grown” until it’s inconvenient, then suddenly we are too young to understand. Unlike the generations before us, we’ve made it a point to stand our ground and refuse to tolerate disrespect. But in our search to be heard, have we lost something along the way?
e challenge for us is guring out when to listen, who to listen to, and when to draw the line.
Respect is o en talked about as if it’s one-sided, but isn’t it supposed to be mutual? Just because someone is older doesn’t mean they’re automatically right. At the same time, we can’t deny that life experience o en comes with valuable lessons. How do we balance honoring that experience with protecting our boundaries? But why listen to people who aren’t in position that you want to be in, have never had anything you’ve want to have?
James explains why: “If any man among you seems to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and unde led before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their a iction, and to keep himself unspotted before the world.” (James 1: 26-27). Genuine wisdom comes from heaven, because the wisdom from heaven is pure and not de led, because true Godly wisdom is measured by the depth of an individual’s moral character. is is why Jesus’s brother James said: “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is rst pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy, and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (James 3: 16-18). America there are deadly consequences for sin as well as not listening to and adhering to Godly truth. e Israelites found out the hard way: “ e days of punishment have come. e days of retribution have come: let Israel know this!” (Hosea 9: 7). Initially, the Israelites had (613) Hebraic laws they enacted to establish moral order, and they could not live by them. God spiritually encountered Moses on Mt. Sinai and gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments, and they could not live by them. God embodied himself in Jesus Christ and simpli ed the Ten Commandments into Two Great Commandments for humanity to follow.
As children, we were taught to “stay in a child’s place” and “stay out of grown folks’ business.” ose lessons have been drilled into us for years, it has shaped how we view respect. For many, respect was less about mutual understanding and more about obedience. Now that we’re older, the script has not entirely ipped. We are still expected to fall in line, even when we feel belittled or dismissed. And let’s be honest: our elders can sometimes give out advice in ways that feel more like criticism than guidance. It is no surprise that we have started ghting re with re. But here is the catch: while we are defending ourselves, are we shutting out wisdom that could help us? Maybe it’s not always what is said, but how it’s said, the tone, the delivery, the choice of words.
Perhaps the real question isn’t whether respect is earned or given, it’s whether both sides are willing to meet halfway. Elders might mean well, but good intentions don’t always translate into e ective communication. And we, as the younger generation, might be justi ed in standing our ground, but do we take the time to understand where they’re coming from?
Respect isn’t about blind obedience or constant defense. It’s about mutual grace, being willing to listen even when it’s hard but also speaking up when we feel disrespected. e key is nding balance: we can hold onto our boundaries without shutting out wisdom, and our elders can share their knowledge without tearing us down.
At the end of the day, respect should build bridges, not walls. It’s up to all of us to nd common ground, if not for ourselves, then for the generations that come a er us.
Legacy Cont.
sports and went out for the baseball team, who at the time did not have the best record. Newhouse’s path to track was unexpected. He found himself running on the track a er the baseball coach, aiming to improve the team, had players run track to lighten the roster a er the baseball team struggled. ough he was not initially interested in track, both the baseball and track coach saw his potential, and the track coach promised a scholarship. A er proving himself on the track, Newhouse’s tuition was covered, and his performance continued to improve. Newhouse le Prairie View with several indoor and outdoor track and eld championship medals, and a world record that he set in the indoor 440 yards that still stands today. However, almost 2 years prior,
he struggled at the district championship, but with faith and dedication, he went on to win and set a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) record. Which ultimately led him to be invited to the Olympic trials.
In his interview with Prairie View, Newhouse said “I was just running to stay in school and get my tuition paid, never in my wildest dream did I think I would have any potential to be an Olympian.”
He graduated from Prairie View in 1970 with a degree in electrical engineering but did not make an Olympic team until 1976. A er graduating he was dra ed to the U.S. Army, originally headed to Vietnam he ended up at West Point Military Academy in West Point, New York. For 2 years he trained with the
army’s track team and competed in events all around the world.
Although track became a major part of his story, Newhouse never lost sight of his academic aspirations. He remained committed to his engineering career and went on to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Washington in Seattle, showing his dedication to both athletics and academics. Newhouse committed 42 to years to the Oil and Gas Industry, retiring as the Public Relations Executive at Valero. Outside of his athletic achievements Newhouse was deeply committed to his community. He served on numerous boards and commit- tees, giving back in meaningful ways. He
was inducted into the Prairie View Sports Hall of Fame, once in 1992 and again in 1999. He was also inducted in the Track and Field Coaches Hall of Fame in 2014. USA Track & Field awarded him the Heliodoro and Patricia Rico Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. In 2019, during Prairie View’s fall commencement Newhouse was awarded the University’s highest alumni honor, the Distinguished Alumnus Medal by 8th President Ruth Simmons.
