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Vol. 19 Issue 50

Nothing Has Changed When It Comes to Policing Blacks! What Happened to Us is Still Happening to Us, Know Your History! ~Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

WHAT COMMUNITY ACTIVISTâ€™S WANT IN 2015

Quanell X

Deric Muhammad

Robert Muhammad Jolanda Jones

Kofi Taharka

2015 See page 4

African

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American News&Issues

The Problem with Typos Mountain Talk By Dewayne Charleston Managing Editor

et me start this editorial off by apologizing to the reader; I made a typo. This column should have run in last week’s edition. I typed in the wrong date for the printer. The Harris County District Attorney office admitted that it made a single typo announcing the “no-bill” of a Houston police officer in the shooting death of yet another unarmed Black male. Seems the date on the press release was wrong. This led many who are already distrustful of the grand jury process to believe that a decision ‘not to indict’ was made prior to the decision as indicated by the grand jury. Typos can have a major impact on any number of things. They can change history.

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What if there were a single typo on Richard Nixon’s letter of resignation. Maybe the typist, “accidentally” omitted the single word “don’t”. Wow, not only would the Watergate scandal have been totally exposed, but the world may have never seen his successor Gerald Ford miss a “single” step walking off Air force One, and suffer yet another ‘presidential’ fall from grace. And what if the New Testament writer really wasn’t inspired, but rather was just joking around and decided to add a single word “not” after the verse, “Jesus Wept”? It would read, “Jesus wept. Not!” That would’ve been a prank of epic theological dimensions. What if the songwriter made a typo on the Temptation’s hit single, “Papa was a Rolling Stone”? What

if Papa didn’t actually die on the 3rd of September, but rather the 4th? Does that mean Papa’s son should now question everything he ever heard about his father. Perhaps, the gossiper’s were wrong about him. Maybe he didn’t even wear a hat, much less have multiple homes. Maybe Papa wasn’t even his dad; there could have been a single typo on the DNA test. Yes, typos really do matter. Especially when dates of the month or year are involved. Ask any man who has missed his wedding anniversary by a single date, if a single date matters. Let a brother send a Valentine’s card on February15th, or a birthday card a day late, and watch the fallout. Let him forget the date of her menstrual cycle, while at the same time picking a fight with her. Don’t tell me a typo regarding a specific date doesn’t matter.

What if, on the night that Kayne and Kim were both drunk and decided to randomly select a name for their child, the pendulum they were trusting in, just stopped working. With Kayne surely cursing the malfunctioned Tiffany’s made pendulum, we might be gawking over a baby named Damned West. Dates really do matter. What if Christopher Columbus really didn’t discover America in 1492, but was just too afraid to admit that he was lost. Does that mean, it would no longer be a national holiday? Brothers be like, “OKAY, let him have it!” What if the coroner made a typo, by even one day, on the date that John F. Kennedy died? That would have meant another 50,000 books on that one mistake alone, and a million more theories on who could have killed the president. I can just hear Walter Cronkite now, “the

“A good man is more than just a man with a job...” Parental Advisory: (For mature audiences only)

My house was full of people this holiday season; included were a lot of men of various backgrounds and occupations. It would have been a great place to find a husband had not the majority of us been married. Yes, we all have jobs, but there’s more to being a “good” man than being employed. Let me explain… Down through the years I have written about and heard of what the majority of women hope to find in a “good” man. On top of the list is having that 9 to 5. I could end this Spiveytorial right here on that note for many women because they believe that “good” men should have plenty of money or the capacity to go and get it. Many men do. That alone does not qualify us fellers as “good” men. This is where we tend to disagree with our female counterparts. How many of you women know good men with jobs who cheat? How many of you know good men with jobs who cheat WITH you? AND, how many of you HAVE men with good jobs who cheat ON you? That just about covers the entire spectrum of men with jobs. Therefore, I think we can rule out the all “real/good

men” have jobs equation when it comes to what exemplifies the qualities of a “good” man. Personally, I feel that there are many variables involved to suggest how us fellers are “worthy” of the title of being good. Here are a few: 1. A “good” man does not care who attempts to label him a certain way if he has his OWN priorities straight. He knows what he needs to do in order to take care of his family. That may or may not include ways that people tend to agree with at times, but what’s at stake here is survival of the fittest. A “good” man will take care of his family even if it means using “unconventional” ways to do so. Some women will understand this, other won’t. 2. A “good” man can raise his kids, yo kids, and some other man’s kids realizing that it’s not the children’s fault that grown-ass people can’t find a way to coexist in a cohabited box called a home. He raises everybody in the house with the same love even when it calls for dealing with different attitudes and/ or emotions from the kids AND their sensitive mom(s).

3. A “good” man knows that he doesn’t have to be the most educated person in the house; he just has to have the most sense. He appreciates a smart woman and doesn’t get caught up in who brings in the most “bacon” as long as they share the same pig. He also knows that two people working together can have anything they desire. 4. A “good” man knows when to stay quiet and is not afraid to tell his woman to shut up. “Real” women want “take charge” men who exude confidence, tenacity, and “whup-thatassness” if you mess with his wife, kids, or his money. In that order. He also understands that his woman is not his sex toy and that her body belongs to her, therefore, he has to teach himself to be patient, loving, and kind by not yielding to outside temptations with as much resilience as he can. 5. On that note, a “good” man knows his weaknesses, his strengths, and his God. He also knows how to forgive himself and apologize for his errors, but most of all he knows how to pray. In closing, ladies, a good man is more than just a man with a job. I gave you five reasons why.

Texas 5 -11, 2015 Texas•• January August 12-18, 2013

President was alive and we have reports that he was seen walking around in the Parkland Hospital break room...and while we cannot conﬁrm those sightings, we ‘do know’ that he was spotted having coffee with Amelia Earhart, Jimmy Hoffa, and an infant rapper named Tupac Shakur, on November the 23rd.” Yeah, people see and believe what they want to see and believe, based on what is presented to them. If mistakes are made on a press release, especially in a high profile case by a District Attorney in front of a grand jury. Is it not fair to assume that typos may have also been ‘conveniently’ presented to members of the grand jury? I guess we’ll never know. Not unless a typo is made on the cover of the grand jury transcripts which omits the word ‘not’, and says instead, “For Release to the Public”.

