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AFRAMNEWS.COM Vol. 19 Issue 47

AFRAMNEWS.COM

FIVE REASONS DALLAS’

John Wiley Price is NOT Guilty

Inside Page 2

Six DA’s and the Grand Juries They Persuade Inside Page 4


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African

American News&Issues

L cal & State

Texas • December - 21, 2013 2014 Texas • August15 12-18,

Five Reasons Dallas’ John Wiley Price is NOT Guilty

PRAIRIE VIEW - I know Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, well sorta. As a student at North Texas State University in the early 1980’s I remember him coming to speak to the Black Student Union. I’d never seen, or heard, anyone speak with such conviction, eloquence and humor ‘and’ provide an education in Black history. His deep voice rolled like a drum, barely breaking for air. I remember his leaving the facility in a red Lamborghini. At the time I didn’t know that their were cultural and racial restrictions, or should I write expectations on what anyone could drive or not drive. Much like what was expected of Black preachers. Cadillacs, cadillacs and cadillacs! Years later, I attended the same church as did the commissioner, well sorta. It was a small methodist church at the time, and if you were running late, you were not likely to be attending it. At least not on that Sunday. I often ran late. But on those Sundays that I was lucky enough to be ushered into the few overflow seats which were conveniently situated next to the choir stand, I would catch

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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.

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TX-2

a glimpse of Price as he sat on the front row. I remember thinking, he’s a normal guy. Like most in the audience, he’d stand with hands waving forward; a total affirmation of the preached word of his well dressed and smooth strutting Pastor, Zan Wesley Holmes. He never graced the podium or pulpit; at least not when I was there. A few years later, the commissioner was speaking at a conference on Black males in Austin Texas, that I was affiliated with. Can you imagine hearing State Representative Sylvester Turner, Minister Robert Muhammad and Commissioner John Wiley Price all speak at the same time, well sorta? They spoke one after another, and Price was the headline. Shortly after he spoke, the conference conveners, all young men, raised several hundred dollars, maybe even a thousand. The basket of cash and checks were handed to the commissioner as a show of appreciation. He was grateful for the offering, but even more proud of the work of the young men present. Without hesitation, I remember Price returning the entire offering saying, “young brothers keep doing what you do, and reinvest this money in the community.” That’s the John Wiley Price that African-Americans in Dallas and around the state of Texas know. We should hope those same AfricanAmericans will someday be represented on a jury of Price’s peers. Now to the point of this article, I thought it necessary to share with readers, five reasons why I think John Wiley Price is not guilty of criminal charges for which he is facing. For sure, Price doesn’t need me, or anyone else, to validate his service to the Dallas community, nor does he need anyone to discredit it. Our judicial system is big on determining guilt by association, so I am quite sure that it is not lost on the reader that the same Justice Department that brings allegations of

misconduct against the defendant, is itself embroiled in a few misconduct issues of its own. Not to mention the department’s initial and still cautious, or its total reluctance to intervene in cases of police or security guard killings in Ferguson, New York, Cleveland, Sanford, Houston, Los Angeles....you get the point. So here goes: The Top Five Reasons John Wiley Price is not guilty. The Number Five Reason that I do not believe that John Wiley Price is guilty rest in the fact that the Justice Department alleges Price profited almost a million dollars over several years. Given the dismal record that Dallas County, and every other county in Texas has in procuring contracts with minority businesses, it stands to reason that Price could not have merely been associating with only a few Black business people. No, at some point, some White contractors would have had to made at least five times what it is alleged Price made. Make that ten times, “aint nobody got time for that.” Not a single White contractor was indicted as part of this probe, at least not yet, and likely never will. It is likely that some may have been lured into roles as cooperating witnesses. That’s called “gettin paid on both ends.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was fond of saying, “justice is not merely the application of the law against offenders, but it is rather the “equal application” of that law to all offenders.” If Price did wrong, and I don’t believe he did, he had some Anglo contractor help, that’s for sure. The Number Four Reason that I do not believe that John Wiley Price is guilty is because nothing appeared on the campaign finance reports submitted by Laura Miller detailing the amount she was paid to pen an article about Mr. Price. In 1991, former Dallas mayor Laura Miller wrote a scathing article about John

Wiley Price. The article was biased, undocumented and patronizing at best, and utterly slanderous at its worst. She used all the right buzz words that would endear herself to a racially polarized electorate. She talked of the rich White guy who would have taken this young Black rebel and made something out of him, if only he’d listen and do as he was told. She wrote of the White woman, who out of fear, or shame, refused to say a word to her family about bringing a Black man with whom she was romantically involved, into her home. She even wrote of Price’s eager expectation of ‘just’ becoming a janitor when he moved to Dallas as a young man. Why might you ask is this a reason that Price is not guilty? Okay, it may be the weakest reason of them all, but so was the article written by Miller. This article, full of unnamed sources and alleged criminal acts, surely placed Price on the radar of local, state and federal officials. That was 23 years ago...and nothing. But hey, just as Bill Clinton took on Jesse Jackson and Sister Souljah and went on to become 42nd President of these United States, Miller used the article’s salacious gossip and stereotypical depictions of Black men as a springboard for her becoming the city’s mayor. The Number Three Reason that I do not believe that John Wiley Price is guilty. After reading the 107 page federal indictment of Price, one only wonders if prosecutors submitted to the grand jurors any exculpatory evidence. Perhaps a better question is: does federal law require such provision? Virtually every district attorney in the state of Texas will say state statutes require they turn over such evidence. I wonder how many would think it”s a good idea at the federal level? Historically the federal courts have been the “savior” for the

e welcome all original responses Letter to the Editor W 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.

Laura Miller Former Dallas City Mayor

prosecution of defendants who have violated the civil rights of others, and whom the states had refused to hold accountable. The case of the late Alaska Senator, Ted Stevens comes to mind as I consider the damage which can be had by a prosecutor who hides mitigating evidence. To continue reading visit us online @ www.aframnews.com By: Dewayne Charleston, Managing Editor

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African

Texas • December 15 - 21, 2014

Edit rial & Opini n Race, Manhood & Culture By Dr. James Thomas Jones III Ph.D., M.A., M.A., M.A.

