March-April-Vol 8

“Is College Harder than It Use To Be ?”

See “What Makes College Harder “ Page 6

Founded January 2010

Groves Standard “A Public Trust” VOL. 2 - NO. 1

MARCH / APRIL 2011

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50 CENTS

Jesus Is Alive: Time For Spring Cleaning!

Dr. Helen King joyfully emerges from the Jordan River following a rededication Baptism

By Dr. Helen King, Senior Editor “Are you tired? Worn Out? Burned Out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.

Keep company with me and you will learn to live freely and lightly.” (from THE MESSAGE Bible Translation, Matthew 11: 28-30,) Jesus spoke these words over 2000 years ago in Jerusalem. The invitation still stands: Jesus, the Savior, Messiah, is alive! His tomb is empty. His mission was accomplished! He came to earth as the Son of Man, and because of His finished work at the Cross of Calvary, we can have peace ( a state of wholeness, nothing missing, nothing broken)) with God, within ourselves, and with our fellow man. A relationship (not to be

Inside this issue: East Texas News Editors View

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People and Places 3 Commentary

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Sports

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Business World

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Hollywood’s News 8

confused with religion) with our awesome Creator is available when we choose to believe on Jesus as the Son of God. This restored relationship with all of its rich benefits and privileges is the good news of the Gospel. The gift of eternal life with joy and peace is primary among the countless benefits given to believers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Added to eternal life are two overarching, marvelous gifts—imputed righteousness and abundant grace. This primary combination—eternal life, the gift of righteousness (bonded to us by the blood of Jesus), an abundance of grace (unearned favor with God even when we sin)—is immeasurably dynamic and profitable. It allows the believer to rule and reign over the circumstances of the present by experiencing zoe (life as God knows it) and as He originally intended that

each person should experience it in all of its glorious beauty and perfection.

Eternal life is present life assurance and future life insurance; the replenishing gospel regains what Adam lost through disobedience.

Death is no longer the dreaded, final inheritance of mankind. The gospel reverses eternal death and replaces it with eternal life—not just a reprieve from death, but a full pardon with unmerited favor (grace) compensation added. Time is forever on our side because of this precious gift. To live eternally is to be like God, to enjoy life and to live in His presence where there is fullness of joy and glorious immunity for our entire being—spirit, soul, and body!

Secondly, the invaluable gift of righteousness restores mankind’s ability to be in direct fellowship with God. The blood of Jesus is the ultimate and permanent solution for reconciling man to God. Holy God and sinful man, before the coming of Christ, had no perfect way to be in communion. Sin was the great gap which separated the two. Sin with all of its curses—sickness, poverty, war, famine, fear, and every undesirable thing on earth—came as a result of man’s Fall from grace. In his fallen state, man could only reach out to God through attempting to keep the Law (the Ten Commandments) reflecting the exacting, albeit eminently holy standards of God’s character.

The Law was a temporary reconciliation measure designed to underscore man’s inability to save himself through his own efforts. The Law was not designed to save mankind due to man’s inability to keep it. Subsequent cere-

(Below) The tomb’s entrance, the place of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

(Right) Inscription from a plaque located in the Garden surrounding the tomb.

Minister Dr. Ianthia Fisher spends a moment in reflection, on the banks of the Jordon River , during her recent tour of the Holy Land.

monial laws described in the Bible, including the sacrifice of animals as substitute offerings to God for the remission of mankind’s sin, were merely foreshadows of the coming of the perfect, redemptive sacrifice—the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the one who died to permanently redeem mankind from the Law and its penalties for disobedience. His death was the only instance in which the sacrifice was greater than the sin debt. At Calvary, Jesus settled God’s accounts with man and gave each believer an inexhaustible supply of unearned favor with God. This unearned favor (aka grace) was unearned by man but dearly paid for by Jesus. He was sinless but our sins were imputed to Him, so that His righteousness could be imputed to us; it is the deal of a lifetime. To accept it or to reject it is each man’s choice.

See Jesus is Alive… page 2

. . . 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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Groves Standard

MARCH / APRIL 2011

Opinion / Outlook Speaking Truth to Power: “You Are What You Eat”

Ashante´ Reese is a PhD student in anthropology at the American University in Washington, D.C. She is a Crockett native and the daughter of Joyce Cooper and Rev. Bill Reese

By Ashante Reese, Guest Contributor The buzz surrounding the name of the recently-opened Fat Ho Burgers in Waco has spread beyond the small town in central Texas. As Tamura Lomax suggested in her article on the The Feminist Wire, much of it focuses on the owner, Lakita Evans, a 23-year-old black woman who gave up nearly everything to open this restaurant.

