“Can’t We All Just Get Along?” See “Around the State and Nation” Page 8
Founded January 2010
Groves Standard “A Public Trust” VOL. 2 - NO. 9
MAY / JUNE 2011
groves.standard@yahoo.com
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Juneteenth: From Pageantry to Promise By Dr. Ianthia Fisher
2011 Miss Juneteenth Inductees
2011 Jr. Miss Juneteenth Inductees
Juneteenth Escorts 2011 : Back Row: Anthony Hopkins, Anthony McKnight and Marcus Shedd (F) Toreyan Jones and Kaelon Anderson
. . . 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)
Inside this issue: East Texas News Editors View
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People and Places 3 Commentary
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Sports
5
Business World
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Advertisement
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Hollywood’s News 8
In keeping with a time-honored tradition in the Crockett Community, the Groves Educational Foundation, Inc. recently sponsored the 26th Annual Houston County Juneteenth Celebration. This year’s theme heralded a ―A Tribute to Freedom‖. The Celebration began with the pageant which showcased local beauty, poise and talent and culminated with a renewed promise of community fellowship, unity and pride. As in past years, the pageant was an opportunity for youth- both girls and boys--to showcase their appearance, talent and personality. The Celebration proved to be much more than the sum of its parts. As the youth got involved so did the parents. As the parents got involved, so did the family. As the family got involved so did others— employers, churches and other community supporters. What started out as an annual pageant gave way to a much more meaningful showcase of unity in the Community. The parade and formal opening ceremony further highlighted shared values and the commitment our community has to improving the future of its young people. Dedication to shoring up other common ground— ensuring our national freedom, supporting human dignity, and addressing other economic, social, political, and governmental issue—all surfaced during the day. (Issues which everyone acknowledges require diligence and dedication in seeking solutions that are mutually beneficial). We were also reminded throughout the event by our elected officials, our elders and by our youth, themselves, that while freedom is a right, it doesn’t come without a fight. We must continue to fight to make our community a better place for our children and our families. We were reminded that positive change doesn’t just happen, but rather it is an individual commitment and the responsibility of ALL. So, while the pageantry was great fun, the Celebration could not and did not stop there. Fulfilling the Promise became and remains the real collective theme and achievable goal.
Happy Juneteenth and Community Promise and Prosperity All Around!
. . . From Induction to Competition
2011 Miss Juneteenth and Court: (Center) Keyayanna Houston Queen (L) Destiny Moten, Runner-up and (R) Mchaeltia Terry, Miss Congeniality
2011 Jr. Miss Juneteenth and Court: : (L-R) Raymonesha Houston, Tierane Harris, Jr. Miss Runner-up Antonisha Hopkins, Jr. Miss Juneteenth Queen QuaBrojana Anthony and Curdatria Colter.
2011 Contestants in the Little Miss Juneteenth Pageant: (Back Row) Teairean Anthony, Krystal Harper, Ja’Kayla Faulk, Brashawna Anthony, (Front Row) Makalyn Dennis, Ardassiny Harris, Kaylin Elem and Stasia Bre’Nae Parker
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Harold Adams
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Living Memorial Commemorates Tameka Stanton
Mary Martin, Chair for the Tameka Nacole Stanton Scholarship Fund and Mother of Tameka Stanton. Tameka Nacole Stanton was loved by all and will be greatly missed by family and friends alike; but the legacy that she left will continue to enhance the lives of many. As a tribute to Tameka, a scholarship fund was established by her mother, Mary Martin and other family members. On behalf of the Tameka Nacole Stanton Scholarship Fund, Mary Martin would like to thank everyone for their support and a special thanks to all those who made contributions. Because of your support, eight graduates received an individual scholarship award in the amount of $400.00. The recipients of the award were, Kira Nathaniel; Nick Jones; Shay Berry; J.J. Jones; Kayla Bransford; Darius Harris; Britney Colter; and Gabriel Cunningham. Many thanks to each of you and our prayers are that God will continue to richly bless you all!