Black NBA Players Publicly Embrace a Social Issue

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or those who have watched the National Basketball Association over the past four decades they can attest that the league has grown by leaps and bounds. Although many take it for granted that the NBA has always been on solid ground as a major sport, that is simply not true. In fact, the league was struggling until Julius Irving, or as we like to call him Dr. J, arrived. However, it was not until ‘Magic’ Johnson and Larry Bird arrived that interest in the NBA reached unprecedented levels. I often feel sorry for those who are too young to remember the titanic battles between the Lakers, Black folks team, and the Celtics, White folks team. Most thought that things could not have gotten any better in regards to the NBA’s popularity, however, they were wrong, and I do mean very wrong. What we thought was the apex of NBA popularity would appear mundane when Michael Jordan arrived and took the NBA brand around the globe and placed a basketball in the hands of children in India, Iraq, Ghana, Britain, Brazil, Ice Land, Jamaica, and any other nation with cable television. Although we failed to recognize it, Jordan’s fame destroyed one of African-American athletes, regardless of the sport, greatest traditions; social activism and the ability to speak out on racial injustice. Athletes learned that their foremost job, even before their on-court performance was that they were never to damage the NBA’s image with any form, shape, or fashion of political commentary or social activism. For those who doubt the veracity of this unspoken arrangement, they need to consider the case of Craig Hodges, a member of many of those NBA Championship teams that built

Source: Aframnews

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Nothing has changed when it comes to policing Blacks! What happened to us is still happening to us! ~ Know your history!

How to Not be Like Mike

the legend of Michael Jordan. Hodges was unrivaled at the time as a threepoint specialist. It was what he did, and truthfully it was all that he needed to do. Hodges holds the distinction of being one of two NBA players to win three consecutive 3-point shooting contest during the NBA All Star weekend, the other, Larry Bird. Hodges’ streak ended not after being defeated by another NBA player, rather he was inexplicably cut from the Bulls roster for non-basketball related reasons. Hodges’ run with the Bulls was unceremoniously cut short after he attempted to politicize his teammates via a growing relationship with Nation of Islam leader, The Honorable Louis Farrakhan. NBA owners were apparently aghast that Hodges had the unmitigated gall to challenge Black athletes to do more work within the African-American community that had raised each of them. From the perspective of the allWhite owners collective, Hodges violated the first rule of being extended the privilege of playing in the NBA, he publicly damaged the leagues image when he traveled to the White House to be honored for yet another Championship season and not only stood before President Bush wearing a dashiki, but also capitalized upon the moment and passed the President a letter urging him to address the worsening socioeconomic issues plaguing the Black community. A short time later, Hodges was released by the Bulls. Hodges remembers, “I was outspoken, but I wasn’t disrespectful. I was never in trouble for drugs, or guns or raping women or anything like that. I just wanted to help my community, and that made me a troublemaker. What I did at the White House embarrassed the league, and it made a lot of people uncomfortable, and they did something about it.” Hodges told LZ Granderson, a senior writer for ESPN the Magazine, “I went from making $600,000 a year to making nothing. No one would take my calls, no one would give me a chance. I went from helping a team win it all, to all of a sudden not being good enough to play for the worst team in the league. Do I think the league had it out for me? You tell me.”

American News&Issues

I

Criminal for US, Justice for THEM!

n “The Souls of Black Folks”, W. E. B. Dubois reveals that, “Daily the Negro is coming more and more to look upon law and justice, not as protecting safeguards, but as sources of humiliation and oppression. The laws are made by men who have little interest in him; they are executed by men who have absolutely no motive for treating the Black people with courtesy or consideration; and, finally, the accused law-breaker is tried, not by his peers, but too often by men who would rather punish ten innocent Negroes than let one guilty one escape.” I could not agree with him more in this statement. I have repetitiously made reference to this one statement and I see no reason to change it because it is true. There is just something about this Blackness! Since the beginning of time the Black culture is one that has stood out more than any other race or culture there is. Not only because of the shade of skin that covers our bodies, but the amazing strength, talent, techniques, ability and mental capacity that is found within. It is no secret, that Blacks are one of the most sought after race of people that has ever been created. However, as with most things when people can not comprehend or understand certain things and/or certain people, there is a tendency to be afraid of that thing or person of which there is no understanding. This factor creates a problem because fear causes people to act out in irrational ways. This brings me to the fact that there are so many things that occur on a daily basis whereas it is discriminatory practices in places all throughout these United States of America. I refer to things of this nature as, “Criminal for US, but Justice for THEM”. Here lately, African-American News & Issues has been dealing and addressing the inhumane treatment that is imposed on Blacks in this country. Like the constant slaugh-

tering of young Black people that is seeming to be something like a trend. Not only are young men being unjustly killed but the fact that officials and authorities responsible for committing these actions, are exempt from repercussions. This whole scenario is just making matters extremely worst. I have a major problem with this. Because it’s like this, there are laws that have been put in place as well as judicial system that was supposed to be established to protect the American people. Yet, the ironic part is that the same laws that were implemented to protect us, appear that they are mostly in place to further criminalize and entrap the very citizens that they were supposed to be initiated to protect. Then, to add insult to injury the same system that allows these circumstances to be so turns around and justifies the rationale of the outcome. Once again I state, “There is something about this Blackness!” There are things that our counterparts get away with on a daily basis. But, when someone from our community tries to do the same thing, then an immediate red flag goes up and once again, “Criminal for US”. This scenario is nothing new, in fact it is merely history repeating itself over and over again. This is something that I often speak about, history has a sad way of circling around. Therefore, we should be careful about the things that we do and the people that we support. Now, make no mistake I am by no means trying to justify one group or race of people actions over the other. But, what I don’t believe is that there should be a set of codes written in black and white and one race is exempt from them over the other race merely because of a skin color. There should be equal treatment across the border for all citizens of the United States. Moving forward, Carter G. Woodson once stated that, “As another has well said, to handicap a student by teaching him that his

- Roy Douglas Malonson

We MUST Understand By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

Black face is a curse and that his struggle to change his condition is hopeless is the worst form of lynching. It kills one’s aspirations and dooms him to vagabondage and crime.” I agree with him in this thought. This is why I always stress emphasis on those that I come in contact with that we must teach our children, their true history. We MUST Understand that the, History that is taught within the public school system does not always display and explain the true and accurate ancestral history of the AfricanAmerican descent. I have stated before that History often expresses “His-story” or rather someone else’s account of how they define the origin of our culture. Nonetheless, our true history are those stories passed down from generation to generation from the very individuals who made history doing their eras. Additionally, Woodson is expressing that it is a way of crippling the youth of the community when you teach them that their skin is a curse and that there is no way to change the state of the Black race. While we should not aim to teach our future which are the children these things, we should definitely educate them that is a since of injustice and inequality in this nation. Because one of the worst things to do in this world is to fabricate the truth or try to cover up the reality of the things that our children will face and encounter once going out into the real world. We MUST Understand that there are more African-Americans that occupy prison beds than were ever held as slaves during the days wherein our ancestors were in bondage. Something is wrong with this picture. TX-3


