January 5, 2020
GREATER HOUSTON AREA African-American News&Issues
Vol. 24, Issue 50 TOP NEWS STORIES
KILLED OVER NEW YEAR’S
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
ACRES HOME RESIDENT REINVENTS SELF AT 68 HOUSTON – Authorities were investigating the deaths of two Houston area women who were shot and killed in two different sides of town over the New Year’s holiday. One shooting appears to be accidental, while the other was more of a targeted attack, according to reports. In southeast Houston, 79-year-old Owena McHenry, as identified by her sister, was found shot in the head in her Sunnyside home in the 5800 block of Flamingo Drive. Police believe the shooting was targeted, because this was the second time officers responded to her home for a shooting report on the same day. DEATH continued on page 3
“My dream is to bring glory to God, to the community I come from and to myself.” -- Charlie Brown By N.L. Preston HOUSTON – “Charlie Brown” is one dapper dude. And more than his handsome outward appearance, inside he is humble, gracious and extremely grateful for the opportunity he says God has bestowed upon him. At 68 years of age, he’s reinventing himself and loving every minute of it. Charles Lonzo Brown is a style consultant for Suit Mart located off I-45 and Aldine Bender, and, always being a “sharp-dressed man,” he loves to help others look their best, especially young Black men during prom season.
“To see those mothers coming in with their sons, some of them not knowing what they want, some of them never owning a suit,” Brown said. “To help them leave there with their heads up and smiles on their faces, that’s better than gold and silver to me.” And as much as he loves to help others shine, he had a longtime dream of his own. “I’ve always liked to dress. I always like to look nice and I was encouraged by relatives and friends of mine that I should apply for modeling school,” he explained. “One of my friends suggested that I contact 40 Plus Models.” Brown did and sent his
FEED YOUR BRAIN on page 3
pictures in, but a woman folks are slowing down, he spoke to explained they my life is just beginning.” Brown proudly shared were more of a charity that in 1971, he was votand were not the right fit. Unbeknownst to him, she ed “Mr. Debonair” by his saw something special in peers in high school, and him and decided to make in 1992, he was the first driver to be featured on a few phone calls. Later the same day, the front cover of SouthJohn Casablancas Mod- east Texas Big Idea Magel and Talent Agency azine for UPS. Now, he reached out, and after an has something else to be in-person interview, invit- proud of. “I am the oldest pered Brown to join their 30son in the class at John week training program. “Most folks think Casablancas. Most of the modeling is just walking others are young enough down the runway - that’s to be my great grandkids. the easy part - but you It was kind of challenging have to learn all the termi- for me because I am hearnology, all the turns, how ing-impaired, but God has to take care of your skin, blessed me to get a stateyour nutrition and how to of-the-art hearing aid and present yourself,” he said. I can hear a lot better,” “So, at the age when most BROWN continued on page 5
FINANCIAL FREEDOM on page 4
LIVING LEGEND
JOHN LEWIS
Our prayers go out to the honorable John Lewis
Congressman John Lewis (left) pictured with Mrs. Shirley Ann Malonson (right), president & CEO of African-American News&Issues Newspaper.
WASHINGTON – Civil rights icon, Democratic Rep. John Lewis, announced on Dec. 29 that he
is battling Stage IV pancreatic cancer. The 79-year-old is no stranger to fighting, and his activism and career, should make all African Americans proud. LEWIS continued on page 6
HEALTH AND WELLNESS on page 7