MAY / JUNE 2011
Opinion / Outlook First Things First KILL THE MESSENGERS?
I know it happened in the late 1990’s, but excuse me for again asking who killed rappers Tupac Shakur and Christopher ―Big Poppa‖ Wallace AKA ―Biggie‖! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist, or a remarkable detective like the fictional Sherlock Holmes, to tell you that something went wrong with the investigation of these two assassinations. Any first year student of ―Conspiracy 101‖ and most of the people around in the late 1990’s who were interested in the Tupac and Biggie’s murders have always felt that the real truth has never come out! This brings us to the biggest questions, ―Why didn’t the investigations lead to someone being arrested and someone being charged with the killings of Tupac and Biggie? As an American who has been around for a while and has observed how ―things‖ are done in our nation, I can tell you without hesitation or doubt that there is a ―cover up‖ of the highest order going on in these cases. As I see it, Tupac and Big Poppa were very influential individuals whose popularity, influence and musical messages transcended far beyond the rap music world to impact mainstream society. I truly believe that Tupac and Big Poppa were ―modern day messengers‖ who had started to come into the age of enlightenment and knowledge before their deaths. They had started to evolve not into crazed; drug fueled unconscious rappers with negative messages for young people, but into positive, young men who had become increasingly aware of who they were, where they came from, and how they could change things through their music. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; President John F. Kennedy; Robert Kennedy; Medgar Evers; Abraham Lincoln; Malcolm X, and many other ―true messengers‖, here in America have been assassinated throughout history because of their messages. In my heart of hearts, I believe that there was a conspiracy involving people in high places to pull these murders
(Tupac & Biggie) off and get away scot free. The killers of Tupac and Biggie need to be brought to justice, if it takes the U.S. Justice Department to do it, I say, ―let’s get it done‖! Our Government didn’t stop looking for Osama Ben Laden until they got him; I say we must not stop looking for the killers of Tupac and Biggie until we find them! It’s the American way. God Bless America, Africa and the rest of the World.
“Classification” AIDS EPIDEMIC: IMPACT ON BLACK AMERICA I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the AIDS epidemic and the devastating effects that it has had on African Americans. I heard a man on television news recently say that, although Black people represent 20 -plus percent of the population, they make up 50 percent of the new AIDS cases in America. That man went on to name several factors which he said contributed to the rise of AIDS in Black America. He cited the lack of information about the dangers of AIDS circulating in the Black community. He also mentioned men who have sex with other men as a problem, intravenous drug use, and America’s prisons as contributing factors to the AIDS problem in Black America. Because of the massive numbers of Black people incarcerated in American prisons, the AIDS epidemic and who is being exposed to it in U.S. prisons, is something that deserves a closer look. ―We the people‖ need to engage in a serious, comprehensive study and look at how the AIDS epidemic is being dealt with among the prison population in America. Although there are new drugs which prolong the lives of people infected with AIDS, there is still no cure for AIDS. We must do all that we can do to stop this terrible, devastating disease, even if it means ―stepping on the toes‖ of individuals and institutions, including U.S. prisons, which I believe have not been forthright in their efforts to prevent the spread of AIDS. God Bless America!
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Yameskia Sandles is a graduate of Texas Southern University with a degree in Chemistry and a Spoken Word Artist. She is a Crockett native, the daughter of Marcus and Lesha Cobbs; Gaylon and Rena Sandles, Granddaughter of Rev. Elliott and Ora Reagans.
Future Contestant: Big sister, Stasia Parker, gives little sister a hug and shares tips with her about being a Juneteenth contestant.