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PERSUADE from pg. 1

Attorney Vivian King & Attorney Teana Watson

ver heard the following sayings, “Even a paper clip can be indicted”? How about “A DA can indict a ham sandwich”? These are popular sayings when it comes to District Attorneys and the grand juries to which they have unfettered access. Those chief prosecutors, may however, be among the few who subscribe to the validity of such statements. Rarely in history of American jurisprudence has so much critical attention been paid to the grand jury system. Not to be confused with the more familiar, petit jury. You know, the one so many Americans try their best to avoid serving on. Just what is the the Grand Jury; and where did it come from? Or perhaps more fittingly, where is it headed? District Attorneys from six Texas counties, Brazos, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, and Waller, were surveyed for this article; only one, Cory Crenshaw of Jefferson County declined to respond to our questions. Crenshaw stated by email, “...while we appreciate your reaching out to this office, we respectfully decline to participate in the interview process...” Fortunately, the other five agreed to be interviewed, and their thoughts will be shared with the reader. But first, a little about the history of the grand jury. Attorney John Brewer shared the following information about grand juries, with members of the Texas District and County Attorneys Association. TX- 4

“A grand jury (in Texas) is a group of twelve people who meet qualification as set out in the Texas code of Criminal Procedures. They must be citizens of the county in which the grand jury sits, able to read and write, not under indictment, etc...” But Brewer adds, (the code) suggests the court consider additional factors when starting the selection process; that those chosen should ‘represent a broad cross-section of the population of the county, considering the factors of race, sex, and age.’ With regular (petit) juries, prosecutors and defense attorneys are allowed to eliminate individuals from a larger pool of potential jurors. a practice which has traditionally led to the exclusion of “certain” individuals mostly minorities. That practice combined with “jury dodgers” has traditionally resulted in a disproportionately low number of minorities serving on juries. But with Grand juries, no such opportunity to strike, with or without cause, exist for the prosecutor or a defense attorney. In fact, it appears that specific legislation is designed to guard against such “discriminating” practice. Says Brewer, “It is a rare occasion that the law mandates that we take into account things like race, gender, and age when selecting a group of citizens to serve in the criminal justice system. Obviously the idea is to have a grand jury made up of people from a variety of backgrounds representing the entire county in which it sits.” Who knew that such an Affirmative Action policy could go so

C ver St ry

unchallenged in the state of Texas, be so universally accepted, and yet now so widely distrusted. Few, if any District Attorneys see any need to change the grand jury process. For sure no DA anywhere would ever admit to their misconduct before such a jury. But what what about the ‘affirmative’ legislative mandate for selecting grand jurors by race, gender, and age, to reflect the communities in which they sit? And what is to be made of the centuries old grand jury system, which is cloaked in almost total secrecy? FORT BEND COUNTY John Healy who serves as Fort Bend County’s District Attorney, is not so sure that changing the grand jury system to be more transparent would be beneficial. “The movement seems to be in this country that everyone needs to know everything and I don’t think that needs to be the case.” He further cautions, “I don’t like it (the idea of reforms). It may have a chilling effect on the candor of witnesses.” Healy believes that the majority of Texans are satisfied with the system and think it good. He adds, “I certainly don’t think a District Attorney could indict anyone, or anything, they wanted to.” Healy went on to say, “the three to four percent who don’t get indicted are quite happy that were weren’t.” Healy, not surprisingly is not alone in his support for maintaining, without changes, the current grand jury system. The Brazos, Waller, Galveston and Harris County District Attorneys were implicit in their support for the system as it exist; all maintaining that their offices follow the law and provide both incriminating and exculpatory evidence to the grand jurors. BRAZOS COUNTY Brazos County prosecutor Jarvis Parsons says he believes defendants are given the opportunity to present evidence before the grand jury. “The attorney’s representing defendants in our courts have a good relationship with our attorneys. They are pretty much aware of the cases being presented (to the grand jury). They

know to contact our office.” While Parsons may believe his office’s relationship with local practicing defense attorneys is kosher, the reality of DA and defense attorney relationships may be more akin to a marriage going, or gone bad. You know, the relationship where one partner thinks all is good, while the other partner maintains public respect, but with an ever increasing distrust. Such was the case at a recent town hall meeting in Missouri City, Texas, which in part focused on grand juries, which was hosted by Texas state representative Ron Reynolds. In an ironic seating arrangement, three defense attorneys sat together on a panel; while between the attorneys and the lone District Attorney on the panel, sat three law enforcement officials. Criminal defense attorney, Vivian King, was clear about her feelings on the process. “When you add distrust with (grand jury) secrecy, you get a bad result. It’s up to the integrity of the prosecutor,” says King. Seated next to King was defense attorney, Teana Watson, who spoke of the juror selection process. “When the judges, who select the commissioners, who select the jurors, all belong to the same country club, you’re going to get jurors just like them.” Watson added, “I think because of the current climate, because of the distrust, we need to change the grand jury system. We need grand jury reform in Texas and in America.” One major problem with the secrecy of the grand jury process is determining just who is, and who isn’t, benefitting by the privacy which shrouds the legal hearing, particularly as it relates to race. WALLER COUNTY Elton Mathis, who is the current Waller County prosecutor says his office does not maintain statistics on indictments and No-bills of defendants by race. However, the chief prosecutor advised that, “since each indictment lists the DOB, sex, and race of a defendant, someone could review those (data) and compile the statistics.” Of course that compilation