Before I Lay it Down... By “Coach” Mark Spivey

My good friends, Terry, Maxine, Cindy and Dawn told me to tell you to “Free yo minds and the rest will follow”. God bless, good night, and Business Card fortogether. Paper 14_Layout 1 12/11/14 keep yo families

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Raising Our Daughters and Loving Our Son’s: How Female Headed Households Contribute to the Manufacturing of Sorry Black Men Race, Manhood & Culture By Dr. James Thomas Jones III

Ph.D., M.A., M.A., M.A.

arely does a day pass by that some inquisitive individual does not ask the following question in an indirect half-hesitant manner, “What is wrong with Black men?” The question is so common that it no longer angers me; in fact, it amuses me and causes a slight smile. Seeing my reaction, the inquisitor usually backpedals, an obvious sign that they believe that their question offended me, and follow it up with a declaration of either, “I do know a good Black man at my job” or “do not these atrocities being committed by the police not make your blood boil?” Regarding the actual question of “how does it feel to be a problem” I answer nary a word. My non-response is not due to a belief that an answer would be impolite or inappropriate, rather, out of the realization that the issue they are asking me to provide a solution for is much too dynamic to be answered off the cuff. I always muse, if people only understood that the AfricanAmerican male issue has been here for over four-centuries, in fact, it predates this nation, they would pause before posing such an issue. Put simply, African-American men were this nation’s original problem, meaning are they citizens, slaves, workers, marriageable, human, or some sub-species of humanity. Consequently, the answer to why African-American men have lagged behind all others in nearly

every socioeconomic and health indicator from this nation’s founding to this very moment is not easily answered; in fact, both the catalyst to their suffering and the solution to their suffering has transformed since their arrival in the Jamestown colony in 1619. Although it seems strange to pen these words, those who seek to provide a root cause for Black male suffering in America now long for the days of chattel slavery where each and every malady affecting Blacks could be placed at the feet of that demonic institution. However, the institution of chattel slavery receded from this nation 150 years ago and the Black male problem is still in existence. So the question facing us is a simple one, is the contemporary catalyst to African-American males dastardly plight associated with slavery; or have new challenges reared and subdued Black males since the demise of chattel slavery? Many correctly trace the catalyst to Black Males suffering to the disintegration of the Black family. Data tells us that in the late 19th Century the city of Brother Love, Philadelphia, had a thriving Black community that where at least 75% of the homes were two-parent households; in 1925 nearly 80% of New York City’s Black households were similarly structured. Data highlights that the prevalence of female headed-households is a relatively recent phenomena. Prior to the vaunted 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision only 18% of Black households were headed by a single-parent. Many are shocked to discover that African-Americans married at a rate that exceeded their White counterparts for the one-hundred years following chattel slavery; a serious blow to those who seek

American News&Issues

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

Your Family are Just Humans

oliday season typically is the time when family, friends and loved ones come together to share in on the joys that the season brings. Many chose to fellowship in various ways by eating, drinking, going to church together, exchanging gifts and just enjoying the presence and company of one another. Therefore, as we have embarked upon a new year and closed out an old one, there is one thing in particular that has been sitting at the core of my mind. Oftentimes, we expect a magnitude of things out of our family and do not realize that they are simply human. It is just as plain and common as that. Family members with the exception of those that are married into the family are those individuals that have the same blood flowing through their veins as you. Though there are many other ways that a family may be comprised of according to one’s personal definition of the word, I am making reference to the generic definition of the term. So at the end of the day don’t get dismayed or discouraged when those nearest and closest to you let you down, because they are just humans and have about as much strength, energy and capability as you.

Too many times, have I saw episodes of families being completely destroyed because one member did not or could not live up to the others expectations. Things such as these just really shouldn’t be.Treat your family members as individuals, because that is what they are. Individuals who will and can make mistakes just as you. We MUST Understand, that we are not perfect and neither will those who are in our family be. Thus, we should aim to treat everyone accordingly. There should not be a double standard when it comes to acceptance with family. If we make mistakes then we would want others to understand that we have messed up. Likewise, should we give the same respect to our family. In this new year of 2015, I just believe that we need to remember that those we love are finite creatures just as ourselves. Addressing the faithful and loyal readers of African-American News & Issues, the sooner that you can accept that your family members are just human, it will make your life that much better. Requiring and demanding expectations from those kin to us often result in hurt, betrayal and being destroyed. An Indian teacher named Chanakya once stated that, “He

to explain away the unprecedented destruction of the Black family as a remnant of chattel slavery. According to noted scholar Walter Williams, in 1940 the birth of Black children to unwed mothers was approximately 14%. When compared with contemporary rates, such data reminds me of a Biggie Smalls lyric, “Damn, things done changed.” Today, the rate of children born to unwed mothers sits at an average of 75% (it is as high as 90% in many central city areas), nearly half

of marriage-age African-Americans will never marry, and 70% of Black households are female-headed. Closely associated with these matters is the reality that Black female-headed households experience poverty at a rate of 47% versus the 8% rate found among married Black households. A study conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development found that 25.8% of American children are raised by a single parent, a number high above the 14.9% average seen

- Roy Douglas Malonson

We MUST Understand By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

who is overly attached to his family members experiences fear and sorrow, for the root of all grief is attachment. Thus one should discard attachment to be happy.” I could not agree with him more in this aspect. Because as it is, some people find it hard to get past the hurt of someone close to them letting them down. Once this happens it causes a reaction to where many walk around confused, frustrated and ultimately consumed with lack of trust and confidence with an unwillingness to allow others to come into their lives. In closing I would just like to reference the words of South African social rights activist and retired Anglican bishop, Desmond Tutu who made a statement that I believe is good food for thought. In that statement he said, “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” This I agree with and we should not mistreat or abuse them, because you never know when they might need you or you might need them. And believe me there will come a day that it shall be so. throughout the industrialized world. Among African-Americans the rate is nearly five times the global average, with 72% of Black children relying on a single parent, usually the mother. It appears that when integration occurred, African-American women and men slowly abandoned traditional principles of familial solidarity in favor of a European system that evaluated their mates worth according to their financial status. To continue reading article visit www.aframnews.com TX-3