Fredrick Vaughn Newhouse leaves behind a remarkable legacy, one built on perseverance, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to his community. As an Olympian, leader, and mentor, his impact will continue to inspire future generations. Fred is survived by his wife and best friend of 53 years,
Rhonda Newhouse; his daughters, Vonda Nunley and Benecia Carswell; sons-inlaw Pele Nunley and Corey Carswell; and grandchildren Andre and Bryce Nunley, Norman, Madalyn, and Blaize Carswell. He is also survived by his brothers, Lucious Newhouse (Hattie), Gene Locke (Aubrey), William Robertson (Cheryl), nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of extended family members who loved and admired him deeply.
In honor of his life and contributions, his family has requested that, in lieu of owers, donations be made to the Rhonda and Fredrick Newhouse Endowed Scholarship to support Prairie View students pursuing their dreams. Funeral services will be held on February 1st, 2025, at 9 AM at Fallbrook Church.
SITTING LEFT TO RIGHT: BRYCE NUNLEY (GRANDSON), FRED NEWHOUSE, BLAIZE CARSWELL (GRANDDAUGHTER), RHONDA NEWHOUSE (WIFE), ANDRE NUNLEY (GRANDSON)
STANDING LEFT TO RIGHT: BENECIA CARSWELL (DAUGHTER), PELE NUNLEY (SON-IN-LAW), VONDA NUNLEY (DAUGHTER)
ON RACIAL JUSTICE & CIVIL RIGHTS
Taken from justiceatthegate.com
THE DEMOCRATS’ PLATFORM
When Democrat John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960, he had been less willing than Eisenhower to utilize executive orders to promote civil rights. He even delayed for more than two years the signing of an executive order to integrate public housing. However, following the violent racial discord in Birmingham in 1963, Kennedy sent a major civil rights bill to Congress – a bill based on the findings of Eisenhower’s 1957 Civil Rights Commission. Kennedy worked aggressively for the passage of that civil rights bill but was tragically assassinated before he could see its success. Democratic presidential successor Lyndon Johnson picked up the civil rights measure, but like his predecessors, he faced stiff opposition from his own party. In fact, Democratic Senators Robert Byrd of West Virginia and Richard Russell of Georgia led the opposition against the 1964 Civil Rights Act, including lengthy and extended filibuster speeches. Republican Senator Everett Dirksen resurrected language proposed by Eisenhower’s Attorney General in 1960, thus breaking the filibuster of the civil rights bill and allowing Johnson to sign into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964, followed by the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
These two important civil rights acts were signed into law under a Democratic President, but it was the Republicans in Congress who made possible the passage of both acts, for Democratic President Johnson had been unable to garner sufficient Democratic support to pass either bill. At that time, Democrats had 315 members in Congress, holding almost two-thirds of the House and twothirds of the Senate. President Johnson needed only a majority – only 269 votes – to get those bills passed; but out of the 315 Democrats, only 198 voted for passage. Democrats had it completely within their power to pass those bills and
THE REPUBLICANS’ PLATFORM
The 1964 Civil Rights Act had banned discrimination in voting, public accomm dations, education, federal programs, or employment. The 1965 Voting Rights Act had banned literacy tests and authorized the federal government to oversee voter registration and elections in counties that had used such tests. Those two Acts – along with the 24th Amendment to the Constitution – were the final culmination of a century of civil rights legislation, and of even a longer period of attempts to secure equal rights and racial justice for African Americans. What was the effect of these three measures? The positive impact of these changes was immediate. For example, within a year, 450,000 new southern blacks were successfully registered to vote and voter registration of black Americans in Mississippi also rose sharply – from only 5 percent in 1960 to 60 percent by 1968. The number of blacks serving in federal and state legislatures rose from only 2 in 1965 to 160 by 1990. The disenfranchisement laws and policies long enforced by southern Democratic legislatures had finally come to an end. 26 of
JANUARY
31ST: 64 YEARS OF HISTORY HISTORY
By: Chloé Richards
did not do so. The bills passed because Republicans overwhelmingly came to the aid of Democrat President Johnson: in fact, 83 percent of Republicans voted for those bills, a percentage of support almost twenty points higher than that of the Democrats. If not for the strong support of Republicans, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 would never have become law – not to mention the fact that the heart of both bills came from the work of Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
“Education, Motivation, Perseverance” is the motto that Samuel Lee Gravely lived by. Samuel L. Gravely Jr. was a Black pioneer whose accomplishments changed the course of history, both in the military and for Black people. On January 31, 1961, Gravely became the rst African American to command a U.S. Navy warship, the USS Falgout. is was a huge milestone not just for him, but for Black Americans in general, showing that anyone could rise to leadership positions, regardless of their race. His story is one of resilience, breaking barriers, and proving that hard work and determination can overcome any challenge.