Texas • August15 12-18, Texas • December - 21, 2013 2014

would not answer the more elusive question of who, by race, among others demographic variables, was No-billed. It should be also noted that none of the other five offices responding to our survey, maintain such data. GALVESTON COUNTY Jack Roady, who serves as the Galveston County Prosecutor says, “we don’t maintain (those) statistics and have no plans to do so. The race of the defendant, or potential defendant, plays no factor in the way a case is presented to the grand jury.” HARRIS COUNTY Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson speaking through staff attorney Julian Ramirez, also conveyed that her office, “does not keep such statistics (by race) and has no intention, at the present time, of compiling such information.” Ramirez also said that it is the policy of their office to not mention the race of a defendant in their grand jury presentation. However, he did not say whether evidence presented to those jurors would in fact, make that distinction. None of the District Attorneys offered an opinion on the controversial “No-bills” in Ferguson and NewYork, a surprising silence in the midst of defense attorney’s cries for more changes in the grand jury system. With so much attention now focused on grand juries, and the convening of new legislatures in Texas and around the country, DA’s, like it or not, and criminal defense attorneys may be forced into a sort of “judicial marriage counseling” in what is more commonly called, legislative reform. Should this “counseling” be so ordered by the Texas legislature, perhaps the gentlemen District Attorney from Jefferson county, a county heavily populated by African-Americans, will be so kind as to participate. It just might be a good thing for future Jefferson County community relations. By: Dewayne Charleston Managing Editor

www.aframnews.com


Texas • December 15 - 21, 2014

Bus ness December Monthly Networking Luncheon

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A. B. Anderson Academy young violinists and singers under the direction of Instructor, Damian D. Price

l-r Oswald Scott, Terrance Fontaine & Warren Fitzgerald Muhammad

l-r Sherrie Batro, Rosalyn Sweat, Innetta Carter and Betty McCray

l-r Cherie Lewis, Theresa Craft and Mollie Webb

l-r Ira Lott and Marion McCray

HOUSTON - The Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development recently held its December, Monthly Networking Luncheon at 6112 Wheatley St. 77091. A.B. Anderson Academy’s young musicians and singers rendered beautiful selections that got attendees in the holiday spirit as they played and sung songs of jubilee. Chairman Roy Douglas Malonson conducted a raffle drawing where several gifts were presented. Additionally, an overnight stay at the RS Deer Ranch in Waller County was awarded to one lucky winner. Following, the microphone was passed around the room so that each member could introduce themselves. Once the introductions had concluded, everyone was served lunch. Once all were seated in their perspective seats the speaker of the

day was introduced in the person of Terrance Fontaine. Mr. Terrance Fontaine is the Executive Vice President of Government and Public Affairs of METRO. He provided much-needed information in regards to how METRO is beneficial for residents of the Greater Houston area to be transported from school, home, work and various other places on a daily basis. He also addressed many questions that members of the audience asked in regards to services that METRO offers and provides for patrons. Afterwards, he recognized Chief Vera Bumpers who has made her mark in Texas history as being the First African-American female, Chief of Police for METRO. For more information on upcoming events or for details on how to become a Chamber member contact Anthony Stewart at (713) 692-7161.

Vera Bumpers METRO Chief of Police

Jewel Simpson Houston

Photo Credit and Story By: Rebecca S. Jones TX- 5


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Texas • December 15 - 21, 2014

BUSINESS PROFILE Acres of Angels

HOUSTON - Africanthere is an election going on in American News & Issues the community and/or around presents Edna Griggs of, the city encouraging as many Acres of Angels as our profile residents as she can to get out of the week. Griggs hails from and vote. one of the most historical She has also worked settlements in the Houston alongside many individuals region, the Acres Homes pursuing public office as well community. Proud to be a as current politicians with resident of the area known their campaigns. throughout Texas as the “44”, Edna is very involved in Griggs describes Acres Homes her community and is considas, “one of the ered the Acres first communiHomes activist ties originally for seniors and homesteaded young people. by Blacks, So much and one of the so that she largest Black has formed an communities organization in the United that is geared States.” toward rebuildAt an ing the comearly age, Edna munity. She Edna Griggs developed a is the CEO of love and pasAcres of Angels. sion for helping others. This She has also adopted the desire in part was a result of Chelsea Seniors Apartments her mother and grandmother, Health Fair and moonwalk they instilled in her the values for the families at Lincoln of being concerned of one’s Park. For six years, Griggs fellow man. Her mother was a hosted a ‘Mardi Gras’ party nurse and political activist. and contributed most of the She grew up watching proceeds to Texas Children her mother give of herself to Hospital towards children others, as she would Heading actively Title: living with disabilities. Help Wanted She is also the CEO of find employment for men within Harris County. If that Edna’s Social and Charity Contact wasn’t enough Edna recallsInformation: Club (The Rebirth). This Name:Burnett Jackson her grandmother feeding wasExpress an organization that Company:Burnett Package and housing those who were was originally birthed by her Phone: (713) 631-5547 homeless. Her grandmother grandmother in the 1950’s. It Fax: (713) 631-5567 Email:burnettspkgexp@att.net was a business owner in Acres was designed to help people tearsheets: living in poverty and help Homes Address and had afor sincere 7425 Marilyn Ln love forHouston, helping and inspiring build self esteem. Tx 77016 others. Griggs knows and AD COST understands the importance MEMBER of African-Americans letting TotalThus Cost ad: their voice be heard. she to Run To continue reading visit www.aframnews.com serves as a political activist. Photo and Story by: She may be seen anytime 2 weeks Rebecca S. Jones

