Issuu

December 20, 2020

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

Vol. 25, Issue 48

“Our vote and our money are the two most powerful things we have. Be careful who you give them to.” - Roy Douglas Malonson

“Addressing Current & Historical Realties Affecting Our Community”

LONG OVERDUE! NEGRO LEAGUE PLAYERS ADDED TO MLB HISTORY

BLACKS THE FACE OF COVID-19 VACCINATIONS By: Roy Douglas Malonson

This week, the face of COVID-19 vaccinations has been Black ones, with African American health care professionals from various states serving as “the first” in their areas to get the vaccinated. While many gave rounds of applause, believing this is the “beginning of the end” of the pandemic, some say it is just a ploy to trick African Americans into be the first “guinea pigs” to test the vaccines. But is that mistrust

going too far? It could be. It could be just sheer coincidence that Black nurses were showcased on television as being the first brave and trusting souls to be vaccinated, or it could be a marketing tactic-rather than a ploy -- to encourage other Blacks to take the shots when they become available because of the distrust of the government and medical community many already have. COVID-19 has been killing our community!

The virus is impacting a disproportionate number of African Americans, in terms of hospitalizations and death. And unlike President Donald Trump who says he felt like Superman after being treated for COVID-19 at Walter Reed Medical Center, Blacks and Hispanics don’t have access to the resources the leader of the free world does. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation study, nearly a third of African Americans

are hesitant to get the vaccine. The majority say they are concerned about possible side effects, half are worried they will get the virus from taking the vaccine, and 48% say they just have a general distrust in vaccines altogether. But doctors are urging people to put those fears aside, warning that the vaccine won’t kill you, but COVID-19 can! The side effects are causing a few red flags,

Vaccines cont’d page 3

By: N.L. Preston

In an attempt to right the wrongs of past racial inequality, Major League Baseball (MLB) has added players from the Negro Leagues to its official records. This decision is long overdue and Black baseball players will finally get the “recorded” recognition they deserve, in comparison to white athletes who many of the Negro players top in statistics. It was announced Wednesday that more than 3,400 players from seven Negro leagues operating from 1920 to 1948 - when MLB didn’t allow Black play-

ers - will now be considered “major leaguers,” in a move that will shake up the record books. The group of seven Negro Leagues has already produced 35 Hall of Famers, including stars like Willie Mays, Larry Doby, Jackie Robinson, Josh Gibson and Oscar Charleston. For decades, the tales were told of their accomplishments, but these men were snubbed out of the national archives by their white counterparts.

League cont’d page 4

2 AFRAMNEWS.COM

December 20, 2020

EDITORIAL

President/Chief Editor

Tristar

Griselda Ramirez: Production

Partin’ the Waters By Omowale Luthuli-Allen

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

Critical thinking and the vaccine Many of us ought to be thanking our lucky stars for our teachers, leaders and parents, thanking them for endowing us with values that have made us critical thinkers and problem solvers. They branded us with a spirit and method to challenge the world as it is, not merely as it ought to be. Because of their pedagogy, we are not building prisons for ourselves and future generations. We really believe that TRUTH MATTERS, FACT MATTERS AND HONESTY MATTERS. This belief prevents predators from preying on us with stupid prejudices. Certainly, those of us with roots in Black life in the 50’s and 60’s will not be buying too many “wolf tickets” or be convinced that the muddy water that is being poured on us is fresh rainwater. Departing from the beaten path, I want to ask you, “how many of you have ever been in jail?” Don’t be so quick to say “NO, not me.” If you are a strict antivaxxer, opposed to vaccines and particularly

the COVID 19 vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine has arrived in Houston and the nation. Experts agree that we can get herd immunity, end this epidemic if 70% to 80% of the population acquire the vaccine. The barrier to herd immunity is that ignorance is spreading faster than a bird flu epidemic. The trials for this Pfizer vaccine contained 10% of black DNA. Dr. Anthony Fauci showcased a conscientious black woman scientist involved in the creation of this vaccine. This groundbreaking scientist had to be aware of the black-hearted Tuskegee syphilis experiment on black men. In the 1700’s, African enslaved people - our ancestors - applied smallpox pus to broken skin with a thorn to inoculate against the smallpox plague. The Puritans would not accept this successful health measure because they feared it was a lowintensity plot to kill white people. Thus, we are at the intersection where falsehood marries prejudice and becomes lethal. A sage buddy of mine is a veteran of the military and has served in a few dozen countries. He has taken hundreds of vaccines over the past three decades. Not once has he had a serious adverse reaction. To