While I like to see stories about people prospering, the attention on Lakita Evans as a black woman lifting herself up from poverty obscures the way the name of the restaurant is a method of speaking truth to power. ―Speaking truth to power‖ directly challenges the accuracy of powerful beliefs, ideas or actions that have long been ingrained as right or normative. In Lakita Evans’ case, the name of her restaurant speaks to the power of the word ―ho,‖ and directly challenges it as a derogatory term often associated with black women by putting it in the public for all people to consume. Lakita Evans’ name choice gets us thinking about what ―ho‖ really means, much the same way queer theorists do when questioning the authority and power of heteronormative practices.

In the 1970s, theorists began challenging the overwhelmingly negative connotations associated with the word ―queer‖ by critiquing the construction of heterosexuality as ―normal‖ and, conversely, other sexualities as ―deviant.‖ These theorists— mostly (if not all) white—began the

process of changing the meaning of the word queer, beginning in their academic circles first and then permeating public spaces.

Since Teresa de Lauretis coined the term ―queer theory‖ in 1990, the word ―queer‖ has been appropriated to signify a direct challenge to the belief that heterosexuality is right and everything else is wrong. It is a word—a movement—with which many inside and outside academia are proud to be associated. Queer has penetrated pop culture and public consciousness, and if you look around there is evidence of queering any number of things, even Christianity.

Perhaps this won’t happen with the word ―ho,‖ and I’m not suggesting that it will. However, I find it interesting that ―queer,‖ when used by mostly white privileged academics, was able to penetrate both academic and public consciousness as a contestation to what is considered ―normal.‖ Many people—at least in academic circles and in some public areas—would think twice about using the word queer in a pejorative fashion. In my circle of friends, queer is tossed around with pride as an identity marker that symbolizes a direct challenge to anything or anyone that thinks non-heterosexual people are inferior. Why hasn’t there been serious consideration that this could happen with the word ―ho?‖ The differences between the folks who initially developed queer theory and Lakita Evans are they were white and she is black, they were academics and she is not and (perhaps more importantly) people took them seriously and, unfortunately, Lakita Evans has not been taken seriously.

Undoubtedly, the word ―ho‖ may conjure certain images in people’s minds. As many feminist theorists have pointed out, ―ho‖ has been used to denigrate and objectify black women in multiple ways—from Don Imus calling basketball players ―nappy headed hos‖ to rappers using the word in their lyrics to call into question the respectability of women. In her article, Lomax points to the See Speaking Truth...page 6

Jesus is Alive...

Preston Brown Gospel Singer Palestine, Texas

Prophetess Eva Jewel Griffin of Crockett.

Wife of longtime former Crockett TYC employee, Greg Griffin, is on a mission of ministry, healing and deliverance. We pray that God richly blesses her ministry.

CONTINUE FROM PAGE 1 Finally, the third gift identified as grace gives believers in Christ Jesus the ability to reign in life. Man, in grace, exchanges his worldview of death and defeat for God’s worldview of abundant life and victory. Man’s dominion over the earth and everything in it, including sin, is restored by accepting grace through faith in Jesus. Grace repositions man in his rightful place, transforming him into God’s image and making him acceptable to God in the Beloved (Christ). In Christ man always triumphs.

The gospel is a universal call to all men but, the response must be a personal answer. In this season of renewal, in this spring of abundant grace, we remember Jesus and His finished work at Calvary. Spring cleansing is in order. Open the window of your very own heart by accepting Jesus as God’s Son and believing in Him. Bathe in the renewing light of His gospel. Jesus makes all things new; the good news of the gospel is as fresh and free as it was over 2000 years ago. Happy Resurrection Season!

You Are Invited to the Grand Opening of MEVIST Cultural Center June 18, 2011 It’s an “ALL DAY” Event ( See Ad below for location / Contact Info.)

Dr. Ruth Groves-Watson recently celebrated her ―Big Birthday Bash‖ at the Mevist Cultural Center with a back to the 70’s Theme. Everyone had a great time.

Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Rev. Lynn Bolton, recently celebrated its Church and Pew Dedication Service. The Hopewell Church was established in 1879.

Rev. Harry Fred Scott, Pastor of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church served as the Conductor of the service. Ribbon cutting was held , Sis. Vivian Lovelady was recognized as the oldest member present. Guest , Sis. Lonnie Strange led the group in song.