Shirley Morning Worship Ann’s elimination. Other schools would 10:45 a.m. Black Call 713-692-1892 Evening BibleKollectibles Class be Smith, Stovall, Harris and Hill, 5:00 p.m. For more information shouldStuall based on theThis same criteria. Evening Worship & Flowers 6:00 p.m. dents of magnetbe programs that yourreturn Ad!had Carriers needed! Chorus Group Rehearsal 713-692-1100 been eliminated would to 7:30 p.m. Media Kit 6130 Wheatley St. Call 832-816-4253 their home campus and given first BEAUTY SHOP Wednesday Houston, MINISTER: Mid-Week Bible ClassTX 77091 available at priority for available slots in other for more information Theaster Maloy, Sr. 7:00 p.m. NATURAL magnet programs, withKREATIONS the excepFUNERAL HOME www.aframnews.com Earn up to $200/week OFFICE: 713/674-5131 Melanie Malonson tion of 4th grade students, who 140 Fidelity Rd. Houston Tx 77029 will be given the option of continu281-898-4716 HUNTING Boyd Funeral Home 11718 South Wilcrest ing at Houston Academy. Staff will FIFTH WARD CHURCH OF CHRIST Houston, TX 77099 281-445-0971 be placed into vacant positions on RS DEER & 7411 Wheatley St. other campuses. SUNDAY Office Assistant BLACK CHAMBER Houston, TX 77088 CATTLE RANCH The order would have given the 8:00 a.m. Worship needed! Whitetail, Axis, & magnet program a protected status 10:00 a.m. Bible Class Acres Homes Chamber Call 713-692-1892 Blackbuck Deer and funds for from the government 11:15 a.m. Worship Johnson Funeral Home Business & Eco. Dev. Hunt All Year Round For more information would have been provided for their 6:00 p.m. Worship 713-747-9604 www.rsdeerranch.com operation. Also, 713-692-7161 several events and MONDAY 5730 Calhoun Rd. 6112 Wheatley St items were reduced or eliminat10:00 a.m. Burnetts Package Express 979-921-9908 Houston, TX 77021 Gary Smith Sales Consultant Needed Houston,festival TX 77091 and ed, such as the magnet Ladies Bible Class Minister to schedule an interview call technology fair. The proposed cuts WEDNESDAY PHOTOGRAPHY (713) 631-5547 were approved CHEMICAL by district trust7:30 p.m. Bible Class for all ees at the January 25 school board CREATIVE COLOURS BY RJ meeting before a packed house of Website Funeral Home, Inc. 713-734-1442 www.fthwardcoc.org incensed parents and student. But 713-633-1492 4925 Richfield Lane Citywide Chemical Bamberg warns the cuts may still “GIVING, GROWING, GAINING”9402 "Committed to the &Future" Janitorial & Commercial Houston, Tx 77048 4308 Stonewall St. Hou. not be enough meet the needs Lockwood Dr. Tx 77020 PesttoControl Company 713-672-2654 of the nation’s 12th largest district. 3521 Jensen St. Houston,Texas 77016 SHOE REPAIR Houston, TX 77026 In addition to their other activities, the Administrators say they still need 713/227-4808 or 4809 Fifth Ward COC also holds a Bible $18 million to balance Janitorial the budget. Supplies MIGHTY FINE SHOE REPAIR Class for non-members on Thursday Loving Memories Sales-Service-Supplies nights at 7:30 PM. For more informa“The only way we’re going to Men & Ladies - Boots & Shoes Wholesale-Retail tion onNorman the various special events or Wynn’s activities you really&should visit their get additional revenue at point Shined, Waxed, Glazed, Wethis repair buffers, website, it is very well done, informative vacuum, shampooers is to look to the community, ” said 281-820-7070 Dyed & Repaired and worth a visit even if you have anothand all other machines. er church home. Charles to the need for Bamberg, alluding 281-448-9255 norm_ant@yahoo.com SAME DAY FREE DELIVERY Dawson increased property revenue, mfshoes@aol.com US METRO tax Dawson Chemical 8011 W. Montgomery Rd Major Credit Cards ACCEPTED which could beChemical as much as 13 cents CHURCH OF GOD Houston, Tx 77088 1400 South Victory Houston, TX 77088 per $100 value of property.713/697-7137 713/633-9019 IN CHRIST Ed.- Last week’s story, provided whom support you! Read us online www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-Owned Worldwide Digital News Source inaccurate demographics for Support AISD. those DUNCAN MEMORIAL $117.30 The correct numbers are 68.2 perCHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST HOU-627 percent Africancent Hispanic, Sr. Pastor Elder Greg Edwards American, 2.2 percent White. 9:30 a.m.

Rate and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Dallas/Ft.Worth edition. EDITION DATE: December 8 - 14, 2014 (Vol. 19 Issue 46) EDITION DATE: December 15 - 21, 2014 (Vol. 19 Issue 47)

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Texas • December 15 - 21, 2014

December

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Tuesday Acres Home Library Computer Class 8501 West Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 12pm For more info contact: 832-393-1700 Thursday Acres Home Library Computer Help 8501 West Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 12pm For more info contact: 832-393-1700

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Tuesday Acres Home Library Pajama Story Time 8501 West Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 6:30pm For more info contact: 832-393-1700

Friday - Saturday Unction Tabernacle of Deliverance Church Women of Worship Ministry Winter Conference 2014 1702 N. Main St. Pearland, TX 77581 Beginning Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 10:00 am For more info contact: (281) 954-8980 Saturday Acres Home Chamber for Bus. & Eco. Dev, Inc. Digital Computer Class 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 10am -12pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161

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info@acreshomecenter.org

21 Sunday First Baptist

Church of Lincoln City FBC Praise Dancers 844 Fortune St Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 11:30am For more info contact: (832) 892-5078 Tuesday Acres Home Library Computer Help 8501 West Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 12pm For more info contact: 832-393-1700

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2015

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WINNER TOP 10 LIST

ONE OF THE BEST FILMS OF THE YEAR AFRICAN-AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION

AWARDS

ONE OF THE BEST FILMS OF THE YEAR

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Dec 19 - Dec 20

What’s Happenin’ January

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Thursday TOP 10 LIST

ONE OF THE BEST FILMS OF THE YEAR

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African-American News&Issues now offers E-Blast to over 20,000 business professionals and community subcribers for a very low price. Let us promote your next event! For more information contact (713) 692-1892 or visit www.aframnews.com

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Tuesday Heart of Faith Church Watch Mtg Service Black Tie Semi Formal Gala 12275 Homestead Rd Houston, TX 77050 Beginning at 9:30pm For more info contact: (281) 590-1124

Email Your Upcoming Events to: news@aframnews.com

4 weeks in advance!

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Tuesday New Beginnings International Church Humble Praise Ctr New years Extravaganza 2325 Atascosita Rd Ste B Humble, TX 77396 Beginning at 10:30pm For more info contact: (281) 446 -2608

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Tuesday Cliffdale BC Watch Mtg Night Service 854 Enterprise St Houston, TX 77088 From 8pm - 10pm For more info contact: (281) 447-8850

PETER TRAVERS

WINNER

ONE OF THE BEST FILMS OF THE YEAR NATIONAL BOARD OF REVIEW

Guest Speaker Steve Stephens AMEGY Bank President and CEO

Acres Home Chamber for Bus. & Eco. Dev, Inc. Networking Luncheon 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 11am -12:30pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161

