AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2017 | FREE
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VOL. 22 ISSUE 32
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INOCULATION WAS INTRODUCED TO AMERICA BY A SLAVE AND MEDICAL PIONEER.
Greater Houston Area
Dick Gregory
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In America with all of its evils and faults, you can still reach through the forest and see the sun. But we don’t know yet whether that sun is rising or setting for our country.”
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noculations or “Shots”, as they are commonly known, was introduced to America by slaves and influenced by African cultures. ETHIOPIA Early travelers to Ethiopia report that variolation was practiced by the Amhara and Tigray peoples. The first European to report this was Nathaniel Pearce, who noted in 1831, that it was performed by a debtera who would collect “a quantity of matter” from a person with the most sores from smallpox, then he “cuts a small cross with a razor in the arm” of his subject and put “a little of the matter” into the cut which was afterwards bound up with a bandage. WEST AFRICA The knowledge of inoculating oneself against smallpox seems to have been known to West Africans, more specifically the Akan. Few details are known about the birth of Onesimus, but it is assumed he was born in Africa in the late seventeenth century before eventually landing in Boston. ONESIMUS Then a slave, Onesimus explained the inoculation procedure to Cotton Mather during the 18th century; he reported to have gotten the knowledge from Africa. Onesimus was one of about a thousand persons of African descent living in the Massachusetts colony in the early 1700s, onethird of them in Boston. Many were indentured servants with rights comparable to those of white servants, though an increasing number of blacks--and blacks only--were classified as chattel and bound as slaves for life.
SEE PG 4
His Lasting Legacy Through the Eyes of Civil Rights Activist & Leaders.
Onesimus was a gift to the Puritan church minister Cotton Mather from his congregation in 1706. Onesimus told Mather about the centuries old tradition of inoculation practiced in Africa. By extracting the material from an infected person and scratching it into the skin of an uninfected person, you could deliberately introduce smallpox to the healthy individual making them immune. CONT. READING ONLINE AFRAMNEWS.COM
African
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American News&Issues
Editorial & Opinion
Tearing Down More Than Statues Rev. Al Sharpton President, National Action Network
F
or the last several weeks, we as a country have collectively been engaged in a needed, righteous argument over why Confederate statues must go. At my organization, National Action Network (NAN), we clearly all agree that they should be removed, and have been on top of this issue for the past several years, including calling for the removal of streets named after Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee in Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn. This upcoming
Roy Douglas Malonson Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson President/C.E.O. Chandra Jarmon
Production/Editor
Kimberly Taylor
Production Asst.
Darwin Campbell
Senior Journalist
Chelsea Davis-Bibb
Journalist
Rebecca S. Jones
Contributing Writer
General: news@aframnews.com Ads: sales@aframnews.com Website: www.aframnews.com African-American News&Issues is published by African-American News & Issues, Inc., 6130 Wheatley Street, Houston, Texas 77091, (713) 692-1892. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm. The entire contents of the paper are copyrighted by African-American News & Issues, Inc. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. African-American News&Issues is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the publisher. African-American News&Issues assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other material, unless accompanied by a self-address stamped envelope.
Letter to the Editor
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e welcome all original responses from our readers to content found in the African-American News&Issues. Letters to the Publisher may be sent via e-mail to news@aframnews.com. Please keep all letters under 300 words. Be sure to include the author’s name, area of residence. All letters and articles may be verified before they are published. All letters are subjected to editing or being cut for spacing purposes. Thank you in advance for your submission.
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Monday, on the 54th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington ― a march that was addressed by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. making his epic “I Have A Dream” speech and supported by folks like the late great Dick Gregory ― we will once again gather in the nation’s capital. We are not convening for nostalgia’s sake, but rather for the fierce urgency of now.
Led by 1,000 ministers, imams and rabbis, the march for justice will raise awareness of the fact that Dr. King’s dream and objectives are under direct threat today by the Trump administration. This current administration has attacked voting rights, health care, criminal justice and police reform, and given comfort to neo-Nazis, homophobes and racists. It is vital that moral leaders of the nation stand up today like the moral leaders of Dr. King and Dick Gregory’s generation did years ago to raise society to a higher level of justice, fairness and inclusion. This is precisely why Dr. King’s son, Martin Luther King III, is joining Jim Wallis of Sojourners, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner (Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and one of our march co-chairs), Rev. Franklyn Richardson, and I in leading this crucial gathering on Monday. The idea of creating a more just and equal United States of America is a continuing struggle that still requires much work ― especially during a period when many of the gains so many sacrificed to achieve are under renewed threat. We cannot stop at just bringing down Confederate statues and forget to deal with the policies that reinforce Confederate ideas. Voter suppression based on race, gender inequality, homophobia, high incarceration rates, and a lack of police accountability are a few key examples. We cannot simply let them take statues down and leave those policies in place. At a pivotal moment when the attorney general is reversing many of the advances we’ve achieved, as is this administration overall through various actions, we must raise our voices louder than ever before. If those leading the nation do not possess the moral courage to do the right thing, Continue reading online @ www.huffingtonpost.com
TEXAS • AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2017
How Dick Gregory Made Me a Better Person The Black Whisperer Darwin Campbell, Senior Journalist
I
had the joy and pleasure of knowing Dick Gregory both as a journalist and as a friend.
One of the greatest benefits of being a writer is you meet people who have a deep impact on your life. Few people have reached in past the shields of personal space and were able to crack the hard shell of journalist objectiveness, but Dick Gregory could do that. I met Mr. Gregory first as a journalist, but it only took a short time for him to become a friend. He opened up to me and I found we shared a lot in common about telling it like it is and never backing down.
A JOURNALIST PERSPECTIVE
out of that comfort zone, make you ask the kind of questions he wanted that got his thoughts, views and points across to the general public. Even though he was a comedian, I did not look at him as a funnyman. Dick Gregory was the real deal – a true wise man and philosopher on the level and order of Plato and Aristotle. He was the kind of soul that comes through and impacts lives with life giving truths and encouragement that lasts many lifetimes. I enjoyed the privilege of being able to call him as a friend and had totally unfiltered access, whenever I needed an interview or just to talk or check in with him. Even in my last interview recently, he did not stop sharing his concern for Black America and the people. Gregory was consistent in his message to African-Americans and remained concerned and offered cautious warnings about being too dependent on government and failing in our ability to stand up and be independent and fully united as a Black people.
One of the most impressive things about Mr. Gregory to me was his love for his people. It was genuine. He was not a shallow man, nor was he ambitious type who tries to grandstand and build up his own name.
He also reminded me that the “hating”, finger pointing and assigning blame to our problems as Black people is not an excuse for failure and remaining in the rut our people find ourselves in America today.
I remember him standing in Dallas, Texas arm in arm with then Rev. L. Charles Stovall, Texas Activist Ricky Jason and Martin Luther King III to raise awareness about the death penalty right in front of the courthouse downtown. He also was a fighter for young Black men serving time in jail and on death row.
He said “We are the author of our problems and must be the creator of our solutions.”