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2015 from pg. 1

HOUSTON - As the year 2015 has arrived, five of Houston’s more well known African-American community organizers and activists shared with African-American News&Issues, their thoughts on the most pressing issues affecting African-Americans. We spoke with community activist, native Houstonian and lawyer, Jolanda Jones; Minister Robert Muhammad, who leads Muhammad Mosque No. 45 in Houston and has been a community activist in Houston for over 30 years; Minister Quanell X who leads the New Black Panther Party in Houston, and has been a popular television commentator; Minister Deric Muhammad founding director of the Houston-based Black male initiative, Project Foward; and Brother Kofi Taharka, National Chairperson of the (Houston Chapter) National Black United Front. We asked various questions of each, and here’s what they had to say: AframNews.com: Do you foresee the City of Houston electing a Black mayor in 2015? Jolanda Jones: If Black people vote in 2015, a Black person can be elected. We showed the power of our collective vote with President Obama (in 2008 and 2012). We can can also do it at the local level. Yes. Minister Robert Muhammad: There is a possibility of electing a Black mayor, but the current division in Black political life in Houston will result in the election of a White mayor. Quanell X: The question is, can we elect a Black mayor? Lee Brown was a certified negro mayor. Houston has never had a Black mayor such as Chicago’s Harold Washington or Washington D.C.’s Marion Barry, even in spite of what some may think of him. Yes, the question is, can we elect a Black mayor? Minister Deric Muahmmad: Of course there is a difference between a “Black mayor” and a “negro mayor”. We hope to elect a Black mayor. It is possible, if we exercise the principle of unity. However, if the Black vote is divided, we may miss that opportunity. Kofi Taharka: TX- 4

Any politician needs to change the way we deal with politics and get on a grass roots level. So just having a ‘Black face’ in a ‘hot place’ does not necessarily represent our issues. I can’t answer that. But I (do) want to know where someone stands. AframNews.com: Do infrastructure developments in Houston adequately serve the Black community? Jolanda Jones: No, and infrastructure in Black neighborhoods isn’t on par with other more affluent neighborhoods. Take for example the Kirby corridor versus the Cullen corridor. Kirby got over $10 million dollars more for their project did than Cullen. The infrastructure below Kirby was repaired to stop flooding; sidewalks were made wider for walking; bus stops were placed there with covers; trash cans were put there so trash would have a place to go; bike racks were put in place for alternative transportation; big healthy trees were planted for shade and beauty; street signs were made pretty. Along Cullen, no sidewalks were added until recently and they are narrow. Bus stops don’t have covers and there are no trash cans so that pedestrians have a place to put trash. The infrastructure under the street was not repaired to stop flooding. The pathetic trees they planted there look like scare crows. Furthermore, the trees are dangerous because they impede driver’s ability to see oncoming traffic. With the passage of the drainage fee, we were promised that our our streets would be fixed, and a stop to flooding. Instead, all most Black neighborhoods have seen are a few narrow sidewalks; whereas other neighborhoods have had their streets repaired, flooding has stopped, and they’ve got nice wide sidewalks with bike racks, trash cans, and trees. ...(Yeah) They pee on us and then tell us it’s rain. Minister Robert Muhammad: The world is run by those who show up. If we don’t show up at the Houston I.S.D, Metro, Public Works Committee meetings, and other planning meetings, how can we expect to plan it? Listen, if you are not in the kitchen preparing the meal, you might just find yourself on the menu.

C ver St ry

Quanell X: Infrastructure in the 3rd and 4th Wards are most often hi-rises and town-homes designed not to enrich the people, but rather for “urban renewal” which is code-named “negro removal” meant to move Black people out. Minister Deric Muhammad: Black neighborhoods are not on par with others. (But) we must not sit around and wait for the government to make our neighborhoods decent places to live. Because the city and county do not value Black life, they do not value Black quality of life. We must unite, demand what resources are rightfully ours and take control of what goes up, as well as what comes down on our side. Kofi Taharka: When change finally comes and the new sidewalks are built, we often find different people are walking on them. Take, for example, Emancipation Park, Black people worked on that place for years at the grass roots level. Then when change comes, you start seeing White people moving in. We are no longer the primary beneficiaries of that change. AframNews.com: What are you thoughts on Community Policing? Jolanda Jones: Community policing. What community policing? It doesn’t exist. Minister Robert Muhammad: There is no substitute for justice. But first and foremost the (Black) community needs to examine its own uncivilized behaviors and make our neighborhoods decent places to live, so that we don’t need policemen patrolling us. The police (also) need to clean up their ranks and get rid of dirty cops, and end forever the “blue wall” of silence. Quanell X: For decades we have asked for civilian review boards. Police unions will not allow civilian review boards to exists; at least none with any subpoena power. Minister Deric Muhammad: (Community policing) is not as organized as it should be. Groups like INCERT (Inner City Emergency Response Team), NBUF and others are doing great things to make the community safer. Many civic clubs have community watch programs.

