“HAS THE CONFEDERATE FLAG REACHED IT’S END AT LAST ?” See First Things First Page 2
Founded January 2010
Groves Standard “A Public Trust” VOL. 6 - NO. 23
SPECIAL EDITION JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2015
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What’s Up with the Rebel Flag ? By Billy “Hollywood” Groves GSN/CEO Since the recent backlash against the Confederate Flag ((AKA the Rebel Flag) in America, there seems to be a misdirected effort to reinstate Confederate Flags on people’s vehicles, caps in windows at homes and flagpoles in the South, down here in Texas, especially East Texas. In Crockett, Texas we are currently seeing more and more trucks with big rebel flags blowing in the wind. Rather than flaunting a victory symbol, this flag display seems to actually convey frustration and futility in light of recent events. While the local law enforcement has been made aware of the situation and in some ways, they have mediated this trend. However, the Rebel Flag being flaunted over, and in some cases taunted over African Americans, is offensive. Think about it this way. If someone murdered, raped, stole your money, took your freedom, took your identity, separated your family and enslaved your people, would you wear a T-Shirt or cap or fly a flag with the image of the person who did these barbaric crimes to your family? Of
Local mobile display of rebel flag
course, you would not! So when I see people riding around flaunting the Rebel Flag, I know they are doing it to stir up anxiety, and pure and simple hate. This is not your grandfather’s America, this is not your grandfather’s Texas and it is certainly not your grandfather’s Crockett, Texas. We know the Confederate flag has a place in history, however, now it’s used by racist, bigots and white supremacist groups as a symbol of intimidation. I mentioned those facts about
people riding around looking hostile at Black people while flying the Rebel flag on their trucks at a recent Crockett City Council meeting. The local papers, the Courier and the Messenger didn’t mention a word I said at the meeting about the concerns of Black people about these Rebel flag supporters. The Groves Standard will report the news that is important to African American people wherever it occurs without fear or favor. At the Council meeting I also mentioned the lack of African American police officers on the Crockett police department and the Houston County Sheriff’s Department. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I called Presidential Candidate Donald Trump an idiot. Special thanks go out to the people who filmed that Crockett City Council meeting and put it on YouTube for the world to see. I will close this article by saying, I was disappointed with the decision by the Crockett City Council’s vote to privatize the city services. It cost jobs but the majority of the lost were Black people’s jobs. God Bless America, Africa and the rest of the World.
Donald Trump: That’s Entertainment
Presidential Candidate Donald Trump Shares “His” Personal Opinions By Billy “Hollywood” Groves GSN / CEO
When I see and hear Presidential Candidate Donald Trump talking on television; the only person I can think of is Archie Bunker, from the old television show. For those of us too young to remember Archie Bunker, they may need to go to the internet and google Archie Bunker.
Archie Bunker was a “wild character” who said anything that came to his mind. It didn’t matter who Archie Bunker insulted with his language, he spoke his mind regardless of the consequences. While I think a lot of Americans identify with Trump’s brash style and out-of-control rhetoric, I don’t think at the end of the day “true
American” voters will actually go in the voter’s booth and vote for such a man as Donald Trump. I don’t think normal, intelligent Americans-Republicans, Democrats and Independents—would sleep well at night knowing someone that unpredictable was sitting in the Whitehouse as President of the United States. However, I do believe there are some fringe elements of American voters who want to see someone like Donald Trump in the Whitehouse. We must remember, just as Archie Bunker was an actor entertaining people, Donald Trump is an actor entertaining people as he makes a bid to be President of the United States. I’m sure the core of the Republican Party is not happy with Trump being their frontrunner. The world knows that if Trump is the GOP nominee, Hillary Clinton will win in a landslide. In my mind, I don’t think Donald Trump really wants to be president. I think he is enjoying talking crazy to people and the attention he is getting. Why else would he be making so
50 CENTS
CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER JULIAN BOND 1945 –2015
WE MOURN THE LOSS WHILE CELEBRATING THE VICTORIES OF HIS LIFE AND LEGACY.
Julian Bond was without a doubt an American icon. He was a social activist, civil rights leader, politician, professor and writer. A man of peace, power and principals. He stood for freedom for all races and openly reminded people that , “There is no coloration to rights. Everybody has rights. I don’t care who you are, where you come from. You got rights, I got rights. All God’s children got rights.” Gone but never forgotten.
Inside this issue: East Texas News Editor’s View
2
People and Places 3 Commentary
4
Business World
5
Sports
6
Advertisement
7
Hollywood’s News 8
Opinions expressed by our guest writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Groves Standard.
many voters upset with his insults? At the end of the day, I think Donald Trump is having “the time of his life”. He knows that some Americans like his style, but I think he also knows that the majority of Americans are not naive enough to put him in the President’s seat. God Bless America, Africa and the Rest of the World.
