Community Journal 36

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August-September 15, 2014

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Community Role Models

Houston Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project Provides Several Community Programs Bringing the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did not end with the erecting of the statue at MacGregor Park.

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In Homage to the Life of Dr. Evelyn Evangeline Thornton (June 7, 1933 – July 15, 2014) Active in national science and mathematics professional organizations as well, Thornton has served as both a brilliant example and a guide for thousands of young Texans for more than half a century.

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Pastor Alan Lamar Patterson Continues Legacy of His Father at Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church

Looking Around the Community

By Charlotte Jackson Forty-three years ago when I moved to Houston, I not only had my parents as role models but the local school was full of adults who radiated with knowledge and stability of one career.

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3rd Ward’s Own Not Jus Donuts Featured on Buddy’s Bakery Rescue Join our e-mail list for the latest updates @ d-mars.com

Popeyes and HFD Partner to Award Scholarships to Three High School Seniors to Become Houston Firefighters

Everyone in society should be a role model, not only for their own self-respect, but for respect from others.

– Barry Bonds

August-September 15, 2014

Journal Behind The

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Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Valerie Jones

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

A role model is defined as a person whose behavior, example or success is worthy to be emulated. Why is it important for our community to have strong role models? The answer is simple. Because our generation of youth needs people to emulate – community role models inspire us and encourage us to be greater. I challenge each of you to be role model for your community.

As always again, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support d-mars.com, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work.

Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

Office Manager Johnny Ray Davis, Jr.

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

Contents

Andrea Hennekes

Pastor Alan Lamar Patterson Continues Legacy of His Father at Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church......................4

online support specialist

Houston Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project Provides Several Community Programs....................................................... 6

Anthony Torregosa

3rd Ward’s Own Not Jus Donuts Featured on Buddy’s Bakery Rescue............................................................................................. 8

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Popeyes and HFD Partner to Award Scholarships to Three High School Seniors to Become Houston Firefighters..........10

Angel Rosa

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

In Homage to the Life of Dr. Evelyn Evangeline Thornton June 7, 1933 – July 15, 2014................................................................. 12 Looking Around the Community................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Back to School: Hitting Hard With a New Resolve..................................................................................................................................16 Council Member Gallegos Visits Industrial Welding Academy.............................................................................................................16

Valerie Jones Charlotte Jackson J.T. Myers, M.Ed, MRT

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August-September 15, 2014

Pastor Alan Lamar Patterson

Pastor Alan Lamar Patterson dons a “I’M HOOKED” T-shirt during church service as part of Mount Corinth’s “LET’S GO FISHING” campaign, based on Matthew 4:19, in which Jesus said, “follow me and I’ll make you fishers of men!”

Continues Legacy of His Father at Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church

By Valerie Jones

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Associate Editor

n 1997, Alan Lamar Patterson attended the 11th Annual Soul Train Awards in Los Angeles.

He was enjoying the event immensely, sitting on the front row next to Mary J. Blige. Patterson saw The Notorious B.I.G. perform and saw him later that night at a VIP after-party reception. Of course, as is well-known now, Biggie Smalls was gunned down later that same night.

“It was after that event that I came home and rededicated my life to Christ and I’ve been an advocate for Him ever since,” Patterson said.

Patterson is a graduate of the magnet high school for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice in Houston. He earned a bachelor’s degree from nationally acclaimed Hampton University and matriculated to Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University.

“While in law school, I finally accepted the call to be an advocate for the Lord rather than the Law,” he said.

Patterson was following in the footsteps of his father, the legendary Rev. Dr. A. Louis Patterson, Jr., whom served as the senior pastor of Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church in Houston for more than four decades. After his recent passing in April, Alan was elected as senior pastor of Mount Corinth.

Equipped with a master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and the knowledge he gained from the Theological Studies Program at Princeton Theological Seminary as well as the “Proclaimer Place” program at Oxford University in Oxford, England, Patterson is prepared to take the reins at the church his father led for so many years.

d-mars.com took some time to get to know the man behind the pulpit – Mr. Alan Lamar Patterson. d-mars.com: You described your Christianity as being “contemporary, creative and cutting-edge.” Explain what that means. Why

do you think this style is so infectious?