Think cont’d page 3

A Revival of God

Consciousness Bobby E. Mills, PhD

Confusion is not of God! “Birds of a feather flock together.” GOP, Christian Right Evangelicals, and Trump Loyalists are carnally like-minded, and therefore, voted for White Privilege because the devil has confused their minds. Thus, their thinking is not of God, because: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:” Therefore, you cannot obtain a clean thing out of an unclean thing; only at the Cross through the Blood of Jesus Christ. The Word of God is inclusive, because: “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” America, let’s come together as “one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all, because “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” Unfortunately, the actions of Trump vot-

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

ers clearly indicate that they do not believe in the Word of God as preached by Jesus: “Sermon On The Mount” known as the Beatitudes; spiritually meaning be of this attitude, because attitude determines spiritual mindset and quality of COMMUNAL LIFE: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” These Beatitudes we must not only know, but spiritually be willing to live by in order to become what The Preamble to the U. S. Constitution declares: “One Nation Under God…” Trump became President by promoting a “White-Racist-Lie”. Unfortunately most Caucasians wanted to believe the white lie, because Obama was

Black. Yet, in spite of all of the white lies the Obamas lived a godly exemplary family lifestyle. What an example! Trump instead of focusing his Presidential-leadership attention on COVID-19, he is still seeking to discredit the Obama Presidential legacy as well as Biden’s 2020 Presidential-electionvictory over the hell, and damnation he has selfishly-created by seeking to discredit the votes of Black Americans. Trump, GOP Loyalists, and Christian Right Evangelicals have shredded the Constitution and utilizing it for toilet purposes. Trump has exposed America’s original sin (slavery). Christian Right Evangelicals and the GOP are in spiritual trouble with GOD through both their words and deeds. These words of inspiration by the Gospel Writer Paul makes it clear: “For I say through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think: but to think soberly, according as God hath dealth to every man a measure of faith.” (Romans 12: 3). Selah. - AANI

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

Think cont’d the tens of thousands of frontline healthcare workers, “thank you” to those of you who have helped calm fears about whether or not to take the vaccine. Vaccines are our friends if we follow the science, public health experts

Vaccines cont’d however. The FDA confirmed that four volunteers in Moderna’s clinical trial developed the neuromuscular disease Bells Palsy. Three were in the vaccine group and one was in the placebo group, but all are doing OK now. “In these particular participants, it was temporary,” CNN Medical Expert Dr. Sanjay Gupta said. With Pfizer, two Alaskan healthcare workers suffered allergic reactions to the vaccine. One reported feeling flushed, experienced shortness of breath, elevated heart rate and suffered a rash. The second worker experienced eye puffiness, lightheadedness, and a scratchy throat within 10 minutes of receiving the injection. In both cases, the subjects had to be treated with Epinephrine, which is a hormone and medication used to treat severe asthma attacks and allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis). Gupta says doctors and clinics should make sure they have both Epinephrine and Benadryl on hand for patients. But with less than a year to develop, test and distribute, is it too soon to trust the vaccine?