Groves Standard
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JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2015
Willie Carwell Poet
Opinion / Outlook First Things First Has the Confederate Flag Reached Its End At Last ? By Billy “Hollywood” Groves GSN/CEO After the recent brutal racist massacre of nine African Americans in Charleston, South Carolina, the American people took a second hard look at the Confederate flag. The perpetrator of those horrible murders was a young staunch Confederate flag believer. On his website, he burned the American flag, while lovingly embracing the Confederate flag and the 45 caliber pistol he used in the murders. An unintended effect has been that outrage over these. senseless killings has brought Americans of all races and backgrounds together. Walmart, E-Bay and Sears are some of the major companies that have permanently cut their ties with the Confederate flag. Former presidential candidate Republican Mitt Romney also called for the state of South Carolina to take down the confederate flag. I’ve always said that something
as offensive as the confederate flag and the German Nazi Swastika Flag belonged in museums or history books. The Confederate flag in America represents slavery, murder, brutality, exploitation, dehumanization, intimidation and the removal of the civil and human rights of an entire race of people. It really made me proud to be an American, when so many Americans of all races spoke out against the Confederate flag. Those Americans realized that the Confederate flag is a symbol of division among Americans based on a historically wrong institution. The Confederate flag is a 150 year-old problem that should have been dealt with years ago. Now we have taken down something hateful and misunderstood that was being used by white supremacist groups and other racist hate groups. While I am not so naïve that I think taking down the Confederate flag (aka the “Rebel Flag”) is going to stop racism
in America, I do know that taking down that flag will help race relations in America. I will end this conversation by saying, I hear the people who are defending the Confederate flag say they are merely standing up for their historical legacy and their ancestors. My answer to them is, “The truth will set you free.” If there are people in your family’s historical tree that did things in the past we consider evil today, these people should admit that what their ancestors did wasn’t right. But it was their ancestors who did evil, not them, and they represent the new Americans who understand that Black lives matter. God Bless America !
Portia Johnson Groves Bogaert By Guest Writer Portia Bogaert--Houston TX “Lest We Forget”… Our God and Our History; Let’s make “The Massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church” of Charleston SC a Teachable Moment . “T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far and Grace will lead us on”. These are lines from an Old Negro Spiritual a lot of us grew up hearing and singing this song with our parents and our parent’s parents because they taught us the song. Lesson 1: Let’s teach our children and grandchildren every word of this song. Share some of the times when singing this song was all that stood
BACKSLIDER By Willie Carwell Palestine, Texas
(carwellkreation@gmail.com) My soul is shackled to the picture of lies I painted on my wall of dishonesty, a wall I built with despair. [
In a pit where light can't penetrate and the last slice of my wedding cake this is the place my soul calls home… and I have placed him there.
“Lest We Forget” Our God and Our History between God’s people and going hungry. When singing this song was all that we could do when falsely accused of “looking incorrectly” at someone white. (Looking them in the eye instead of looking down). Share the strength gained when you have a song in your heart and God on your side. The following is a list of some important Black People associated with Mother Emanuel AME: Denmark Vesey, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Frederick Douglass, Booker T Washington, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Coretta Scott King, Clementa Pinckney and now President Barak Obama. Lesson 2. Let’s teach our children who these people are individually, this is our history. Help them make the connection between them, Mother Emanuel AME church and to us as a people. This is very important in keeping our history close. This so we will continue to fight against this ever present evil in our society known by name HATE. I close with a story told to me by my Mother, Reedie Johnson Groves. Lesson 3: Let’s teach our children
Guest Poet Willie Carwell poses with his recently published book of poetry “Speaking of My Heart”. Featured below is one of his contributing works: “Backslider”
this story and the moral found within. Follows is the story: Once there was an old woman in her garden on her knees praying aloud for bread. She prayed Lord please give me bread. Lord I need bread. In the meantime 2 little boys were in the bushes laughing at her saying “that old lady thinks God’s gonna send her bread from heaven. One said lets go get a loaf of bread and throw it down to her and she’ll think it’s from God”. So they did just that and threw the bread down to the woman. The woman responded thusly “Lord thank you for the bread even though you had to send it by the devil” So I say Lord thank you for this teachable moment, THE MASSACRE OF 9 SOULS IN MOTHER EMANUEL AME CHURCH, CHARLESTON S.C. even though you sent it by the devil. Lest we forget, let’s remember our history and pass it on. It's the history of faith in God, perseverance against unbelievable odds and our fight against evil at any cost. I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.
Crockett Public Housing Authority
Now I’m free to live empty, without cause or concern for what's right. No correction for me. I'm free indeed, to live life hopelessly in darkness without direction from his eternal light. Call me a backslider! Who has slid back into the formality of sin. There once was hope for me, but then I sought greed and greed invited me to a purposeless mind set again. But every now and then, somewhere deep within, I can hear that old soul of mine start to sing. And no it's not the blues, or pointing fingers at " you know who". It's just a song about a wedding ring and the commitment it brings once you’re married to the king. He makes a vow and seals It with the words "I do!" And as oblivious as It may seem, still a part of me screams "I'm still in love with him too!"