Patterson: When we examine Jesus’ ministry, there’s something emphatically evident! Jesus connected with the community more than He did the church.

Jesus was fresh and new! He was radical, real and relevant!

Jesus was cutting-edge! He spoke with power to the people because He spent much time in private prayer.

Rarely, if at all, will you find Jesus in the Gospels engaged in public prayers or praying publicly. You’ll

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August-September 15, 2014

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gest challenge will be taking the reins at Mount Corinth?

Patterson: My biggest challenge as Pastor is one that’s on a more personal perspective. I really desire to be a spiritual blessing to members of Corinth.

I want every member to develop, grow and mature to their highest potential!

d-mars.com: Your father, Rev. A. Louis Patterson, Jr., was a senior pastor at Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church. Following in your father’s footsteps, how do you plan on continuing and honoring the great legacy of your father?

Patterson: My father pastored Mount Corinth for 44 years. He’s the only pastor I’ve ever had. He’s taught me everything I know on a foundational level.

He’s been my model, motivator and mentor. I truly am my father at my core internally (beliefs, principles, etc.). I’m just externally packaged differently – my dad was more traditional, whereas I am a little more contemporary than he was, but essentially we are one in the same. I have no plans on changing what he’s done, but rather building upon his foundation and taking it to the next level in ministry.

My father was considered an iconic individual to many preachers all across this country. His preaching will be greatly missed. I’m just honored God has chosen me to speak to this current generation, gifting me with the ability to pass on what my father has instilled in me. I owe everything I have and who I am today to my father, Dr. A. Louis Patterson, Jr.

mainly find where He’s going off somewhere to the mountains, etc. in solitude praying.

We are just the opposite. We love to pray publicly before people and rarely pray privately with God and wonder why we have no power.

When I became pastor, my first request was for our church to pray every day at 12 noon – for the pastor, pew and our purpose. God is honoring that!

Most of my illustrations are taken from the current contemporary pop culture. I apply ideas, incidents and issues that are currently in the mainstream or social media and directly apply them to the context of the text and reveal how they relate to us and directly affect us through the understanding of the biblical principles that never go out of style.

I believe this unique style of Christianity is so infectious because: • I’m being authentic to who I am in my own originality…I’m not trying to be a carbon copy of another clergyman • I’m able to attract attention because the examples and illustrations are actually current news • I’m always accumulating new insight – I’m always studying and learning – people can tell when preparation is involved in a presentation

d-mars.com: How do you plan on blazing your own path?

Patterson: (Matthew 19:26) Jesus said, “with God, all things are possible!” I’m going to rely upon supernatural support and the power of prayer to go where the Lord wants me to go and do what the Lord wants me to do – walking by faith and not by sight – believing BIG things happen for those who believe BIG. As long as I continue to think BIG, I know the Lord is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all I could ever ask or think. So, I’m taking JOY on the JOURNEY He’s leading me on as He continues to blaze the trail for me!

d-mars.com: What books/authors have inspired you?

Patterson: No author has inspired me more than the Word of God. The Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God. I’m continually being inspired by the greatest book and author of all time!

On a human level, I enjoy reading Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. His vocabulary is intellectually insane and his insight is irresistibly informative.

d-mars.com: If you could go back in time and meet three great leaders, who would they be and why?

Patterson: I would like to meet: • Jesus Christ while He was in ministry during his 33 years on Earth – how fascinating would it be to be in His presence at that particular time in history to witness firsthand all of the miracles, signs and wonders!

• King David – this is the only man recorded in biblical history who was a ‘man after God’s own heart’ – (1st Samuel 13:14) David was perfect in His pursuit of God, but imperfect in his performance for God. David had ‘sex in the city’ and had to deal with ‘baby mama drama’ with Bathsheba, who happened to be a ‘desperate housewife of Israel’ and murdered her husband Uriah. David would have been convicted in the “1st 48.” How’s that for a reality show? Yet David with all that drama was still one of the greatest

leaders of all time who led Israel to monumental moments in ministry.