December 20, 2020

AFRAMNEWS.COM 3

will help us empower ourselves. Stephen Williams, Director of the City of Houston Health Department, explains that the slight reactions to the flu vaccine are indications that your body is getting ready to immunize you to fight the virus. Think of the alterna-

tives, what are our options? For the people who have multiple illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cancer, and weakened immune systems, refusal of vaccination can be suicidal. I hope that their faith healer is 100%. Herman “999” Cain’s faith healer

failed those who worshipped at his altar. Stephen Williams, Dr. Fauci and former President Barack Obama will lead the way by taking the vaccine. To their credit, they will wait in line until its their turn. In the meantime for the rest of: 1) Continue to wear masks

2) Continue to social distance 3) Continue to thoroughly wash hands 4) Take the damn vaccine when it’s time! If you can’t acknowledge that we have a new president based on a fair election and the attainment of 270 electoral votes, it will be hard

for you to acknowledge that we are facing a dark winter that is north of 300,000 Americans dead from COVID-19. There are somethings that will send you to hell, but they won’t send you to jail. The head exits the birth canal first for a reason.

Are we so desperate for a “miracle cure” for the deadliest pandemic to hit the world within the last 100 years that we are “rolling up our sleeves” to be injected -- WITH HOPE? As one doctor pointed out, it might be unfair to say, “Black people don’t trust the healthcare system.” It is more fitting to say, “the healthcare system has been untrustworthy to Blacks.” That’s a proven fact. Historically, doctors and scientists have used African Americans in medical studies without their permission. We can never forget the Tuskegee Experiment and the unlawful distribution of cells from Henrietta Lacks. In 1932, the Public Health Service, working with the Tuskegee Institute, began a study to record the natural history of syphilis in hopes of justifying treatment programs for blacks. It was called the “Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male.” The study initially involved 600 black men – 399 with syphilis, 201 who did not have the disease. The study was conducted without the benefit of patients’ informed consent. Researchers told the men they were being treated for “bad blood,” a local

term used to describe several ailments, including syphilis, anemia, and fatigue. In truth, they did not receive the proper treatment needed to cure their illness. In exchange for taking part in the study, the men received free medical exams, free meals, and burial insurance. Although originally projected to last 6 months, the study went on for 40 years. The men were never given adequate treatment for their disease. Even when penicillin became the drug of choice for syphilis in 1947, researchers did not offer it to the subjects. In Lacks’ case, she will forever hold her place in history as the woman whose cancer cells became the first immortalized human cell line, even though she had no knowledge of it. During her cancer treatments, two samples were taken from Lacks’ cervix without her permission. One sample was of healthy tissue and the other was cancerous. The cells from the cancerous sample eventually became known as the HeLa immortal cell line, a commonly used cell line in contemporary biomedical research. Lacks died at the age of 31 from cancer. After it was discovered about her “contribution

to cancer research,” her family made a headstone for her grave that reads: “In loving memory of a phenomenal woman, wife and mother who touched the lives of many. Here lies Henrietta Lacks (HeLa). Her immortal cells will continue to help mankind forever.” It’s because of those types of historical betrayals that Blacks are leery to be first in line for the vaccines. A Pew

study revealed recently that Black people are less inclined to get vaccinated than any other racial and ethnic group with only 42% of Black respondents surveyed saying they intended to be vaccinated, compared with 61% of white people. Just like the Black nurses who were vaccinated publicly, former President Barack Obama said he will do the same to boost confidence for

those in need. Will that help others let their guards down? Fear is more powerful than any drug. And Faith is more powerful than them all. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4.

- AANI

4 AFRAMNEWS.COM League cont’d With the new inclusion, Mays is likely to be credited with 17 more hits from his time with the Birmingham Black Barons in 1948, bringing his career total - including hits from his time with the Giants and the Mets to 3,300. And Gibson is at the center of the biggest change. It is now expected that Gibson, who is called the “Black Babe Ruth,” will be awarded the single season record for batting average, placing him on top of Hugh Duffy, the white player who currently holds the record.