My people cannot be classified At least not through these un-objective eyes But if you must put ME in a category Let’s just see what I would be: Would I be African American Or would I be Black? I could choose either one Because God has my back Giving us titles only creates limitations And today my people are exceeding all expectations But as a young woman trying to express The extent of my people’s progress And acknowledge the struggle they went through I guess being black would have to do And I would say it loud To all who ask, “I’m Black and I’m proud” What does it mean to be African American? It means I pick up the slack because my ancestors were Black. It means I’m colonized in the white man’s eyes. It means I have the right to be educated And enough freedom to say I am liberated It means I can pledge allegiance to the American flag Without pulling out a green card or constantly being nagged It means I do what the man tolerates And fight everyday to eliminate hate So if you try to classify me Then being black is what you can say embodies me For black is the color of boldness: It stands out in any crowd Black is the symbol of dominance In my voice heard out loud Black is the color of all things created When God created Heaven and Earth, my people were anticipated Black is the product of tenacious colors, pink to blue So my people are steadfast and true in all they do. Being black means I’m the ace of spades The cream of the crop on even my worst days Being black means I have the duty of attestation To explain where I came from and my people’s destination. By: Yameskia Sandles Published 2005
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MAY / JUNE 2011
People & Places Music Scene Masters Tony Henry “Live” on The Debra Duncan Show
Mrs. Gladys Randolph, Crockett native and longtime community icon.
East Texas SHOUT OUTS ! CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 Sis. Larry Mouton, Rep. Alma Allen, Dr. Lynn Ellison, Roy Johnson, Nathan ―Brother Nate‖ Gardner, Lela Houston Wheeler, Collette Lambert, Gloria Davis, Opal Fay Woolbright, Mr. and Mrs. Buford Rhodes, Sis. Earlie Groves, Daphne Session, Cartier Martin, Ashante Reese, Mary Martin, Dr. Karon Nicol LeCompte, Mr. Greg and Prophetess Eva Jewel Griffin, Lee White, James Black, Mary Shedd, Tammy Regans Bagley, S.I.A. Magazine, Penny Lynn Webb, D.T. Hopkins, Aunt Bea’s Attic, Phat Pat’s Barbershop, Patrick Terry, Dre Bacon, Amp ―Tyler‖, Virginia Lewis, Gerald Barkley, Sarah Faye Allen, John Jenkins, Bobby Purvis, Untwaun Johnson, Brandon ―Boo‖ Johnson, Catina Brice, Bryan Lake, Grayln Crawford, Key Baby, Hit Squad Billionaires, Jackey Goodall, Charles Brown and Sons, Martin and Victoria Essien, Earlie and Troy Thomas, Thomas Essien, Sundra Essien, Chief Jimmy Fisher and The Fisher Family.
Singer Tony Henry of Houston, a Crockett native, recently performed live on the Debra Duncan television show in Houston. I asked Tony, who has performed all over America, including the Apollo Theater in New York, the Black Entertainment Television (B.E.T.) talent competition, and in Los Angeles, California venues, about this recent appearance. He said although he has done live television shows before, it was a learning experience because he hadn’t done one in a long time with the audience being right there ―on you‖. He emphasized that it was great to be on a popular show like that, to perform and get his story out to the people. He described host Debra Duncan as an extremely nice, intelligent lady who was very gracious to select his act for her program. Tony is currently performing at the Horn Club in Houston, one of the City’s top night clubs as well as performing in traveling concerts in other cities and states. For more information on Tony Henry, you can go to the internet at www.tonyhenrymusic.com or www.facebook.com/ tonyhenrymusic or call 832.444.5968. I had an interesting conversation with ―Amp‖, a rapper from Tyler who I met through Philip ―Buddha Ali‖ Shaw of Hope, Arkansas. Amp told me he has been in the rap game for 17 years and was inspired by Tyler pioneer rap legends C More, Trae, and the Tyler singing group Darkside. Amp’s rap group is known as the ―Concrete Cowboys‖ and he is currently working
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with East Texas rap legend Jerry ―Hype‖ Johnson, an original member of the Crockett rap group Mad Kat. I got to hear some of Amp music on Buddha Ali’s music radio talk show and it sounded pretty good!
New Talk Show Host….