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Groves Standard

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People & Places Wedding Bells Foster Unity in the Community

Tarsha and Ralph Hightower Celebrating 10 Years of Marriage

By Dr. Ianthia Fisher Recently I had the pleasure of attending a beautiful vows renewal ceremony between Ralph and Tarsha Hightower honoring ten years of marriage held at their home church—St. Luke Baptist Church in Crockett, Texas. The formal ceremony was performed by their pastor, Rev. Larry Mouton, and the couple was surrounded by many friends and family members. At first glance; it was hard to tell if this was a first-time wedding or a marriage rededication.

I jokingly asked the bride, Tarsha, ―why so large‖? Her answer was both

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surprising and insightful. She stated that she knew it was large, but she wanted to include all of the couples that were part of the original wedding, because at the time, most of the wedding party was comprised of those newlywed couples. Her plan was to have her rededication also serve as a source of encouragement for all young married couples. She added that she realized many people considered marriage too hard to ―stay with‖, but she hoped that by seeing that she and Ralph had stayed together (despite the many difficulties they had gone through in the course of marriage and family life) by the Grace of God; they were still standing. To me, her explanation resonated with compassion and wisdom beyond her years. Although, I was deeply impressed by the beautiful ceremony and the warm gathering of wellwishers, however, it was Tarsha’s obvious concern for her friends that made the occasion a reverential and deeply spiritual experience.

As a minister of the Gospel, a family member, and an admirer of the couple, I would like to add personal words of encouragement and blessings to all involved; God’s Grace is sufficient to sustain and keep you and yours in perfect peace. My prayer for Ralph and Tarsha is that they will have a lifetime together in ―Holy Matrimony‖! Congratulations!

Brandon Warfield, former CHS & University of Utah star football player

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Groves Standard Billy “Hollywood” Groves, Founder, CEO Make Checks payable to : Groves Standard Mailing Address: 807 Cedar , Crockett, Texas 75835 (Don’t forget to include your mailing address)

MARCH / APRIL 2011

Crockett recently hosted ―African Americans in Texas: A Lasting Legacy‖ Brochure Unveiling Ceremony. The brochure is a Texas Historical Commission production. The event was sponsored by Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce, an invocation was given

by Rev. Hosea Dolphus, with words by Barbara Ann Wooten, Vice Chair of the Houston County Historical Commission, Spiritual Songs by Dr. Willa Wooten, Poetry Reading by Vivian Grant and other local folk talent was featured. The Groves Standard will be doing a series on the ―journey through the African American culture and heritage in Texas.

Jesse McKnight a Crockett Black Cowboy legend was featured at the event

Sis. Earlie Groves center pose with father and son Myrtis Digtman Sr. and Jr.

Barbers by Day . . .

Rappers by Night Paying tribute to ―people on the grind‖…take notice of Elbert Wayne, ―Bev the Barber‖ Johnson of Huntsville, a talented, highly-motivated rapper, promoter, business owner and producer who definitely has his priorities together. Bev is also the owner of the Dead End Barbershop in Huntsville along with his brothers, Brandon ―Boo‖ and Untwaun Johnson who are rappers, barbers, and generally successful businessmen as well.

Hit rapper T.Cash is the latest entertainer that Bev and his group planned to bring to East Texas. T. Cash was scheduled to perform at Club Sonny’s in Huntsville on April 23rd 2011. Bev went on to say that Fed Up Entertainment is looking for rap artists and people who want to sell mix tapes and open up big rap shows. ―We are trying to promote East Texas including Crockett, Palestine, Tyler, Lufkin, Nacogdoches and other smaller cities around East Texas,‖ he said. I asked Bev about the ―Youngest In Charge‖ rap group of Huntsville, his future plans, and their newest employee at the Dead End Barber shop in Huntsville. He told me his brother Untwaun, and he recently traveled to Oklahoma with ―Youngest in Charge‖ who performed at a rap concert. Bev said the members of ―Youngest in Charge‖ are his cousin B.P, the son of former Crockett resident Bobby Purvis of Huntsville, Young Mike of Huntsville, the nephew of Huntsville sports legend Lloyd Archie and Young B of Houston, the son of legendary rapper Bun B. Bev told me that he is not the manger of ―Youngest in Charge‖ but they are family and he looks out for them. In the future, Bev said he sees himself continuing to be a successful businessman trying to help ―the lost‖ and

young people who are trying to better themselves.

He also told me about Steven St. Julian of Baytown, the newest barber at the Dead End Barber Shop in Huntsville. Bev said Steven is a great addition to their staff; he is a professional barber who is doing a great job for customers. He added if there are some good barbers out there who have their barber’s license and want to cut hair, they need to get in touch with him; he might have something for them. Bev reminded me to tell the people that they can get R&B and Rap mixed tapes from him, or at the Dead End Barbershop.