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Benefit for Marie Crawford Deemed a Big Success By Billy “Hollywood” Groves GSN/CEO A wonderful benefit fundraiser was held on Martin Luther King Blvd. in Crockett recently for Marie Crawford of Crockett. Mamie Moore of Crockett is the mother of Marie Crawford and one of the organizers of the event. Moore told me that her daughter Marie is a strong young lady who always helped a lot of people when she was healthy. She continued, “My daughter Marie was born with the sickle cell gene, it is a sickness. She has been a hard worker all of her life, I wanted to do something for my daughter to let her know we appreciate everything she has accomplished”. Moore cited Crockett City Councilwoman Muriel Williams, the manager of Pine Ridge Manor Apartments, formerly Prince Hall Apartments for her participation in the benefit. She also thanked Rev. Lance Mann, Pastor of St. Luke Baptist Church in Crockett, the members of St. Luke and everyone else who helped with the fundraiser. I asked Moore, who worked very hard at the benefit, about her advice for young people. “Stay in school, stay off drugs, get an education where you can be independent” was her advice for young people. She gave me this advice for people who have the sickle cell gene. “Don’t let sickle cell stop you from being successful and living your life. It is a sickness, but if you listen to your doctor and keep your health checkups you will make it.” Moore ended the conversation saying, “ the benefit was a success because everybody over there donated and I thank everybody.”
Groves Standard
People & Places THE KNOT IS STILL BEING TIED AND SECURED !!!
Mr. and Mrs. James and Courtney Davis
Mr. and Mrs. Chris and Donimonic Hampton White
By Billy ”Hollywood” Groves GSN/CEO Comedian Charles Allen of Los Angeles, California formerly from the Crockett/ Latexo, Texas area, is really getting his name and talents out to the people of America. Allen performed in his hometown recently at the American Legion building in Crockett, Texas. He did a great job and brought some gifted comedians with him who also performed. Netra “Ms. Already” Babin, and Stacy Anderson of Houston, really did a great job of entertaining the people with great humor. I asked Charles about Netra and Stacy, and about his career. He described Netra and Stacy as great comedians who have “got that heat”. Charles Allen is the son of Wanda Burney of Crockett whom he calls his
Mr. and Mrs. Xavier and Whitney Burns
COOPER REUNION SET
Mr. and Mrs. Matthews and Phileisha Mitchell
Mr. and Mrs. Allen La Von and Ramona Michelle Frye
Charles Allen and Company Showcase Unlimited Talent
Comedian Charles Allen
JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2015
number one inspiration and the heart and soul of everything he does. Eddie Murphy, Tony Roberts and the late, great Richard Pryor were his comedy role models. Charles, who played under the name Charles Burney at Latexo High School was an All-State Basketball and track performer. He later was a college track star at Kansas State University. I asked Allen who has appeared in movies and did comedy shows all across America, what advice he had for young people trying to get into show business. “The first thing I would tell anybody is , don’t do it for instant fame, do it because you love it”. He went on to say your gift is bigger than you, you have the ability to lift people up. Charles has a new DVD and can be reached on facebook.com and Twitter @Charles Allen79. Netra “Ms Already” Babin of Houston is a comedian, writer, host and actor who recently performed in East Texas. “Ms Already”, who is very funny told me she was inspired to be a comedian by both sides of her family. Eddie Murphy, Red Foxx, Moms Mabley, Chris Rock, Whoppi Goldberg and Ellen Degeneres, were also sources of inspiration for her. Netra
said she sees herself doing “good” in the future because she is not a “one trick pony”. I can write, act and do other things besides comedy she said. Netra Babin can be reached on Instagram: msalready; info@msalready.com; facebook.com/ComedianNetra and www.msalready.com. Comedian Stacy Anderson of Houston has been performing for about five years. She grew up on the East coast and credits her grandmother Mary Murikimi whom she says “never held her tongue” with being her inspiration. I asked Stacy, who has a great personality and quick wit, where she saw herself in the future. “Comedy comes natural to me. Wherever the Lord leads me, if it’s comedy or acting, I want to be able to make people laugh and enjoy themselves”. I also asked Stacy about her most memorable moments in her career. “ I performed at the Houston Improv Club with Rodney Perry on short notice. There was a sold out crowd, I was nervous, “but it was dope”. I did a good job and the people loved me.” You can contact Stacy on Facebook at Stacy Anderson; on Instagram at, LaughWithStacy and @ AnastasiaAnderson2008@yahoo.com.