December 20, 2020 John Thorn, the official historian of Major League Baseball, said the landscape changed so profoundly after 1948 — the year of the last Negro World Series — that Major League Baseball used that season as the cutoff. The MLB says it’s proud to highlight the contributions of these pioneers. In all, a total of 40 players, managers and executives who spent all or part of their careers in the Negro Leagues have been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. So how will the newly recorded “history” change? Stats and facts still need to be verified and

merged, but here is a list of what could shift, according to Mike Oz of Yahoo Sports. Josh Gibson’s homerun rankings Gibson is the best hitter from the Negro Leagues era He’s one of the most widely recognized Negro Leagues stars, a Hall of Famer already and a man with his own mythology. While folklore has him hitting 800 homers, lots and lots of those weren’t during what’s being considered the major leagues here. His official homer count for this time pe-

riod, as currently verified and counted by the Seamheads database, is 238. That ties him for 264th all-time with the likes of Ray Lankford and J.D. Martinez. Where Gibson may have a claim to history is the single season batting average mark and the most recent .400 season. He hit .441 in 1943, which would top Hugh Duffy’s .440 in 1894 and be a more recent .400 season than Ted Williams’ .406 in 1941. Willie Mays’ official record rises in hits and homers

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION Mays is one of the biggest stars who also played in the Negro Leagues. Before he debuted with the New York Giants, Mays played one season for the 1948 Birmingham Black Barons and had 17 hits, 10 of them coming during the playoffs. He’s No. 12 all-time with 3,283 and would need 32 more hits to tie Eddie Collins at No. 11, but it could affect who’s coming next. Albert Pujols is currently 15th all-time with 3,236. Mays also hit at least one home run during that season with the Black Barons, but as The Ringer notes, a box score hasn’t been found to accompany the game story that has been uncovered. That could eventually change his home run total, which memorably stands at 660. Leon Day’s opening day no-hitter Bob Feller won’t be the only pitcher with an opening day nohitter anymore. Day threw one in 1946 for the Newark Eagles. Day hadn’t pitched since 1942 after being drafted into World War II. That opening day start in 1946 was his first since returning from duty. Satchel Paige’s legacy gets much stronger Paige is perhaps the most well-known pitcher from the Negro Leagues, having pitched in MLB for five seasons in his 40s (and returning for one game at 59 years old). He’s already a Hall of

Famer, but the record books will now be a more accurate representation of his career. With the merging of the stats, he stands to gain 115 wins over 18 seasons. Added to that are 112 complete games, 25 shutouts, 1,524 strikeouts and a fantastic 2.36 ERA over 1,536 innings. Again, shorter seasons in the Negro Leagues limit him from matching the cumulative numbers of some of MLB’s great starters (his win total is 143), but his story is now better told as one of the most important pitchers in baseball history. Hank Aaron’s home run total remains strong One thing that would have caused a tectonic shift in the record books was if Hank Aaron’s 1952 season in the Negro Leagues counted. He hit either eight or nine home runs that season, depending on the source, but Barry Bonds sits atop the all-time home run leaderboard by seven, so either one of those being accepted would have made Hank No. 1 again. The 1948 cutoff for the Negro Leagues came about after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier, making the leagues more like the minor leagues than the majors. It’s been a long time coming, and yet, we still have much farther to go.

- AANI

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

December 20, 2020

AFRAMNEWS.COM 5

Moving forward as a community The pandemic and humanitarian crisis has brought us together with intensified passion and resilience. At Bank of America, we remain focused on supporting the well-being of our teammates, providing the essential financial services our clients need and helping local communities across the country move forward. Here in Houston, we’ve donated masks to local partners to distribute to those most at risk. We’ve provided lending to local small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help strengthen our local economy. And we continue to partner with local nonprofits and organizations that are working to advance racial equality and economic opportunity in the communities we serve. We’re grateful for our employees, who have worked tirelessly to support our clients. And we are especially grateful to the healthcare and essential workers who have helped Houston recover. My teammates and I remain fully committed to the work to come in 2021 and beyond.