There are even so-called gangs who look after the elderly and make sure aspects of the neighborhood are safe. I think the greatest of all community policing efforts come in the form of neighbors watching one another’s backs under everyday circumstances. Community policing takes place every day. It must, however, be more organized and less politicized. Kofi Taharka: We were at a rally at HPD 20 years ago, and we are still here doing the same thing. We need to have our own good communities; we need affordable housing, quality education, and economic opportunities so that we can cut the number of police, and the number of prisons intended for “us”. AframNews.com: Do you feel Grand Jury reform is necessary in Texas? Jolanda Jones: Yes, grand jury reform is necessary. It should not be cronyism as it is now. Judges should not be allowed to pick their friends. Grand juries should be as diverse as all of Harris County. Prosecutors should not be the only lawyers who can speak with the grand jury. Defense lawyers should (also) have a right to present before the grand jury.Minister Robert Muhammad: Yes, it absolutely needs to be reformed. But again, there is no substitution for justice. Quanell X: Yes, and not only that, but I also believe that police officers should not be allowed to serve on grand juries where they hear cases involving other police officers. They become (additional) advocates on the grand jury. That’s like putting a father on a grand jury to hear a case against his own son. Minister Deric Muhammad: Grand jury reform is mandatory, if there is to ever be justice and equity in Houston/Harris County. Where there is no justice, there can never be peace. The current system must be completely dismantled and balanced by a Civilian Review Board with real subpoena and prosecutorial powers. AframNews.com: Who most inspired your community activism and how would you like to be remembered by both supporters and detractors of your service?

Texas - 11, 2015 Texas••January August 5 12-18, 2013 Jolanda Jones: That’s easy. No doubt about it, my mother! She’d literally dragged me to Shape Center every weekend to do service for others. So because of her, I have been an activist all my life. I’m literally a “Shape Baby”! My mother, her mother, and now even my son is an activist. I’d want both my supporters and others to say of me: “She fought for equality for everyone, and most (especially) that she was a great mom!” Minister Robert Muhammad: The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. I have been inspired by his love, courage, and his vision; and by his undying love for God, The Honorable Elijah Muhammad, and Black people. I’d want both my supporters and others to say of me: “He had consistency in ‘all’ things.” Quanell X: The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. He is everything I thought a Black man should be. I saw nurturing, guidance, a developer, a corrector and discipliner - he has been that for me and many others. I’d want both my supporters and others to say of me: “When nobody else would stand to protect Black people, Brother Quanell would!” Minister Deric Muhammad: I have been inspired by many people; some living, some gone. However, the single individual who has most inspired me is Minister Louis Farrakhan. I’d want both my supporters and others to say of me: In truth, I never concern myself with legacy. That never crosses my mind. At this stage in my life, I could care less what people think of me when I am gone. If I submit my will to do God’s will, then He will take care of that for me. Kofi Taharka: Many, many, many people inspired me. But if I had to pick just one, I’d say Malcolm X. I have studied, listened to and admired his ability to not only articulate the issues, but to put forth real solutions to solve them. I’d want both my supporters and others to say of me: “He was all about servanthood. He sought real structural change in this criminal justice system.” Story By: DeWayne Charleston Managing Editor

Texas • January 5 -11, 2015

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HOUSTON –As an Outreach Minister for youth, elderly, women with children, and the indigent in Sunnyside, I find it amazing that so many people’s basic needs are not being met, and leading the way is the elderly population. Many are suffering from malnutrition, simply because they lack access to food, finances, transportation and communication. Communication is important because they can receive information on agencies that are able to help them get resources. Finances are important because they would be able to purchase what they need. Per Huffingtonpost, as of 2009, there were almost one million seniors in the U.S. who went hungry because they could not afford to buy food. Transportation will enable seniors to get to the location where the resources are located. However, again they lack finances, mobility, and a support system to help them. Food would be beneficial in helping to meet their nutritional and health needs, except there are those who are disabled and cannot get out, and those who can get out, most times have to depend on government assistance and others. In my opinion if more is not done sooner, in this vast city and wealthiest nation, I see this group of elderly leading the way among those who are hungry. With that being said, as the organizer of the End Hunger Sunnyside Collaboration (EHSC), a partner-

ship that was formed in cooperation with about 125 organizations, agencies, churches and individuals. The EHSC focus is to provide (1) a link to social and benefit services, (2) food distribution and referrals (Mobile distribution feeds about 300-500 people), (3) assist elderly citizens with Sunnyside Commodity Food Supplement Program (CFSP) (which feeds about 500 to 700 on a monthly basis), (4) provide nutritional education, (5) provide outreach services including healthy choices of fresh fruit and vegetable through services and collaboration with the Houston Food Bank. Each organization can schedule their own dates and time for the food distribution weekly, monthly or yearly. The Houston Food Bank has stepped in like a big brother forming a partnership to assist EHSC, in promoting nutritional programs, food and benefits for the much needed area. Sunnyside is known as a food desert, meaning the citizens lack fresh fruit and nutritional foods that would help in preventing sickness and disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. Did you know that the Houston Food Bank (HFB) is the largest Food Bank in the United States of America in distribution through a network of nearly 600 hunger relief charities in 18 southeast Texas counties? When asked, Leona Baker, Senior Manager of Social Service Outreach at the Houston Food Bank stated these

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facts: Our Mission: Leading the fight against hunger Our Vision: Food access for all We were named top charity in Texas by Charity Navigator for financial performance and accountability, the Food Bank feeds 137,000.00 people weekly. Our current goal is to provide 100 million nutritious meals annually by 2018. HFB Social Service Outreach Program (SSOP) assists clients with applying for state public benefit programs such as SNAP-food stamps, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF and others. Daily, Community Outreach workers travel to Social Service agencies throughout 12 counties (Austin, Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, Brazoria, Chambers, Liberty Montgomery, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker, and Waller). As Senior Manager of SSOP, I am responsible for oversight and direction of SSOP, project Manager for Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)/Texas Food Bank Network (TFBN) sub contract in Region #6. Also, ensure SSOP, HFB, TFBN and HHSC policies and procedures are followed at all times. Content areas include; Budget, Compliance, Community Partnerships, Call Center, Social Service Outreach and Community Events. To continue reading visit www.aframnews.com Story and Photos By: Sandra Massie Hines

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Leonard James, III HOUSTON - The Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce announced it has begun searching for a new president and CEO to fill the vacancy left by Leonard James III. A job description is posted on the organization’s site. Carol Guess, chair of the GHBC’s executive search committee, will oversee the search. Interested candidates can find out how to apply on the organization’s website. Leonard James III, the former president and CEO, was named to the post earlier this year. James was a former Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) executive and came to the chamber from the J3 Advisory Group, a Houston-based communications and relationship-consulting firm that he founded. His positions with Exxon included corporate policy adviser and U.S. business development and multicultural marketing manager. The closing date for

