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November 1, 2020

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

Vol. 25, Issue 40

PLAN YOUR VOTE

UNDERSTANDING

HISTORICAL MISSION By: N.L. Preston

WALLER COUNTY, A county that made headlines could soon be making history, if Cedric Watson has anything to say about it. On Nov. 3, if Watson’s mission is accomplished, he will become the first Black sheriff of Waller County, and he says it’s time for a change. “There need to be a change in Waller County. Get the ‘good old boys system’ out and put some righteousness in this

county. It doesn’t matter who the individuals are. If you get into trouble, you have to pay the piper,” Watson said. The Democrat is up against Republican Troy Guidry for the position, which Glenn Smith held more than a decade before dying from a heart attack in August at the age of 61. Joe Hester been serving as sheriff in the interim. Watson ran against Smith i n 2016, but

was defeated by a small amount, so he is going for it again. The 57-year-old reserve officer with the Coffee City Police Department is determined to become the county’s top cop. Watson, a graduate of the Houston Community College Police Academy, has been in law enforcement since 1992, previously serving with various agencies and departments, including Texas Department of Public

Safety, Highway patrol, Hempstead Police Department, Precinct 7, Waller County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office and a local school district. He adds that he also held different ranks from deputy to major. Holding a Master Peace Officer certification, he stresses he has the experience and the credentials to get the job done. Waller County cont’d page 4

FINANCES

By: N.L. Preston

HOUSTON -- We are nearing the end of a historic election year, in the middle of a pandemic and people are losing jobs left and right. African Americans have been among the hardest hit, many not having “nest eggs” or savings to get them through these critical times, and when things began to normalize again – or as close as we can get to it -- smarter money management skills will be high on the priority list. We went to the banks to learn how to better prepare for the

next financial crisis. “Knowledge of what is happening in your community is so important especially during these challenging times and Comerica is committed to help in many ways,” said Vanessa Reed, Comerica Bank Regional External Affairs Manager. “One commitment I’d like to highlight is our partnership with Unity Bank and other Minority Depository Institutions across the nation.” In August, Comerica Banking cont’d page 3

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President/Chief Editor

Tristar

Griselda Ramirez: Production

November 1, 2020

EDITORIAL

A Revival of God

Consciousness Bobby E. Mills, PhD

Office: (713) 692-1892 Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

Glory, Honor and Peace God does not punish us immediately for our sins, because God has an eternal judgment for sin. Thus, God’s eventual judgment is a certainty. President Donald Trump’s day is coming, and we hope/pray that it is on November 3rd. Moreover, we earnestly pray that the election will be an overwhelming victory for truth, justice, and a peaceful transition for the good of both America, and the world. And, that all Americans come together in love, peace and harmony for the benefit of all. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” Since constitutionally declaring ourselves in 1776 to be a democratic nation-state, we have been spiritually struggling to become: “One Nation under

God with liberty and justice for all.” Since 2016, we have had a devilish monumental-catastrophic setback. For almost four years, Trump has been playing at being a dictator, rather than prayerfully being an effective presidential political administrator for all Americans. Trump has not been America’s president, but a dictator for his own EGO (Edge God Out), the GOP, Christian Right Evangelicals, and Trump Loyalists. However, there is no respect of persons with God. God must receive the glory, honor, praise, and power, because: “Thou art worthy, O’Lord, to receive glory and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thine pleasure they are and were created.” Trump has only created unadulterated confusion. God is not the author of confusion. The devil is the author of lying/confusion, because the devil is a lie, and the truth is not in him. Freedom and money are not the same. Freedom is spiritual. It’s a spiritual giftmind-thing of GOD. We come into the world with nothing. We leave with nothing, because your relatives will only bury you with covering for

your body. However, individuals do leave a REPUTATION in the world. Because: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. Therefore, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Money is material. Money can give individuals independence, but it cannot give individuals freedom. Trump has a slave mentality toward money, and he has used money as a tool of division in American society. After all is said and done, we must learn to live together or we shall perish together. Trump was never a solution, because he has always been a problem, to himself and this country. There is joy in serving; especially when you do not have envy and malice toward others. Having the fruits of the Spirit and acting Christ-like by loving, and serving others is far more important in the long run than being a billionaire. Thus, Trump has no God conscience and humility whatsoever about anything, including himself. America, the future of our country is on the ballot. - AANI