Speaking of ―Buddha Ali‖ Shaw of Hope, Arkansas, he has a wonderful music/ talk radio show which features rappers, singers, D.J.s, freedom fighters, ministers and a whole lot of interesting people from around the world. The show’s name is Rich Kid Radio. You can call 323.410.0101, if you want to listen in, or join in the program. The last time I was on the show, Crockett super DJ Mike ―Heavy Love‖ Jones co-hosted the show with ―Buddha Ali‖. Stephon ―Snag‖ Harris, Amp, Confetti Da Reala Soulja, Brick the Future from Inglewood, California, Jerry ―Hype‖ Johnson and Uncle Polly from Hope, Arkansas were some of the guests also featured on the program while I was on it. Call Buddha Ali’s show after 5:30 p.m. and give him your thoughts.
Gospel Updates
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Gospel music and successful Gospel promoters that I know. Gospel Promoter Jimmy Spivey of Huntsville will be hosting the 4th of July Weekend Gospel Extravaganza in Longview. For more information on this event and other upcoming events you can call J. Spivey Productions at
877.291.1918. The concert will feature Gospel Superstar Kirk Franklin, the Rance Allen Group and John P. Kee among other celebrity performers Kudos go out to Gospel Music Promoter Hilliard ―Soup‖ McKnight who has been promoting ―big name‖ Gospel music performers for years. McKnight has been a force in the Gospel Music promotions for a long time and the Groves Standard Newspaper is more than happy to keep Hilliard’s fans informed about his endeavors. I heard that Dr. Helen King will be hosting a Christian Educational Program on KSAM in Huntsville, Texas in the near future. If that’s true, we wish her well as she really loves to praise the Lord whenever and wherever she can. Kudos go out to Huntsville radio personality, gospel promoter and singer Leroy Bryant and his son, Bennie, who is also a musician. Special thanks go out to Marie Thompson of Dallas who will be handling the Groves Standard Newspaper on line. Marie is a genius in internet advertising, marketing, and exhibiting materials on the worldwide web. We are blessed to not only have her on our team, but to be on her team as well. For more information on the Groves Standard on line, you can contact her at Info@lonestaridol.com o r bi l l y ho l l y w o od g r ov es . c o m. A ―Benefit Dinner‖ was recently held for longtime East Texas D.J. and Musician Ed ―Red‖ Coleman of Crockett AKA ―Doctor Fool‖. Mike ―Heavy See Music Up Dates Page 8 [
Myrtis Dightman poses with his ―LARGER THAN LIFE‖ replica bronze bust as displayed at the Crockett Porth Ag Arena, Crockett, Texas. The statue is in honor of his lifelong contributions to the rodeo circuit and his achievements as the first living African American Cowboy inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame .
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Commentary Juneteenth Doing Well in Texas and Beyond
James l. McCullough, M.Ed., Abraham Lincoln issued a presidential decree to free slaves and admit blacks into the armed forces on January 1, 1863. Most slaves in the south did not hear about the proclamation until much later, learning of it from various sources. In Texas, the news was formally announced by General Gordon Grainger at Galveston on June 19, 1865. Two legends of why Texas slaves didn’t receive the news until well after the Civil War was over--a good two and a half years late--offer two different reasons. One says a black union soldier was sent on a mule to deliver the news but was murdered along the way. The second and most favored is that slave and land owners could bleed one last crop from slave labor. Generally, the news of black emancipation followed on the heels of the Union Army. Whatever the case, this day has been celebrated for 146 years as Emancipation day, jubilation day or simply, Juneteenth. By the 1950s, Juneteenth came
