Houston Style Magazine Vol 33 No 50

We need not forgive racial injustices in America’s past, and we must never forget them. But as a nation, we can recon cile. It is undeniable that the flurry of recent activity to suppress this country’s knowledge of its shameful history is an attempt to make us all forget the injustices suffered by large segments of our society.

It is also undeniable that for getting those injustices invites their reoccurrence. What is imagined to be at stake by those who struggle to bury truths and eviscerate facts is the disappearance of a way of life essential to their very existence. But this only gives testimony to the fact that their cherished way of life is predicated upon injustice. The danger facing Americans can be demonstrated by looking at South Africa.

South Africa went through a truth and reconciliation process after that nation’s government was forced to end its practice of apart heid in 1994. It was an attempt to put to rest animosity, resentment and fears after centuries of mistreat ment suffered by Africans and other people of color at the hands of white supremacist. Many history books say that apartheid lasted in South Africa only from 1948 to 1994, but that does not tell the whole story.

In 1948, the National Party came to power in South Africa and codified the racial segregation in existence there for centuries. Tak ing a step back in time, history tells us that in 1913, the South Af rican government passed the Land Act soon after it became the Union of South Africa.One of the provi sions of the Land Act decreed that “natives” were not allowed to buy

COMMENTARY WE NEED NOT FORGIVE

By Oscar Blayton

land from whites and vice versa. But more importantly, it was the legal vehicle by which Africans were dispossessed of their lands, much like the First Nations in America had their lands taken from them. This injustice was not solely the doing of South Africans. The Union of South Africa, under Great Brit ain, came into being when Britain passed the South Africa Act, grant ing the white minority dominion over Africans, South Asians and other “Coloured” and mixed-race peoples.

At risk of being too tedious with a walk back in time, it needs to be pointed out that South Africa has suffered under white supremacy since the Dutch arrived at the Cape in the 17th century. The Dutch ar rived at what became Cape Town, numbering only 90 souls, in 1652. By 1795, they had pushed the Afri cans off enough land to accommo date 16,000 settlers.

In 2014, almost 400 years after Europeans arrived in South Africa, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) published a report, “The Impacts of Social and Economic Inequality on Economic Development in South Africa.” This dismal recounting of conditions in South Africa makes it clear that four centuries of abuse and injustice fostered by white supremacy have not been healed by 30 years of struggle to set things right.

To begin, South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commis sion was created only to investi gate gross human rights violations, including abductions, killings and torture, that were perpetrated during the apartheid regime from 1960 to 1994. The period to be examined by

the commission was so short that in 2024, as much time will have elapsed since the commission’s cre ation as the period to be examined itself. One may ask, “What is the importance of this story to us?” The answering is frightening.

If we consider the painfully short period of time examined by South Africa’s Truth and Reconcil iation Commission and the stalled progress to create a better quality of life for those who suffered under apartheid and centuries of abuse, we must realize that forgiving ra cial injustice can lead to continued inequality.

The difference between for giveness and reconciliation is that forgiveness requires nothing from the forgiven. They may not even have to realize that they are being forgiven. Reconciliation requires repentance from the offender, and the offender does not get to dictate the terms of reconciliation.

In South Africa, because of the relative strengths of the offend ers and the offended, the offenders were able to negotiate – or one might say, “dictate” – the terms of the reconciliation. This should not be allowed to happen in America.

As in South Africa, the Unit ed States has for centuries main tained a social regime that allowed atrocious acts of violence and in equality against people with little power to protect themselves. Mur der, rape, theft of land, labor and other resources was practiced in plain sight of the global community, with the perpetrators assured that no one would dare interfere to change the status quo.

On Oct. 23, 1947, the NAACP sent to the United Nations a document entitled “An Appeal to

the World.” This document asked the U.N. to redress human rights violations being committed in the United States against African Amer icans. Many white Americans opposed the petition, including then-former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who was a member of board of directors of the NAACP and a member of the American del egation to the United Nations. The Soviet Union, however, proposed that the NAACP’s charges be in vestigated. But on Dec. 4, 1947, the U.N. Commission on Human Rights rejected that proposal, and the United Nations took no action on the petition.

As we continue our struggle for justice, we must keep in mind that while we should not forgive, and forget our shared history with those who have benefited from the many injustices we have suffered, we should be prepared to seek to find a way towards a true reconciliation.