Partin’ the Waters By Omowale Luthuli-Allen

Prizes for building ARKS, not predicting rain You don’t get a prize for predicting rain, you get a prize for building an ARK... You don’t get a prize for running a hundred-yard dash faster than Usain Bolt, you get a prize for taking a Kaepernick knee and forfeiting your job and career for a just cause... You don’t get a prize for preaching a great sermon, you get a prize for living a great sermon... You don’t get a prize for journeying with Harriet on the Underground Railroad to Ohio, you get a prize for finishing in Canada and hearing Harriet say, “WE GOT OUT!” You don’t get a prize for being a Rolling Stone and out witting the AG’s Child Support Office... You get a prize for keeping promises and cutting for all your children... You get a prize for loving their mothers... You don’t get a prize

for murder-mouthing the President... You get a prize for respecting free and fair elections and mobilizing family and friends to VOTE.. Rosa Parks didn’t get a prize for being tired. Rosa got a prize for taking a risk so that future generations could reap... You get a prize for fighting for and building a police reform ARK in the memory of BIG FLOYD... You don’t get a prize for having 500 pairs of shoes and 100 cars... You get a prize by “getting even” by building an ARK of generational wealth for family and community... You get a prize by enabling one mother to have transportation to get to and from work... You get a prize by checking yes on your Driver’s license application for $1 to Rape Kits... You get a prize by joining AKAs, Deltas, Zetas and Alphas in building the VOTING ARK OF PROGRESS on Tuesday, November 3... If you can help somebody along the way, you have built an ARK of SALVATION. It’s OK to be an amateur weatherman, but BUILD ARKS. - AANI

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

November 1, 2020

(L) Vanessa Reed, Comerica Bank Regional External Affairs Manager and (R) Laurie Vignaud, Unity National Bank President and CEO

Banking cont’d Bank announced that it is moving $10 million in deposits to Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) within its five-state footprint, as well as building mutual mentoring relationships with these institutions. This MDI partnership will help Comerica better assist minority and underserved communities and foster economic viability in the markets it serves. Of this $10 million in deposits, Comerica has allocated $7.5 million ($2.5 million each) to First Independence Bank in Detroit, Mich.; Broadway Federal Bank in

Los Angeles, Calif.; and Houston’s Unity National Bank, the only African American owned banking institution in Texas. “Unity National Bank appreciates the depository investment made by Comerica,” said Unity National Bank President and CEO Laurie Vignaud. “This allows Unity the ability to provide low cost funds to our borrowers who need it the most during these trying COVID-19 times. We are living through very unusual times, therefore having financial institutions like Comerica reach out to offer assistance, is very noteworthy and meaningful.” African-American News&Issues asked

Reed to provide readers with financial literacy tips for ourselves, and our children. Q: What should we know about money management? A: The primary key is understanding money and how to build and retain wealth. Wealth is tied to the ability to acquire assets that appreciate in value and reduce associated liabilities. For many African Americans, this begins with personal wealth, our home and if we are fortunate to own a business and/or to invest. Unless you were born into wealth or become an overnight success, it can take a lifetime to generate personal wealth, let alone generational

AFRAMNEWS.COM 3 wealth, without a plan and a team of trusted and knowledgeable advisors. Once you outline your goals, advisors can make recommendations to help you safeguard your assets, i.e. setting up and maximizing the benefits of a retirement plan, insurance and the like. These are basic steps. All too often, I meet people who do not take advantage of employersponsored retirement savings plan match, and their family is not properly insured. Even if you do not have a retirement plan begin by developing a habit of establishing a simple savings plan. If 10% seems like too much, perhaps you can begin

by putting aside $10 a week and by year-end, you will have saved $560, and then more than $5,600 in five years -- if you factor in the power of compounding interest. As you make consistent deposits your money will begin to grow over time, and, that’s when a trusted advisor can help you make decisions on how to maximize and protect your savings, reduce debt and retain wealth. More often than not, your first advisor will be your banker. Start building that relationship sooner rather than latBanking cont’d page 7 PAID FOR BY MJ FOR TEXAS

Black and Brown communities have been hit hardest during this pandemic.

I’ll fight to make sure no Texas family is left behind. I’M MJ HEGAR. During my third tour in Afghanistan, I was shot, and we went down. After being rescued, I returned fire as we flew to safety. We fought like hell to get everyone home safe that day. My mission isn’t over. Texas families are still in danger. Texas is facing a public health crisis from the COVID-19 pandemic — and it’s hitting Black and Brown communities the hardest. In the Senate, I will: Fight for solutions to help Black communities facing a public health crisis that’s been made even worse by the coronavirus Make sure no one has to wait until payday to see a doctor or get their medicine Protect Medicare and Social Security for Texas seniors

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Waller County cont’d Does he have a chance? Waller County, which is just west of Harris County, is about 43 percent white, 31 percent Latino and 24

November 1, 2020 percent Black, according to U. S. Census data. Watson says, no matter the demographics, it’s all about unification. “As your sheriff, I will provide community services where home-

owners, business owners, and multi-family housing occupants can see how to protect themselves, their families and their property,” Watson said on a Facebook video. “It is my concern that safety be established as a priority within the Sheriff ’s Department toward the community as we work together to unite.” How officers deal with mental health patients is also high on his priority list. The eyes of the nation were fixed upon Waller County after Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old Black woman, died while in police custody. Her arrest, which w a s caught on camera, and her “suspicious” d e a t h , which was ruled a suicide, was front and center of the #BlackLives-

Matter movement with protesters calling for change. A Texas State Trooper pulled over the Prairie View A&M University employee, citing a traffic violation, and jailed her after a tense exchange. After being confined for several days, jailers found the woman hanging in her cell. It was said that Bland had mental health issues. “If there is someone in place to recognize these type of issues with mental health patients coming into the jails, they can be identified and there will be less controversy for them, or having them harming themselves,” Watson said. “Such as with Sandra Bland. If there was a

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION proper individual that was trained in mental health, then things could have been different.” It was determined that the jail did not comply with state standards regarding staff training and observations, and Bland’s family was awarded settlement in the amount of $1.8 million. And in January 2019, another inmate died at the jail. The death was also by hanging. Watson is also looking to increase the enforcement manpower to include a traffic enforcement division, and wants to implement more programs where police have more of a connection with those they have vowed to protect and

- AANI

▪ Sheila answers the call of her constituents with billions of dollars for her district ▪ A leader eader in criminal jusice reform and voting rights protection ▪ Sheila is a compassiona compassionate figher igher and a forceful ceful voice. voice Sheila cares. ▪ No one fights harder arder for us than Sheila.

Sandra Bland

serve. “I’m not here to try and make buddies or do favors, I am here to get things done. I took an oath to uphold the laws of the state of Texas. I have values in honesty and integrity to serve the people. God served us and I am here to give back,” Watson said. Watson has been a Waller County resident since 2015. He is single, but has family in nearby Houston. There’s a lot at stake in Waller County and across the nation in what is shaping up to be a historic election year for many. Vote, as if your life depends on it.

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR POWER

RE-ELECT RE ELECT CONGRESSWOMAN GRESSWOMAN SHEILA HEILA JACKSON LEE

▪ Sheila heila stopped Trump from taking away healthcare, Me Medicare and Medicaid benefits benefits PAID FOR BY THE SHEILA JACKSON LEE FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN

VOTE NOV 3

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

November 1, 2020

AFRAMNEWS.COM 5

Addressing the need for healthcare & healthy food Here in Houston, people of color are being disproportionately impacted by this health and humanitarian crisis, requiring improved access to healthcare services and food assistance. At Bank of America, our commitment is unwavering. Building on work we’ve had underway for many years, we’re investing $1 billion over the next four years to advance racial equality and economic opportunity, and the well-being of our neighbors — including right here in Houston. We’re partnering with local healthcare systems and nonprofits that are increasing medical testing and treatment capacity and are providing enhanced access to nutritious food. Together, my teammates and I are working for healthy, sustainable change here in Houston. We’re committed to doing more, and doing more now.

Hong Ogle Houston Market President

Healthier together Here in Houston, we’re working with local organizations that are providing vital access to healthcare and nutritious food. They include: Spring Branch Community Health Center San José Clinic El Centro de Corazón Healthcare for the Homeless – Houston

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November 1, 2020

EDUCATION FREE TRAINING CLASSES FOR THOSE IMPACTED BY COVID-19

By: AANI Staff

HOUSTON – Harris County residents who have been impacted by COVID-19 through furloughs, being unemployed or underemployed can enroll in free training for an in-demand career as part of an initiative announced by Lone Star College and Harris County.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for citizens of Harris County who have been impacted by COVID-19,” said Linda Leto Head, LSC senior associate vice chancellor, Office of External and Employer Relations. “Lone Star College is offering 17 different workforce programs for people to train before the end of

the year.” Participants will be able to attend classes tuition free. The program also provides funding for books and other costs that starting in a skilled job may require, such as work boots and scrubs. Programs include Accounting and Bookkeeping, Alternative Teacher Certification,

Certified Nurse Aid, Machining, Welding, IT Networking, HVAC and more. “Time is limited,” said Head. “Interested Harris County residents should apply as soon as possible as the training must be completed by December 31.” Lone Star College offers high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

career training education to 93,000+ students each semester. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area with an annual economic impact of

almost $3 billion. LSC consists of seven colleges, 10 centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu. Visit LoneStar.edu to see all the training programs available and to sign up for more information. - AANI

ALDINE ISD TEACHER SHAINA GLASS SELECTED FOR CSTA EQUITY FELLOWSHIP

Shaina Glass By: AANI Staff

Aldine ISD Program Director of Technology Applications and STEM, Shaina Glass, was selected as a Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Equity Fellowship Program. She is one of 15 educators across the country to receive the honor and the first educator from Texas to be selected. The CSTA Equity Fel-

lowship is a selective leadership program developed to provide leadership in equitable teaching practices and advocacy. The yearlong program provides fellows with leadership development opportunities and allows them to collaborate and address issues of equity in computer science classrooms. The goal is to provide a more diverse digital space for all. “I know wholeheartedly that this fellowship will address my ultimate goal to provide a multitude of opportunities for all students and teachers alike,” Glass said. “I want them to learn various facets of computer science wherever they are,

with no restrictions, restraints, or limitations, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities.” Glass has been an educator for the last 16 years, educating students and teachers alike. Her passion for STEM is impacting Aldine ISD students and staff across the district. She provides instructional support to computer science teachers as well as coaches. She facilitates hands-on professional development for Pre-K to 12thgrade teachers and has reached over 6,000 students in computer science. Glass currently serves as the president of CSTA Greater Hous-

ton Chapter, a computer science policy advocate, and a lead learner in partnership with Code.org and Rice University School Mathematics Project. During her time with CSTA Equity Fellows, she will have the opportunity to share her expertise with CSTA members across the nation, including at the 2021 CSTA annual conference. She will also create professional learning opportunities for virtual courses, webinar series, and CSTA chapter professional development. The 2020-2021 fellows will work together to design and implement a project to promote equity in computer sci-

ence education. Glass has worked with Aldine for 15 years and she has been working with local and global partners to ensure all Aldine ISD students have access to computer science education. Most recently she helped Aldine ISD expand the district computer science program by securing grant funding for the NMSI (National Science & Mathematics Initiativewhich supports our High School Computer Teachers and Students with the expansion of the AP Computer Science Principles courses and the Amazon Engineer program. Her efforts helped bring computer science education

and teacher development to 54 elementary schools, serving more than 29,000 students. “2020 has shown me that our world can change drastically, but we must continue to push our limitations. I hope to grow and learn from the other educators’ experiences and knowledge of computer science. I want to learn how acknowledging my own biases can be used to teach others how to recognize, accept and grow from their own.” To learn more about the CSTA Equity Fellowship, please visit www.csteachers.org/ page/csta-equity-fellowship. - AANI

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transition from a piggy bank to account openNotice to Proposers ing is when your child Sealed Request for Proposals will be demonstrates he/she received by Lone Star College for: • RFP #731 – Audio Visual understands the imHouston North – Fairbanks. portance of saving; Electronic bids due by 11:00 a.m., Friday, 11/20/2020. Mandatory for example: setting WebEx pre-proposal meeting will be held Thursday, 11/5/2020 @ and reaching a certain 10:00 a.m., Contact: savings goal or mileSharon.K.Ognowski@lonestar.edu or 832-813-6211. Must Register to stone. This can be acBid: http:// complished by creatwwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/ supplier.htm . If registered, please ing teachable moments ensure your registration is up to every time you visit the date. For assistance with the online registration process, contact bank with your child or vendors@lonestar.edu student. Discuss what is taking place during the banking experience. Banking cont’d Encourage them on er. You want to know their financial journey your banker before you by modeling sound fineed them. If you do nancial practices. This not know your banker should also include savby name, schedule an ing and budgeting, and involve them in finanappointment today. Q: When do you cial implications for the suggest teaching your household. Q: What is the most children about financcommon mistake you es? see people make in A: Statistics suggest banking? that the earlier we beA: The most common gin teaching our children about financial mistakes I encounter wealth, specifically are really rooted in not during their formative understanding how to years (between 1 – 5 manage and maximize years of age) the bet- resources. Take advanter it will formulate tage of the free resources how they will view it. by tapping into informaSomething as simple tion you need to grow as picking up pennies personal wealth to the or other coins and en- point where you do need couraging children to a paid expert. Our Onput it in their piggy line Comerica Financial bank can help to estab- Education Center adlish the habit of saving dresses issues that people and business enfor the future Q: When should counter at every stage youth move from the of life. The lessons piggy banks to open- are no more than 5 – ing their first bank ac- 7 minutes and can be accessed via any mocounts? A: A good rule of bile phone on the go. thumb to trigger the

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