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Saturday Acres Home Chamber for Bus. & Eco. Dev, Inc. Digital Computer Class 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 10am -12pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES PRESENT A JOLIE PAS PRODUCTION A 3 ARTS ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION MUSIC “UNBROKEN” JACK O’ C ONNELL DOMHNALL GLEESON MIYAVI GARRETT HEDLUND FINN WITTROCK BY ALEXANDRE DESPLAT PRODUCED EXECUTIVE BY ANGELINA JOLIE p.g.a. CLAYTON TOWNSEND p.g.a. MATTHEW BAER p.g.a. ERWIN STOFF PRODUCERS MICK GARRIS THOMAS TULL JON JASHNI SCREENPLAY DIRECTED BASED ON BY JOEL COEN & ETHAN COEN AND RICHARD LAGRAVENESE AND WILLIAM NICHOLSON BY ANGELINA JOLIE THE BOOK BY LAURA HILLENBRAND A UNI V ERSAL PICTURE VISUAL EFFECTS AND ANIMATION BY INDUSTRIAL LIGHT & MAGIC THIS FILM CONTAINS DEPICTIONS OF TOBACCO CONSUMPTION

SOUNDTRACK ON PARLOPHONE RECORDS

© 2014 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

info@acreshomecenter.org

Jan 17 - Jan 19

Saturday - Monday 21st MLK Grande Parade MLK Youth Parade San Jacinto St & Elgin St Beginning @ 12pm 14Th Annual MLK Battle Of The Bands Houston’s Rice Stadium Beginning @ 4:00PM “The Color Of Unity” Parade San Jacinto St& Elgin St Beginning @ 10am For more info contact: (713) 953-1633 www.mlkgrandeparade.org

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LOCAL LISTINGS FOR STARTS CHRISTMAS DAY CHECK THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

HOU-7


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Religion

Texas • December 15 - 21, 2014

H.B. Turner Grand Lodge gives back to the Community

Black Kollectibles & F lowers

NEW!

Availab le Now!

HB Turner Grand Lodge AF&AM and New Life Grand Chapter OES

WM Montoya Jones and Melody Robinson

Deputy Grand Master Charlie Green 32*

Sisters from New Life Grand Chapter Commemorative Nelson Mandela Doll and Plate

713-692-1195

Thursday 11:30am - 4pm; Friday & Saturday 11am - 5pm

Funerals - Birthdays - Anniversaries - Sympathy - Weddings Valentine’s Day - Mother’s Day - Father’s Day - Schools - & More

Remembering Your Loved Ones

le Availab Now! WM Chris Garrett and Grand Master Andre Jones 32*

HOUSTON - H.B. Turner Grand Lodge Installation took place on May 24 and has been making huge strides since its inception. Under the leadership of one of the youngest Grand Masters in the world Andre Jones. Jones at the age of 32, formed H.B. Turner with a strong foundation and commitment to community service and fellowship. Since H.B. Turner began it has stuck true to its community service commitment by doing monthly nursing home visits, backpack donations to a Houston middle school and volunteering at Houston Food Bank just to name a few. The most recent community service venture took place on a Saturday morning at the Sunnyside Multi-Service Community Center where the members TX-8

of the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter came together and donated over 500 turkeys to families in need for the holiday season. Houston residents both young and old arrived early to the Community center to get in line to receive what many present called “A blessing from God and his soldiers”. The Men of the Grand Lodge dressed up in Black suits and bowties and Ladies of the New Life Grand Chapter OES wore all White while organizing and serving the community for the event. The event began at 9am and lasted until all the donations were distributed which was around noon. The ladies were responsible for organizing the event and playing hosts as the men lined tables with turkeys and packed them in bags donated by the community

Deputy Grand Master Charlie Green 32*

center and even assisted with transporting them to the recipient’s vehicles. On December 20, Kings of Israel #19 a lodge working under H.B. Turner where Grand Master Jones sits as Past Master will host its 9th Annual Winter Gala at Crowne Plaza Hotel 686 Kirby Dr., 77054. This festive event is one of a kind where Masons, Eastern Stars, families, friends and even some strangers come together to enjoy a night of dinner, entertainment, awards and dancing. For more information about upcoming events hosted by the H.B. Turner Grand Lodge email, hbturnergrandlodge@gmail.com. Photo Credit: On the Square Photography Story by: Fred Bryant

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Texas • December 15 - 21, 2014

AUSTIN - David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church will present “Black Nativity”on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 7:00p.m. in the Don T. Hayes Theatre at L.B.J. High School. The presentation of the Langston Hughes classes delivers a powerful message of joy, hope, victory and liberation through the Christmas story. For more information call 512-972-4864. DALLAS - Bishop Vashti McKenzie, presiding Prelate of the 10th Episcopal District of Texas and Dr. Frederick Haynes, III, Pastor of Friendship West Missionary Baptist Church led hundreds of clergy and their members throughout the state in an ecumenical demonstration of solidarity with the nationwide “Black Lives Matter” campaign this past Sunday. Thousands of parishioners donned Black in support of the campaign which is calling attention to the abuses of criminal justice system against Black men in America. DALLAS - Eight Dallas Independent School District students were chosen as finalists to advance to the 23rd Annual Gardere Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition, set for 11 a.m. Jan. 16, 2015, at the Majestic Theatre. In eloquent speeches, 14 Dallas ISD fourth and fifth graders shared with the audience what they felt Dr. King would have said in his acceptance speech if he were alive and won the Nobel Prize today. Each of the students wrote original essays and competed at the campus level for the opportunity to represent their school in the districtwide competition. Each student is judged on stage presence, delivery, content interpretation and memorization. Congratulations to the students advancing to the final competition .

FORT BEND - Fort Bend ISD congratulates the 2015 Campus Teachers of the Year, who represent each of the District’s 74 campuses. These outstanding educators devote each day to inspiring and equipping our students with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue futures beyond what they can imagine. Selected by their peers, the Campus Teachers of the Year represent the best in their field, and we commend them on their commitment to students and to the field of education.

HOUSTON - The National Black United Front will host a People’s Forum entitled, “We Can’t Breathe, We Fight Back,” (Police Brutality and Global White Supremacy/ Racism). The event will be held sunday December 21, 2014 at 5p.m. at shape Community Center at 3815 Live Oak in Houston. Congreswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee held her 20th Annual “Toys for Kids” drive on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The event has been held each year to ensure that underprivileged children of Houston have a reason to celebrate the holidays. This year over 3,000 children enjoyed the festivities of the Christmas season and received toys and many other gifts thanks to the generosity of those in our community.

Great News!