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. BURNETT’S PACKAGE 979-921-9908 Houston, TX 77021 Gary Smith Houston,festival TX 77091 and ed, such as the magnet Ladies Bible Class E XPRESS Minister technology fair. The proposed cuts WEDNESDAY PHOTOGRAPHY SALES CONSULTANT NEEDED! were approved CHEMICAL by district trust7:30 p.m. Bible Class for all TO SCHEDULE AN ees at the January 25 school board CREATIVE COLOURS BY RJ meeting before a packed house of INTERVIEW CALL Website Funeral Home, Inc. 713-734-1442 www.fthwardcoc.org incensed parents and student. But 713-633-1492 713-631 - 5547 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 Support those whomMEMORIAL support you! Read us online www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-Owned Worldwide Digital inaccurate demographics for AISD. DUNCAN The correct numbers are 68.2 perCHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST News Source HOU-627 percent Africancent Hispanic, Sr. Pastor Elder Greg Edwards American, 2.2 percent White. 9:30 a.m.

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applications is 4 p.m. Central Standard Time, Jan. 30. The Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1935. Since then it has worked to advocate for AfricanAmerican business owners and professionals for nearly 80 years. It is the second oldest Black chamber commerce in the nation. The original name, Houston Negro Chamber of Commerce was changed in 1965 to the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce, and continued to rebrand in 2013 to the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce. Since its formation the chamber has provided platforms for national leaders and partnered with government programs. Women have been actively involved in the HNCC since its orgination and held offices as early as 1957. In 2014, GHBC appointed Vernita B. Harris as its first female Chairman of the Board of Directors. Today the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce continues to represent the interests of and promote greater unity among AfricanAmerican business community. GHBC is located at 3040 Post Oak Blvd. Suite 1600, 77056. Contact numbers are as follows: (832) 540-7149 and (713) 522-9745.

Texas • January 5 - 11, 2015

January

Jan 5 - Jan 7

Monday - Wednesday “When God Brings You Full Circle” Impact Kingdom Center 6811 Bellfort St. Houston, Texas 77087 Beginning @ 7:30pm For more info contact: (713) 644-5161

7 Wednesday Galilee Baptist Church Bible Study 6616 D.S. Bailey Ln Houston, TX 77091 For more info contact: (713) 697-1758

Thursday

Friday Universal Elite Aerospace U.S. Navy & Marine Corps Helicopter “Fly In” 9000 Randolph St Houston, TX 77061 Beginning at 12pm For more info contact:

(832) 455-0063

Sunday Universal Elite Aerospace U.S. Navy & Marine Corps Helicopter “Fly In” 9000 Randolph St Houston, TX 77061 Beginning at 12pm For more info contact: (832) 455-0063

Monday Memorial Park Tomorrow Moody Park Community Center 3725 Fulton St Houston, TX 77009 From 6:30pm -8:30pm For more info contact: (713) 224-9115 www.memorialparktomorrow.org

Guest Speaker Steve Stephens AMEGY Bank President and CEO

Acres Home Chamber for Business & Economic Development, Inc. Networking Luncheon 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 11am -12:30pm For more info contact: Anthony Stewart (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org

Thursday KCOH RADIO Houston Justice January Mtg 5011 Almeda Rd. Houston, TX 77004 From 6:30pm - 8:30pm For more info contact: (713) 522 - 1001

This should be your Event!

Tuesday Consciousness Raising Speaker: Monica Villarreal 2521 Holman St Houston, TX 77004 From 6:30pm - 8:00pm For more info contact: (713) 526-7662

Saturday Gladys Knight in Concert Arena Theatre Houston 7326 Southwest Fwy. Houston, TX 77074 Beginning at 8pm For more info contact:

(713) 772-5900 www.arenahouston.com

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

African American News&Issues What’s Happenin’ Sunday 24 Saturday National Association Projet Row Houses SUBSCRIBE 18 Saturday of Blacks in Criminal Justice Knight + Knight: www.aframnews.com 14 Cedric the (NABCJ) Latencies

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

17 Saturday Universal Elite

Aerospace MLK Weekend Aviation Trip 8325 Travel Air Houston, TX 77061 Beginning at 12pm For more info contact: (832) 455-0063 www.universalelite.org

Saturday Shrine of the Black Madonna After Protest: Economic and Political Strategies with Dr Claud Anderson 5309 MLK Blvd Houston, TX 77021 Beginning 6pm For more info contact: (832) 408-1071

17 Saturday Bayou Music Ctr

Chris Tucker in Concert 520 Texas St Houston, TX 77002 From 7pm - 9:30pm For more info contact: (713) 230 - 1600

www.livenation.com

Saturday NRG Monster Jam 1 Reliant Pkwy Houston, TX 77054 From 7pm - 11pm For more info contact: www.monsterjam.com

Justice Sunday Program Progressive New Hope BC 3106 Paige St. Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 10am For more info contact: 713-523-6115

Sunday Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra MLK Musical Concert 4036 Lyons Ave Houston, TX 77020 Beginning at 4pm For more info contact: 713-523-9710

Sunday Brian McKnight Concert Arena Theatre Houston 7326 Southwest Fwy. Houston, TX 77074 Beginning at 8pm For more info contact: (713) 772-5900

Jan 23 - Jan 25 Friday - Sunday NRG Harlem Globetrotters Performing Live 1 Reliant Parkway Houston,TX 77054 Fri. & Sat. 7pm - 9pm Sat. & Sun. 2pm - 4pm For more info contact: (800) 745-3000

Jan 24 - Jan 25 Saturday - Sunday Houston Exotic Reptile & Pet Show Lone Star Convention Ctr 9055 Airport Rd Conroe,TX 77303 Beginning at 10am For more info contact:

www.herpshow.net

Saturday 175th Church Anniversary Celebration First Baptist Church 822 Tremont St. Galveston, TX 77550 From 11:30am For more info contact: (409) 763- 1840