He was not one who took protests to violent levels, like pushing, shoving or fighting with police. He had a special way of sharing that message and getting it across to people and the establishment. He was not one to be loud or disrespectful in his presentation. He simply told the truth and force people to look in the mirror. Speaking as a journalist who interviewed him more that a few times, Mr. Gregory knew how to draw you
According to Gregory, going back to basics means using common sense that leads to action – That is at the heart of turning things around in the community. Before that discussion ended, he applauded my work and sincerity and loyalty to my craft, but Gregory reminded me of my responsibility to always be truthful, honest and to never misuse this responsibility as journalist. A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE Gregory’s life is full of timeless words, quotes and phrases that never grow old. Some of those words that have impacted my life personally include: 1. “One of the things I keep learn-
ing is that the secret of being happy is doing things for other people.” There is nothing more important that helping your neighbor or bringing a smile to a stranger or someone you go out of your way to serve or make a difference in the lives of someone other that yourself. It is brightening the corner where you are. Gregory is right because I find that to be true as I lead two nursing home ministries across Houston. 2. “Love is man’s natural endowment, but he doesn’t know how to use it. He refuses to recognize the power of love because of his love of power.” All of us have the capability of love and using that love to benefit mankind is our greatest calling and mission is life. Absolute power corrupts absolutely and that is something we seem to be witnessing with the current leadership in Washington. It is a shame that misguided and drunk on power leaders and power hungry media moguls are unraveling the Republic as we know it. Dick Gregory is right on the need to use love in constructive ways to help build and advance relationships between one another. Hope, faith and Love endures forever, but the greatest of all the powers mankind has at his disposal is Love. Love is more powerful than nuclear weapons. 3. Laughter is the best way to release tensions and fears. One thing we have to learn is the power of laughter. It can set the mood and improve the way we live our everyday lives and how we look at the decisions we make in life. Mr. Gregory made me laugh at myself as a journalist and as a person. He cast life in a way that forces you to see yourself and where you fit in the overall equation. His light-hearted wit opened my mind and caused me to explore and focus on what is really important in the big picture. Continue reading online @ www.aframnews.com
TEXAS • AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2017
Editorial & Opinion
Is the Electoral College a Threat to American Democracy? Publisher of Groves Standard Billy “Hollywood” Groves
The dictionary definition of
Democracy is, “government that is run by the people who live under it”. The United States is a democracy. Since the last presidential election, however, one of the most frequently asked questions in America has been
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How does a person win America’s highest government office in an election where the “winner” lost by over three million votes?” The people of
America spoke with their loudest voice in a democracy—the vote. And yet, here we are. The person who lost by that huge number is now President Donald Trump. From my research on this subject, the reason Trump won was because of an antiquated un-American, anti-democracy, dangerous “rule of law” in our U.S. Constitution. This threat to our modern democracy is the Electoral College which was created by Southern States to control the more populated Northern States. Slavery of African Americans was a major issue behind crafting the Electoral College System in our U.S. Constitution. We eventually answered the problem of slavery and became one “Nation under God”. Now is the time for all Americans—“We the People”— to come together and dismantle this horrendous process which can turn a loser into a winner. Ask yourself if you think any legitimate government in the world, would let a person who lost their election by 3 million or more votes, become its elected leader. Unless you live in Syria, North Korea or some other crazy dysfunctional Hitler-like nation, the answer is NO! How do we adults explain the
dysfunctionality and ineptness of the Electoral College to the young people who are our future? More importantly, how do you explain this to Americans voters who voted against Trump, and to the people of the World who view America as the leader of the “free world”? Our democracy has checks and balances which were put into place to protect the rights of the people. Consequently, we have the ability in America to amend or remove the antiquated Electoral College from our U. S. constitution. As I wrote this article, I noticed a marked difference between the most recent Presidential Election and the 2000 Presidential Election. In 2000 when Democrat Al Gore won the popular vote by a half million votes over Republican George W. Bush but still lost the election, a lot of people were frustrated and angry with the Electoral College of 2000, but eventually not much was done to address the issue. This time, however, things are different. It seems that a giant has been awakened, that giant is “We the People”. The American people who have a problem with the manner in which the will our nation is being subverted by the Electoral College are fighting back. “We the People” are organizing on all political levels and creating a movement which I believe, will ultimately the change the voting system in America. The press, which is a hallmark of democracy for “We the People”, has a very important role in reporting the facts relative to amending or repealing this racist process. All of our U.S. Institutions are threatened by the Electoral College. The time is now to end the Electoral College System of selecting our U.S. President. In the words of the African American social reformer and statesman Frederick Douglass, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” Well, be it resolved that “We the People” are prepared for a long hard battle and whatever it takes to win that fight. God Bless America! - END
African
American News&Issues
Dick Gregory: A True Loss for Our Community
“
Booker T. Washington once said that,
Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.”
With that being stated I would just like to convey that there is no comparison that will ever exist to parallel a 91-year-old White comedian to an 84-year old Black comedian. The obstacles, struggles and challenges presented amongst the cultural lines, could not possibly compare. To that regard, a true legendary and iconic comedian such as Dick Gregory, should have had either equal or even more respect publicized than his counterpart, Jerry Lewis who passed away a day after him. According to Booker T. Washington’s measurement of success it is clear and uncut that the success of Dick Gregory heavily outweighed Jerry Lewis simply because of the stumbling blocks that Gregory had to overcome just to receive an ounce of fame. It is evident that a man of Jerry Lewis caliber would attribute success, if, for no other reason than the pigment of the color of his skin. It was lines engineered by Dick Gregory such as: “I waited at the counter of a White restaurant for eleven years. When they finally integrated, they didn’t have what I wanted,” and “I never believed in Santa Claus because I knew no White dude would come into my neighborhood after dark,”; that assisted him with finding humor in his situation rather than allowing his circumstances to overtake him. Gregory once conveyed the fact that, “It was an unwritten law that Black comics were not permitted to work White nightclubs. You could sing and dance, but you couldn’t stand flatfooted and talk; that was a no-no.”
In spite of knowing that he was in an unbalanced entertainment industry, he still never let it detour him. We MUST Understand that Dick Gregory was a powerful, witty and intelligent character who chose to make the best out of the dispensation and era he lived in. He did this at an attempt to uplift others who looked like him, during a harsh time of racial inequality. It was a pure ingenious gift to be able to make light out of, “being judged by the color of your skin”, rather than the “content of your character”, as the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., put it. So overall, yes I must say that I was and am offended, being not only an African-American. But, also as being the publisher of a publication that thrives off of; highlighting and addressing current and historical realities affecting our communities. It bothered me terribly that no one is promoting Dick Gregory’s death in the fashion that they have and are promoting the death of Jerry Lewis. Throughout the history of these United States the balance of mis-treatment between Blacks and Whites remain unbalanced, even now. It does not matter what type of contributions a person makes to society in this nation, if your skin isn’t White it is not going to get the Right amount of reverence that it truly deserves. I have found this statement to be true in all situations and I do not see it as a presentation of a prejudicial topic, but I am simply stating the truth. The loss of Dick Gregory was a true loss for the African-American community and the nation as well. It is just a sad reality that this factor alone has not been as deserving as Jerry Lewis. It appears as though the death of Dick Gregory was like, yesterday’s news. The sad part about it is that the Black community even took part in promoting the death of Jerry Lewis, on a major scale as well. I have read many comments from influential Black people that have paid tributes to Jerry Lewis and have not uttered one word in respect to the passing of Dick Gregory. It ought to
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We MUST Understand By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman
be a sin and a shame. In his last interview with us as a publication which was about two months ago, Gregory just wanted to let everybody know who he is and what he has done. This is something that a man such as him, should have never have to do. Because Black History should be 24/7/365 and members, both young and old from our communities should already know who he is and what he has done. Nevertheless, my point is that after a Black legend passes on; it is up to the Black community to keep the memory and legacy of that person alive in our hearts and memory. Dick Gregory, like Jerry Lewis was indeed a comedian as well. However the influence and impact that he left on record of things that he has done with and in the AfricanAmerican community cannot stand parallel to the work of Jerry Lewis. It is clearly not a comparable match and the death of Jerry Lewis whether covered on mainstream media or otherwise should not have outweighed the coverage of our beloved Dick Gregory. During the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Gregory was one of the first AfricanAmericans to perform at White clubs. As it is, Jerry Lewis passed away on August 20 and was described as a comic icon. All types of complimentary adjectives and tributes adorn various media outlets, web pages and search engines in comparison to describing the death of Jerry Lewis. In contrast to Gregory who passed away on August 19, the simple words, comedian and civil rights activist are used to depict the character of a man who brought humor, truth and fought for justice and equality for the African-American community. Rest on Dick Gregory, for he will forever remain a true loss for our community… - END TX-3
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African
American News&Issues
DICK GREGORY from pg. 1
HOUSTON - Dick Gregory became the first Black stand up comedian to break color barriers in the 1960s during a time when making light of segregation and race relations in stand up comedy was new to American stages.
However, it was his multitude of contributions to not so funny issues like racism, social justice and equality that will make Dick Gregory’s legacy last forever. At 84, Gregory took his eternal seat with ancestral greats of AfricanAmerican history last week, but already many who knew him are reflecting on his impact now and as the Black community faces a challenging future ahead. “He was very important to Black History and the fight for equality and justice in America,” said AfricanAmerican News&Issues Chariman Roy Douglas Malonson. “He paid the price for the stands he took to advance the cause of social justice and civil rights...He jeopardized his whole career for the struggle of his people and this is to be commended and must always be remembered.” Gregory had a unique and eccentric way of talking social justice and civil rights and it was that approach that helped change the dialog, course and thinking of many in America. GROWING UP Gregory was raised in a single parent home by a mother who clean houses for wealthy Whites, but despite
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that, he said his mother was very influential in his life and encouraged them to go through life with a positive spirit focused on laughing and not crying. From an early age, Gregory demonstrated a strong sense of social justice. While a student at Sumner High School in St. Louis he led a March protesting Segregated schools. Later, inspired by the work of leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and organizations such as the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Drafted in 1954 while attending Southern Illinois University at Carbondale on a track scholarship, Gregory briefly returned to the university after his discharge in 1956, but left without a degree because he felt that the university “didn’t want me to study, they wanted me to run.” In the hopes of performing comedy professionally, he moved to Chicago, where he became part of a new generation of Black comedians that included Nipsey Russell, Bill Cosby, and Godfrey Cambridge. REMEMBERED AND RESPECTED BY GREAT LEADERS & MINDS The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, called Dick Gregory, a brilliant social critic, satirist and soldier in the Cause of Freedom, Justice and Equality. “He was a great, great soul. Any of you who know anything about Dick Gregory, you know that we lost a great one,” Farrakhan said. “He’s gone, but he’s still here in all of us that he taught and shared his wisdom with. He’s here with us. We must honor him by continuing the work he sacrificed for and devoted his life to.” In one instance Farrakhan remembered how Gregory supported the organizing of the Million Man March. “Brother Gregory was right there,” he said. “He stood strong on behalf of an effort aimed at saving and serving our people. He was a fighter and a Servant of Our People...his work on behalf of those deprived of the essentials of life will never be forgotten and his contribution to our struggle
Cover Story will live long amongst us.” According to Farrakhan, Gregory was not only a man of great humor, but also a man of great intellect and great wisdom. “While he often made us laugh, he was making us to think and learn at the same time,” he said. Texas 18th District Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee expressed deep respect for Gregory and recognized his contributions an influential and monumental for a man who did not serve in elective offices.
TEXAS • AUGUST 28•-August SEPTEMBER 3, 2017 Texas 12-18, 2013
whatever he did to that chicken they would do to him. Gregory said he proceeded to look at them directly, pick the chicken up and move it towards his mouth and then kissed it.” He also told a story of how he recalled how Gregory subtly tried to reach out to middle and lower class Whites by telling them they weren’t the real “White folks” because they had modest lives and no real power and he hung out with the real ones.
“It is with deep sadness that I recognize the passing of Dick Gregory, who brought laughter to millions during the darkest days in the struggle for civil rights,” said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. “Mr. Gregory was a pioneering African American comedian who opened doors of opportunity to comics who had previously been shut out due to the color of their skin.”
“Though many may not have understood this, he was trying to fuse an understanding that might lead to political alliances that he knew would be beneficial to all,” Bledsoe said. “Like with James Baldwin, I think it can be said Dick Gregory was not your Negro.” He praised him for being a resilient trailblazer during a time when the word was associated with being a troublemaker.
Gregory spent his life as a living symbol and voice of Black people and the poor and took advantage of his God-given skills and opportunities to do real talk about Black life and living and shared the experiences of others on being Black and living Black in America.
“Gregory clearly had courage and vision and probably paid a financial price for his activism,” he said. “What I noticed is that he was the same in public and in private, of course sometimes to the chagrin of some in banquet audiences who may not have been ready to hear his truth.”
It was that boldness and candid words and actions that opened the gate to more constructive dialog on civil rights and other social justice issues.
BORN FOR ACTIVISM
“Dick Gregory was always a purveyor of truth as he saw it,” said Texas State NAACP President Gary Bledsoe. “He was an important part of the Civil Rights Movement and racial advancement in this country in and out of comedy.” Bledsoe said he had the opportunity to actually spend time with Gregory on several occasions and listened to him often on Joe Madison’s Black Eagle Radio Show. Bledsoe remembers fondly several of of Gregory’s many talks about his experiences and one specifically recalled reading one of his books when he was a young student. According to Bledsoe, in one instance, Gregory talked about how he was integrating this restaurant and ordered chicken. “He said a couple of racists came up and told him that
Gregory took part in the Civil Rights Movement and used his celebrity status to draw attention to such issues as segregation and disfranchisement. At the invitation of Medgar Evers, he spoke at voter registration rallies launching his civil rights activism.
Congressman Al Green
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee
Publisher Roy Douglas Malonson
NAACP President Gary Bledsoe
When local Mississippi governments stopped distributing Federal food surpluses to poor blacks in areas where SNCC was encouraging voter registration, Gregory chartered a plane to bring in several tons of food. He participated in SNCC’s voter registration drives and in sit-ins to protest segregation, most notably at a restaurant franchise in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Only later did Gregory disclose that he held stock in the chain. To Continue reading Contibutions to Dick Gregory, visit us online @ www.aframnews.com By: Darwin Campbell
Minister LouisFarrakhan
Civil Rights Activist Jesse Muhammad
Texas • August 28 - September 3, 2017
Feature
Read us online! www. aframnews. com
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Two Paths, One Road = Success with Shauna Jones and Shaunte Walton
school, fellowshipping with the wrong crowd, fighting and getting into trouble.
Shaunte Walton & Shauna Jones
HOUSTON – On January 6, 1978 two souls destined for success was birthed by Edna Griggs, a local well-known community leader throughout the Acres Homes’ community and Greater Houston area. Amidst sharing the same delightful smile, DNA, birthdays and upbringing in Acres Home; the humble, career-oriented duo has always shared another tie that has bound them together. Over the years, they have been yoked with a common aspiration of excellence. Recently, African-American News&Issues privileged me with the honor of conversing with two of the best kept secrets of the notorious “44”. While Shauna Jones (Houston) and Shaunte Walton (Los Angeles, CA), took varying paths in their youth, life had a way of grooming the pair into beautiful, accomplished working professionals. Read on to preview an overview of their stories’. SHAUNA JONES Shauna Jones was educated in the Aldine Independent School District, where she graduated from MacArthur Senior High School. Although she describes her childhood as challenging, due to being raised in a single-parent household; she maintains that her mother was an awesome force. She said, “We didn’t want for anything, because she did whatever she had to, to make sure that we had.” Jones declares that, her mother promoted education religiously and saw to it that she, her sister and their older brother Milton Jones; made good decisions and had a future. During her teenage years, Jones experienced a spell of, “acting out”. She stated, “In my eyes, I felt like I wasn’t the smartest; because I had some outside sources telling me that I wasn’t going to amount to anything.” She continued, “I wasn’t as smart as my twin sister and it was challenging.” “So after a while, I started to believe that.” This notion led to a brief period in her life where she resorted to “troubled-teen behavior”: skipping
Upon reaching high school, Jones demonstrated the same pattern up until a certain point. She recalled an incident that helped snap her back to reality. While in high school, her life was threatened by some of her peers and this incident in part, served to change her life. Though she was not afraid, it made her realize that her current lifestyle was not one she wanted to dwell in. Meanwhile, in the background, she was encompassed with concerned teachers that encouraged her and the overshadowing of her mother’s unwavering motivation urging her on. Immediately, she started to take inventory of the things that mattered most to her and allowed them to manifest. As such, she began heeding to her mentors and her mother and engulfed herself in academic studies. She soon found that she was making scholarly achievements and making it look easy. After graduating high school, she matriculated at Sam Houston State University. Initially, she partied her first semester away, which resulted in the loss of financial aid. However, determined to succeed, she requested an appeal and it was granted through a probationary period. Jones learned a valuable lesson and remained on the Dean’s List every year, thereafter. Consequently, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health Education and Promotions from Sam Houston State University. She later studied Health Education at Texas Southern University, where she obtained a Master’s degree. Once Jones completed her studies, she secured employment as a Health Educator for the City of Houston’s Health Department working in the Vaccines for Children Program. In her role there, she was responsible for: educating the community and recruiting health care professionals to enroll into the vaccines for children program and provide vaccines for children whose parents did not have adequate resources to purchase immunizations. Additionally, she taught physicians, nurses, parents and the general community about the importance of childhood immunizations, as well as the schedule for immunizations. She worked at the City of Houston for several years and enjoyed the service that she was able to contribute. Afterwards, she began working at Texas Children Hospital, as a Health Educator as well. She served on the immunization project. The goal of that project was to educate the community about the necessity of childhood immunizations. In doing so, she created innovative initiatives for the hospital and the community. She also implemented a teen pregnancy program for schools.
While serving in this capacity, she discovered a true passion for educating in the public sector, which eventually paved the way for her to transition into the field of academia.
Hence she began teaching at her alma mater, MacArthur Senior High School. She taught Health Science and had a Clinical Rotation Program and Pharmacy Technician Program. In this program students that successfully completed their studies received certification as pharmacy technicians and were equipped to work at local pharmacies, upon graduating high school. After instructing for nearly a decade, she decided to go into administration. Today, Jones is the Assistant Principal at MacArthur Senior High School. She is elated to serve in such an area, because she enjoys the experience of working with teenagers from the same community she was reared in. She believes that understanding her students provides her with the ability to relate to them in several aspects. Jones admonishes those within her reach to, “Never give up on your dreams and hopes.” She says, “Even though we go through certain things in our lives; we have certain challenges and obstacles that might seem hard to get over, but just know, that it is just temporary.” “If you continue to push through, you will reach your goals… It’s just all about perseverance, determination, believing in yourself and knowing that God has a plan for you and you just have to follow that,” she added. SHAUNTE WALTON Growing up, Shaunte was focused on improvement and desiring to acquire all that life could afford her. She was aware of the struggles associated with being raised by a single-parent, but she never thought on it much; because she regards her mother as a, “protector”. Echoing the sentiments uttered by her twin she stated, “My mother did a really good job at protecting us from all of that; she really kind of told us that the sky is the limit.” She said, “She’d tell us whatever you want to do, you can do it, if you put your mind to it and go after it.” Early on, Shaunte envisioned herself as a physician and made plans accordingly. After graduating from MacArthur Senior High School, she researched dozens of medical schools. Finally, she decided to enroll at Xavier University of Louisiana. She was persuaded by Xavier’s reputation as the number one institution for placing African-Americans into medical school. Once she began her coursework, she studied an array of sciences and spent over 14 hours in class daily. She later decided instead of dedicating countless hours to studying, that she desired a career with more of a work-life balance
atmosphere. In one of her Microbiology classes, she noted that she had a knack for studying and defining various molecules and pathogens. Therefore, she switched her major from Pre-Med to Microbiology.
Ultimately, Shaunte attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from Xavier – University of Louisiana. Afterwards, she sought to work in molecular diagnostics. With her love for Epidemiology coupled with the lab as experience; she cultivated a professional role, performing clinical testing and research and development for pharmaceutical companies. She vigorously researched avenues to identify drugs that would either: prevent people from contracting infectious diseases or, creating drugs that would assist with minimizing the effect of a disease on a person. After operating in that field for a number of years, she transitioned into Epidemiology which enabled her to gain more clinical knowledge. Working in this field allowed her to have more experience with patients and she was able to see how they interact with others, as far as transmitting diseases to others. She determined that she had a natural gift in this particular area and set out to go as far as she could in the industry. She honed her Epidemiology skills at Memorial Herman Hospital for a year. She then began to work at Methodist Hospital and Texas Children Hospital (for the Women’s Hospital). At this point, her studying and researching reputation had begun to precede her. Thus, she was presented with an opportunity to move into leadership at Memorial Herman Hospital. Her career had swiftly taken an upturn and she became the Regional Manager specializing in infectious diseases, for four hospitals in the system, simultaneously. Not long afterwards, two additional hospitals were added to her portfolio. During her tenure as Regional Manager, she was able to acquire a great deal of experience with different service lines and executive leaders that she was able to partner with. Three years later, she received an offer from University of California, Los Angeles as a System Wide Director. Today, she is operating in what she describes as her, “dream job”. Currently, Shaunte resides in Los Angeles, with her husband, Dobbie and their son, Miles. She also possesses a Master of Science degree in Health Systems, from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She advises members of the Black community to, “Invest in yourself and don’t think of things that you think you can’t do; just strive for it because, you will never know what you can do unless you try.” To continue reading visit www.aframnews.com By: Rebecca S. Jones TX- 5
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Making Education a Family Affair Keys to Successful School Year Involves Parents, Teachers and Children Building Strong Relationship and Partnerships
HOUSTON - A successful school year starts with parents and children being on the same page and committed to strategies of cooperation and communication with teachers and administration. Career educator and school expert Dr. Shanessa Fenner believes that starting on the right foot begins when clear goals and objectives are established with parents and children and each understands their roles in making that school experience the best it can be. “The success and education of our children is a priority,” Fenner said. “I want all children to have the best opportunity at achieving success at every level of their education experiences. We are partners in preparing them for life.” Fenner, is an Elementary Principal at William T. Brown Elementary School in Spring Lake, N.C. for over a decade. She also is also a print model, actress, songwriter and has her own local TV show, “Let’s Talk with Dr. Shanessa Fenner.” and has been featured in Ebony Magazine as one of the nation’s most eligible bachelorettes, received numerous awards, and has been voted one of the most influential women. Fenner offers guidelines for success for both to start the year off and set the course that results in building stronger relationships, good behaviors and ultimately good grades. For parents, she offers the following tips and advice for parents to have a positive school year. One of the most important elements of educational success is to become actively involved in your child’s HOU - 6
education. “The child needs to see that you and the teacher are on the same team from the beginning,” Fenner said. “We wants parents to form and have positive relationships with the school.” She said one of the problems with developing these relationship occurs when teachers and principals only visit the school when your child is in trouble. “Remember that the school is on your side,” she said. “Do not let your child see you argue with the teacher.” She said that one of the best ways to keep communication lines open is to visit the school and have lunch with your child, become a volunteer or join the PTA/PTO. Reestablish school routines. Fenner said about two weeks before school starts have your child wake up at the time he/she gets up when school is in session. This will prepare them so they won’t be so sleepy and tired when school begins. “Begin talking with your child about the school routine and what is expected,” she said. “Your child should report to school daily and on time because instructional time is precious and every minute counts.” Go to the school and register your child for the upcoming school year. The first day of school can be hectic so plan to register your child ahead of time. She said to make sure your child has the required vaccinations before school starts. Also, the school should have all of the correct phone numbers to get in touch with you and in case of an emergency. “It is a leader’s fear to not be able to contact a parent in a serious situation,” she said.
Attend open house to meet your child’s teacher. Fenner said it is important to schedule a conference with the teacher as soon as possible if you have things you want to discuss about your child. Also constant communications daily and weekly are very important and ensures the goals and objectives remain at the forefront and child does not get lost in busy schedules and life priorities. “Keep in touch with the teacher via email, phone, or student agenda,” she said. “These are key things to use as a communication tools from the school to the home.” Fenner added to make sure that if the child has any medical conditions, please let the teacher and school nurse know immediately. Limit TV time and video games. “It is very important to read nightly with your child for at least 30 minutes,” she said. “This help prepare the child for learning and improves his reading skills and comprehension abilities.”
Dr. Shanessa Fenner
library and let children choose books that they want to read and on the correct level. If your child has a problem or is being bullied make an appointment with the Principal immediately. Do not ignore issues with children. Bullying is a serious matter that can have devastating effects. “Have conversations with your child about what is happening in their lives,” she said. “If they are being bullied, know the signs and communicate information to school principal as soon as possible.” Fenner said opening lines of communication can effectively prevent and underlying problems or concerns over bullying, peer pressure or other problems.
According to Fenner, it is important to also have your child read to you and you read to your child and ask questions for comprehension in the process.
Discuss the importance of education with your child and how efforts lead to rewards.
“Get them into the routine of reading and never use reading as a punishment,” she said. “Reading opens the mind up for learning and that helps the teacher as she teaches the children.”
“We want parents to instill in your child that it is imperative to become a lifelong learner,” she said. “Please discuss with them your expectations about academics.”
Other ways to promote education during off school hours it to have a designated quiet area where your child can read and do their homework. Also, set up regular times to schedule taking children to the
She said parents need to know and understand that learning begins at home.
It is also valuable to educators if parents celebrate the academic successes and achievements of their children. TO CONTINUE READING ONLINE @ WWW.AFRAMNEWS.COM BY: DARWIN CAMPBELL
TEXAS • AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2017
Dear Education Partner:
The start of a new school year is always an exciting time for students and educators. We will begin the 2017-18 school year on August 21, a week earlier than the state-mandated start of August 28 because of our designation as a District of Innovation, which allows the district flexibility in choosing a different school start date.
The early start date will allow us to better align the fall and spring semesters and finish the school year on May 31. The new school year brings with it a new Northside Transportation facility, which is located at 21246 Aldine Westfield Road. This new facility will serve campuses that were previously served by the Eastside Transportation facility and assist with nontraditional routes originating in the north part of the district. For more information on which campuses will be served by this new facility, please visit www.aldineisd.org. Our Facilities Planning and Construction department will be busy this year overseeing the construction of eight new schools that will open at the beginning of the 2018-19 school year. The new schools are part of the $798 million bond referendum that was approved in 2015. The new schools will play an instrumental role in our grade reconfiguration plan that will go into effect at the start of the next school year. In preparation for the new school year, we welcomed more than 500 new teachers during our New Teacher Induction August 7-8 at Davis High School. I want to thank our new teachers for choosing Aldine to begin, or in some instances, continue their educational careers. The district is partnering with the Greater Houston
Superintendent Dr. Wanda Bamberg Aldine Independent School District
Partnership as part of its UpSkills Houston project. We are one of four school districts in the Houston area (Alief ISD, Houston ISD, and Pasadena ISD are the others) that were chosen to be a part of the project. UpSkills Houston is aimed at attracting students to pursue middle-skill careers in petrochemical manufacturing, construction, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, logistics, utilities and oil and gas production. On September 26 we will hold a kickoff event to introduce the program to students at Davis High School. We look forward to our partnership with UpSkills Houston in providing career options for our students. Our varsity volleyball teams have started their seasons and our varsity football teams begin their seasons the weekend of September 1. We will once again compete in District 16-6A against Spring ISD. On Friday, October 27, we will hold our annual Aldine Education Foundation (AEF) Golf Tournament at Oakhurst Golf Club in Porter. Please join honorary chairman M.B. “Sonny” Donaldson in supporting scholarships for our students and grants for our teachers. For more information on the tournament and registration information, contact AEF Director Michele McGovern at (281) 985-4772. The beginning of a new school year is an exciting time and I look forward to seeing and visiting with you when I am out in the community. Thank you again for your support.
EDITION DATE: August 21 - 27, 2017 (Vol. 22 Issue 31) TION DATE: August 28 - September 3, 2017 (Vol. 22 Issue 32) TEXAS • AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2017
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(832) 4081071 Wisdom High School SATURDAY 6529 BeverlyAD HillCOST St. S.H.A.P.E. Center Houston, TX 77057 Party With A Purpose From 12 to 3:30pm 3903 Almeda Total Cost Heading to run Ad for one week: Title: Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 For more info contact: Houston, TX 77004 Public Notice $159.12 (713) 942-0500 From 7pm-the midnight by 12 NOON Wednesday week before Monday SATURDAY For more info contact: Contact Information: Houston Arts (713)498-2700 Partners ALLEN Name: MICHELLE SATURDAY Art’s All Around Company: LoneFestival Star College System O#112784 ISREAL BAPTIST George R. Brown ConPhone: 832.813.6299 PUBLIC NOTICE CHURCH vention Center Fax: 832.813.6513 Health &Wellness Fair Lone Star CoLLege Bid requeStS: Email: Michelle.Allen@lonestar.edu 1001 Avenida de las 7805 Darlington Please sign approval and fax Address for for Tearsheets: • RFP # 532 Pharmaceutical DispensAmericas, Houston, Tx 77028 ing & Storage Units – Lone Star 5000 Research Forest Houston, Texas 77010Drive back to (713) 692-1183 From 11 to 2pm College-Tomball. RFP Due: 9/13/17 @ The Woodlands, Texas 77381-4356 “PRINCESS” WOVEN TOTE BAG 3rd fl oor 10:00a.m. Online WebEx pre-proposal For more info contact: by 12 NOON meeting will be held on Wednesday, From 1 to 5pmWednesday for (832) 264-4570 August 30, 2017, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.; Free and Open All publication. next Monday’s call–in number 832-813-6702. Contact ADtoCOST SATURDAY michelle.allen@Lonestar.edu SATURDAY NIGERIAN AMERI-
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Youth/Education
TEXAS • AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2017
Senior Director over HCDE’s 4 Specialized Campuses
Anthony Mays, a 15-year education leader in middle and high schools in Dallas, Fort Worth and Pflugerville Independent School Districts, recently started his new position as senior director of Harris County Department of Education’s Schools division.
ANTHONY MAYS
The four specialized HCDE schools he will lead serve more than 25 school districts in the Harris County area. Districts
Longtime education leader Breaux to head HCDE Research and Evaluation Institute One of her goals as leader is to deliver small, educator friendly highlights and summaries of current research being published through her division.
C
DARLENE BREAUX
urrent Harris County Department of Education Special Populations Director Darlene Breaux will head the Research and Evaluation Institute as its new director. Breaux joined HCDE in 2016 to oversee continuing professional learning opportunities for teachers who educate students served through special population programs. “Being the director of special populations has allowed me to work closely with many of the 25 school districts which HCDE serves,” Breaux said. “Having this relationship allowed me to better understand district needs and how the Research and Evaluation Institute can provide information and resources that are supported by research.” TX - 8
Breaux, a resident of Alief, is a national trainer, former principal and special services coordinator who has 20 years of service in education. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Southern University with teacher certifications in ESL and special education. She also earned a master’s in educational management with principal certification from the University of Houston Clear Lake. She is currently earning her doctorate degree in instructional leadership from Abilene Christian University. Breaux served as Miss Texas Southern University in 1990-1991. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society and is active in the Alief community as a board member for the Alief YMCA. In addition, she is the former special services coordinator in Alief Independent School District. Breaux is married and has three children.
contract with HCDE as the department supplies specialized environments and low studentto-teacher ratios to educate students in grades K-12 with unique needs. Mays moves to Houston after serving as principal at Emmett J. Conrad High School in the Dallas Independent School District. His strong instructional leadership as principal is compli-
mented by extensive experience as a special education educator. He gained his Bachelor of Arts from Huston-Tillotson College, a Master of Education from Texas State University and is currently earning his doctorate degree from Tarleton State University. His experience with special populations students will provide valuable guidance as HCDE opens the first public
recovery high school in Harris County this school year. As a goal-oriented leader, he will use his collaboration expertise to strengthen the instructional focus at all four specialized HCDE schools and to build on momentum for community support. “I’m also eager to work with the HCDE team on developing our recovery high school for students with challenges with addictions,” he said. “The
opioid epidemic and other drug abuse among teens is a problem that HCDE is poised to impact here in Harris County.” The Tomball resident is a member of Texas Alliance of Black School Educators, Texas Association of Secondary School Principals and is listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. He is married and has three children who attend public school.
Aldine AFT & ISD Gave Away 40,000 Books for FREE
ALDINE - Hundreds of people were in line to receive free books at the Aldine Education Center this past weekend. The Aldine Federation of Teachers (AFT) and Aldine ISD gave away 40,000 free books to their community. The purpose of this event was to put books in the hands of kids. Candis Houston, President of Aldine AFT stated, “We had to get 2,000 Aldine ISD employees to sign up with First Book… reading is fundamental, and the purpose was to put books in their hands.” Anyone from the Aldine school district and community was able to attend as they gave away books to students, par-
ents, educators, teachers, and librarians. The books were only available on a first-come firstserved basis, so once they ran out of books, they had no more to give. Aldine AFT members were able to select up to 40 books, as non-members and community program staff were allowed to select up to 20 books, and parents and guardians were able to choose up to 5 books per child.
Many kids were excited to receive the free books as well as teachers. Cormisha Burrell, a middle school teacher in Aldine was ecstatic to receive free books for her classroom library. She ex-
pressed, “As an educator, I encourage my students to read because reading builds fluency and vocabulary, and helps my students become better writers.” Burrell was very grateful to receive these books, as she knows that the students will benefit greatly from the books. She further expressed, “Reading is an activity that we do daily in my classroom, and being able to have books that will enhance my classroom library is a blessing. I want my students to have a variety of books for instruction as well as for enjoyment.” “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” -Joseph Addison
TEXAS • AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2017
Youth/Education
Bookman Travels to Taiwan to Compete in World University Games
PRAIRIE VIEW - Prairie View A&M University women’s track and field studentathlete Deonca Bookman has been selected to compete and represent the United States in the World University Games in Taipei, Taiwan.
Bookman, who just completed her junior year at Prairie View A&M, traveled with a contingent of athletes earlier today heading to Taipei, where she will begin preparations to compete in the 400m hurdles in the opening round Thursday, August 24 at 5 a.m. CT (6 p.m. local time). The Allen, Texas native and kinesiology major is one of more than 300 athletes representing the United States in the Games, which will be held August 19-30. She is a three-time SWAC champion in the 400 meter hurdles and has qualified for the NCAA regionals every year of her PVAMU career. Bookman had a stellar performance this past season. She won SWAC Championships in both the 100H (13.61) and the 400H (59.61), qualifying for the NCAA West Regionals in both events. She ran a personal best time of 57.84 in the 400H at the regionals, to qualify for the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Bookman finished the season ranked 17th in the nation in the 400H.
this opportunity.”
“I am excited about this opportunity. This is something that I have dreamed about,” Bookman said. “This is an opportunity that every young athlete looks forward to and I am so grateful to my coach (PVAMU Head Coach) Angela Williams and coach (Leroy) Burrell from the University of Houston. I feel as though I have worked very hard to get here. I’m on the track practicing daily sun up to sun down. I love what I do and like I said I am honored to have
“This is her first major competition representing the United States, representing Prairie View A&M University and going overseas,” said Williams. “This is something that she has dreamed about. Any USA team that you are able to be a part of is and an accomplishment, because it’s not easy to make a USA team. I think for her that this is the beginning of Deonca becoming the professional athlete that I think she could become and make to make it to the next Olympics.” “I think this is the catalyst for her, that’s how important I feel this is for her, win or lose. I feel as though she has earned the USA uniform. These are uniforms that no one else has. It’s specific to making the team and she didn’t go out and buy something that says USA on it. She has earned this. I think that this will give her the confidence that she needs to have and know that she belongs on a higher level of track and field.”
Texas Southern University to House Official NAACP Archives
HOUSTON - Texas Southern University will soon be home to Texas NAACP official records. Recently, Texas NAACP officers designated TSU as the official depository for its records to preserve the organizations history and to ensure scholars will peruse these materials and record the struggles and accomplishments of the NAACP in Texas. The collection will consist of minutes, newspaper clippings, legal documents, brochures, Freedom Banquet programs, and pictures including digitized images from individual Texas NAACP branches. Individual branches, or active NAACP members can send their materials to Texas Southern. The collection will be housed in the Texas Southern University Robert J. Terry Department of Special Collections. For more information, please call 713-313-7885 or email events@tsu.edu.
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Superintendent Richard Carranza announces changes
Superintendent Richard Carranza is excited to announce several new leadership appointments and a restructuring of our Schools Office, improvements that are part of a larger effort to better meet the needs of our students, especially in our historically underserved schools. HISD welcomes three new Chief School Officers, all of whom have extensive school-based experience and have served as principals, assistant principals, and school support officers. They will join Chief School Officers Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo (East), Ms. Julia Dimmitt (North), and Dr. Steven Gutierrez (Northwest, and will report to Chief Academic Officer Dr. Grenita Lathan to better align management of the schools with curriculum and instruction. In order to better focus on our 10 most intensive schools, Superintendent Carranza has organized them under one chief school officer, and they will be called the Superintendent’s Schools. In addition, all the other Achieve 180 schools will be organized under their own chief school officer. All chief school officers will reporter to Dr. Lathan. Dr. Sam Sarabia, Deputy Superintendent, will be responsible for coordinating and aligning critical district functions, processes, and special projects that encompass multiple divisions. Rebecca Brown will serve as chief school officer of the West Area. Dr. Brown has served as a School Support Officer assigned to the Milby High School feeder pattern in the district’s East Area since July 2015. Under Brown’s leadership, four schools came out of “improvement required” status with TEA: Gallegos
Elementary, McReynolds and Fondren Middle Schools, and Milby High School. Before joining HISD, she worked in Aldine ISD for 23 years as a teacher, instructional specialist, assistant principal, and principal. Dr. Brown earned her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Houston and a master’s degree and doctoral degree in education administration from Prairie View A&M University. Nicole Moore will serve as Chief School Officer of the South Area. Ms. Moore has been with HISD for 24 years, most recently as a School Support Officer in the district’s South Area since 2013. During her tenure, schools under her leadership experienced increases in math, science, and reading STAAR scores. She previously served as principal of Key Middle School and oversaw significant growth in student achievement for three consecutive years. That growth included Key’s exit from “improvement required” after her first year. During her tenure at Key, she was named HISD Middle School Principal of the Year in 2013. Prior to becoming a middle school principal, Ms. Moore was the principal of Harris Elementary School. Ms. Moore earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Rusk College in Mississippi. She earned a master’s degree from Mississippi State University. Yolanda Rodríguez will serve as Chief School Officer of the Superintendent’s Schools, focusing on the 10 campuses that have remained on the state’s “improvement required” list for five or more years. She comes to her new role after two years as a School Support
Superintendent Richard Carranza
Officer. Under her leadership, eight schools came out of “improvement required” status: Codwell, Foster, Petersen, Montgomery, Milne, Cook, Kashmere Gardens Elementary Schools, and Key Middle School. Rodríguez is a proud graduate of Northside High School and a 23-year veteran of Team HISD. She started her teaching career at Roosevelt Elementary School. She worked as an instructional coordinator and assistant principal there before moving to De Zavala Elementary School to be principal in 2010. Under her leadership, De Zavala earned exemplary status from the TEA in 2011. Ms. Rodríguez earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Houston. In addition, Dr. Erick Pruitt will serve as chief school officer of Achieve 180. Dr. Pruitt previously served as Chief School Officer of the South Area. He began his education career as a teacher at Woodlawn Community School in the Chicago Public Schools, and then served as a New Leaders resident principal, contract principal, and deputy chief of schools. Dr. Pruitt served in the East Area Schools Office as a school support officer, supporting the schools in the Wheatley feeder pattern. Throughout Dr. Pruitt’s career, he has maintained a focus on cultivating school leadership, improving teacher practice, and establishing productive relationships to build sustainable schools that improve student success. Continue Reading online @ www.aframnews.com
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Acres Home Chamber for Business & Economic Development. Inc.
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Business Profile: LaTosha Davis-Johnson HOUSTON - LaTosha DavisJohnson hails from Hearne, a small country town in Robertson County; which was established as the regional center LaTasha Davis-Johnson for cotton marketing, over a century ago. During her adolescent years, her family relocated to Houston. She was reared by her mother, Ruby Davis, a retired educator of the Aldine Independent School District. Her father, the late Audrey Davis was an associate minister in Bryan College Station. Being raised and nurtured by an educator and stemming from a family of superintendents, principals and teachers; LaTosha developed a passion for education at an early age. During her youth,
she vividly recalled playing school. Additionally, creativity, cooking and a compassionate heart for humanity had become a part of her makeup, since as far back as she can remember. Equipped with an intuitive spirit to make a difference in society, she was torn between the fields of nursing and education. However, she feels that she was led by God to aspire to become an educator. Accordingly, she studied at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Texas Southern University, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree with special emphasis on Early Childhood Education. Afterwards, she initiated her professional journey as a kindergarten and first grade teacher in Aldine ISD at Raymond Academy. She taught there for several years, but couldn’t deny the internal unction beckoning her to birth an Early Childhood Center. From this experience, she resigned from Aldine ISD and opened Kollege 4 Kidz. Kollege 4 Kidz is a full-service childcare and early learning facility, which aims to positively impact young learners by offering a rigorous academic system. While Johnson misses her prior role serving as an instructor; she is equally satisfied with the ability to create her own programs, and operate it as she deems necessary. In past, the center has supplied hundreds of
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school supply packs to students. In addition to owning and operating the Center, Johnson has implemented a non-profit organization, Konnect 2 Kidz. Konnect 2 Kidz is an educationally-based organization with a mission that subscribes to “building better communities, one family at a time”. The program offers “a robust, diverse provider system that delivers high-quality, universal early learning experience for the most disadvantaged children in the Gulf Coast Region.” Annually, Konnect 2 Kidz hosts an Educators Extravaganza where leading educators, community champions and leaders are acknowledged. At this grand event, grants are awarded to early childhood facilities, to assist centers with direct funds toward enhancing and supporting early learning settings. Furthermore, the non-profit holds an annual College and Leadership Tour for teens and Youth Empowerment Conference. The College and Leadership tour commences during the summer. Participants enjoy a full week of visiting various colleges and universities such as: Prairie View A&M University, University of Texas, Baylor College of Medicine and others. They also frequent major corporations and etiquette classes are held in the evenings. This year’s tour concluded with a journey to Six Flags in Arlington. Recently, the Youth Empowerment Conference was held with a presence of over 100 children in attendance. Throughout the years, Johnson has tirelessly served in a plethora of capacities including being: CEO of Virtuous Records (inspirational and gospel genre of music); mentoring young women to empowering women business owners, with C.H.I.C.S (Changing History Internationally Connecting Sisters); working at her church, Signs and Wonders, by offering service on the leadership, administration and finance teams; assisting as event coordinator, helping with the youth department, and being armor bearer to Elect Lady McCarty. Johnson remains unwavering in her relationship with God. She revealed during our interview that one of her greatest accomplishments was establishing an intimate relationship with the Creator. To that regard, she extends her loving spirit to both the parents and students at Kollege 4 Kidz and Konnect 2 Kidz. She heavily believes in empowering others to excel to a level of success. Hence, she has an open-door policy for parents and students that are led to her office. Johnson says, “I am a Spirit-driven person and wherever God leads me for the day, that’s, what it is; without any title I have a true heart and passion for helping people to be the best they can be.” “I used to do it and didn’t know why but once I was reborn and through the word of God, I know real-
TEXAS • AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2017
Upcoming Chamber Events
AUGUST
TUESDAY 29 Complete Communities Meeting From: 6pm-8pm 3130 Holder Forest Drive Houston, Texas 77088
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Monthly Business Networking Luncheon From 11am-12:30pm 6112 Wheatley Street (Beulah Ann Shepard Building)
Guest Speaker: Tim Jeffcoat District Director U.S. Small Business Administration
ties of Texas.
Tim Jeffcoat is the Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration in Houston. He oversees the delivery of SBA programs and services in Houston and the surrounding 32 coun-
Most of Tim’s career has been in private sector leadership roles in international business, marketing and business development. Tim’s career has required international assignments and global responsibilities. Tim is a graduate of Auburn University with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Tim also has a BS degree in Marketing and a BS in Music Business. In his spare time Tim enjoys training for and competing in iron-distance triathlons and teaching business classes in graduate school. In May 2013, Tim was nominated for the SBA IKE Award in the category of Most Valuable Player.
For more information on becoming a member of the Acres Homes Chamber for Business and Economic Development, Inc. contact Anthony Stewart at 713-692-7161 or email info@acreshomescenter.org ize that it was one of my assignments,” she added. In researching her family history, she recently received insight that helped her gain a better understanding of her compassion for humanity.
To continue reading visit www.aframnews.com By: Rebecca Jones
What If?
TEXAS • AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2017
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African
American News&Issues
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hat if reality as we know it wasn’t what we knew it to be? What if the stories of the past were changed by one small detail? However, that one small detail being one that would change it drastically!
The White Lives Matter organization wants to change America’s view on how White life is valued. This organization wants for White American citizens to be respected as much as Black American citizens.
What if the slaves that were brought from Africa had been White, the slave masters had been Black, and every event of the past, up until the present, were also in reverse?
This younger generation of White Americans has picked up the mantle of the civil rights movement. Unfortunately, the White Lives Matter organization has been labeled as a hate group by some Black Americans. However, choosing to say, “White Lives Matter”, in no way negates that fact that All lives matter.it only shines a spot light on what has been/ is being strategically done to the White American people.
In this series you will discover that the ethnicities of oppressor and oppressed have been reversed. This had been done in order to open the minds of the readers to …. WHAT IF? This gallery of illustrations has been created to assist the reader on grasping the understanding of why we are promoting that “Black Lives Matter”. Throughout this book you will see illustrations of the Caucasian race placed in the African-American experiences. To my brothers and sisters who may be offended by my whitening our history and our historical figures (e.g. Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, The Black Panther Party, Colin Kaepernick, etc.) to validate a point, please forgive me. However, in order to display our complete struggle, it is essential that I illuminate our iconic leaders’ defiance in the mist of our struggle. For that is the only way one will understand why it was imperative for them to embrace a position of slugging it out against an oppressive system. Also, I expect for these illustrations to bring clarity to all of you who fight against understanding our stance against injustice.
Part II: Coming of A New Era continues.... Chapter 10 Symbolism: Say Grace in Jesus’ Name
One of the insidious methods that the blacks used to subjugate the minds of other races was to portray God as being Black.
As Christianity spread across the world, early artist inevitability painted Jesus Christ, the son of God, as a Black Man. Thus, began the subtle, but undeniable brainwashing of all. For, if the son of God is a Black man, God is a Black man. Naturally, those of the Black race would see themselves as superior to those of other races. After so many generations of this erroneous belied being instilled in Black children, this erroneous had become ingrained in those of the Black race. Therefore, it was easy for the Blacks to decide that they would kidnap, torture, enslave, and strip the native culture form the White Africans. For they felt entitled to do so. After committing theses horrendous acts, the Blacks then proceeded to teach generations of White Africans that their only hope was in Jesus Christ whom they continued to portray as a Black man. Thus, subliminally causing whites to see themselves as inferior.
The Justice System The justice system has many components, one of which is the penal system. In theory, the penal system has twofold purpose: 1) punish those convicted for the crime that was committed, and 2). Rehabilitate the convicted criminals. However, the rehabilitation purpose soon took a backseat to the cheap labor force that the convicted felon provided to the state and/or federal government. To ensure that this cheap labor force continued to grow, the establishment strategically targeted the white community. By keeping the masses of white citizens under educated, and introducing various drugs in vast quantities into the white communities, the establishment guaranteed that a huge percentage of white citizenry would see crime as a viable option for survival. The government then passed numerous laws that would ensure the mass incarceration of white citizens. Creating a self-perpetuating cycle.
This organization has encouraged White African descendants all over the world to stand up for their rights. This movement is not going to end until… White Lives Matter.
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN NEXT WEEK?
“WHAT IF?”
DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS WEEKLY HISTORY SERIES
Tune in next week for Chapter 11 to continues... Bio
Part 3 Chapter 11: A New Era: Birth of White Lives Matter Era The White Lives Matter organization was founded by three brilliant women, Alicia Garza, Patricia Collors, and Opla Tometi. They were fed up with the senseless killings of unarmed White men and women. These three women chose to take action after the senseless killing of Trayvon Martin by a Black Neighborhood watchman. Essentially these women got on social media and started the hashtag, “White Lives Matter” in order to give a world-wide voice to the subject. And, that voice resounded. White Lives Matter soon became a movement. White Lives Matter is an organization that stands up for the lives and rights of the White people. Why is an organization like this necessary? Because, history has shown that from the time that the first White Africans were kidnapped, and transported across the Atlantic, their lives and /or well-being only mattered as much as the monetary profit could be gained by keeping them alive. Since that time, in America, every successive generation of those White African’s descendants have been subjected to unspeakable horrors and atrocities that testify to the fact that White lives have never mattered in this nation.
Carlos Walker, 35, a budding artist was born and raised in Halifax, CO., Va. To Hilton and Inell Walker, who has 6 children. Mr. Walker being the sixth. Carlos has been drawing since the early age of eight. He was encouraged to continue to do so in school by Mrs. Fitzgerald his high school art teacher and now by his family and Washika Arnold his future spouse. Not envisioning a future in art, Mr. Walker chose to put this talents to the side and sell drugs. Which landed him in prison at the age of 24, when most young men and women are just starting to live life and start their careers. For him, little did he know GOD had a blessing in store and his career would just be getting started to become an artist/ activist and book writer. While incarcerated he put together 3 exhibits and a single piece, plus he has written a book based on his artwork entitled “What If”. One of his projects is a 48-piece illustrated entitled “Walk A Mile In Our Shoes And You Will Understand From Whence We Came”, Illustrations called “Endangered Species”, a 3-piece illustration entitled “The Greatest”, and a single called “Hunting Season”. His greatest work of art is arguably “Walk A Mile In Our Shoes”, because what it portrays is the Black EXPERIENCE in a different way. In creating this exhibit, he seeks to show a mirror effect to Caucasians of what the Black EXPERIENCE looks like. Mr. Walker’s pictures have been created with the sole intent to invoke a thought in all who refuse to understand the plight that Blacks have had to endure in their experience from slavery up until now. His work can be viewed on Instagram….@walkers_gallery. TX - 11
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