African-American News&Issues now offers E-Blast to over 20,000 business professionals and community subcribers for a very low price. Let us promote your next event! For more information contact (713) 692-1892 or visit www.aframnews.com

Texas Round- Up HOUSTON - After a surprise inspection that started Monday, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards found the Harris County Jail system to be in full compliance with state regulations for the sixth year in a row. A team of six commission inspectors examined all aspects of the jail before recertifying the facilities for another year. The inspections included inmate housing in downtown Houston, booking and releasing operations and holding cells in the adjacent Harris County Criminal Justice Center. They covered fire and life safety, recordkeeping, medical facilities, sanitation, hygiene, food service, chaplaincy programs, inmate telephone use and many other aspects. The annual inspections usually take place in the spring. The inspectors announced their approval at a meeting with Sheriff Adrian Garcia and about 40 commanders and jail staffers.

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HOUSTON - In our efforts to best inform the public and the news media of events that involve the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and/ or public safety, the HCSO’s Media Relations Office is proud to announce the addition of two new Public Information Officers (PIOs) to its team of professionals. They are Lt. Joe Ambriz and Sgt. Cedrick Collier.

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HOUSTON - The Bill Cosby performance scheduled for Jones Hall here in Houston next month has been canceled. The show was supposed to take place on January 24, but according to a statement from the Houston Symphony we just received, the show has been canceled by “mutual agreement with the intent to reschedule in a future season.” No new date has been announced.

JASPER - In another recent case involving a grand jury, White cops, and a Black civilian, a grand jury in the east Texas town of Jasper, about two hours from Houston, chose last month not to indict two police officers for the brutal beating of Jasper resident Keyarika Diggles. Diggles had been arrested and jailed in May 2013 over an unpaid $100 parking ticket (which, it turned out, she had been paying in installments.) SAN ANTONIO Dr. Cornel West will be the featured speaker at the 2015 Educational Enrichment Dinner on Friday, January 9, 2015. “An Evening with Dr. West” is sponsored by the San Antonio Ivy Education Fund, Inc., and the San Antonio Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission. West is the author of over 100 books including “Race Matters” and “The Rich and the Rest of Us”. The event will be held in the UIW Sky Room.

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WALLER COUNTY The Southwestern Athletic Conference has named Prairie View’s Jeanette Jackson as the women’s basketball player of the week for the second time this year for her exceptional performance in competition this past week and leading her team to their first two victories of the 2014-15 season.

WALLER COUNTY - The men of of Prairie View, led by retired Professor of Music at Prairie View, Dr. Lucious Wyatt, will for the sixth consecutive year sing Christmas carols at the doorsteps of the community’s seniors, widows, and widowers. The men will head out the evening of December 16, 2014. This years outings will be in memory of the late Keith Bowdre, who was an original caroler and the “baritone” behind the sound. Keith will be missed, but we all know we, “can’t stop, won’t stop praying,” says event organizer, Daryl Johnson.

What’s Happenin’ around Texas? Submit your news to news@aframnews.com HOUSTON - Harris County DA announced the Purchase Body Cameras For Law Enforcement. In attenedance was Harris County DA Devon Anderson, First Assistant DA Belinda Hill, Harris County Chief Investigator Richard Holland, Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, Houston Police Executive Assistant Chief Martha Montalvo, State Senator John Whitmire, State Senator Joan Huffman, NAACP Houston Chapter President Rev. Reginald Lillie, Reverend William A. Lawson, Bishop James Dixon, Pastor James Nash, and Pastor John Ogletree, Jr.

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Educati n/Y uth

Texas • December 15 - 21, 2014

"SMART'N UP" SUMMIT ADDRESS UNIQUE NEEDS OF BLACK MALES HOUSTON - They came from near and far to see what Activist Deric Muhammad and a host of guest speakers and panelists had to say about the current crisis regarding the Black male in America. With the recent deaths of Mike Brown, Eric Garner and 12-year old Tamir Rice fresh on Black America's mind, and protests happening daily nationwide, the number one question in Black America is "What do we tell our sons?" The summit, themed "Smart'n Up!" is an annual event that highlights the importance of education and addresses some of the "unique needs" of Black males. Many of those needs go unaddressed in schools, homes, churches and mainstream media. Muhammad partners with Lone Star College Victory Center to bring this much needed program to the community. This year's summit was the 5th annual of its kind.

(l-r) Radio host Jeff Boney, Congressman Al Green, Deric Muhammad, State Rep. Ron Reynolds, Minister Robert Muhammad and Pastor E.A. Deckard at the Black Male Summit

Activist Deric Muhammad role plays a police encounter with a teen-aged attendee during the “Police Encounters” workshop.”

The day started off with a speech by Muhammad who explained why “I Can’t Breathe” represents the Black male experience in America educationally, politically, financially, socially and spiritually. “The Black male is suffocating and gasping for air in every area of life,” said Muhammad. “Our job as a community is to erase the “T” in “I Can’t Breathe” so that it reads “I CAN BREATHE.” In order to do that, more opportunities must be created for Black men and boys. State Representative Sylvester Turner also shared words of inspiration. After the opening session, attendees were split into 4 groups to attend some “high powered” workshops; all taught by powerful Black men. Twenty-five year old St. Louis-based Activist A.J. McQueen taught about the importance of activism. Radio host Jeffrey L. Boney dealt with the power of controlling your own destiny through entrepreneurship. Pastor E.A. Deckard delivered a workshop on “The Value of Your Life” while Kenneth Morris of Universal Elite Aerospace gave a power point presentation about overcoming life’s obstacles and taking advantage of opportunities in the aviation industry. The young men were well-fed and inspired by each workshop. There was never a dull moment.

After a brief lunch break. The summit hosted a much-needed town hall discussion about how to handle "Police Encounters." This panel discussion was inspired by the deaths of Mike Brown and Eric Garner; also the non-indictments of the officers who caused them to lose their lives. Panelist included Atty. Sadiyah Evangelista, Atty. Dennis Spurling, Gang expert Reginald Gordon, Pastor Deckard, A.J. Mcqueen and gang prevention advocate Walter Kendricks from Little Rock, Arkansas. The panel gave the "do's and dont's" of police encounters and even did a little role playing. Muhammad portrayed the role of a "thug cop" who attempts to provoke a young Black male into a confrontation. "The probability of having a run-in with law enforcement is higher for a Black male than for any other race/gender in America. We must equip our boys with the intellect and strategic tools to be able to "outsmart" a rogue cop who brings his personal hatred for Black men to work with him every day." The discussion appeared to be right on time. A single mother stood up and was in tears because she did not know how to teach her son how to handle the police. She got what she needed at the summit.