2310 Elgin St Houston, TX 77004 From 7pm - 9pm For more info contact: (713) 526-7662

Sunday Gtr Zion MBC God’s Grace Community Church Pastor & Wife Appreciation 1620 Dollywright St Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 3pm For more info visit: (713) 290-8030

Sunday An Evening with Urgency and Trinity 5050 Griggs Rd. Houston, TX 77021 From 6:15pm For more info visit:

www.destine2shinerecords.com

Jan 29 - Feb 22 Thursday - Monday The Ensemble Theater presents Stageplay, Fly 3535 Main St. Houston, TX 77002 Call for Showtimes For more info contact: (713) 520-0055

boxofﬁce@ensemblehouston.com

February Feb 7 - 8

Saturday - Sunday Zeta Phi Beta Sorrority, Inc hosts Mardi Gras Scholarship Fundraiser Hilton Houston SW 6780 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77074 Beginning at 8pm For more info contact: www.zphibogz.org

Email Your Upcoming Events to: news@aframnews.com

4 weeks in advance!

Entertainer and Friends Arena Theatre Houston 7326 Southwest Fwy. Houston, TX 77074 Beginning at 7:30pm For more info contact:

(713) 772-5900 www.arenahouston.com

Friday University of Houston Student Program Board hosts UH Voice Univ. of Houston Theater 4800 Calhoun Rd. Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 6pm (713) 743-2255 For more info contact: www.spbconc@central.uh.edu

Support those whom support you!

Saturday HCC Black History Scholarship Gala” 5701 Main St Houston, TX 77005 Beginning at 6pm For more info contact: (713) 718 - 6226

www.hccs.edu/blackhistory

28 Saturday Lady Media Cole

Avery & Andre M. James An Evening of Soul 6719 W. Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77091 Beginning at 7pm For more info contact: (713) 290-8030

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 HOU-7

African

American News&Issues

Religion

Texas • January 5 - 11, 2015

Gethsemane MBC Youth and Young Adult hosts “Ugly Sweater Day”

l-r LyShawn Hawkins, TaMeca Jones, Monique Davis, Sri-Lanka “Nikki” Stewart, Ashley Ethridge and Freda Breedlove

HOUSTON - Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in

them. - Ecclesiastes 12:1 Recently the Micah Ministries and Joshua Generation (young adults ministry of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist

Church) under the leadership of Pastor Dennis C. Jones held their “Ugly Sweater” day. The depiction is a few of the members from these ministries dressed in the attire of the day. The young adults of Gethsemane MBC are divided up into two divisions. Ages 18-25 consists of the Micah Ministry and ages 26-40 are the Joshua Generation. Collectively, both groups lead worship every fourth Sunday of the month. The church is located at 8775 Flagship Dr., 77029. For more information about upcoming events and/ or service times, contact the church at (713) 674-4435. Photo Credit and Article by Monique Davis

An Open Letter to American Pastoral Leaders

astoral leadership in American society prior to the Civil War never really took a conscious stand for godly morality, only for geographical regionalism; unfortunately the same political mentality exists in the twenty-first century. Even today, some politicians vehemently declare that systemicracism is a phenomenon of the past. America’s military fights for human rights on foreign soil and at the same time on American soil our social system violates the civil rights of minorities via the institutions of voting and police accountability. Of course, it is true that there are no racist laws in existence today. But, all of us know that no society can effectively legislate and enforce the morality of one’s conscience and moral codes of conduct. Morality must be taught and exemplified within family structures and reinforced in religious and educational institutions.

For this reason alone, systemic racism has become a “behind the closed doors” structural activity rather than blatant and overt institutionalized exclusion. Negative racist constructs have always been instituted by a few ungodly men and given to the masses in order to make its tenets effective. Behind-thescene racism exists primarily because of the ungodly nature of the White-male power structure. Recent violent events in American society reveal that there is a need for morally based, godly spirituality in our culture and institutional social structure. American society is coming unglued. The need for social cohesion in American society is obvious even to casual observers. For example, armed men should not murder unarmed individuals due to race-based assumptions, because God hates racism. Children should not be murdered in public schools, movie

theaters and other public venues. Constructing legal scenarios (e.g., Stand Your Ground laws) in order to justify murder in the name of law and order is unacceptable. Women should not be raped on college campuses. Legalizing sin, calling it a democratic tenet of equality is equally unacceptable. The Christian church is America’s only hope for American society salvation, because America was established as one nation under God with liberty and justice for all. American politics has become confusion on top of more confusion because of political polarization. The task that confronts American culture is simply this: how do we learn to live from a godly understanding of the Bible, rather than individualized understanding? Power is a shared resource.

CHRIS NASHAWATY

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To continue reading visit www.aframnews.com by Bobby E. Mills, PhD

TX-8

African American News And Issues (Houston)

David Oyelowo as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Texas Round- Up

Texas • January 5 - 11, 2015

AUSTIN - The latest report on how well states are funding tobacco prevention and cessation efforts has Texas in the back of the pack, ranked 40th in the nation. According to the Campaign for TobaccoFree Kids, Texas will take in close to $2 billion in tobacco revenue this year, while spending just $11 million to prevent children from starting and to help smokers quit. The group’s spokesman, John Schachter, says that’s only 4 percent of what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends.

AUSTIN – The office of the Travis County Voter Registrar will cancel 35,796 voter records from the active voter roll in the county in accordance with state and federal laws. The records include those who have not voted in two consecutive general elections and the U.S. Postal Service has returned their mailed voter certificates or other correspondence as undeliverable.The cancellation of voter records takes place every two years. The names of voters removed in 2014 are available online. If a voter record is canceled, it doesn’t mean a person can’t vote. A voter registration application completed and submitted by the next deadline ensures voting eligibility. The next regularly scheduled election conducted will be May 9. The deadline to register is April 9. Voters may download a voter registration application and check status online at www.traviscountytax.org. For telephone assistance, call (512) 854 9473. Office hours are 7:30am - 5:30 pm, Mon. - Fri.

