September 6, 2020
HOUSTON EDITION
Vol. 25, Issue 32
EARLY VOTING MATTERS
TEXAS SUES HARRIS COUNTY
VOTE: YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT
R a c i a l ly - mot iv ate d killings, police brutality and mistrust/distrust of our elected and appointed leaders are at an all-time high as civil unrest and unlawfulness continues to spread across America. “This is some f*** up sh**,” said African American News&Issues publisher Roy Douglas Malonson. “What’s happening in America is like what Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson’s song called ‘A Real Mother for Ya!’” Do you want it to end, but feel there’s not much you can do about it? Well, there is one thing -- VOTE as
if your LIFE depended on it -- and, frankly, it does! This time, however, African Americans don’t have to count jellybeans in a jar before exercising their rights. From the 1890s to the 1960s, many state governments in the Southern United States administered literacy tests to prospective voters, purportedly to test their literacy in order to vote. The “jellybeans test” was a technique used during the Jim Crow era, in which the registrar would ask Black voters to guess the number
of jellybeans in a jar. If Blacks guessed incorrectly – of course ANYBODY would -then they were denied the right to vote. And while Blacks went through hell, whites were given exemptions. Whites could bypass the literacy test if they could meet alternate requirements that typically excluded blacks, such as a grandfather clause, or a finding of “good moral character.” The character witness was usually another white person, more than likely a post-Civil War Southerner who was against any non-whites’
voting privileges. These so-called literacy tests, along with poll taxes, residency and property restrictions, were commonly used to disenfranchise African Americans and deny suffrage. And when that didn’t work, there was violence, intimidation and death. Still, Blacks continued to fearlessly fight for their rights and thanks to organized protests, an unwillingness to give up and MEDIA, laws began to change. Just a simple fact for you to know before you RUN to the polls and VOTE this November. - AANI
HOUSTON – Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins is speaking out about a lawsuit filed against his office by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for sending unsolicited mail-in ballot applications to over two million Harris County registered voters. Paxton’s lawsuit claims Hollins’ plan was in violation of Texas election laws, which state mail-in ballots are reserved for a few limited categories of qualified voters who are age 65 and older and voters who are disabled. Earlier this year, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that fear of contracting COVID-19 does not qualify as a “disability” and mail-in ballots must be preserved for qualifying groups.
“Election officials have a duty to reject mailin ballot applications from voters who are not eligible to vote by mail,” said Paxton. “This blatant violation of law undermines our election security and integrity and cannot stand. I will continue to fight for safe, fair, and legal elections across the state.” Hollins says he is not in violation, and that arming voters with valuable information is of benefit to the community, with health concerns amid the pandemic also being a key priority. “My role is to protect the right to vote and make voting as safe and convenient as possible for the voters Harris County Clerk cont’d page 3
4 AFRAMNEWS.COM
2Democracy AFRAMNEWS.COM cotnt’d 2 AFRAMNEWS.COM
the “land of the free and the home of the brave?”President/Chief Well,Editorthat dePresident/Chief Editor pendsTristar on who you ask. Griselda Ramirez:to Production Tristar According his acGriselda Ramirez: Production tions, Trump has teetered dangerously close to crossing over from democracy to dictatorship. He has used tactics Office:to (713)martial 692-1892 similar law Office: (713) 692-1892 during protests, has Wednesday –children Friday, 10 a.m. to 4from p.m. ripped Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. their families who try to cross the US-Mexico border, has allegedly withheld funds from states and governors who oppose his views, threatened institutions like NATO and the World Health Organization, and withdrawn from multilateral treaties like the Iran nuclear deal and Paris Climate Accord. Most recently, he is publicly challenging and undermining the democratic voting process by compromising the US Postal Service, sabotaging the mail-in ballot options and casting doubt among his supporters, claiming that the process is rigged and will “cheat” him out of re-election. With countries around the world watching us, this puts America in a weakened state. “The problem isn’t just Trump failing to endorse democratic process, it’s that he uses the same strategies as undemocratic leaders to undermine the democratic pro-
August 30, 2020 cess,” said Nic Cheeseman, professor of democracy at the University of Birmingham. Cheeseman says there is A aA Revival “real threat Revival of Godsending in Trump of God Consciousness Consciousness out a message that he won’t stand up for democracy”Bobby that less E. Mills, Bobby E. Mills, democraticPhD global PhD leaders will take this as a green light to lower ThFear e 2020 their own standards. Democratic “Leaders around the President Donald Trump National world really do look at isConvention: instilling fear through Life the international cliviolence because he Through Truth! mate tothat see Americans what they desires can each get away fear other,with. ratherIf Th e see 2020 than fear hisPresidential demonicis you that Trump election is what indiPresidential unwilling toleadership promote viduals know about mentality: they-versusdemocracy not in other themselves, what you. Trump’sthen Christian countries backs they think about DonRight Evangelical base that Trump. up by underminald has not taughtAmericans him this ing democracy in his must honor God, and profound spiritual moral own country, the risk through truth that: prayer/suppli“The fear of at Lord playcome you, say, cation to know the isfor the beginning rigging your own electhe truth, and with of wisdom.” And: “it is God’s changemen the tion help is significantly appointed unto mindset of but Christian lowered. once to ”die, after Right Evangelicals, GOP this the action judgment. ” Trump’s make and White Trump LoyIfParty being America and were the alists because process slavery an exemption from Democratic is America’s Original experiencing physical look like a joke. Also, death, then didn’t everyone Sin. Slaves have the president’s “inabilwho is because Non-White a choice, death itynot to handle” coroshould fear the Whites. is a choice. Death is navirus/ COVID-19 Unfortunately, condemnation forthere the pandemic caused are some original sin has ofindividuals disobediinternational scrutiny. who lifetime ence are to God. We cardknow TheGod Institute for carrying members of Dethe that is God, and walking dead club. King mocracy published an there is nothing imposSolomon, the wisest man, open letter this sumsible for God. Hence, said “Th manis being abest: slave toe sin mer,it in which more that out world of the really aformer SIN. Moreover, 500wandereth way of one’s understanding making slave leaders andself aNobel shall remain in the to sin is sinwarned personifi ed Laureates that congregation the to whom, and of what inauthoritarian regimes dead. ” God admonishes dividuals love/serve. aretousing pandemus fear the not, because God gives every indiic to erode democracy. through belief in His vidual choice. Choices Theconsequences. letter, organized Son, Christ, we are haveJesus On by the Stockholmovercomers of the November 3, 2020world. chose Ifto we Institute chose follow based for DeVOTE yourto God conthe straight and narrow mocracy, highlights science. pathway of wake God then: that the Godinhas a Ram of in the the “whatsoever is born of crisis,and both authoribush, it happens to God overcometh the tarian and Kamala democratbe Joe and beworld, and this is the
ically-elected governHitler, September 6, 2020the ruthless ments the worldAugust over 23, dictator 2020 responsible have used emergency for the Holocaust. powers to arrest pro- It has been noted that testors and sidestep both Trump and Hitdemocratic norms. ler attack judiciary victory that overcometh of powerthe do not The letter warns: “Auand rule of law and the world, even our spiritually understand cause God has seen the is no excuse for not faith. ” Jesus theyit’swho fail thoritarian regimes, degrades anyone voting, laws because not travail of hisovercame people. God’s death and “Ifthemygrave, treat others justly/ noterefore: surprisingly, are to disagrees withit’s them. about Trump, about Th peoand Hetheisare sitting at because:versus “For using crisis to siBoth denigrate the America: GOOD ple, which called by mercifully the right hand of God the law of the Spirit of life EVIL and GOD my name, shall lence critics andhumble tight- immigrants and versus made making intercession; in Christ Jesus hath made EVILDOERS. In 2016, themselves, and grip. pray, border en their political closings the and preparing aface, place and for me free from the law of Donald Trump, asked and seek my But even some democenterpiece of their everyone regardless of sin andBlack-community death. For what the turn away from their cratically-elected gov- campaigns. Hitler skin-color. Lifethen is about could not “What do, in thislawquestion: wicked ways; will I the ernments are fightwanted to free Gerchoices; not voting is a that it was weak through the Hell Do You Have hear frompandemic heaven, and ing the by many of the Jews, and choice, and voting flesh, God sending to Lose?” In 2020, the will forgive their your sin, the amassing emergency Godly-conscience is a his own Son in the and will heal the land.” answer to Trump’s quespowers that restrict choice. VOTE your God condoesn’t humanTrump rights and enscience, because your understand that the hance state surveillife and youris children’s Presidency greater lance hang without regard future in the balthan the individual to legal constraints, ance. Th us, our checks personality; therefore, parliamentary overand balances institutionhe disrespects the Office sight, or timeframes al-democratic-system as well as the Americanof for the restoration of voting is off ering us hope citizens. Moreover, and life, not chaos and constitutional order. it appears as though death. On 3, “Parliaments areshly beTrump is November so selfi we glorify that God, and ingcan sidelined, journalself-centered he give himrespect all the glory, does not himself. ists are being arrested honor and power, and Likewise, Trump has and harassed, minoriat the same time, we reappointed individuals to ties are being scapeceive the rewards. “Th ou the Supreme Court that goated, and the most art worthy, O Lord, to he believes/encourages vulnerable sectors of receive glory him; and honour to imitate even the population face and power:they for thouhave hast though, alarming new dangers created allappointments. things, and lifetime as the economic lockfor thy pleasure are Hence, Trumpthey has downs the very and wereravage created. ” Th ose corrupted/exacerbated fabricseek of societies evwho to play God both occupational erywhere. positional a and take”roles. the To glory large thus far from God, also God will The degree, letter stated, Trumpism prevailed correct us.has Remember “Democracy is unin America’s the Gardenand of people Eden dercorrupting threat, moral-conscience swho p i r icare t u a labout - d i s oitbmust ewith dithe assistance of GOP ence to God. Rememsummon the will, the Trump Fear/ ber theLoyalists. Sodom discipline, the and solconfusion inand American Gomorrah disobediidarity to defend it. At society is the ence when Godrising told stake are the freedom, tide; not love and “Don’t Godly the Lot-family: health, and dignity of respect for the Preamble Look Back.” America, people everywhere. and the spiritual moral we must press on totenets ofthe the Constitution. Another causecallfor ward high Unfortunately, some concern is that Trump ing of democracy and Supreme Court Justices sings praises dic“Don’t Look of Back” don’t understand tators including wishing for slavery. God’s Law; WhenJong all istherefore, said and and Kim Un they are without a done, and you still don’t Vladimir Putin, and God conscience. vote manyyour have conscience, compared Consequently, when shame on you! For there Trump to Adolph individuals in positions
EDITORIAL EDITORIAL
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION we all know the tragic jority.HOUSTON EDITION If we do notEDITION recoglengths he went to tryGREATER HOUSTON and accomplish their nize history, we are “extermination.” And doomed to repeat it. Trump has, seemingly, And when things are rightspiritual in frontquestion, of your waged an war the likeness of all-out sinful flesh, face, you cannot igagainst immigrants and for sin, condemned we must ask ourselves: tion is your very life, GOP Party have made sin in theMexico flesh. ” death, thy nore it. where from -rip- “O a mockery of sin: is“Fools because overwhelmPresident Trump at is O grave, is It’s time to dig a little ping apart families make a mock atwhere sin: but ingly the majority of sting? attempting to COVID-19 completely victory? Th e sting deeper and the the tragic border, snatch- your among the wipe righteous corrupt America’s Justice death sin, the there is isof favour. ”and (Provdeathscrying have been Black/ of corners your eyes. ing children System: judges, courts, strength of sin is erbs 14: 9).isHence, “Be Browntheir individuals. In A picture w orththe a from parents and lawyers, law enforcement law. But thanks to not deceived, God be is not 2020, the Democratic thousand words. What locking them all up in offi cers:is the wholeannine which giveth usa mocked: whatsoever Party offering in- God, image doforyou see? camps. yards. In fact, Trump has the victory through he clusive America,neither full of man soweth, that shallour In addition, fostered a culture of lying, Lord Jesus Christ.” 6:(1 also reap. ” (Galatians 7) hope for the future, bewas elected by the maand cause spiritual/physical Christian Right Corinthians 15: 55-57). AANI death. Therefore, is Evangelicals andthisthe AANI -- AANI
HOUSTON EDITION
A/C & HEATING
September 6, 2020
MARKETPLACE CHURCH
Harris County Clerk cont’d
DRIVING SCHOOL COASTAL DRIVING SERVICES
Driving Education Training www.coastaldriving.net
ARTS & GIFTS
Need a license in a few days? We can help you. Contact us.