Oscar H. Blayton is a former Marine Corps combat pilot and hu man rights activist who practices law in Virginia. His earlier commentaries may be found at https://oblayton1.medium.com/

Gigs for

EXPERIENCE

e Mystique and Beauty of China

Before Communism

SHEN YUN’s unique artistic vision expands theatrical experience into a multidimensional, deeply moving journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures—the ve millennia of traditional Chinese culture. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms— classical Chinese dance—along with innovative multimedia e ects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a glorious civilization of unrivaled beauty, artistry, and inspiration.

“Shen

“This show gave me a real sense of goodness and meaning in life.”

—Anna Liceica, former soloist with American Ballet Theatre

Yun is a transformative experience for body, soul, heart, and mind. This is the wisdom of all the ancient lineages.”

—Douglas Beechwood, producer

he Houston Area Urban League was born out of darkness. Black and brown people were living be low their means, being unfairly treated, and having no real hope in sight until HAUL brought the light.

Developing programs under six broad targets: education and youth development; workforce and economic development; workforce training; hous ing; social justice; and health and well ness initiatives. HAUL brought hope to communities that had almost given up. Fifty-four years after their founding, HAUL is still on a mission, under those same targets, to empower communities

A life is changed when one has a job and the skills that go with it. A life is changed when one has a home of

By

their own and the money to afford it. A life is changed when one has a business idea and the tools to execute it. A life is changed when one knows there is a community cheering and supporting their every step towards a better future. That is the essence of HUAL. Annually, they serve 15,000 people through var ious programs for children and adults. Oftentimes, they operate on stretched funds since they are a 501(c)(3) organi zation. A major portion of their funding for the year comes from their Equal Opportunity Day Gala. This year’s EOD gala, chaired by Felicia & Odis Mack and Marguerite & Troy Williams, will celebrate those who have demonstrated black excellence in the areas of sports leadership and education.

The honorees for Black Excel lence in Sports Leadership are: Dusty Baker, General Manager of the Houston Astros; Stephen Silas, Head Coach of the Houston Rockets; and Lovie Smith, Head Coach of the Houston Texans. The honorees for Black Excellence in Edu cation are Dr. Loren Blanchad, President of the University of Houston-Down town; Dr. Reginald DesRoches, Pres ident of Rice University; Dr. LaTonya Goffney, Superintendent of the Aldine Independent School District; Dr. Mil

lard House II, Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District; Dr. Ruth Simmons, President of Prairie View A&M University; and Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, President of Texas Southern University.

The Quentin Mease Community Service Award will be presented to Je rome Love, founder of the Texas Black Expo and the We All Eat Campaign. PNC Bank will be honored with the Gerald Hines Corporate Award. Guests of the affair will enjoy a night of dining, dancing, and dialect with Houston com munity leaders, including Mayor Syl vester Turner, the honorary Gala Chair. Howard Hewett and the Earnest Walker Band will provide upbeat entertainment throughout the evening. Forming rela tionships with people and collaborating with businesses is a way for HAUL to get funding but also to gain access to skilled professionals willing to share their skills, time, and/or money with others to improve their social standing. The largest gift from a single individual to HAUL came from philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott, who donated $4.2 million. The Houston Area Urban League will use the gift to ensure the agency’s long-term sustainability and support its strategic plan to expand pro

gram services, outreach, awareness, and service access to more Black and other marginalized people in our community. Another recent gift to HAUL came from Wells Fargo, which added tools to help HAUL in its fight for equal housing for those in underserved communities in Houston.

Since 1968, the Houston Area Urban League has captured the promise of new ideas and programs based on a strong foundation of service. Thanks to partnerships throughout the community, the Urban League has been successful in assisting previously marginalized fam ilies to own their homes, children and their caregivers to take part in literacy reading circles, high school students to learn how to become leaders of tomor row, adults receive workforce training to earn livable wages, and small businesses are able to embrace entrepreneurial opportunities that were not previously afforded to them.

Tickets and sponsorship op portunities are still available for this year’s gala. For more information about HAUL, the EOD gala, or other oppor tunities, visit HAUL.org or @HOUUr banLeague on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Judson W. Robinson III

Dusty Baker

cellence in Sports Leadership General Manager Houston Astros

Dr Reginald DesRoches

Dr. Loren Blanchard President University of Houston Downtown President Rice University Dr. LaTonya Goffney Superintendent Aldine ISD

Dr Millard House II Superintendent Houston ISD Dr Ruth Simmons Dr Lesia L Crumpton Young President Prairie View A&M University President Texas Southern University

Gerald Hin

Quentin Mease Community Service Award

Black Expo & We All Eat Campaign

Lovie Smith Head Coach Houston Rockets Head Coach Houston Texans

HOUSTON POLICE MAKE ARREST FOR THE KILLING OF RAPPER TAKEOFF

By Elise Hammond and Christina Maxouris, CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire

One month after the fatal shooting of Takeoff, Houston authorities arrested and charged a man with murder in connection with the rapper's killing, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner announced at a news conference Friday. Patrick Xavier Clark, 33, was arrested on the east side of Houston, Thursday eve ning. Another man, Cameron Joshua, 22, was arrested last month and charged with the unlawful carrying of a weapon, the chief said. When asked how the latter was connected to the case, Finner said Joshua was at the scene and was "in possession of a weapon (and) he's a felon."