• Martin Luther King, Jr. – there’s a mysterious quality to his ministry that fascinates me…I would love to have been in those back room meetings as they strategized the politics that would literally change the economical, legal, political, social and spiritual landscape of America.

d-mars.com: What do you think your big-

Patterson has served as the former NAACP Region VI, Religious Affairs Coordinator for the State of Texas and been a guest lecturer in Manheim, Germany for the German Baptist Convention. He has traveled across the U.S. from California to New York spreading the Gospel and currently serves as the National Lecturer for Young Adults in the Congress of Christian Education in the National Baptist Convention.

In addition to pastoring, Patterson is an avid golfer and can be often found on the golf course. He also enjoys traveling and has extensively traversed five of the seven continents.

One of his favorite things to do, however, is spend time with his family – he and his beautiful wife Deidra have one handsome son, Aldan Lamar Patterson.

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August-September 15, 2014

Houston Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project Provides Several Community Programs

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ringing the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did not end with the erecting of the statue at MacGregor Park.

The Houston Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project aims to honor Dr. King’s legacy by collaborating and expanding outreach programming and initiatives with community partners to wit: • Educate students and the community about the legacy of Dr. King • Identify and challenge educational opportunities • Commemorate and enhance cultural experience • Encourage community partnerships and collaborations • Provide a place of meditation and tranquility • Improve and economically empower the community The annual MLK, Jr. Memorial Parade on MLK Boulevard in Houston preceding the annual parade downtown as well as creation of a safe and secure environment at the MLK Jr. Memorial Statue and Park Plaza are just a few of the additions to carry on the legacy of Dr. King. There are also numerous partners and programs available as part of the Houston Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project.

Some of them include:

• “Who “WhoAm AmI”I”Inc. Inc.IMPACT IMPACTApprenticeship ApprenticeshipProgram Program The “Who Am I” Inc. Project-Based Learning and STEM “IMPACT” Apprenticeship program serves urban students.

The “IMPACT” Apprenticeship teams with community partners such as the MD Anderson Aspire program and TSU STEM Enchantment III (taught by Dr. Oscar H. Criner), and has warranted students the opportunity to participate in an online, teen-savvy bilingual multimedia program and learn the basic fundamentals of computer science.

The “IMPACT” Apprenticeship allows students to develop the necessary skills of app development giving them the opportunity to participate in the first annual Congressional Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academic Competition, the “House App Challenge.”

“Who Am I” Inc. also embraces cross-discipline literacy standards in efforts to promote global learning, produce literate students, prepare students for 21st century college and career readiness. These standards will serve as a catalyst to develop students as lifelong learners by developing their skills for inquiry, process and product.

“Who Am I” Inc. believes that STEM and literacy go ‘hand in hand.’ Our future global leaders must be proficient in reading and writing and develop strong communication and critical thinking skills in efforts to be pioneers in their career field of choice.

Recent STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) exams show that many children are below average in reading. According to results released by the Texas Education Agency, over 18% percent of fifth and eighth graders failed in reading. The results for fifthand eighth-graders are crucial as under state law, students in those two grades must pass both math and reading sections to be promoted.

“Who Am I” Apprenticeship finds it important to support literacy acquisition and raise reading scores by developing students’ literacy skills through STEM-based learning. In other words, literacy skills are developed through teaching students to interpret, analyze, read case studies, understand what they have read, form hypotheses and write down their findings during project based learning; which in return will develop the necessary skills for meeting state standards.

“Who Am I” Inc. believes by blending literacy acquisition to STEM, it gives students the opportunity to embrace blended learning, to teach our students how to synthesize their thoughts through reading informational text to be

Students gather around the MLK Statue at MacGregor Park. Adults pictured (l-r) are Sylvester Brown, BHS Project Manager; Eboni Davis, Education Director; Tamokia Thompson, Program Coordinator; and Oscar H. Criner, TSU STEM Challenge Director.