The Cooper Family Reunion will be held on September 26 2015 in Tyler, Texas at the glass Reparation Center on 501 West 32nd Street. Rev. Noble Cooper Jr. of Live Oak, Texas, a Crockett, Texas native and one of the organizers of the Cooper Family Reunion had this to say. “ We are inviting all of the family members to attend the reunion, we are expecting a large gathering of Cooper relatives.” I asked Rev. Nobel Jr., the son of legendary Crockett and East Texas minister, Rev. Noble Cooper Sr., what advice did he have for young people. “The number one piece of advice I would give young people is for them to get their education. Education is the key to success, common sense tells you that.” For more information on the Cooper Family Reunion you can contact, Vernon Allen @ 903-3603811, Lucille Davis @ 936-624-6207 or Rev. Noble Cooper Jr @ 210-373-3409.
Netra Babin Comedian/ Writer/Host/Actor
Comedian Stacy Anderson
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Commentary
JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2015
Houston County Celebrated 178 Years
P RINCIPLE , P RIDE OR P ROVOCATION ? By Dr. Ianthia Fisher, Managing Ed. When one observes the recent obsession with displaying the Confederate flag, one has to question the rationale behind the banner. Is this display an expression of principle, pride or just another opportunity to show contempt and provocation toward a select group of American citizens? As I observed the various ages of those Confederate “flag wavers,” I was slightly puzzled by the adoring commitment that they seem to maintain toward this flag. Maybe it stemmed from their younger years of exposure to television shows like Dukes of Hazzard or Rebel Without A Cause, I really don’t know. I personally didn’t attempt to interview any of them, but I did think this phenomenon deserved taking a closer look at history and at the facts behind the flag. After much exploration, I believe that Martin Kelly, a noted historian, did an excellent job of summarizing the top five causes of the Civil war. He listed them as: (1) Economic and social differences between the North and the South, (2) States versus federal rights, (3) the fight between Slave and Non-slave state proponents, (4) Growth of the Abolition Movement and (5) the election of Abraham Lincoln. To analyze and place in laymen terms what each cause was about, I would interpret these causes; thusly, cause (1) The right to sell goods grown on plantations with slave labor where and at what price the south chose without northern interference; cause (2) The right of the states to choose if they wanted to maintain slavery and the right of the federal government to tell them it needed to be abolished; cause (3) the fight between the slave and nonslave states over whether they should have slavery (the very nature of slavery); cause (4) the recognition by a group of people (abolitionists) who abhorred the brutality of slavery and
fought to convince others against it and lastly, cause (5) the realization by a President, that a nation divided against itself cannot stand—one who recognized that to stand for freedom, “all” people of that nation must have the opportunity to be free. At the end of the day, all roads lead to slavery. Even the southern non-slave owners had a winning stake in the Civil war. They were willing to die to support a life style governed by white privilege (a slight curve in the road). The main road, however, still led to the justification of one race having control or domination over another race to the inevitable degradation of the dominated people. As a Christian and an African American citizen, I am truly offended that the display of so violent of a symbol can be “waved” with such inconsideration and, I am of the opinion that it can only be identified as a symbol of provocation. As history notes, the South lost— a fact that seems not to have penetrated the conflicted minds of the Confederate flag wavers. To continue to display a flag of states that were defeated in the face of a “so called” united, United States of America is suggestive of treason. How can we as a
nation embrace a flag of defeat? Why not fly a British, French, Mexican or whatever enemy flags that were once defeated as well. I’m sure everyone’s ancestors of each nation fought just as bravely as the Confederate soldiers. After all, they felt strongly enough to go to war over their causes. While many may feel that their ancestors fought and died for a noble cause, their feelings do not necessary make it true. I recall that in the Bible, Saul before he was converted by God and renamed Paul, thought he was doing a noble service when he obtained a license to persecute and kill Christians. He later repented and changed his ways. I believe it is time for all of Americas to repent of the great injustice done to African Americans and to change their ways. A key step in this process is to let all of the symbols of provocation and oppression be put to rest. A dignified resting place can still be had at the nearest museum of American History.
. . . When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19 (KJV)
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(L-R)
Deacon Marcus and Sis. Demetrial Dickie, Randy, LaDonna and (baby) Braxton Jones, Rev. Winston Spencer Sr., and Deacon W.L. and Sis. Regina Tillis.
By Dr. Ianthia Fisher, Managing Ed. Braxton Jones, the son of Randy and LaDonna Jones was spiritually dedicated back to the Lord and welcomed by his proud godparents: Deacon Marcus and Sis. Demetrial Dickie along with Deacon W.L. and Sis. Regina Tillis. The service was
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Judy Scott , Houston County Chamber of Commerce Executive Assistant, Chamber President Jennie Julian and others were on hand to ensure that everyone had a great time at the 178th Celebration held at David Crockett Springs in June. It was deemed a success by all. Especially the “homemade goodies” and treats supplied by Judy and other volunteers.