Billionaire Records of Houston and their owner founder and CEO Vernon ―Jiggie‖ Mosely of Crockett are still ―on the grind‖ as far as developing and signing top talent to their record label. Jiggie told me recently that young rap phenom Yleeze from Crockett is still on schedule to release his new CD titled ―Track Life‖ on Billionaire records. He also updated me on some of the ―great stuff‖ that Billionaire Records is doing these days, including working with some of the biggest names in the music entertainment industry.

Tony “T.C. Money‖ Cummings of Huntsville, Texas works for BR and also is the manager of Hit Squad Billionaires, a fresh young talented Rap group from Huntsville signed in 2010 to the BR label. (See the last Edition of this paper for more details on this group). I asked Cummings about Hit Squad Billionaires and their new hit single ―Walk Like London‖ featuring popular rappers Charlie Boy and Ki Ki. He informed me that Hit Squad Billionaires has been ―traveling and doing shows‖ including performances at Stephen F. Austin University; at venues in Bryan, Texas; in Caldwell, See East Texas Music page 5

Music Scene Masters

Groves Standard

PAGE 4

Dr. King’s Freedom Dream…

Changed Lives ...

Commentary A Look Back on the Road to Progress and Peace in America

Mrs. White (who will be featured in a future issue) proudly identifies herself as a member of the Freedom Fighters who rode a bus from Houston to Washington DC to hear Dr. King’s ―I Have a Dream Speech‖ in person.

We look forward to hearing the personal insights that she will be sharing with the Groves Standard. Thank you Mrs. White for your contributions to the Civil Rights struggle for freedom.

East Texas SHOUT OUTS !

Rev. Harry Fred Scott, The Collins Family, The Creag Family, The Denman Family, Shon ―Lil Ted‖ Whitting, The Griffin Family, Pha Green, Linda Singletary, Victoria Essien, Brandy Pleasant, Ronnie Coleman, Dr. Edwardlene Fleeks Willis, Mirron E. Willis, Terry Cutler, Wyatta, Tony ―T Shep‖ Shepherd, Shorty Murray, James ―Palestine‖ Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Judy David, Wade, Daphne Session, Walter and Maxine Session, Dina Herrea, Harold Adams, Johnny and Vera Adams, Cartier Martin, Phat Pat Terry, Aunt Bea’s Attic, Sarah Faye Allen, Dre Bacon, Tre 57, DBG, Lil Dirty and Mista KT, Bridgette Lamb, Sarah Clark and Tom ―Big E‖ Ervin.

By James l. McCullough, M. Ed., Guest Columnist In recognition of the April 5th Anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin King Jr., I would like to share some personal reflections on those turbulent times in our nation’s history.

As a combat military policeman, I was among the 25, 000 soldiers sent to the University of Mississippi in 1962 to help quell the violence on the campus precipitated by the enrollment of James Meredith, a native Mississippian and Air Force Veteran. The violence which ensued caused hundreds of injuries to both soldiers and civilians. It is estimated that as many as 11 persons were killed or died as a result of the conflict in the three days of rioting. My unit spent 41 days on the ―Ole Miss‖ campus guarding the classrooms in which Meredith was in attendance, and the dormitory in which he was housed. As a young soldier, I found the experience to be both shocking and revealing.

Again, a couple of years later, I was exposed to violence as a young soldier sent to serve in Vietnam. After

is everywhere.

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MARCH / APRIL 2011

Vietnam, I was discharged. My goal was to enter Texas Southern University to pursue a degree in what I perceived to be a peaceful and harmonious environment, however this proved to be an illusion which was quickly shattered.

The civil rights conflict was in full bloom across America and much of the unrest had spread to black colleges and universities across America. Much of this unrest was due to a call to arms by Dr. King to help re-make America an America for all people instead of just a privileged few.

At Texas Southern University, marches and protests ensued on almost a weekly basis which many times involved law enforcement agencies that often went to great lengths to quell or stifle the protests— often through violent beatings and jailing. By this time, I was beginning to internalize the feeling that I had traded one war zone for another.

A few years earlier, Dr. King had stood on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and proclaimed to the world his now famous ―I have a Dream’ speech. This set the tone for what he saw as a mission to liberate blacks and others from the yoke of oppression. In attempting to do so, his nonviolent movement triggered a violent reaction from those intent on maintaining the status quo. Many deaths and much destruction occurred which severely impacted the lives of many people of different races.