Upcoming Events sponsored by the Black Heritage Society:

• Stuff the BackPack and Go to School Saturday, August 23, 2014 @ MacGregor Park (9am1pm) 5225 Calhoun (MLK Blvd/OST) Houston, Texas 77021 • Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial March/Parade Saturday, January 17, 2015 @ MLK Blvd & Griggs (9am) March and Parade Starts at MLK Blvd/Griggs Houston, Texas • BHS Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Festival Saturday, January 17, 2015 @ MacGregor Park (12pm-7pm) 5225 Calhoun Houston, Texas 77021 • The “Original” MLK, Jr. Birthday Parade & Holiday Celebration Monday, January 19, 2015 Downtown-Houston 10am Starting @ Minute Maid Park Registration Now Available at www.blackheritagesociety.org

applied towards Science, Technology, engineering and math. The Who Am I team buzz word is “five for one” (five subjects for one result) STEM. The Goal of “Who Am I” Inc. “IMPACT” Apprenticeship is not only to hone in on STEM-related subjects, but to bring a different type of flavor to the classroom through fun, rigorous literary programs that capture the student’s unique learning styles, but also challenges the students to become scholars in reading and writing through infusing group literature.

• STEM Enchantment III Adventures in Serious GamingSummer SummerOutreach OutreachProgram Programfor forYouth Youth Gaming The Center for Research on Complex Networks (CRCN) of Texas Southern University hosted the summer program, “STEM Enchantment III.” The four-week program was held on the campus of Texas Southern University in the Leonard H.O. Spearman Technology building. This year, the Center enchanted its students by engaging them in learning while playing serious games. The program focused on Logic, English, Mathematics, Computers and Problem-

Solving. Participating schools for the program were Albert Thomas Middle School, Walter W. Fondren Middle School and Christa McAuliffe Middle School.

Students were engaged in programming games and applications for the desktop, playing educational games and mobile application development. Students who completed the course were provided Android tablets with which to continue their work and enjoyment of computing. Students completing the course are invited to participate in the Young Application Developers Project at COST in the coming school year. They will participate in the Congressional STEM Academic Challenge App Developers contest in the spring of 2015.

The first annual Congressional Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academic Competition took place in the spring of 2014. Established by members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, this challenge is a nationwide event that allows high school students from across the country to learn by creating and exhibiting their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet or computer devices on a platform of their choice.

The program is operated by the Education and Outreach component of the CRCN, which is sponsored by the National Science Foundation Centers for Research Excellence in Science and Technology Program. Dr. Oscar H. Criner, Professor of Computer Science and his students Frederico Novack, Kelly Jerome, Marith Williams and Emanuel Sapolucia provided instruction and activities. The program manager was Anthony Williams.

10 “Talented Tenth” Theatre • 10 “Talented Tenth” Theatre The purpose of the “Talented Tenth” Theatre is to build a brand name that is synonymous with excellence, both in performers’ individual skill and technically sound performances. This company is here to improve the skill of the individual artist so they may go out, share what they have learned and lead the artistic community correctly and effectively in the future.

Motto To build the strongest company of performers that can tackle any genre of theatrical areas, including, but not limited to Drama, Comedy, Musicals, Tragedy, Contemporary, Classical, Shakespearean, Greek and original plays that meet the needs of the modern audience.

Vote or Pick Cotton – Voter Registration CampaignCampaign • Vote or Pick Cotton – Voter Registration Mission Statement The mission of the “Vote or Pick Cotton” program* is to: register voters, educate non-registered voters and registered voters related to voting machine and proper voting formality; educate non-registered and registered voters related to voting registration requirements and voting booth locations; assist person(s) seeking candidate(s) public ballot information; assist person(s) by providing non-partisan and all other public information related to voting.

Program Description The “Vote or Pick Cotton” Voter Registration Services Program and Campaign provides educational, clerical and administrative support to register new voters. The program provides legally required training for volunteer registrars, candidate forums, issues voter registration applications and absentee ballot materials.

Program Objective The “Vote or Pick Cotton” program will seek to increase involvement from voters that will increase voter participation and turnout at grassroot levels. *Sponsored in part by the Black Heritage Society, Ovide Duncantell, Executive Director

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August-September 15, 2014

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August-September 15, 2014

3rd Ward’s Own Not Jus Donuts Featured on Buddy’s Bakery Rescue

By Valerie Jones Associate Editor

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local bake shop in 3rd Ward was the recent feature of a nationally televised show on TLC. Not Jus Donuts, located at 2020 Dowling Street, headlined a recent episode of Buddy’s Bakery Rescue featuring Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro.

The show’s purpose is to help transform the lives of small-town bakery owners whose businesses are struggling. The bakeries have all encountered unique difficulties and Buddy brings his business skills and baking expertise to the bakeries.

Myrtle Jackson, who serves as founder and CEO of Not Jus Donuts, opened the bakery in 2000 with her two daughters Andrea Jackson and Rosharon Cotton.

The bakery boasts a menu of homemade goodies and sweets to impress any sugar connoisseur – from wedding cakes to its sweet potato pie.

“Our specialties are southern style cakes, cookies and pies and Billionaire Cake (sour cream-base cake covered with cream cheese glaze), Big Mama’s Sweet Potato Pie, German Chocolate Cake, Grandma Delia’s Tea Cakes and Myrtle’s Peach Cobbler,” Jackson said.

Similar to many small- and family-owned businesses across the United States, Not Jus Donuts had endured economic hardships and tragedies which made it difficult to maintain the business.

“TLC reached out to us. They were seeking bakeries that were struggling to keep their doors open,” said Jackson. “Well, we were struggling and contemplating closing our doors. We saw this as an opportunity to get some much needed help from a famous bakery owner.

We knew Buddy’s endorsement would help us.”

Jackson and staff recognized that several changes needed to be made in order to keep the business running.

“We learned new decorating techniques and kept up with industry trends,” she said. “We also got a grasp of social media and used it as a marketing tool. We had to learn how to be comfortable with increasing our prices, according to the rise in cost of doing business.”

Not Jus Donuts hosted a viewing party at Grooves the night their episode aired on Buddy’s Bakery Rescue. Jackson said she was elated and overwhelmed with joy to see so many people come out to support the bakery.

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After the airing of their show in late July on the TLC network, there was quite a buzz surrounding Not Jus Donuts.

“There was an overwhelming number of customers excited and seeking to taste our products and who wanted autographs and photo shoots,” Jackson said. “They are travelling from as far as Saudi Arabia.”

There’s much more in the works for Not Jus Donuts, including a cookbook and three other projects that they can’t reveal just yet.

“Just keep your eyes on Not Jus Donuts and see what’s next!”

August-September 15, 2014

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August-September 15, 2014

Popeyes and HFD Partner to Award Scholarships to Three High School Seniors to Become Houston Firefighters

By Valerie Jones Associate Editor

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longstanding relationship between Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and the Houston Fire Department allowed for some outstanding high school seniors to take the necessary steps toward their desires of a fulfilling career.

Popeyes Houston-area franchisees donated a portion of their June 19 restaurant sales toward scholarships totaling $15,000 for aspiring Houston firefighters. The scholarships were awarded to three Houston-area high school seniors recently by the Houston Fire Department’s C.A.S.E.Y. Club.

The purpose of the C.A.S.E.Y. (Cultivate, Advise, Support, Empower, Youth) Club is to create and foster a career path to become a firefighter/EMT in high school sophomores, juniors and seniors and for these students to start a career with the Houston Fire Department.

The three scholarship recipients – Justice Jones-Blanchard, Furr High School; William Moreira, Sharpstown High School; and Antonio Rodriguez, Westbury High School – were awarded their scholarships during a special reception at Houston Fire Station 37.

Jones-Blanchard’s interest for being a firefighter began in the fifth grade.

“I saw my uncles and how hard the firefighters worked…watching my uncles become firefighters and seeing how hard they worked really inspired me,” he said. “My uncle has saved a lot of lives and just hearing his stories made me really want to do the same because I want to give back to the community in a lot of ways and this could be a good way of doing so.”

Jones-Blanchard will be attending the Fire Academy at Houston Community College – Northeast in the fall. The C.A.S.E.Y. Club Program equipped him with many useful tools.

“The biggest lesson I learned [from the C.A.S.E.Y. Club Program] is believe in what you want to do. If you believe in what you want to do, you can get there,” he said. “They really helped me. They don’t just come by and do their job – they try to help you get somewhere.”

The three scholarships will assist Jones-Blanchard, Moreira and Rodriguez with fire certification and EMT training at community colleges. Upon completion of these courses, the scholarship recipients will be eligible to begin a career with the Houston Fire Department.

“This is a career. These kids are on a path to a career and Houston Co-op has been able to help make that happen for

them,” said Maria Hale, field marketing director for Popeyes for the Western Region. “It’s going to be a wonderful story to watch what happens with these kids as they move through their lives. It’s been very rewarding for the franchisees who have participated and helped them build their lives.”

The scholarship winners were selected through an essay contest with the subject, “why I want a career with the Houston Fire Department.” They also were required to pass a physical test by the Houston Fire Department and meet the required grade point average.

“The [Houston Fire Department] are some of the best people to work with – they are so positive and easy to work with,” said Harry Stafford, franchisee and president of Houston Popeyes Coop. “These young people – look at their faces: how bright their eyes were, how excited they were… Isn’t that exciting?

They have the opportunity now to follow their dreams. That’s the most important.”

Scholarship recipients pictured (l-r) are: William Moreira, Antonio Rodriguez and Justice Jones-Blanchard.

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August-September 15, 2014

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August-September 15, 2014

In Homage to the Life of Dr. Evelyn Evangeline Thornton

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ctive in national science and mathematics professional organizations as well, Thornton has served as both a brilliant example and a guide for thousands of young Texans for more than half a century. An endowment fund in her name is being established at Prairie View University.

Dr. Evelyn E. Thornton, a native of San Antonio, received both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science from Texas Southern University and a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Houston with a specialty in Algebraic Topology. She completed 50 years of distinguished service at Prairie View A&M University.

At Prairie View A&M University, Dr. Thornton was a Professor of Mathematics and served as Head of the Department of Mathematics for 13 years, as Coordinator of Graduate Programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, as Director of the Undergraduate Research Institute for talented students in mathematics and as Immediate Past Speaker for the Faculty Senate.

Her achievements reflect her long-standing commitment to higher education, to advancing knowledge and understanding of mathematics and to developing student potential. She is an outstanding teacher and mentor, who has produced

June 7, 1933 – July 15, 2014

hundreds of undergraduate mathematics majors and directed more than 45 master’s theses. Six of her former students have received their Ph.D. in mathematics or statistics and four have earned the doctorate degree in mathematics education.

Dr. Thornton received external funding totaling $4.5m to establish and sustain the development of networks that support mathematics through both research and outreach. This funding included grants from the U.S. Department of Education, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Program, the

National Science Foundation, McDonnell Douglas Aerospace Corporation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Her contributions to education have extended to national and international levels as: a member of the design team for the Houston Urban Systematic Initiative supported by the National Science Foundation; founder of the Junior Academy of the National Institute of Science (JANIS) – which currently involves young scientists in six regions of the United States; and a member of 1990 American Delegation of Women in Science to Beijing, China.

After creating a School Partnership with Prairie View and the Houston Independent School District, Dr. Thornton introduced and directed, ‘Project TIMES,’ a popular project designed to improve the quality of mathematics teaching and learning in grades K-8. This project served 120 teachers and 3,521 students in the district from 1993 to 2001.

For nearly half a century, Dr. Thornton has been honored and recognized as an outstanding scientist, teacher and civic leader. She was the recipient of the first Eta Falconer Excellence in Mathematics Teaching Award from the Quality Education for Minority Network in Washington, D.C.; and the PVAMU Long and Outstanding Service Award, the PVAMU

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Minnie Stephen Piper Professor Award for outstanding teaching; Prairie View Distinguished Honorary Alumnus Award; Outstanding Educator Award from Lydia’s Education and Charitable Organization; and an Outstanding Leadership Award from the South Central Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Her listings included “Who’s Who Among Women in Science” Outstanding Educator of America. Dr. Thornton was immediate past president of the Missouri City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; President of the Choice Foundation, Incorporated; Vice President of the Board of Directors of The 3-D Mathematics Academy; advisory member to The Ivy Educational and Charitable Foundation of Houston; member of Windsor Village United Methodist Church; and golden life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Dr. Thornton is survived by her husband Tull Thornton; daughter Wanda Mott Russell (William); grandsons Manning Mott, III (Shayla) and Malik Mott (Debra); and sisters Fannie Faye Lango of San Antonio and Gloria King of Dallas.