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conducted by Pastor Winston Spencer, Sr. and was held at the New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church on September 13, 2015 during the Morning Service. May God richly bless the parents and God parents as they commit to rearing this child in “the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
S PECIAL H ELLO TO : “D ICK ” T AYLOR AND F AMILY
OF
T YLER
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Business World PLAYWRIGHT FRANCES HALL WRITES AWARD WINNING PLAY
“Troubled Waters: Lead Cast with Director Antonio Fargas (Left) and Playwright Frances Hall (right front) by Billy “Hollywood” Groves GSN / CEO Frances “Fran” Hall of Las Vegas, Nevada is a former school counselor, administrator and teacher. The beautiful Crockett, Texas native and Sam Houston State University graduate, is currently a great playwright. Her Gospel Stage Play titled “Troubled Waters”, written by Hall and directed by famed actor Antonio Fargas, has brought her national attention. I asked Francis, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Goree Hall of Crockett about the motivation behind her playwriting skills. “I always was a writer, it was my own passion. I majored in English in college and was an English teacher.” Hall said she grew up in the church and she was a big fan of Gospel plays. She put that knowledge of her upbringing into her writing of Troubled Waters, which is a story about a religious family’s struggles to overcome life’s adversities. I asked Francis how she got legendary actor Antonio Fargas, who is best known for his television role as “Huggy Bear” on Starsky and Hutch to be to be director. She said Fargas was living in Las Vegas and he was still doing shows on Broadway when she got in touch with him and he agreed to direct Troubled Waters. In 2013, Troubled Waters earned Francis the National Grand Prize Win-
ner Title awarded by the Black Gospel Play Association. The Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Las Vegas, asked Francis to participate in their annual MLK Jr. Celebration and festivities a few years ago. In addition to her many endeavors, Francis has written two more plays, Silent Water Falls and Still Waters. I asked Francis about her children, her niece, Tamron, and her vision for the future. “My niece Tamron Hall, the daughter of my brother Cass Hall, is still a television news anchor on MSNBC in New Your City. My son lives in Houston and my daughter lives in Seattle, Washington. Francis said she sees herself writing more plays, working with young people and being very successful with her projects in the future. Francis “Fran” Hall is my cousin. She is also a very articulate, intelligent, caring woman who loves God, her family, and people in general. She comes from a very hardworking, intelligent God-fearing family. We are wishing her the best in all of her life endeavors. For more information on Francis “Fran” Hall, you can reach her at 702-218-1781 or at Goree55@hotmail.com; www.kingweeklasvegas.com on the internet.
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JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2015
MUSIC / ENTERTAINMENT SCENE By Billy ”Hollywood” Groves GSN / CEO Music Entertainment Scene Final By Billy”Hollywood” Groves GSN/CEO Zone 24 TV is continuing its tremendous growth as one of the strongest new music media advertisement messengers in this new America. I’ve always said that leadership plays a vital role in the development of any business; from the start with Buddha Ali Shaw, Jerry “HYPE” Johnson and Chip Francis directing the ship, Zone 24 TV “had it going on”. Now with the addition of Mr. E, Mike “Heavy Love” Jones, Robert “Fleetwood” Bowden, Billy “Hollywood” Groves, Rick “Freeway Ricky” Ross and Confetti the future is really looking great for Zone 24 TV. Mike “Heavy Love” Jones AKA Big Mike has been real busy promoting new talent in the music industry. One of his latest discoveries is the Houston rapper “ReddLine”, who he was introduced to by Houston’s Sharanda Coleman, a very talented lady. ReddLine and the rap group “Wugang Money Feens” did a great job performing at My Escape Club in Crockett, recently. That performance along with an earlier concert by Houston Rap legend Zero, brought to you courtesy of Them Dead End Boys, of Huntsville and Crockett, will be featured on the next edition of Zone 24 TV. Big ups to Cam “Cambzie” Benton and Maria Soprano of Lufkin, Texas for their visions and thoughts for the future. Cam has a new talk show to go along with his network connections program which can be seen on the internet. Charles Allen of Los Angeles, California is the real deal when it comes to being a comedian. Allen has been making people laugh in clubs and venues of all types across the country with great success for several years. Allen’s work has not gone unnoticed; world renowned comedian Dave Chappell recently commended him for his comic skills. Charles did his thing in his home town in East Texas recently at the American Legion Place in Crockett and he brought some terrifically gifted comedians with him. We the people of Crockett and East Texas are extremely grateful for that. Charles comes from a great family, he was a super athlete at Latexo High / Crockett, Texas and K-State. He was good enough to be a pro athlete in track in Europe, but chose the entertainment world and for that, the world will get to see Charles Allen. He has a Charles Allen DVD that is available on line, you can reach him on Facebook. Com forward/ comedian Charles Allen and twitter@Charles Allen 79. The Groves Standard will continue to cover the career of Charles Allen. Charles left me with these words of advice for the young and old. “With faith anything is possible, I pray and talk to God every day.” Junior Boy Hickman of Crockett is working with Waco, Texas Rapper
Goldie AKA “Street Legend” Goldie AKA “Street Legend” on getting his music out to the World. East Texas Rapper “Young Knowledge is featured on Goldie’s new CD titled Ghetto Blues. Sensational singer Tony Henry of Houston, a Crockett native, has a brand new song “Sweet Tooth” that is receiving a lot of national exposure. For more information on Tony Henry you can go to Tony henrymusic.com or check him out on Facebook, twitter, You Tube and on other internet sites.