Dr. King and others of the civil rights war labored on in spite of the

overwhelming odds arrayed against them. They did so partly due to a feeling that much of the racial hatred and violence manifested by some white Americans was not indicative of all white Americans, including those who one day would rise up to work in tandem with blacks and other citizens of color to combat the crimes and evil of an oppressive society. This feeling gave him the continued strength to persevere, even though many times, the odds were not in his favor.

Then tragically on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, the dreamer’s life was cut short by an assassin’s bullet to the head. He was killed, but his dream lives on in the hearts and minds of all people with the courage to raise their voices in protest against evil and those who continue an unwavering commitment to help all enjoy full participation in our society regardless of their race creed or color. And finally, I thank God for sending Martin Luther King Jr. our way.

To the Groves family, I extend my most profound gratitude for the space and opportunity to reflect on the life of a great man, a portion of our turbulent history as a people, and my own personal journey through life.

Patrick Dennis and mother, Annie Dennis smile for the camera as they prepare to depart the Crockett Early Childhood Center after a successful day at school.

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PAGE 5

Groves Standard

East Texas Music ...

Sports

CONTINUE FROM PAGE 3 Texas; and at the Huntsville, Texas Fairgrounds. He added that Hit Squad Billionaires was getting ready to do a concert featuring rapper J Dawg in the Austin area.

T.C. also informed me that actress Lauren London, who played the part of Rapper T.I’s wife in the movie ATL will help to promote Hit Squad Billionaires new hit single. According to T.C., Lauren was the inspiration for the son ―Walk Like London‖; she has heard the song and likes it. In April, T.C. said ―she tweeted the song on her facebook, which is great promotion for the song. For more information on Billionaire Records go to www.billionairerecord.net;facebook.co m/billionairerecords,twitter.com/

Is this “Goodbye” for Courtney?

You’re never too young or too old to pose with the COUGAR !

(Above) Amaya Henderson (Below) Gwendolyn Spurlock and granddaughter

Courtney is all smiles as she concludes her basketball career with University of Houston, she was joined in an awards ceremony with her family and friends.

billionairerec.

Kudos go out to East Texas business lady Tammye Reagans Bagley of Palestine who introduced me to S.I.A. Magazine of Houston, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia. Tammye, a Crockett High graduate and owner of La Picturebook Hair Surgeons Beauty Salon in Palestine, Texas is a paralegal, notary public and runs her own travel agency in Palestine. Tammye said she went into partnership with S.I.A. magazine after getting to view the magazine and seeing the potential of the magazine which features, rappers, entertainers, singers, journalists, poets and other people with talent.

Tammye introduced me to S.I.A. Publisher/ Editor in Chief Dale Matrix and Operation Consultant Fredrick Rogers of Houston, a Palestine native. Tammye’s sister, Lakira Patton of Houston, an actress, is featured in the magazine as well as soul folk singer Tamika Handy of Houston, a Crockett native, and Palestine gospel singer Preston E. ―P-Brown‖ Brown. For more information on S.I.A. you can call their Houston Office at 713.344.6047; their Atlanta, Georgia office: @404.590.4927 or toll free 1888-490-3190 or siaintern@yahoo.com.

Confetti Da Reala Soulja of Dallas is a rap artist, promoter and business CEO of his own music company.

Confetti recently told me that he was getting ready to shoot a music video and he was still working hard to accomplish his goals. He added that renowned music video maker Mike Taylor would be shooting his video.

Confetti said he has been involved with radio stations in Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas and his music has been played on those radio stations. For more information on Confetti, he says you can do a Google search on ―Confetti Da Reala Soulja― or check him out at I-tunes on the internet.

R&B singer Wade of California is still pleasing his fans with is great voice and stage presence. Wade, a native of Jacksonville, Texas, has a new CD and he can be located on the internet. If you like great music with a sensuous touch of soul and class, then you better check out Wade.

Houston rapper, ―Yung Bill The Rap Sumo‖ has a new jamming rap CD

MARCH / APRIL 2011

Three generations of Bulldog Supporters (L-R) Annie Mae Ross, daughters Tarsha and Brittany ; granddaughter Mercedes

Kudos go out to University of Houston basketball star Courtney Taylor, who hails from Crockett.

Courtney, a senior forward on the University of Houston Lady Cougars basketball team had a super season.

She is currently gearing up for graduation and her next career move.

She is in the interviewing stage of pursuing a career in professional basketball. Although she has received letters and invitations from numerous sources (the word at this time is )she has not made any final decisions. We wish her well in her transition. Keep up the good work Courtney.