BEAUMONT - The Texas Education Agency has identified more than a dozen Southeast Texas schools that are falling behind when it comes to state academic standards, including seven in Beaumont ISD. The TEA released a report earlier this month documenting schools that failed to score higher than 50 percent on the 2014 State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Test or were given an “improvement required” rating. In addition to the seven BISD campuses, schools in several other area districts made the state’s list. CORPUS CHRISTI - City officials could bring on a private company to help manage a wave of bond and capital improvement projects coming down the pipeline. That move is catalyzed by an unprecedented, high volume of work being handled by Public Works’ engineering department, City Manager Ron Olson told the council earlier this month. Included are ongoing projects from the 2012 bond package, as well as the impending 2015 capital improvement program and two bond propositions approved by voters in November. In the midst of a Coastal Bend building boom, the simultaneous execution of those projects arrive at a time when market supplyand-demand has created competition and increased prices for building supplies, engineers and construction workers. It’s expected the City Council will vote in January on a $512,577 contract for professional services by R.H. Shackelford Inc. to help manage capital program projects. City officials previously contracted the company for $30,000 to perform an assessment of the department’s programs.

DAYTON – Entergy Texas, Inc. has completed two service reliability projects here and yet another is beginning.The boundaries within which the work will take place are roughly Highway 90 to the south, West Woodland Hills Drive to the north, Highway 321 to the west and Dayton’s Main Street to the east.

GALVESTON - As the United States prepares to observe the Sesquicentennial of the Emancipation Proclamation pertaining to U.S. slaves (1865-2015), the City of Galveston is inviting visitors to tour the city and learn its history. Galveston was the ﬁrst city in Texas to provide a secondary school and public library for African-Americans. Events such as Juneteenth and pioneers such as: politician Norris Wright Cuney, world heavyweight boxing champion, Jack Johnson and entertainer Barry White all had ties to the Galveston community and are highlighted in the tours. To schedule a tour, call (409) 744-1491. HOUSTON - The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department will embark on its 24th year of the Holiday Tree Recycling Program by providing 18 recycling drop-off sites for Holiday Trees throughout Houston. All drop-off sites will be closed on New Year’s Day. Visit the link for site location: http://www.houstontx. gov/solidwaste/christmastree_recycling.html. Tinsel, lights, ornaments, plastic tree stands and plastic water bowls should be removed from the trees. The recycled trees will be converted into mulch, which will in turn help save landﬁll space, tax payer money and also help preserve the environ-

ment. Trees with artificial snow (flocked) will not be accepted for recycling; they will be picked up on “Junk Waste” day in February. Commercial vendor trees will not be accepted. Living Earth Technology, has partnered with the COH to mulch the Holiday Trees. The mulch is packaged in blue bags and sold in local stores, such as Lowes. Ten cents from every bag sold and fifty cents from every ton sold at Living Earth facilities is returned to the City to expand recycling programs. For more information visit www. houstonsolidwaste.org

ORANGE - Three men were charged with burglary in a Dec. 12 drug-related home invasion in Orange where a Houston man died and a local man was critically injured. Taurean J. Bass, 32, of Beaumont was arrested Monday night, Leonardo M. Elizalde , 36, of Houston was arrested last week and a third man has not been arrested because he is serious condition at a Houston hospital with gunshot wounds, Capt. Cliff Hargrave with the Orange police told the local radio station. More charges will be ﬁled against the three, Hargrave said. Police are looking for Desrick V. Warren, 40, in connection with the home invasion.A fourth men involved in the Orange shooting died at the scene of the crime. Ofﬁcers found Francisco Sanchez, 35, of Houston dead from apparent gunshot wounds in the front yard at about 9 p.m.

Support those whom support you! PORT ARTHUR - The Port Arthur City Council approved a tax agreement

Read us online! w w w. aframnew s. com

with Valero last week after a year of negotiations and a threat to annex the site’s property come Jan. 1. Port Arthur began the process last December by announcing plans for a tax agreement requiring industries to pay 80 percent of property taxes, with the possibility of a 10 percent discount if the companies met certain incentives. The 12 companies who signed, including Valero, will receive the discount if they hire Port Arthur residents and do business with vendors within the city. The city unanimously voted to annex the reﬁnery’s property on Dec. 9 after Valero missed the deadline to sign a new industrial district agreement requiring the industries to pay 5 percent to 15 percent more than before. Valero previously had paid 65 percent of its assessed value. On Dec. 15, councilmembers voted to give the reﬁnery until Dec. 18 to sign the agreement. Without a signature or annexation, the city would give up a 2015 tax payment.

What’s Happenin’ around Texas? Submit your news to news@aframnews.com SAN ANTONIO - Police are searching for two men in a black truck who used a forklift to steal an ATM. The ATM was taken from the drive-thru lane of the Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union located at Loop 1604 and Bitters Road. Investigators say the two men pulled up around 4a.m. with a forklift from a nearby construction site. They used the forklift to pry the ATM from the concrete ﬂoor. They placed the ATM in the back of the black truck and drove off.

SUBSCRIBE www.aframnews.com

WACO - The Cultural Arts Center of Waco, a non-profit based in Waco, Texas is raising funds for a proposed memorial to WWII hero, Doris Miller. Doris was born and raised in Waco and was the first African-American to be awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery during Pearl Harbor. Less than a month before his twentieth birthday, Miller enlisted in the United States Navy at its Dallas recruiting station. Following bootcamp training in Norfolk, Virginia, he was assigned to the USS West Virginia as a messman. On December 7, 1941, Mess Attendant Second Class Doris Miller was collecting soiled laundry just before 8:00 A.M. When the first bombs blasted his ship at anchor in Pearl Harbor, Miller went to the main deck where he assisted in moving the mortally wounded captain. He then raced to an unattended deck gun and fired at the attacking planes until forced to abandon ship. Navy officials conferred the Navy Cross upon Miller on May 27, 1942, in a ceremony at Pearl Harbor. For more information on how to donate the memorial please call 254-723-6830.