Gravely was born in 1922 in Richmond, Virginia, and his journey to becoming a Navy leader was not easy. He initially tried to enlist in the U.S. Army but was turned away because of an alleged heart murmur. Despite the challenges, he was determined to serve his country. A er high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II. At that time, the military was segregated, and Black sailors were o en given lower-ranking jobs or limited opportunities. But Gravely never let racism stop him. He worked hard, rose through the ranks, and proved himself as a capable and courageous leader.
His leadership did not stop with being the rst African American to command a warship. Samuel Gravely went on to achieve several more “ rsts” in his military career.
He was the rst Black person to be promoted to the rank of admiral in the U.S. Navy. is was a huge moment not only in military history but also in the ght for racial equality in the United States. His success was proof that Black people could excel in positions of power and responsibility, even in an environment that was traditionally not welcoming to them. Gravely’s rise to the top wasn’t just important for the Navy but it also greatly impacted Black history. His achievements also had a lasting impact on the U.S. military. A er Gravely broke through these racial barriers, the Navy and other branches of the military began to see more Black people in leadership roles. His leadership and excellence set the stage for other Black o cers to follow in his footsteps. Today, his legacy is honored by the Navy, with several ships and military programs named a er him, reminding future generations of the importance of Black history, diversity and inclusion in all areas of life. ere is an elementary school in Haymarket, Virginia named a er his legacy. e street he grew up on in Richmond, VA was renamed to “Admiral Gravely Boulevard.” A guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy was named in his honor, called the USS Gravely (DDG-107.) He is honored annually in San Pedro, California aboard battleship Iowa, at the Gravely celebration experience.
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY LOCAL
By: Shelley McKinley, Ed.D.
e South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition (SHCCC) recently held its 10th Annual Awards Banquet to acknowledge all the hard work among the 25+ civic clubs and homeowner associations found within 77045 and parts of 77035, 77047, 77053, and 77085, as well as shine a light on several sponsors, organizations, and individuals who have moved projects
banquet was a display of accountability between local, state, and national government, business entities, and SHCCC.
Greetings from SHCCC
President Homer Clark opened the banquet followed by remarks from the City of Houston Mayor Pro-Tem and District K councilmember Martha CastexTatum. “Public Service is the rent we pay for the lives we live,” shared Castex-Tatum.
Recognition to the organization and reminded the audience that enslaved African Americans provided the economic foundation to make America great in the rst place. “I include slavery remembrance on every document I sign because the economic foundational mothers and fathers were intended to be a permanent identi able caste, not class, of
which was also visible to all who attended. “Diversity is a strength. We are a community of one. Accountability starts in our communities. Keep your property. Keep it in the family and hold people accountable,” advised Finner.
could always call Chief Finner and he would always answer,” shared Anderson.
forward to improve the living environment for citizens in Houston’s District K and portions of District D. Against the backdrop of live music provided by the Joe Carmouche & Friends Band, the not people who should never be forgotten,” stated Rep. Green. Former Police Chief Troy Finner, who grew up in Hiram Clarke, served as the keynote speaker and praised tion for its diversity,
Congressman Al Green presented Congressional
Master of Ceremony, George Anderson, commended Chief Troy Finner for the leadership he provided to the community, including organizing the funeral for George Floyd which was held in District K at the Fountain of Praise, putting the community on the global stage for the world to see. Troy Finner skillfully provided logistical organization and security while preserving the dignity of the occasion. “I
Mrs. Vivian Harris, Ms. Suzette Lartigue, and Mrs. Melva ornton, all of whom are members of SHCCC, acknowledged their sponsors then gave out awards. Recipients were truly surprised when their name or company was announced. Cemex, New Faith Church, George Anderson, and Kelly Coleson were among the many recipients that received awards for their work and impact in the community.