"This was our best summit yet. We plan to take this message of empowerment for Black males to every school, church and community that will have us. It is everyone's responsibility to do something to help our young brothers reach their full God-given potential. We all have a role to play. I am just striving to play mine." If you are interested in hosting a Black Male Summit in your area send an email to dericmuhammad@ yahoo.com. (Photo/Caption to the Left pictures) Men and Boys pray together at the 2014 Black Male Summit

Written By: Project Forward Media TX-10


Health

Texas • December 15 - 21, 2014

Add Years, Gain Life, Lose Weight

Healthy Weight - it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle!

O

besity is on the rise— more than 72 million adults in this country weigh more than they should and it’s making us sick. Heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, breast and colon cancers, and many other diseases can be prevented or managed with the important decision to lose weight. The health statistics for African Americans point to the need for an individual and communal response to the problem of obesity. Fortyfive percent of African-American adults are obese and the numbers are equally alarming for AfricanAmerican children. The good news is that there is help for those who are struggling to maintain a healthy weight. When it comes to weight loss, there’s no lack of fad diets promising fast results. But such diets limit your nutritional intake, can be unhealthy, and tend to fail in the long run. The key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight isn’t about short-term dietary changes. It’s about a lifestyle that includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and balancing the number of calories you consume with the number of calories your body uses. Staying in control of your weight contributes to good health now and as you age. Tips for Parents – Ideas to Help Children Maintain a Healthy Weight You’ve probably read about it in newspapers and seen it on the news: in the United States, the number of obese children and teens has continued to rise over the past two

decades. You may wonder: Why are doctors and scientists troubled by this trend? And as parents or other concerned adults, you may also ask: What steps can we take to help prevent obesity in our children? This page provides answers to some of the questions you may have and provides you with resources to help you keep your family healthy. 1. Why is childhood obesity considered a health problem? 2. What can I do as a parent or guardian to help prevent childhood overweight? 3. Want to learn more? 4. Why is childhood obesity considered a health problem? Doctors and scientists are concerned about the rise of obesity in children and youth because obesity may lead to the following health problems: Heart disease, caused by: • high cholesterol and/or • high blood pressure • Type 2 diabetes • Asthma • Sleep apnea • Social discrimination Childhood obesity is associated with various health-related consequences. Obese children and adolescents may experience immediate health consequences and may be at risk for weight-related health problems in adulthood. Psychosocial Risks Some consequences of childhood and adolescent overweight are psychosocial. Obese children and adolescents are targets of early and systematic social discrimination. The psychological stress of social stigmatization can cause low self-esteem which, in turn, can hinder academic and social functioning, and persist into adulthood. Cardiovascular Disease Risks Obese children and teens have been found to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), including high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and abnormal glucose tolerance. In a populationbased sample of 5- to 17-year-olds,

almost 60% of overweight children had at least one CVD risk factor while 25 percent of overweight children had two or more CVD risk factors. Additional Health Risks Less common health conditions associated with increased weight include asthma, hepatic steatosis, sleep apnea and Type 2 diabetes. 1. Asthma is a disease of the lungs in which the airways become blocked or narrowed causing breathing difficulty. Studies have identified an association between childhood overweight and asthma. 2. Hepatic steatosis is the fatty degeneration of the liver caused by a high concentration of liver enzymes. Weight reduction causes liver enzymes to normalize. 3. Sleep apnea is a less common complication of overweight for children and adolescents. Sleep apnea is a sleep-associated breathing disorder defined as the cessation of breathing during sleep that lasts for at least 10 seconds. Sleep apnea is characterized by loud snoring and labored breathing. During sleep apnea, oxygen levels in the blood can fall dramatically. One study estimated that sleep apnea occurs in about 7% of overweight children. 4. Type 2 diabetes is increasingly being reported among children and adolescents who are overweight. While diabetes and glucose intolerance, a precursor of diabetes, are common health effects of adult obesity, only in recent years has Type 2 diabetes begun to emerge as a health-related problem among children and adolescents. Onset of diabetes in children and adolescents can result in advanced complications such as CVD and kidney failure.

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American News&Issues

In addition, studies have shown that obese children and teens are more likely to become obese as adults. What can I do as a parent or guardian to help prevent childhood overweight and obesity? To help your child maintain a healthy weight, balance the calories your child consumes from foods and beverages with the calories your child uses through physical activity and normal growth. Remember that the goal for overweight and obese children and teens is to reduce the rate of weight gain while allowing normal growth and development. Children and teens should NOT be placed on a weight reduction diet without the consultation of a health care provider. Balancing Calories: Help Kids Develop Healthy Eating Habits One part of balancing calories is to eat foods that provide adequate nutrition and an appropriate number of calories. You can help children learn to be aware of what they eat by developing healthy eating habits, looking for ways to make favorite dishes healthier, and reducing calorie-rich temptations. Encourage healthy eating habits There’s no great secret to healthy eating. To help your children and family develop healthy eating habits: • Provide plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain products. • Include low-fat or non-fat milk or dairy products. • Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, lentils, and beans for protein. • Serve reasonably-sized portions. • Encourage your family to drink lots of water. • Limit sugar-sweetened beverages. • Limit consumption of sugar and saturated fat. Remember that small changes every day can lead to a recipe for success! Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ~ www.cdc.gov

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Jamaican Jerk Chicken The spices and peppers in this dish will transport you to a whole new taste. Recipe Source: Heart Healthy Home Cooking African American Style

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: Yields 1 hour 20 minutes Serving Size: 10 servings breast or 2 small drumsticks Ingredients • 8 pieces skinless chicken (4 breasts, 4 drumsticks) • ½ tsp ground cinnamon • 1½ tsp ground allspice • 1½ tsp ground black pepper • 1 Tbsp chopped hot pepper • 1 tsp dried hot pepper • 2 tsp oregano • 2 tsp dried thyme • ½ tsp salt • 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 1 C onion, pureed or finely chopped • ¼ C vinegar • 3 Tbsp brown sugar Directions 1. 2. 3.

4.

Wash chicken and pat dry.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except chicken.

Rub seasonings over chicken, and marinate in the refrigerator for 6 hours or longer.

Preheat oven to 350 °F. Space chicken pieces evenly on a

nonstick or lightly greased baking 5.

pan.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove

foil and continue baking for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, or

until the meat can easily be pulled away from the bone with a fork.

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute healthyeating.nhlbi.nih.gov

TX-11


African

12

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Texas • December 15 - 21, 2014

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