to be linked with not only emancipation but with segregation as well. Some segregated cities would allow blacks entry into ―white only‖ city parks and zoos on Juneteenth. With the passage of Civil rights legislation in the sixties, some ―refined‖ black Texans abandoned Juneteenth to their ―country‖ cousins. However, as time progressed, the Juneteenth celebration gathered steam and eventually became an official holiday in the state of Texas. You can find Juneteenth rituals in all regions of the country now. States like California where black Texans migrated en masse have held celebrations for decades. Grand celebrations are held in Buffalo, New York where there existed during slavery, a rich history of antislavery sentiment and activity. In Wisconsin, at least five celebrations are held each year including Milwaukee which has held celebrations since 1971, becoming the largest cultural event in the state. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, what began as a poetry reading in a church basement, is now two weeks of programming, including a film festival and Underground Railroad re-enactments. Texas’s moment in Juneteenth History can be largely attributed to black, Texas Legislator Al Edwards of Houston Texas, who successfully lobbied the State to make Juneteenth an official state holiday. This was a tremendous feat in a State which still closed its’ banks for Confederate heroes Day. Edwards continues to see Juneteenth as an economic vehicle for African-American people as well as a day that should be observed with
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almost holy remembrance. Citing a feeling among the Jewish people, he stated, ―The Jews say if they ever forget their history, may their tongues cleave to the roofs of their mouths… may the same happen to us‖. Unfortunately, it seems some of our brothers and sisters still consider Juneteenth an embarrassment, feeling the Holiday tells more of ignorance and subjugation than of an historical inheritance that predates slavery. Others, some identifying themselves as children of the African Diaspora, see this day as one where all Americans can get in touch with African American History, irrespective of race--especially those who assisted a subjugated people in their quest for a life of freedom, equality and justice in the state of Texas and beyond.
Mrs. Della Newman, Juneteenth Parade Advisor for 26 years gets ready to lead the group in the Negro National Anthem
MAY / JUNE 2011
Juneteenth Parade Grand Marshal Bridget Lamb
The Juneteenth Awareness Committee and the Groves Foundation Board were proud to select Houston County Clerk Bridget Lamb as the 2011 Parade Grand Marshal. Bridget is a lifetime resident of Houston County with many of those years split between Kennard and Crockett. She is the first African American in Houston County to hold the elected position of County Clerk. Bridget’s many years of work experience in the County Clerk’s Office truly prepared her for the position of County Clerk. Bridget is a great role model and is always extremely helpful to all who come to her office. Congratulations on a job well done!
Customer’s Choice Newest Employees By Billy ―Hollywood‖ Groves Sandra Harris is the latest member of the Customer’s Choice staff in Crockett. Sandra is a recent graduate of the University of Phoenix with a degree in business. She describes her new job as a great opportunity and a new adventure. Sandra will work as an account specialist. Sandra is married to Rev. Shannon Harris of Crockett and they have three chil-
dren. She is the daughter of Jim and Betty Anderson of Crockett and she attends New Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Crockett. Sandra comes from a great family and she has a very nice personality. ―Stay positive, keep a focused mind, trust and believe in God always,‖ is her advice for young people. Customer’s Choice also has a new manager, Philip Everett.
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Sports
Crockett’s 7 on 7 Team State Bound!
Smith shares thoughts on 7 on 7 Team
Local Community Leader Darrell ―Mookie‖ Smith who has a son on the
Crockett High School Football Team, recently filled me in on the team’s latest endeavors. Darrell said Crockett’s Seven on Seven football team has advanced to the Seven on Seven State Football Tournament at Texas A&M University at College Station, Texas. The Tournament is slated for July 14th and 15th. The Crockett Bulldogs will compete in a sixty-four team field with 1A, 2A and 3A- ranked Seven on Seven football teams. Darrel emphasized that UIL rules prevent Crockett High School from paying for the team’s participation in the tournament. When I spoke with
Darrel, he was getting ready to do a fundraiser for the team. Anjuwaun Smith, C.J. Wheeler, Jay English, Devaughn Lee, Michael McKnight and Dominique Wheeler are some of the exciting players on
MAY / JUNE 2011 Crockett’s Seven on Seven team. For more information on Crockett’s participation in the Seven on Seven Team Tournament, you can contact Darrell Smith at 936.232.9339. Good luck to the home team!