OPEN
6702 Lyons Ave. #3 Houston, TX 77020 Tel: 713-227-2099 Fax: 713-671-2099
Lic.#2480
Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am – 4pm
MAILING
E-Z MAIL
MANAGEMENT WE OFFER QUALITY SERVICE AT A COMPETITIVE PRICE
Services: Direct Mail Consulting, 1st Class Mail, Standard/NonProfit Mail, Mail Merge, Folding/ Tabbing/Inserting, Mailing Lists, Postcards, Political Mail, Bulk Mailing, Courier Services
CALL US TODAY
713-780-9804 ezmailhou@aol.com
RANCH-CATTLE
EMPLOYMENT
PLEASE WEAR MASKS
713.692.1195
FREELANCE WRITERS WANTED
6130 Wheatley St. Houston, Texas 77091
AFRAMNEWS.COM
IN THESE CATEGORIES ECONOMICS, RELIGION EDUCATION, POLITICS AND HEALTH
CHEMICAL
AFRAMNEWS.COM 3
of Harris County. I also have a statutory duty to make public forms available and this is in furtherance of that,” Hollins said, adding that the mailings will include a disclosure letter explaining in bold who qualifies. “We want to put the resources in your hand and allow you to make your own decisions. That’s all we are doing. We are providing information to voters so they decide how to vote safely,” Hollins said. Opposers like Paxton argue that people should proactively ask for the form, rather than having it sent to them automatically. “That’s not how expansion of rights works,” Hollins told Af r i can-Ame r i can News&Issues. “Some people don’t even know that voting by mail exists, some people don’t have access to telephones or the internet, or some people know that voting by mail exists but don’t know who qualifies and haven’t done that research. I think you can make it easier and more convenient for people and put it in front of them. That’s how customer service works.” But is sending the form to everyone a waste of taxpayers’ money? “I don’t believe so. Doing this can not only take people out of our voting centers to make the lines shorter for everybody else, but it could potentially save lives because you can keep people at home,” Hollins said. “It is very
difficult to put a price on that and it is certainly higher than 50 cents.” Applications for mail-in ballots can be dropped off in person before the start of early voting, which begins Oct. 13 for the general election, and local election officials must receive mailed applications by Oct. 23. The U.S. Postal Service recommends that Texans ask for mail-in ballots no later than 15 days before Election Day to allow for enough time to receive and return them to the county. Hollins’ office is also planning to purchase more mail-sorting equipment and bring on hundreds of temporary workers who will process, by hand, the voting-bymail applications and ballots. Remember, the deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5 and we encourage you to VOTE EARLY! Hollins spoke on the current and historic reasons for not being left out of the election process. “We are all watching what is going on right now and it is up to us to help decide Heading Title the direction of our country, cities and states. If we believe things need to Public be Notice different, we need Contact to be Inform involved in choosing Name: to Michelle who is going lead Allen Company: Lone Star Colle that change going Phone: 832-813-6299 forward,” Hollins said. michelle.allen@lonesta “Beyond Email: all that, we Address for Tearsheets: all know that people of color -- our ancestors --- needed for tearsheet ma -- fought for our right to vote and we needAD COST to honor their legacy Cost to run by exercisingTotalour one week: constitutional right to $107.82 p do so.”
Rate and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Houston edition. EDITION DATE: September 6, & 13, 2020 (Vol.25) Issue 32 &
EMAIL TO PROD@AFRAMNEWS.COM
FLOWERS
AFRAMNEWS.COM African-American News&Issues
CHURCH
CHURCH
SHOE REPAIR
OPEN P.O.Wed., Number forFri. this Ad: 0000054268 Thurs., 10am – 4pm
713.692.1100
PLEASE WEAR MASKS 6130 Wheatley St. Houston, Texas 77091
www.shirleyannflowershop.com
LANDSCAPING Landscaping by the Jelks COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL
Services: Mowing, Landscape Renovation, Edging, General Lawn Clean Up, Shrub Trimming and Removal, Brush Clearing, Lawn Fertilization, Flower Bed Installations
Terrence Jelks
6030 Pebble Ln., Houston, TX 77087
Cell:832.713.0102
jamesbond6030pebble@gmail.com
PUBLIC NOTICE Lone Star College Bid Request: RFP # 725:Creative Marketing and Advertising Services - Lone Star College. RFP Due: 10/20/20 @ 10:00a.m. Online WebEx pre-proposal meeting will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2020, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.; call–in number 1-408-792-6300 1209232721## michelle.allen@Lonestar.edu 832-813-6299 For information to register and bid, please visit: http:// wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/ supplier.htm
AFRAMNEWS.COM African-American News&Issues
- AANI
Please sign for app
4 AFRAMNEWS.COM
September 6, 2020
HOUSTON EDITION
BUY
H-E-B BRAND PRODUCTS & HELP US IN OUR DRIVE TO $
DONATE 2 MILLION TO
JULY 29– SEPTEMBER 22
H-E-B will donate $.05 for every transaction including H-E-B Brand products to Feeding Texas*, up to 20 million meals. *Trademark used with permission.
SERVE TEXANS WITH OUR BRANDS
heb.com/summerofgiving
©HEB 2020, 20-6767