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Congratulations … Crockett Boys Track & Baseball Team

Crockett Jr. High track participants get their first taste of completion.

Congratulations go out to the Crockett Boys Track team, led by K.B. Handsborough, Kwamie James, Jonathan Wolf, Dominique Wheeler and Denell ―Barley‖ Parker. The CHS track team had a great showing at the recent Texas relays in Austin.

We also commend the 2011 Crockett High School Baseball tem for their successful season.

East Texas Music ... on statewide Hustlin Records titled W.T.W. The CD features Houston rap legend Lil Flip and is hosted by CJ DA DJ of DA Al Click and Trill Promotions.

Yung Bill, who has a great personality, told me to tell the people to do a Google search on him for more information about his CD. Kudos go out to Tyler’s Jerry ―Hype‖ Johnson, an original member of Crocket’s rap group Mad Kat. I heard ―Hype‖ is back on the music scene and that’s good news.

Big Ups go out to Philip ―Buddha Ali‖ Shaw of Hope Arkansas, who is still working in the Underground Music World of Rap. Philip ―Buddha Ali‖ Shaw, Stephon ―Snag‖ Harris of Houston, Freddy ―Dirty Man‖ Rodgers of Crockett, and ―Hype‖ of Tyler are the original members of Mad Kat. Yours truly, Billy ―Hollywood‖ Groves, Joseph ―Joe Guns‖ Senegal, J.B. from Palestine, Biggs from Tyler, Stacy Riggins, Sherry Web, Darrell ―Mookie‖ Smith, Sherika Bolton and Bobby Joe Kitchen are the other mem-

bers of Mad Kat, the Crockett Rap Group.

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Lester Houston

President & CEO P.O. Box 4012 Houston, Texas 77210-4012 281– 224-4360 The Advocates

houstonlester14@yahoo.com www.plutt.org

Groves Standard

PAGE 6

Business World What’s Making College Harder Than It Used To Be?

By Dr. Brenda Atchison For many first-time college students, it appears college has become an increasingly difficult topography to navigate. Research suggests that students are finding it more difficult to complete a college education. While academic unpreparedness immediately comes to mind as the likely culprit, according to an annual national survey of 200,000 plus students, conducted by the University of California at Los Angeles, college freshmen are increasingly overwhelmed and emotionally overwrought. Health was found to be at the lowest levels in 25 years.

As a former high school counselor, a current college professor and the parent of a college freshman, I was immediately arrested by this statistic. My mind began to race down a checklist of possible causes. As quickly as I posed a cause, however, I posited a counter cause. Apparently, academics are not more rigorous than they were in my college days (students actually take less of a course load with 12 rather than 15 hours comprising full time). Additionally, I had to work my way through college and deal with the usual financial difficulties of tuition, books and housing (not to mention the stress of wondering how I could pay back student loans). College students of my generation also faced similar social stressors (whom to befriend or date,

which sorority to pledge, circles to join… and the like). Granted, social media was not a factor until a relatively recently. So what is the issue or issues that have brought our kids to the brink of a socio-emotional breakdown? Considering that academics is not the number one cause of lack of success in college, we are forced to consider other root causes of this generation’s emotional and social crisis. Could emotional intelligence factor in the equation? (Interestingly, some of my colleagues recently mentioned EQ as a possible factor in student retention).

Some years ago, I journeyed to Gallaudet University in Washington DC to be trained and certified in Emotional Intelligence Assessment, better known as EQ testing. Two of the fifteen subscales on the EQ assessment measure empathy and interpersonal communication— two areas where this generation has failed to successfully master. Why talk when you can text, tweet, or facebook a friend? Why develop the social skills needed for dating and interpersonal communication when you can create an avatar, or cyberspace alter ego, with a fabricated persona that is gregarious, communicative, sexy and intelligent. Correct grammar or spelling to text or tweet, actually get in the way of rapid-fire communication (Such niceties require too many characters).

Local businessman Calvin Spencer Jr. (Left) joined the staff of Family Mortuary in Crockett. Rev Hosea Dolphus Jr. (Right) Owner of the Family Mortuary in Crockett.

Owners: Rev. Hosea Dolphus Jr. & Calvin Spencer Jr.

Another factor which may account for the emotional distress of this generation of college students may be the phenomenon of the helicopter parent (who’ve hovered much too close to their broods) effectively overshadowing them at every turn. As a result, many college freshmen have not had to think or speak for themselves. (As a college academic advisor, I often had to plead with parents to let the student speak). Over protective parents may share blame with the public school systems that spend so much time teaching to the standards of mandatory academic testing ( In Texas it’s the TAAKS); they fail to foster creativity , innovative thinking, and interpersonal skills development.