Her daughter, Attorney Yvonne Thornton, predeceased her. Dr. Thornton will be deeply missed and forever remembered by a host of extended family members, friends, colleagues, students and families whose lives she touched.

August-September 15, 2014

HE HEARD MY CRY FELLOWSHIP

he heard my cry

Mission Statement HHMCF is dedicated to following the Word of God, feeding the flock the Word of God and fellowshipping with the saints. That the lost might be saved, the saved might be fed and equipped to edify the body of Christ.

Faith-Filled

Pastor Claude Cummings, Wife Joaquina Cummings & Daughter Jillian I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.

Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

-Psalm 116: 1-2

Bible-Based

Family-Friendly

Sunday Morning Worship

Starts at 9:00 AM at the Communication Workers of America Building

1730 Jefferson St., Houston, Tx 77003

Phone: 713.581.0852 | Email: Info@hhmcf.com | www.hhmcf.com | Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

He Heard My Cry

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August-September 15, 2014

Looking Around the Community

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By Charlotte Jackson Contributing Writer

orty-three years ago when I moved to Houston, I not only had my parents as role models but the local school was full of adults who radiated with knowledge and stability of one career. Our local church had families who had been in the same neighborhood for 30-40 years. There was an abundance of positive role models.

Flash forward to 2014 and children often find themselves torn between two neighborhoods or even cities due to parents divorcing. Many of the young adults who enter the teaching field soon learn that money is more prevalent in our professions or burn out within five to seven years when they realize they are expected to teach students to master a state exam instead of teaching students to follow their dreams. While there are more churches in the neighborhood than ever, there seem to be fewer bonds. This does not equate to fewer role models, only to a

more diligent search at times.

Role models may be found much easier than we think if we know how to look for them. My first suggestion is for parents to turn off the television and allow your children to get to know you.

Next, I would suggest that you scout around the community to find opportunities to engage your children in community service not only with you, but with groups that are not mirror images of you. There are opportunities in Houston to connect at the local museums, sporting events, parks and more.

As I sat down to write this month, I realized that while my life has been touched by role models that many of you have heard of, such as Pastor Rudy Rasmus and State Senator Sylvia R. Garcia, there are many more that you have yet to meet.

In the next few weeks, as people from all around the world begin to follow the World Dragon Boat Racing Competi-

tion, I invite you to watch for the name Terri Dugar. This incredible athlete is not just an example of physical strength and endurance, but she is a Houstonian.

She’s a single mother of two who happens to be a Houston Firefighter and an active volunteer working with teenagers at an inner-city church.

The next time you turn on a Houston Rockets home game, look closely at the front row. See if you can find a really rowdy young teenager. Somehow, his enthusiasm can make even the players from the visiting team want to cheer for Houston. Who is this young teenager?

He is a survivor of more than 20 brain operations and lives each day to the fullest. Ryan Vigeant understands that making life better for others is what it is all about. Each year, he, along with his parents Shawn and Kristine, prepare gift bags and a holiday celebration for children who are hospitalized on Christmas Day. He walks the halls with

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his parents touching lives and making others smile. It is hard not to look at him as a role model.

Walk into one of the nation’s largest high school football stadiums on a Friday night, the Galena Park ISD Athletic Stadium, and you will see literally thousands of young people who have been touched by the life of one role model.

Not only does Mr. Brian Allen serve as an Assistant Principal for North Shore’s Ninth Grade Campus, but he is approaching the 20th anniversary of serving as the Founding Director of North Shore Gents. His determination to see young students who often come from “at risk” situations succeed knows no boundaries. He is affectionately known as “BA” by students, former students, teachers, fellow administrators and parents who will give him a shout out any time the opportunity presents itself. He is a walking example of seeing the potential in everyone. He gives more than his workload requires and never complains. The impact he has will never be known until he arrives in Heaven and hears those same words as Terri and Ryan – those words that each of us should strive to hear, “Well done my child.”

I challenge each of you to step out of your comfort zone this month. Do not just seek to find a role model, but strive to be one. Each one of us has unique gifts that we can share in making our city a much better place to live.