Great News!

Read us online! w w w.a f r a m n e w s .com

The Flu: What To Do If You Get Sick How do I know if I have the ﬂu?

You may have the ﬂu if you have some or all of these symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. It’s important to note that not everyone with ﬂu will have a fever.

What should I do if I get sick?

Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. If, however, you have symptoms of flu and are in a high risk group, or are very sick or worried about your illness, contact your health care provider (doctor, physician’s assistant, etc.). Certain people are at high risk of serious flu-related complications (including young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions) and this is true both for seasonal flu and novel flu virus infections. (For a full list of people at high risk of flu-related complications. If you are in a high risk group and develop flu symptoms, it’s best for you to contact your doctor. Health care providers will determine whether influenza testing and treatment are needed. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs that can treat the flu. These drugs work better for treatment the sooner they are started. Do I need to go the emergency room if I am only a little sick? No. The emergency room should be used for people who are very sick. You should not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill. If you have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness, you should go to the emergency room. If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, call your health care provider for advice. If you go to the emergency room and you are not

TX-10

sick with the flu, you may catch it from people who do have it. What are the emergency warning signs of flu sickness? In children: fast breathing or trouble breathing, bluish skin color, not drinking enough fluids, not waking up or not interacting, being so irritable that the child does not want to be held, flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough and fever with a rash. In addition to the signs above, get medical help right away for any infant who has any of these signs: unable to eat, has trouble breathing, no tears when crying and significantly fewer wet diapers than normal. In adults: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting and flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough.

Are there medicines to treat the ﬂu? Yes. There are drugs your doctor may prescribe for treating the ﬂu called “antivirals.” These drugs can make you better faster and may also prevent serious complications.

How long should I stay home if I’m sick?

CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®. You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.

What should I do while I’m sick?

Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. If you must leave home, for example to get medical care, wear a face mask if you have one, or cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Wash your hands often to keep from spreading ﬂu to others. Source: cdc.gov Photo Credit: theroot.com

Health

Texas • January 5 - 11, 2015

Forty-Eight Percent of Black Female Teens have an STD

he above figure is not a new statistic. My concern is that it has become the norm and is unacceptable. One fourth of White female teens have an STD. That figure would be a little more acceptable. Is the Black community in denial? Do we feel it’s okay if almost half our female teens have an STD? When I speak nationwide to youth, many of them tell they are virgins. I then ask how can you be a virgin with an STD? They then tell me it was oral or anal sex which they feel did not violate their virginity. Were you aware that the leading cause of death in the Black community is abortion? Each day, 1,786 Black children are aborted. Can you imagine 52% of Black pregnancies are aborted? Again, this not a new statistic, my concern like with STDs, is that it has become acceptable. Are 52% of all pregnancies aborted acceptable to you? Has abortion become the new form of birth control?

African-Americans are 13% of the U.S. population male and female. I would expect Black females to be 13% of females in America who are HIV positive. The reality is that Black females are 64% of the women in America who are HIV positive. Again this is not a new statistic. Are you okay and accepting of the fact that 64% of all women in America who are HIV positive just happen to be Black? Has this become the norm? Is that our reality? Are Black people in denial? Have all the statistics made us numb? How can we reduce these statistics? While writing Raising Black Girls, I discovered that Black girls start puberty before anyone else. They start at 8 years and 8 months while White girls start at 9.7. Black girls also start their menstrual earlier than anyone else at 12.06.

To continue reading visit www.aframnews.com by Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu

Three locations. Unlimited possibilities. Convenient classes, designed to work with your schedule, are within reach. Register now. LoneStar.edu/Register LSC-North Harris

2700 W.W. Thorne Drive t 281.618.5400

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250 N. Sam Houston Parkway E. t 281.260.3500

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4141 Victory Drive t 281.810.5602

Texas • January 5 - 11, 2015

Texas HBCU Corner

African

American News&Issues

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Montrael Scott named SWAC Player of the Week

PRAIRIE VIEW Prairie View A&M senior guard Montrael Scott was recognized as the SWAC’s men’s basketball player of the week for his outstanding performance in competition. Recently, Scott returned to his stomping grounds of the DFW Metroplex and scored 26 points in PVAMU’s win over North Texas. The win would mark the first over the University of North Texas and first all-time against the current Montrael Scott lineup of Conference USA teams. He shot 50 percent from the three-point line and also went 6-of-7 from the free throw line and grabbed four rebounds. Against Hawai’i, he continued his torrid pace with a 27-point performance. Scott is closing in on his 1,000th career point as he needs 82 points to achieve the honor. During his tenure at Prairie View he has, played in 28 games with five starts...Averaged 3.5 points...Shot 32.7 percent from the field and dished out 1.5 assists per outing...Scored his first career points (4) at PV against Arlington Baptist on Nov. 15 with four rebounds... Scored 10 points with two assists versus Longwood on Nov. 25... Had six points versus Wofford...Finished with 14 points and two assists as he made his first career start at Baylor on Nov. 29...Had five points and three steals at Iowa State in his second career start...Made his third career start in SWAC play versus Alcorn State on Jan. 5 and scored a season-high 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting... Grabbed five rebounds at TSU on Jan. 7... Scored eight points at Jackson State on Jan. 14... Pulled down four rebounds with four assists in his final start of the year in his hometown of Dallas on Jan. 16... Tallied three rebounds each versus Mississippi Valley State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff...Grabbed five rebounds at home versus Jackson State on Feb. 11 and four versus Grambling State with four assists on Feb. 13...Tallied three steals and two rebounds versus Alabama A&M on Feb. 25 and closed out the year with nine points, four assists and two steals in SWAC Tournament versus Alcorn State. Scott was born March 11, 1993 in Dallas. He is the son of Marshall Scott III and Tonja Newton. In high school he was named as the District 12-3A MVP, as a senior, he averaged 21.3 points per game, played for one of the top teams in the state of Texas and participated in two Class 3A UIL State Tournaments.

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