Hong Ogle Houston Market President

Working together Grateful for our partners in Houston who gave our community support when it needed it most. 700,000 PPE masks donated 8,692 PPP small business client loans totaling $601 million Bank of America employees

6 AFRAMNEWS.COM

December 20, 2020

LOCAL TSU STUDENT VETERANS FEATURED ON NATIONAL TV FOR GIVING BACK

By:TSU Comm

HOUSTON – Texas Southern University students made an appearance on the NBC’s “TODAY” show while giving back to their community. Torian “Ian” Parker, a senior history major, and Khristopher Singletary, a sophomore computer science major, are vol-

unteers at the Houston Food Bank and made a cameo appearance on the show Tuesday morning. Transplants to the city of Houston, Parker and Singletary sought out ways to help those in need in the new city they call home. After researching volunteer

opportunities, they came across the Houston Food Bank. Both have spent countless hours volunteering with the organization. “I’ve always had a humbling spirit to give back to the community. I feel as though it is imperative to build community relations no

matter where you live and what your circumstances are,” said Singletary, a Navy veteran who served eight years active duty. “I am truly devoted to continuing to do as much as I can to help families to ensure no

RIP PEARLIE MAE LANE TEZINO

By: Pastor T. Leon Preston

HOUSTON – A Houston community servant and “Ma Dear” to all, Pearlie Mae Lane Tezino, died at the age of 95. Born in Joaquin, Texas on April 1, 1925 to the late David and Mary

Lane, Pearlie Mae – mother, cook, beautician, bus driver, business owner, confidant, friend and the list goes on - wore many hats, both literally and figuratively. She was the

oldest of five daughters born under the lineage of the Lane Family. Pearlie Mae grew up on “Ed Cotton’s Farm” in Louisiana and attended the Israelite School on Grand Cane Route. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized at the age of nine at the Israelite Baptist Church. She served as an usher for many years under Mrs. Beth Salem. In 1942, she united in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life, the late Clearance Preston, at the courthouse in Center, Texas. God blessed their marriage with 12 children, Ruby Lee (Deceased), Clarence, Willie D, Lee Arthur, Maggie Lee, Jesse

Foster, Martha Marie, Georgia Mae, Shirley Jean, Mary Catherine, Terry Leon, and Dorothy Denise. She was proud of her family heritage of hardworking women, and knew what it meant to be a wife, mother and sister, balancing time and energy to each role. In 1947, Clarence and Pearlie moved to Houston, Texas and lived in the Royal Terrace Community. She attended Pure Light Baptist Church and served as an active member of the Ways and Means Auxiliary. Later they met the Rev. & Mrs. L. W. Wilson and became a member of the Wilson Temple Baptist Church. In 1962, Pearlie Mae

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one is hungry during this hardship we are going through with COVID-19.” Parker, an Army veteran who served 10 years active duty, said he

never passes up an opportunity to give back to his community. His personal connection to food banks makes vol-

united with the Lyons Unity Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. O. C. Johnson. She served as president of Mission #2 and sang in the Unity Chorus. On Sunday mornings, you could find her in the kitchen at the church preparing the morning breakfast. Mrs. Beatrice Darrett invited Pearlie Mae to join the Heroines of Jericho Court #431, where Pearlie later became the Queen over the young people with Sister Willie Mae Gipson as their district deputy. Pearlie Mae worked in catering for Beverly Joe Woodrow at the airport. She graduated from Franklin Beauty College and worked as a beautician with Mrs. Hollimon. She drove part time as a school bus driver for the Houston Independent School District (HISD).

On January 7, 1974, she married Obery Joseph Tezino and they remained married until his death on March 12, 1981. She owned and operated the Houston Coral Restaurant on Lockwood St. She leaves to cherish her fond memories, 8 children: Clarence E. (Lola), Willie D (Geneva), Lee A. (Peggy), Maggie L., Jesse F., Martha Marie, Shirley J. and Dorothy D., all of Houston, Texas; 37 grandchildren, 92 great grandchildren, 49 great-great grandchildren and one greatgreat-great grandchild. She also has one sister: Cutee Lane -Sherman of Houston, two God-daughters, Clara Howard and Dorrise Jenkins, and a host of nieces, nephews, more relatives and friends.

TSU cont’d page 7

- AANI

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I am honored to say my life has come full circle, as I am able to devote my time and energy to make sure families all across Houston will not go hungry during the holidays,” he said. “COVID-19 has put us

in the midst of unprecedented circumstances, and the community needs us now more than ever.” We all must do our part, take care of yourself, and each other. - AANI

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December 20, 2020

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