As Mrs. Vivian Harris was about to take her seat, she was stopped and presented with a Lifetime Achievement
Award for her leadership and dedication that brought her to tears. e purpose of the organization is to improve the community through urban design and beauti cation, crime reduction and public safety, economic development, and improved education and recreation. As Homer Clark and Troy Finner both stated throughout the ceremony, Ms. Harris is a driving force and holds all levels of leadership accountable. e banquet ended with attendees looking forward to next year’s a air.
LEFT TO RIGHT: KELLY COLESON, TROY FINNER
LEFT TO RIGHT: HOMER CLARK, VIVIAN HARRIS, MELVA THORNTON
TEXAS ABORTION BAN HEALTH
By: Chloé Richards
e Texas abortion ban, known as Senate Bill 8 (SB 8), went into e ect on September 1st, 2021. According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, Texas is considered a “hostile” state for abortion, there are civil and criminal penalties if a known abortion is performed. It bans abortions a er 6 weeks of pregnancy however, most women do not know that they are pregnant at 6 weeks. is ban happened nine months before Roe v. Wade was overturned by the United States Supreme Court.
Roe v. Wade was the 1973 Supreme Court case that legalized abortion in the United States. e case was originally brought by Norma McCorvey to the Supreme Court, she went by the name Jane Roe. In 1969, McCorvey became pregnant with her third child, but she lived in Texas and was unable to get an abortion because at the time it was illegal in the state unless necessary to save the mothers life. McCorvey’s lawyers, (2 women) led a lawsuit on her behalf saying that the Texas abortion laws were unconstitutional. In 2022, the overturn of Roe v. Wade ended the federal constitutional right to an abortion and allowing the regulation
of abortion up to individual states.
In January 1973, the Supreme Court issued a 7-2 decision, ruling in McCorvey’s favor.
e Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment gives women a right to privacy, which protected their right to abortion.
e Fourteenth Amendment states, “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”
49 years later the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization casw. ere was a Mississippi law that banned most abortions a er 15 weeks of pregnancy. e law was challenged because it went against the protections set by Roe v. Wade which allowed abortions up to 24 weeks. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was Mississippi’s only abortion clinic at the time and in 2018, they sued omas E. Dobbs, a state health o cer with the Mississippi
State Department of Health in March 2018.
Arguments were held in the Supreme Court in December 2021, in June 2022 there was a 6-3 vote ruling that abortion is neither a constitutional or a basic right that is necessary for a free and fair society. ey based this idea on a past case, Palko v. Connecticut, which talked about which rights are essential to “ordered liberty”, the rights people need to live freely under the law. e court decided abortion does not fall into that category.
Studies show that Black women experience unequally higher maternal mortality rates, including deaths related to abortion.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are more likely to die from pregnancyrelated complications, included those related to abortions.
According to the Courier DFW, Texas doctors say, “We’ve Got to Stop is”, a er 3 healthy women die due to miscarriage complications because they were not able to get abortions in the state. Doctors who perform abortions face up to 99 years in jail, the
stripping of their medical license and charged with paying a $100,000 ne.
e Texas’ maternal mortality committee is in charge of looking at the deaths and almost deaths of pregnant women; many people have not been pleased with the committee since 2021. Maternal deaths increased in 2020 and 2021; every female racial group saw an increase in their chances of dying except white women.
Kate Cox was denied emergency abortion care by the Texas Supreme Court despite receiving a diagnosis that indicated that the fetus was unhealthy and if the pregnancy continued her life and her ability to carry future pregnancies to full term was in danger. Her pregnancy was diagnosed with Trisomy18 which has no chance of survival; forcing her to travel out of state to get the help she needed. Cox v. Texas was the rst case since the overturning of Roe v. Wade led on behalf of a pregnant woman seeking abortion care.
e 3 women who passed away are Neveah Crain who was only 18, she died from a sepsis infection, she was 6 months pregnant with a girl who she’d plan to name Lillian. She was sent home by 2 hospitals a er a misdiagnosis and by the time she got to the third one, it was too late. Josseli Barnica, was 28, and she also died of sepsis. Barnica was le with her uterus open and exposed to bacteria. She was 17 weeks pregnant. Porsha Negumezi was 35, she passed away due to hemorrhaging. Her miscarriage required her to have two blood
transfusions.
Many doctors are angry, saying those three lives could have been saved because those women were healthy. No woman deserves to go through this, the abortion ban makes it di cult for a woman to make a decision about her body. Not all women have the resources to travel out of state for help. ere is much more work that needs to be done to make sure women have the freedom and support to make the best choices for themselves and their families.