Juneteenth Celebrators enjoy fun and fellowship as they share memories of times past and reminisce about photos furnished by Councilman Nathan Gardner. Councilman Gardner also provided the assembly with community updates on community issues. Below (L-R): Faydine David, Gwen‖ FeFe― Spurlock, Sheniece Harris and Angela David.
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CROCKETT Terry Cutler, Administrator For a physician referral or more information on the programs available through ETMC Crockett, call the ETMC HealthFirst line at 1-800-648-8141 or Visit on the web at www.etmc.org.
East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System
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Groves Standard
MAY / JUNE 2011
Business World
Leading on Purpose and Leading With Purpose By Dr. Brenda Atchison, Business Manager / Writer The Question: How do you lead with the tenacity of Orpah Winfrey, the strength of President Barak Obama and the humility of Mother Teresa? The Answer: Align with your gift and lead on purpose. Helping others find their purpose is my purpose. More than at any time in history, we have to deal with leaders who are historical revisionists, self-serving and haphazard in their approach to leadership. As we face an unprecedented economic, social, and moral crisis, leading on purpose is crucial. If one chooses to continue the age-old argument of whether leaders are born or made, it is arguable that a definitive conclusion is largely irrelevant: the hallmark of true leaders is the ability to carefully develop and practice the characteristics of purposeful leadership. From the many articles I have written and countless presentations made on finding purpose and on leadership characteristics, I have devised a list of six character traits that when carefully developed and practiced will lead to purposeful leadership— a necessity for leading in uncertain times. First, Leaders know their purpose. Purpose is seldom about making a living, although, it will enable you to make a life. Purpose is your reason for being on this earth at this time. It is a gift from God to every human being. It will enable you to serve mankind in your own unique way, with your own unique gift. Secondly, Leaders are passionate. Leading on purpose requires passion. When I speak of passion, I am speaking of a compelling, almost
overwhelming feeling of enthusiasm to do something. It’s like developing a love affair; you want to know what it takes to develop a lasting relationship. It is your calling, your invitation to ignite excitement. It is difficult to excite someone over something about which you are not excited. Third, Leaders are authentic. Authenticity requires you to be who you are when nobody is watching. It requires you to show up in every situation and to maintain laserfocus. Authentic leaders have something to say while others look for a platform to say something. Is the voice that reverberates in your ear, your own, or is it the contrived rantings of the vocal majority? Fourth, leaders are intentional. Intentionality requires that you show up, be present and not trade the journey for the destination. Don’t check out at the door of the work place and abandon the very ideals that promote successful leadership. Stress is said to be the result of wishing the current situation was something other than what it is. Listen to your heart. Don’t check your emotions at the door, stifle your creativity, and put on the brakes on innovation and dumb down our intellect. Fifth, leaders are accountable. Accountability requires us to claim both the good and the bad and take responsibility for both. We are the sum total of our life’s experiences, the bad and the good. Too often we look to the top for someone to blame. Sixth, leaders are philanthropists. They give back. They feel obligated to their community .They are socially responsible. President Kennedy had it right; ―Ask not what your
Country can do for you, ask what you can do for your Country.‖ Finally, leaders are gracious. They move in the world with grace, knowing that grace covers a multitude of sins. It is considerate, it is benevolent, it is kind, it is patient, it is diligent and above all, it is love. Leading requires due diligence. Leaders learn to check their egos at the door and lead with humility. They are less concerned with political expediency or correctness, than they are concerned with right and wrong. To make a deliberate effort to embrace these characteristics and to develop them is to become a leader on purpose with purpose. I invite you to respond to this article with your questions and comments. Food for thought: "Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up. It knows It must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn't matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle -- when the sun comes up, you had better be running." -- Author Unknown
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It’s A Double Celebration !!!
Sis. Earlie Groves and Linda Ann Colter, of Crockett are all smiles because of the Juneteenth Celebration festivities, but Linda is also celebrating her retirement from Crockett ISD with 30+ wonderful years in education with Crockett ISD and Lovelady Independent School District .