Tony Henry Singer Local rappers, C-Dubb, Maceo, T -Shep, Ju Tha Truth, Chris W, Youngest in Charge, Troop Squad, Chris Bell, Moon, Joe Senegal, K-Wool, Joseph Bowie and the rest of the aspiring young rappers of East Texas are really looking good and working hard developing their music. My brother Robert “Fleetwood” Bowden of San Francisco, CA is a very gifted filmmaker, community activist, rapper, video music producer, writer and a man of vision with a dream of helping his people across America. Fleetwood has been traveling all over the nation these past few months helping inner city and rural kids and adults get their lives together. He just left Harlem, New York and New Jersey, where he spoke at the Harlem Book Fair about his new book “Da Cotton Pickas” and the new addition to the book called “Cotton Reparations”. He also participated with the New York City’s YMCA Children’s deal, the Cypher 6 Nation, God of Earth Center of Youth Activity on Clayton Powell Street in New York City. I’ve often told Fleetwood that he has incredible energy to travel around America, helping people, including people who have been to prison. Fleetwood can be reached on twitter @ Fleetwood SF, See Music Scene ...Page 6 [
Groves Standard
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SPORTS
JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2015
Democrats Host Beans & Jeans Voter Awareness Rally
Sports News Update By Billy “Hollywood” Groves GS /CEO The Dead End Barbershop Team of Huntsville won the 2015 second annual “Get Up on My Level” Hip Hop All Star Basketball Tournament which was held in Crockett, Texas this summer. Teams from Dallas, Houston, Huntsville, Palestine, Fairfield, Bryan, Crockett, Grapeland, Mexia and other cities participated in the two day tournament. Members of the first place team were Dre Murray, Jeremy LaDay, Randy Mills, Brandon “Boo” Johnson, ”Bo Bo” Hall, Jeffery Simmons, Billy “Hollywood” Groves, “Squirt” Harris, Justin Ennis, “Rue Rue” Johnson and Dameon. Special thanks to the Johnson Brothers of Houston, Huntsville and Crockett for bringing this exciting basketball Tournament to East Texas. Kudos go out to Baylor University wide receiver Chris Platt of Willis, Texas. Chris caught a touchdown in Baylor’s first game against Southern
Methodist University. Chris Platt is the son of Chris Platt Sr. of Crockett and LaTonya Wiley and the grandson of Charles and Gloria Platt of Crockett and Sylvania and William Shorter of Lovelady. High fives go out to Huntsville’s Justin Gilbert, Crockett’s JaGared “Champ” Davis of the Kansas City Chiefs and Palestine, Texas’s Adrian “A.D.” Peterson, who are some of the East Texas athletes in the NFL. Justin plays for the Cleveland Browns and A.D. plays for the Minnesota Vikings. We commend CISD Superintendent Terry Meyers, Crockett Head football Coach Jimmy Thompson, Crockett Head Basketball Coaches and all of the staff of the CISD for the great job they are doing with our youth. This column is dedicated to the late basketball stars who passed away in 2015: Marquis Haynes of the Harlem Globetrotter, Darrell “Chocolate Thunder” Dawkins and Moses Malone of the NBA.
MUSIC SCENES / Entertainment CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 facebook@ Robert Bowden, you can get his books at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and Books A Million. Kudos go out to Rick “Freeway Ricky” Ross, my friend and “brother from another mother” on all the success he is having these days with his books, movies and special endeavors. Rick will always have a place in the people’s hearts and minds because he is the one who exposed the truth about who really put crack cocaine on the streets of America and why they did it. Every time I speak with Rick, he puts me on some new information about what’s happening in America. Although Rick lives in Los Angeles, California, he travels the nation, enlightening people and inspiring them. Keep up the good work Rick. He can be reached at RickRoss Books.com at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Freeway Rick Ross: “The Untold Biography” and a bunch of other locations on the
internet. Be on the lookout for rapper “Big B” from Dallas, Texas, comedian Anastasia “The Bold”, radio host “Blacktier” from Detroit, Michigan, community leader Reggie Wells of Houston, son of Houston legend Lloyd Wells in the next edition of the Groves Standard Newspaper. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Dallas’s Mr. E and the rapper Young Nino, along with Buddha Ali. They are the brains and power behind the Triple D Awards of Dallas. The Triple D Awards recognizes, honors and acknowledges the accomplishments of people who are successful in life. High fives go out to Malik A. Rasheed of Houston, founder of Houston Hot Television and Houston Hot Magazine. High fives also go out to D. Solo and Houston’s Street Flavor television show. We also commend Block 2 Block Magazine and their leadership. Keep up the good work!