The problem of bullying in schools and through social media can sometimes be traced to a lack of empathy.

The problems of a lack of coping skills and a lack of emotional resiliency emerge when the parents go home and the student has to fend for himself. College professors expect students to be able to think critically, reason, create, innovate, initiate, work in teams and make social contributions. No wonder many students find the expectations of the college environment overwhelming.

Subsequently, it is little wonder that businesses, too, sometimes have to hire workplace coaches/and or assign mentors to help the students who are new hires navigate the world of work.

Could it be that the over familiarity and over reliance of this generation on technology has spawned social ineptitude, fostered a level of pseudocommunication, and contributed to

MARCH / APRIL 2011 emotional disconnectedness and/or stress? Is hiding behind technology the new flipping burgers… mindless tasks that do not require social or emotional exertion? (Neither of these pursuits bode well for ones’ overall health.)

Join me next issue to explore some possible solutions. In the interim please feel free to weigh in on this issue by contacting me at this newspaper’s address.

Speaking Truth ...

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 metaphorical consumption of the black female body as a way of analyzing the attention given to this restaurant. This is definitely part of the reason why people are not taking Lakita Evans seriously. She has brought a controversial term into public space outside of its normal and acceptable uses (the primary appropriate space currently being rap music), and people are unable to disassociate her as a person from the term that is usually used to describe other women who look like her—and this is unfortunate.

The phrase ―you are what you eat‖ that appears on the Fat Ho Burgers menu is ingenious. It’s witty. It’s funny. And yet, while people have noted Evans’ use of the phrase on her menu as clever, most have ignored how powerful it could be as a subversive tool. It’s a phrase Eric Schlosser uses in the introduction to Fast Food Nation as he critiques the fast food industry’s powerful influence and exploitative practices. ―You are what you eat‖ is already a precedent in this country. If you eat organic food you are healthy and environmentally conscious. If fast food is a staple in your diet, you are unhealthy and uncritical in your food choices.

We see this messaged in advertisements, critiqued in academic literature, and evident in people’s conspicuous consumption patterns. Fat Ho Burgers challenges ―ho‖ as a term but it also challenges ―you are what you eat‖ by pointing out to customers that—if they are what they eat—upon consuming a Fat Ho Burger, they are now whatever types of ―ho‖ they have chosen to consume.

If Lomax is right about the historical and present-day radicalized meanings of the word ―ho‖ (and I think Lomax is on to something), then the phrase ―you are what you eat‖ is even more powerful in this context. Perhaps Evans was only attempting to be funny. However, I think if we look at her ingenuity as seriously as we consider her economic status and racial identity, if we actually think beyond the titillation of the name, we can see that she is challenging stereotypes. She is subverting the norm of black women being labeled ―hos‖ by giving everyone an opportunity to be a ―ho‖ through consumption, she is doing something very similar to what white academics initially did with the word ―queer‖: She is speaking truth to power.

Groves Standard

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MARCH / APRIL 2011

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Groves Standard

PAGE 8

Hollywood’s News Around the State and Nation

By Billy ―Hollywood‖ Groves, CEO Former Texas Department of Criminal Justice Spokesman Charles Brown of Huntsville, Texas is a community leader, businessman and a longtime pillar of the community.

Brown, a native of South Florida was a great athlete who played football for Prairie View A&M University and later coached high school sports in East Texas. These days he is still youthful looking and active as a businessman who manages his C&G Country Store in Huntsville among his other business endeavors. He was married to my aunt, the late LaVerne Marshall Brown, a Crockett native. Their three sons-- Shannon, Keith and Charles Labon Brown--.are well educated professions who have garnered recognition in their respective employment in the areas of engineering, corrections, and government.

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(936) 435-1313

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I spoke with Charles recently. He told me that he and the entire family were extremely proud of his middle

son, Keith Brown of Arizona, who has completed his coursework to earn an executive MBA degree from Arizona State University which will be awarded this Spring. He went on to say, Keith recently traveled to Cambodia and Viet Nam as part of a class project. Keep up the good work Charles ―Charley‖ Brown!

On the subject of domestic terrorism, which has been a hot topic in the media lately, I will say that we (Americans) should be vigilant and aware of home grown terrorism and terrorists, no matter who they are and no matter what group they belong to.

The number one way to stop homegrown or domestic terrorism is to positively identify the people involved with homegrown terrorism. We must also understand, unequivocally, that being a member of the Moslem religion does not mean that one is an ―Islamic Terrorist‖ or a ―domestic terrorist‖. As an African and a member of the Christian religion, I know that home grown terrorists come in all colors, religions and genders. My concerns regarding home grown terrorism, in addition to the new ―usual suspects‖ are ―old terrorists‖ hate groups like the KKK, Skinheads, white supremacist organization, and Neo Nazis. Modern day violent street gangs in America and Mexico also ―bear watching‖ for domestic terrorism I heard a man on television news say , ― If multi millionaire businessman Donald Trump (who has spoken about running for president) wins the presidency, he will become the first president since George Washington to wear a wig‖. In my mind, whether he is wearing wig or just has a ―different hairdo‖ it doesn’t matter, that’s not the biggest problem with Trump being a presidential candidate. The critical problem with Trump being in the Whitehouse is his ideology, which

MARCH / APRIL 2011

Depend on us…

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East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System

appears to be seriously flawed as is his idiotic assertion that President Obama shouldn’t be president because he wasn’t born in America.

Movie and television celebrity Whoppie Goldberg got it right when she recently asked Trump on the hit television show The View, if he had asked any white president of the United States to show him his birth certificate or offer proof that he was an American citizen. I’m not saying that Trump is a racist or has racist views about Black people, but I will say that he is trying to play the ―race card‖ for reasons (like making money) other than wanting to be president serve the Country.

One another note, we are inundated with problems in our African American communities across America and a significant number of them are health related problems.

The overuse of salt (sodium) in our diets is the root cause of many of our health issues such as high blood pressure, strokes, obesity, heart disease and other major health concerns.. I’ve understood the dangers of the over usage of salt for a long time and I have written many articles, and spoken out about it for years. Since the time that I first read about the dangers of salt in the 1980’s in the book ―Salt the Killer of Man‖ by my friend Gleen McCool of Houston, along with many years of observing African Americans suffer and die from salt overuse, I’ve come to the conclusion that salt over use and other related health issues

are as serious of a threat to African Americans as ―institutionalized ― racism.

If you check with the websites on information under the heading ―Halt the Salt‖ you will be able to find out for yourself the dangers of salt overdose.

While we are talking about dangerous things facing African Americas, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our modern day prison industrial complexes and judicial system. We must not forget our incarcerated brothers and sisters of all colors and religions who have been in many cases, kidnapped, exploited and given long cruel and unusual punishment. I am not saying that we don’t need laws and jails; what I am trying to convey is that we are putting too many poor people in prison for disingenuous reasons. In other words, check on your folks who are locked up and find out why they are locked up. It may surprise you!

Kudos go out to ETMC hospital in Crockett and their administrator Terry Cutler for the high quality health care services they provide.

We’ve got some important elections coming up locally, including the Crockett Mayoral race and the Houston County Hospital Board Members race. As CEO of the Groves Standard, I endorse Crockett businessman John Jenkins for Mayor of Crockett.

The Groves Standard endorses HCHB incumbent member Virginia Lewis, and Barbara Larue, for the Houston County Hospital Board.

Don’t forget to Vote.

Groves Standard Newspaper

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Victoria Essien, M Ed.. . .

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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.

East Texas SHOUT OUTS !

President Barack Obama, Dr. Ruth Watson, Chester Houston, George King, Dr. Helen King, Courtney Taylor, Hilliard McKnight, Pat Perry, Rev. Hosea Dolphus, Fredrick Rogers, Tammy Johnson, Cat Johnson, Elbert Wayne ―Bev‖ Johnson, Jiggie Mosley, Harry Jackson, D.T. Hopkins, Tammye Bagley, Luscious Ice, Youngest In Charge, Rev. Detroit McCullough, Billionaire Records, D.J. Warfield,

Deborah Evans, Megan Tryon, Untwaun Johnson, Brandon ―Boo‖ Johnson, Barbara LaRue, Virginia Lewis, John Jenkins, Dr. Lynn Ellison, Geneva Perry Simon, Mr. and Mrs. Norman White, Customer’s Choice, Dale matrix, Lee White, Lucille and ―Baby Son‖ Davis, Freddy and Shoranda Riley, Rev. and Sis. Oscar Henderson, S.I.A. Magazine, Mrs. Huffmaster, Crockett Public Library, Chris and Lynn Martinez, ETMC, About Time Magazine, Houston County Courier, Texas Informer, African American News and Issues, Kevin Maxwell, W.L. and Regina Tillis