Dr. Ianthia Fisher joyfully displays her retirement plaque as Board Members Roy Johnson, Debra Kennedy and Superintendent Dr. Douglas Moore look on. She is retiring from Crockett ISD after 29 dedicated years with the District and 30+ years in education. As she bids the district farewell, she paraphrased the words of Dr. Seuss to tell what she would be doing next: “Oh the Places I will GO!!” Parent Leadership Union of Texas Inc. Safe Guarding the Legal Rights of Children and Families
Lester Houston
President & CEO P.O. Box 4012 Houston, Texas 77210-4012 281– 224-4360 The Advocates
houstonlester14@yahoo.com www.plutt.org
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MAY / JUNE 2011
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Thought of the Week “A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1 KJV)
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MAY / JUNE 2011
Hollywood’s News
East Texas SHOUT OUTS !
Around the State and Nation By Billy ―Hollywood‖ Groves, CEO Now that President Barack Obama has served the majority of his presidential term, national political attention has begun to seriously focus on the 2012 presidential elections. As an avid supporter of America’s first African American President, I fully understand that it’s going to take the same efforts that it took to get him in office in 2008, to keep him in office in 2012. If president Obama is to become more than a ―one term wonder‖ as President, his supporters and the people who voted for him have to become more than ―one term wonders‖ as voters. The past midterm elections didn’t bode well for Obama’s Democratic Party, which seemed to still be in a celebration mode from the 2008 elections. To borrow a quote from a letter I received from a disgruntled, anonymous, reader who took exception to my ―historical journalism‖-―The past is a treasure to remember, a heritage to record and recall, but living in the past accomplishes nothing.‖ I like that part of the letter despite the fact that it was used out of context, and for less–than- admirable reasons. We (the supporters) of President Obama have to regain ―the past‖ intensity, strength and determination that we displayed in 2008 to get him
reelected in 2012 ―the future‖. It’s not going to be easy, but anything worth having is worth working hard for, especially a bright future. God Bless America, Africa and the Rest of the World! Since I’m in the quotation mood, I can’t think of a better quote than the one Rodney King gave in the 1990’s after being brutally beat up by Los Angeles policemen. “Can’t we all just get along”? A lot of people thought Rodney King should have had more hate and contempt in his heart against the L.A. Cops who abused him. I know I certainly felt angry and full of contempt toward the L.A. Cops in the 1990’s. However, Rodney King displayed a God-like temperament to the people who hurt him and his words undoubtedly kept the violence in the aftermath of his trial from becoming worse than it was. In that same vein, I am extending an Olive Branch of Peace to Republicans, Independents, Tea Party members, Green Party members and every other political organization in America whose political views I may not share. We are all Americans and we have more in common than we have differences! Rodney King asked the question, ―Can’t we all just get along?― I say, Yes We Can! God Bless America!
Music Up Dates CONTINUE FROM PAGE 3 Love‖ Jones, D.T. Hopkins, Sam Rojas, and others played music at the Benefit event for ―Red‖ who suffered a recent illness. Special thanks go out to Johnny Dickerson who organized the event and to all the people who attended and participated. As we previously noted, Elbert Wayne ―Bev the Barber‖ Johnson of Huntsville is the owner of the Dead End Barbershop in Huntsville along with his brothers Brandon ―Boo‖ and Untwaun Johnson. Bev is also a serious music promoter, rapper, producer, song writer, mixed music tape maker and mega entrepreneur‖. Recently, I asked Bev about his latest endeavors. He said they just pro-
Members and friends of the St. Matthews M.B.C. recently celebrated the Pastor and Wife’s 23rd Anniversary. We commend Rev. and Sis. Reagans for their dedication to God and their many years of service to the Church.
moted a rap concert at Club Lizards in Huntsville which featured hot new rap artist ―Beat King‖ from Houston. He told me that King has some hit songs that receive heavy radio play these days. Bev also told me about their rap concert coming up on July 9, 2011 in Crockett featuring popular Dallas rapper ―Young Black.‖ He said they are getting ready to bring more rap concerts to Huntsville, Crockett and other areas in East Texas and want to thank all of the people who ―support us and believe in us‖. Also, Bev said Fed up Entertainment and the Dead End Barbershop crew was excited about their new R&B mixed tape which features some of the best ―slow songs‖ or ―love songs‖ currently on the hit charts. He added, the name of the CD is ―Shake Down‖ and it’s not only for the ladies but for anyone who loves R&B music. In my interview with him I asked Bev about the Huntsville rap group ―Youngest In Charge‖, the barbershop business, and about who his role models are... He said ―Youngest In Charge‖ is still doing their thing, and he and his brothers still travel with them sometimes to concerts on the road. Bev who is a licensed barber as well as his brothers said that business is going great, and their latest barber, Steven St. Julian, is still doing a super job for their customers. As for
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his mentors, his parents were his number one role models, but he also credited me, Billy ―Hollywood‖ Groves, and other responsible adults as being instrumental in his successful career. Bev went on to say growing up around the right people helped him to see life from a positive standpoint. To find out how to get CD’s or information on Bev, you can call them at 936.291.2957 or check them out on the internet or come by the Dead End Barbershop in Huntsville.
President Barrack Obama, Dr. Ruth Watson, Harry Jackson, Jimmy Neel N&N Bail Bonds, Dr. Ianthia Fisher, Mr. James ―Palestine‖ Smith, Confetti, Da Reala Soulja, Walter and Maxine Session, Marie, Rev. Oscar Henderson, Rev.R.C. Emanuel, Lynda Jones, Jerry‖Hype‖Johnson, Superintendent Kurt and Sis. Thompson, Chester Houston, Norman and Linda White, Rev Harry Fred and Sis. Scott, Adrian Peterson, ETMC, Terry Cutler, Rob T. Turner, Billionaire Records, The Dead End Barbershop, Elbert Wayne ―Bev‖ Johnson, The Informer, The Houston County Courier, The Groves Standard, About Time Magazine, Rochester, NY, The Grapeland Messenger, Larry Robbins and The Robbins Family, Dr. Brenda and Rev. Dr. Delvin Atchison, Dr. Helen King and George King, Cat Peterson, Mrs. Huffmaster and Crockett Public Library, Pha Green, Mrs. Gladys, Pat Perry, Youngest in Charge, Brick the Future, Tre 57, Dave Dirden, Wade, Jayvan and Brenda Reagans, Diana Peterson , George Merrick and Boot Hill Printing, Jerry ―Hype‖ Johnson, Cherry Rich Productions, Mike ―Heavy Love‖ Jones, Philip ―Buddha Ali‖ Shaw, Red Coleman, James and Rosemary McCullough, Rev. Jerome Simpsn, Beat King, Young Black, Customer’s Choice, Rev. Shannon and Sandra Harris, Philip Everett, Ray and Betty Groves Sr. , Leslie ―Pretty Les‖ Denman, Stephen Yarbrough, J. Allen Provost, Roy and Shirley Molonson, Lil Flip, Calvin and Joyce Hawkins, Smith Gardner, Rev. Hosea Dolphus Jr., Johnny and Vera Adams, Lucille and ―Baby Son‖ Davis, Agent 99, Rev. and Sis. Winston Spencer, Lester Houston, Mrs. Williams, Prince Hall Apts. , Dr. Nathalia Ramsundar, Tony Henry, J.T. Thompson, Freddy and Sharonda Riley, Claude Watson, Claude Riley, Jackie Riley, Rev. and See Shout Outs Page 3
Groves Standard Newspaper
Billy “Hollywood” Groves Founder / Chairman / CEO Dr. Helen King . . . . . . . . Dr. Ruth Watson . . . . . . Dr. Ianthia Fisher . . . . . . Victoria Essien, M Ed.. . . Dr. Brenda Atchison. . . . Minister Earlie Groves. . . Rev. Oscar Henderson . .
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