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Democrats and friends of the party held their second Annual Beans ’n Jeans Event Saturday, September 12th at the New Pavilion at Davy Crockett Park. Scrumptious food, spectacular speakers and singular fellowship was the theme for the event. It was described as a “great event by the organizers and participants. The Democratic Party is encouraging everyone to keep the enthusiasm going as we head into an important election year. Remember that “YOUR” vote counts. Special thanks to all who helped make this such a “Great” event.
DEDICATION … With Love and Sympathy We re-acknowledge the 2013 passing of Sis. Vera Adams of Texas City, the wife of Texas City Community leader Johnny Adams. R.I.P., Bobby Ray Griffin of Houston, a Crockett native , Basketball great Marcus Haynes, former Harlem Globe Trotters star (1926-2015); Crockett Natives, Kenneth “Pete” “Rooster” Leonard of Houston, Clyde “Boo” Roberts of Crockett, Mary McKnight Rhodes of Crockett, wife of Jim Rhodes, Coach Andrew J. Hopkins, Sis. Agnes Bell Miller Rhoder, Sis. Natelia Robbins
Gray of Crockett, family member and church leader, Grant Platt, Jr. , Tony Oniel “Pretty Tony” Robinson, Buffalo / Crockett; John Rodgers Hawkins (Hopewell Community) Crockett, Community Icon Agnes Bell Miller Rhoder, Legendary Coach Andrew J. Hopkins, Kaydence Ahniya RobbinsDillard (Cupcake), Stacy Coleman Purvis of Crockett / Grapeland; W.C. Denman legendary Crockett athlete, Shirley Taylor, Thomas Phillips (Grapeland), Joseph (Gator) McMearn and Deacon Leroy McKnight.
Pump #8: A Litmus Test That Proves All Lives Matter CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 actions encouraged more unstable people to rally round evil and promote lawlessness, rioting, looting and the destruction of personal property in mostly minority communities that can least afford the damages and losses. Civil disobedience does not teach disrespect, hatred or violence, but a non-violence and level-headed approach to peaceful solutions that result in real concrete change. Pump #8 shows us the dangers of arm chair activists spewing misguided rhetoric that creates senseless violence and destroys lives and changes futures. The results of this are indeed tragic. Now, we have a 47-year old father who leaves behind a widow to raise two beautiful children without a father and a 30-year old man in jail facing the possibility of the death penalty. The community has also suffered a blow. It lost one of its most dedicated, beloved peace officers and freedom protectors - one who was characterized as one of the "good guys" and
another Black male will be added to the millions of Blacks already trapped in the prison-industrial complex. The real question about Pump #8 is when will all citizens of the United States from Houston, Tx. and Ferguson, Mo. to Baltimore, Md. to Cincinnati, Ohio and beyond learn to stop following national and domestic "rabble-rousers" and start thinking for themselves. Strong spiritual and social values built this country and makes it the best, richest and strongest in the world. From the smallest fetus in the womb to the oldest person living on the face of planet Earth, “Every Soul Matters”. Pump #8 should be THE cause for pause and for the police, politicians, community, demonstrators and others across this great country to focus on the fact that God created us all and that when it comes to his creation… "Red, Yellow, Black or White, We are Precious in his Sight", thus We All Matter.
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Groves Standard
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Hollywood’s News Around the State and Nation Pump #8: A Litmus Test That Proves All Lives Matter
JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2015
CAUTION ! MEN AT WORK This is the current theme at the Groves Educational Foundation as contractors work to give the Groves Center a much needed clean-up. We invite the community to observe the progress that is being made and encourage each community member to join us in this effort.