CNN is attempting to find wheth er the two suspects have representation. Takeoff, who was a member of the plat inum-selling rap group Migos, was shot and killed outside a business on Novem ber 1 after a private event. He was 28. His uncle Quavo and cousin Offset were the other two members of the trio.

"We lost a good man," Finner said during the news conference. "I didn't have the pleasure of meeting him but ev erybody, the hundreds of people that I've talked to, spoke on what a great individual he was."

In a motion filed on Friday, pros ecutors in Harris County requested a $1 million bond for Clark, arguing he should be considered a "flight risk." Shortly after the killing, Clark allegedly applied for an expedited passport, which he received immediately before his arrest, according to the motion. When he was arrested, he had a "large amount of cash money," the court document added.

Prosecutors also made several other requests, including that Clark surrender "any and all passports, visas, or other travel documents," be barred from leaving the immediate vicinity of Harris County and be subject to a curfew.

Takeoff was an 'innocent bystander,' in vestigator says.

Though the incident remains an active investigation, what authorities know is Takeoff was "an innocent by stander," Sgt. Michael Burrow, with the Houston Police Department's homicide division, said Friday. "The event was a

ment to police," he said. "We found a few of them that night, we've found others since then but it's important that those people come forward."

In the meantime, authorities have had to rely on "a large volume of video surveillance," cell phone videos, au dio, physical and ballistic evidence and shooting reconstruction efforts in their investigation.

Takeoff of Migos

private party, there was a lucrative dice game that went on at the event, there was an argument that happened afterwards outside the bowling alley, which led to the shooting," Burrow said.

Takeoff was not involved in the dice game nor the argument and he was not armed, Burrow said. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said Takeoff was a talented entertainer, and much more. "He was a son, a brother, cousin and a friend, and a mentor to those in the music industry," the mayor said, calling the arrest in his killing a "significant step toward seeking justice."

"I want to express my regret and disappointment that this was a case of another young man taking the life of another young man for no reason," he added. "The gun violence everywhere, not just in the city of Houston, has to stop."

"Pulling a firearm can have deadly consequences that you cannot undo. So I'm glad an arrest has taken place, that we do have someone in custody. It is unfortunate, it really is unfortunate because it does not bring Takeoff back," Turner said. Authorities urge witnesses to come forward Au thorities are still working to find and talk to witnesses and both Burrow and the police chief urged those who were on scene and fled to contact authorities and share what they know.

"Any individual that's killed in our city, it's tough, and it's tough on their family, tough on their friends. Everybody deserves an investigation," Finner, the police chief said. "But ... we need people to step up too. Do your part as a citizen and if you see something,

you need to say something. Don't let the fear paralyze you. Step up and say something."

There were more than 30 people standing outside when the shooting happened, Burrow said. "Literally every single one of those people left the scene without giving a state

"Through that, we were able to deduce that Patrick Clark is the lethal shooter in the case," Burrow said.

Extraordinary coverage for an Extraordinary state

At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, we add a little Extra to everything. That’s why your coverage includes more benefits like telehealth visits, 24/7 Nurseline, gym discounts through Blue365®, and Extra care with mental health coverage. Enjoy Extraordinary coverage for life’s biggest moments.

Visit NewBenefitsTX.com today!

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Blue365 is a discount program only for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas members. This is NOT insurance. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas does not guarantee or make any claims or recommendations about the program’s services or products. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas reserves the right to stop or change this program at any time without notice. The relationship between the Blue365 vendors and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is that of independent contractors. Hearing services are provided by American Hearing Benefits, BeltoneTM, HearUSA and TruHearing®. Vision services are provided by ContactsDirect®, Croakies, Davis VisionSM, EyeMed Vision Care, Glasses.com, Jonathan Paul Fitovers and LasikPlus®

HOUSTON STYLE’S OWN MANAGING EDITOR RECEIVES

PRESIDENTIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

or three," said Goode. "We were put on earth to fill God’s purpose and help each other."

Others that were honored in cluded Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, State Rep. Ron Reynolds, State Rep. Alma Allen, State Rep. Sinfonia Thompson, Lil’ Flip, Zro, Yolanda Ad ams, Erica Campbell, Mary Griffin, TS Madison, Fred Hammond, Jody Whatley, Funky Larry Jones, Farrah Franklin, Paul Anthony, Marshall Thompson, Kimberly Lockett, Keyondra Lockett, Patrice Al len, and La’ Torria Lemon.

Congratulations to Houston Style Magazine’s Managing Editor

Jo-Carolyn Goode! She is usually the one writing the stories of others. However, this past weekend, she found herself on the other side of the story, making headlines. She is a 2022 recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her volunteer service.

Goode was presented with the honor at the Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University Honorary Doctorate Graduation and 3rd Annual Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremo ny. The elegant affair was hosted by Dr. Verna Caddie.

The event began with a red car pet reception where graduates, honorees, and guests mixed and mingled, enjoyed taking photos on the red carpet, and took a spin in the 360 photo booth. Once the

program began, all were ushered into a beautifully decorated ballroom, where each graduate crossed the stage to receive their Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Humanitarianism.

The presentation of Presidential Lifetime Achievement awards followed, where Goode and other honorees re ceived a signed letter of congratulations on official White House stationery from President Joe Biden, a White House Volunteer Service certificate, and a Pres idential medallion. Each recipient was nominated and recognized for complet ing 5,000 hours of community service.

"I am so blessed and honored to be nominated for such an amazing award. I just love serving my community. I don’t do it for awards or fame. I do it because no one makes it on their own. We all need someone to give us a hand, or two,

Jo-Carolyn Goode

WATSON RETURNS

By Brian Barefield, Sports Editor

Code of Conduct policy against his former team.

He was disgruntled with the Texans organization and demanded a trade in 2021. It was later revealed that multiple women had alleged that Watson had sexually assaulted and harassed them during private massage sessions. Houston traded him in the offseason to Cleveland, and he served a 12-game suspension issued by the NFL after settling the majority of the cases in civil court after two grand juries didn’t find enough evidence to charge him with a crime.

The fans came. They booed loud ly to let quarterback Deshaun Watson know that he was not welcome back in the place he used to call home. They screamed out things from the stands that are not safe to say in any type of setting.

Yet, in the end, the Houston Texans fans walked out of NRG with the same emotions and bewilderment

most had when they entered the stadium after the Texans lost their seventh game in a row by a score of 27-14 to the Cleveland Browns.

Many Houston Texans fans had Sunday’s game marked on their calendars after it was revealed by the NFL that Watson would make his return to the field after serving a suspension for violating the league’s

The diehard, faithful fans that attend games, buy team merchandise, and flood social media with support of the Texans filled the stands on Sunday to let Watson know that the love for the franchise is still there, despite his departure.

They must have forgotten that the quarterback who eventually would replace Watson was benched for ineffectiveness and his backup was starting. It only took one play for the fans to realize that it was going to be a very long day.

Kyle Allen hurled a 32-yard pass to tight end Teagan Quitoriano to open the game. The play looked promising until the tight end lost control of the football when he made contact with the field. The ball was propelled into the air and found its way into the hands of Browns safety John Johnson. That play would be a premonition for the Texans' offense, as they would continue to be unproductive throughout the game. A squandered opportunity on the Browns' one-yard line and a 76-yard punt return for a touchdown by Browns wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones didn’t hurt as much as the turnovers by Allen (fum ble, interception) that were returned for touchdowns.

"Eventually, we've got to have some production on the offensive side," said Texans head coach Lovie Smith. "We've got to score points. We were in it, holding them, taking the ball away.

Read more at StyleMagazine.com

Deshaun Watson

Leaders Esteem's Graduation and Awards Ceremony

Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University hosted their Honor ary Doctorate Graduation and 3rd Annual Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony. The elegant affair was hosted by Dr. Verna Caddie. The proud class of 2022 received their Doc torate of Philosophy in Humanitarianism. Following that several community leaders were presented with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteer service.

The Houston Museum of African American Culture hosted a cultural shopping event that featured the Culture Shoppe and local vendors. Attendees had a delicious breakfast, made holiday craft and enjoyed a sing-a-long. The enchanted winter wouldn’t be complete without the season’s most charming guest! Mr. Santa Claus himself, along with his wife, Mrs. Claus, joined the affair for a very special breakfast and professional photo shoot.

Introducing