August-September 15, 2014

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August-September 15, 2014

Back to School: Hitting Hard With a New Resolve

By J.T. Myers, M.Ed, MRT

I

Contributing Writer

t’s about that time again! That’s right – it’s school time again.

However, let’s not begin with the fireworks explosion of excitement only to fizzle out within a month’s time. School is about more than new uniforms, shoes, haircuts, hairstyles and looks for the year. It should be about each child, parent and teacher hitting the ground running with a new resolve. The old ways that may or may not have worked have been thrown out the window. There is an inherent responsibility that everyone must undertake for stu-

dents to achieve like never before. With the introduction of new math objectives to students across the board in Texas to jump phenomenally to previously unheard of heights, it is going to require everyone to hit hard to punch through these new objectives. When I say “hit hard with

Council Member Gallegos Visits Industrial Welding Academy

a new resolve,” it means to undertake a task with a new passion and determination.

This school year, everyone must take it up several levels to be successful with the objectives presented and required for students to master. A lackadaisical approach on all parties involved – child, parent and educators – will be a recipe for disaster.

Everyone must prepare like their lives depended on it. That means preparation is key in every grade, as mastery of the skill is imminently necessary in each grade because many school districts’ curriculum will no longer review what students should have learned in the previous grade.

Now in many instances, if the student has not acquired the skills in a previous

Council Member Robert Gallegos is taken on a tour of the Industrial Welding Academy by CEO/ President Andre Horn. Gallegos presented Horn and his wife Miranda, Industrial Welding Academy Vice President, with a certificate recognizing their work in the community.

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grade, the next grade will only build on what the student should already know – not what they need to know. Therefore, students, parents and teachers alike can no longer rest on the fact that if students do not understand and know the information in their current grade, they will have time to catch it the next year.

So, one last thought as you are buying that new book bag, that special multi-colored notebook or getting that new school uniform, remember, the most important thing this year is to focus on what needs to be done, what steps to take to get it done and to hit the ground running for this school year with a new resolve!

August-September 15, 2014

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Welcome

TO YOUR FUTURE PROMOTION. register today for summer/fall classes. hccs.edu

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August-September 15, 2014

Nonprofit Youth Ministry Hosts Seminar to Encourage Sexual Health in Teens

By Valerie Jones Associate Editor

F

or the past two years, Ambassadors for Christ Youth Ministries, founded by Sherrie Sam, has hosted a youth seminar with the objective of giving adolescents the tools they need to reduce their risk of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.

“We partner with the schools and the seminar is given over a 15-week cohort.

During the summer, we offer it in one eight-hour day,” said Lisa Felix, Ambassadors for Christ Program Manager. “We promote abstinence, but for kids who don’t choose abstinence, we teach them how to make healthy choices.”

There were two seminars held this summer – one in June and one in July – and Felix said the feedback from participants has been awesome.

“They gave us a tremendous amount of information about why you should be abstinent and the pros and cons of having sex,” said 16-year-old Samaria Elder.

“We got life lessons on what you should do in college. I’m going to start by spreading the knowledge to my friends

and telling them about the information that was provided to me. Hopefully, they will then go tell a friend and spread the word.”

Felix said the seminars are helpful because Ambassadors for Christ has provided them with a safe place to discuss issues such as sex. The kids also like the idea of having a doctor present to provide them with medically accurate information.

“I’ve learned so much that I didn’t even know about before, like different ways to catch STDs such as breast milk,” said Ajia Porter, 16. “It’s really helpful for me because I know at this age there’s a lot of peer pressure. We’re getting to the age where we want to start experiencing things and we need to be informed.”

Jayla Moore, 16, agreed.

“When you’re young and you hear a lot of information, you think you know

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everything. When they actually give you the correct information, the right way, it makes sense,” Moore said. “I would definitely tell anybody I get involved with that there’s a lot of thinking to do.

I would also talk to close friends because I don’t want them to get hurt. There’s a lot of things we think we know, but really don’t.”

For more information about Ambassadors for Christ, visit www.afcyouth.org.

August-September 15, 2014

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August-September 15, 2014

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