Memorial Acknowledgements left at PUMP #8 By Guest Writer Darwin Campbell Cypress, Tx- Before August 28, Chevron Pump #8 was just a place where people pulled up to fill their cars with gas. Now it has become the birthplace of a new awareness that may become the fuel that positively changes the thinking or millions of Americans struggling to understand the climate of mistrust, hatred and suspicion that confuses and blankets the country surrounding questions and issues about whether every life matters. The shots that killed 10-year Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth in Cypress, Texas struck a deep chord and touched millions round the country and world who heard about the cold-blooded killing that seems to have come about because of the poisonous rhetoric that fills media and social media airwaves promoting a culture of senseless violent actions against citizens and public servants. Goforth's death has become the new shot heard round the world and should shake a nation at its very foundation into the true reality that every life matters. It should focus the nation on the threat that the very safety and freedoms every American holds dear, no matter what community, race or ethnic origin, are at risk. Without getting a grip on this now, all the freedoms we presently enjoy are standing on the brink of anarchy. Shannon J. Miles, 30, a person who has been charged with capital murder in the death of Goforth. According to Harris County Sheriff reports, Miles is accused of killing Goforth, 47, in Northwest Harris County. Investigators said Goforth had worked an accident scene at around 8:30pm, then went to a gas station on Telge and West Road in Cypress. As he
was pumping gas. Miles allegedly approached Deputy Goforth from behind, said nothing and fired multiple shots. Once Goforth fell to the ground, authorities reported that Miles fired more shots at the deputy. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A motive has not been fully determined, but many believe that it is linked to growing and continuous negatively charged rhetoric and the polarized climate between the police and some ethnic groups and communities who have raised questions over several citizen killings involving police across the country and among some who feel that law enforcement has targeted them. Gas Pump #8 has become a memorial to the fallen officer and a grim reminder of how cruel, manipulating and careless some can be to use media as a means to breath hate into weaker minds causing them to act on the good, the innocent and the protectors of society and of our freedoms and liberties. It also has given others an excuse for shamefully "acting out" allegedly in the name of justice for all. Pump #8 is a wake up call and now has become the appeal and rallying cry from thousands of Catholics, Protestants, Christians, Jews and Muslims who recently took to the streets with a strong message demanding that people and society in America re-focus on God and "Loving Our Neighbors" It is a quieter, calmer call for common sense, cooler heads and spiritual reasoning to prevail over the heavily reported and steady diet of anger, rage-driven and poisonous words that the media has blasted before the eyes of young and old in this country. Such careless and irresponsible See Pump #8... Page 6
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East Texas SHOUT OUTS ! Jesus Christ, President Barack Obama, Dr. Ruth Groves Waston Houston, Malik Rasheed, Dr. Dallas Pierre, DDS, Johnny Adams, the late Vera Adams, Dr. Lynn Ellison, Hillary Clinton, Dez Bryant, Quanell X, Marie Thompson, Pat Perry, Richard “Dick” Taylor and Family, The Tyler, Tx Crew, Steve Harvey, Dr. Brenda Atchison, Rev. Delvin Atchison, Tori Lynn and Jerri Lynn of Dallas, Texas, Cessily Walker, Terry Meyers, Jimmy Thompson, Confetti, Lonny Lipscomb, Billy Bannister, Tony Henry, Edward Shepherd, Sis. Boosie Simon, Daphne Session, the late great W.C. Denman, “Father Time” Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bishop Eunice Groves, Zone 24 TV, Kevin Gates, Bishop Kurt L. Thompson, Rev. Isaac Debose, Rev. Reginald Harris, Jim Ervin, the Ervin Family, The Crockett Public Library, The Grapeland Public Library, Texas Informer, Walter and Maxine Session, Sis. Earlie Groves, Sylvester Turner, U.S. Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee, Beat King, Club K ROXX-D-TRAX, Trinity, Texas, James Smith, Palestine, Texas, James “Shug” Smith (Mayor of Beria Texas), The Marshall Family, The McCullough Family, D.J. Warfield, Robert “Fleetwood” Bowden, Ross Byrd, Opal Faye Woolbright, Blair LeDet, Rev. Joe Landrick Ards, Bridget Lamb, Dr. Ianthia Fisher, Judge Erin Ford, Rev. Al Sharpton, Muriel Wil-
liams, Ernest Jackson, Bill Holcomb,
Victoria Essien, Rev. Jessie Jackson, Justin Gilbert, Revelation Johnson (Tupac’s cousin), AAN&I of Houston, Jiggie Mosley, John Jenkins, Wadell Smith, “Pee Wee” Simpson, June Bug Reece, The Myrtis Dightman Rodeo & family, Cartier Martin, Dr. Helen and George King, Crockett High School sports & Education, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, The NAACP of Texas and Amer-
ica, Wendy Davis, Houston Mayor Anise Parker, the Hope Arkansas Crew, “Freeway” Rick Ross, Pete Miles and Family, the McKnight Family of East Texas, Future, Rich Homy Quan, Chris Brown, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Migos,
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Steve Harvey, Prosperity Bank of Crockett and Texas, D.J. Ricksta, Young Dolph, Memphis, Tenn., Rihanna, Wale, Meek Mill, Big Sean, D.J. Chose, Tyga, Lil Boosie, Tigo B. Ricco Barrino, Wiz Khalifa, D. J. Wizz Sr., 2 Chainz, Drake , Nicki Minaji, Usher, Rob T. Turner, 96.3 FM Hip Hop Radio Station , Lufkin/ Nacogdoches, Texas, Penny Lynn Webb, J. T. Groves Jr., School Boy Q, Young Thug, Deacon Benny “Took” Harris, Rev. and Sister Winston Spencer, St. Luke Baptist Church and Bethel Baptist Church, Crockett.
Groves Standard Newspaper
Billy “Hollywood” Groves Founder / Chairman / CEO Dr. Helen King . . . . . . . . Senior Editor Dr. Ruth Watson . . . . . . . President / Editor Dr. Ianthia Fisher . . . . . . Managing Editor Victoria Essien, M Ed. . . . Cultural /Arts Dr. Brenda Atchison. . . . Business Manager Minister Earlie Groves. . . Religion / Writer Rev. Oscar Henderson . . Religion/ Writer All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means-electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher.