Issuu

WE MUST UNDERSTAND PAGE 3

MARKET PLACE PAGE 6

COMMUNITY PAGE 10

Your Money & Your Vote ARE THE MOST

POWERFUL THINGS YOU HAVE;

The #1 100% Black-Owned Worldwide Digital News Source NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2015 | FREE

AFRAMNEWS.COM

VOL. 20 ISSUE 42

BE CAREFUL WHO YOU GIVE THEM TO. ~Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher~

LET’S DO IT AGAIN!

NATIONAL

‘CRAZY AS CAT SHIT’

Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke

LOCAL

see.pg.5

MAN DIES IN FORT BEND COUNTY JAIL SYLVESTER TURNER AND BILL KING NORTHEAST-NORTHWEST RUN-OFF MAYORAL FORUM

WHO WILL HOLD THE KEY TO THE CITY?

HOUSTON - This election season has been interesting, and the run-off candidates are in place. “Who will be the next Mayor that will hold the key to the city” is now the question that many Houstonians want to know. What would you like to know from these candidates? This forum will be a voter’s guide to put those in ofﬁce that can make a change for us. It is not over and we encourage everyone to get out and vote Saturday, December 12, 2015. You must remember that “your money & your vote are the most powerful things that you have; be careful who you give them to.” African-American News&Issues will join in on the panel of a public forum in cooperation with FOX 26 Houston News and other media outlets to be hosted by State Representative Sefronia Thompson and Co-Hosted by Roy Douglas Malonson. The event will be held at Forest Brook Middle School located at 7525 Tidwell Road in Houston, Texas 77016 Tuesday, November 17, 2015 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. The forum will be open to the public and live streamed for viewers who will not only be able to watch the forum,

but participate through social media. This will ensure that a maximum number of voters will be reached and have an opportunity to be a part of this forum. Again, we ask you, the community, the people of the paper, What would you like to know? As a voice for you, the loyal readers of African-American News&Issues, we will represent you! Time is of essence and we would love for everyone to participate so we ask that you start emailing your questions to prod@aframnews.com or send them by mail to 6130 Wheatley Street Houston, Texas 77091. For more information, please contact (713) 692-1892. The event is being sponsored as an educational event by Peoples United Summit, League of Women Voters, NAACP, State Representative Sefronia Thompson, Precint Chairs of NortheastNorthwest, Kingwood Precint Chair, and Super Neighborhoods Presidents. FOX TV will live stream the entire forum and “60 seconds of Mayor Talk” will be presented by MeekoTV on aframnews.com

Eugene Ethridge

HEALTH

see.pg 4

HEALTH CARE COVERAGE 2016

Get out & Early Vote December 2, 2015 or on Election Day is December 12, 2015

see.pg 9

African

American News&Issues

DEAR WHITE AMERICA,

By: #WhoisDanFreeman racism was sufficient to affect your I am certain that you are as stubborn resolve. Your kind would tired of the race problem that has plagued this nation for the four-cen- have been better served had they listened to W.E.B. Du Bois cryptic turies since stolen Africans arrived prophecy that “the problem of the in Jamestown. I am certain that you twentieth-century is the problem of recognize that race is a seemingly the color line.” indomitable opponent of your own As usual, there was a cavernous creation that refuses to disappear hole in your logic as data definifrom the national landscape. tively proved that a century’s long Although I am certain that tyranny was continuing unabated. you believe that race is becoming The vast majority of Africanless and less important, however, Americans realize that Whites have the African-American experience contradicts that view. However, you a tendency to independently create a narrative that absolves them from have always remained hopeful that the politico economic exploitation you could subdue your monster they have routinely committed creation. The world witnessed against African-Americans. Since significant segments of your comthere is no way to convince you that munity celebrate at the election of your perspective is not the correct Barack Hussein Obama because you naively believed that it signaled one, the Black community simply allowed the specter of race to haunt the destruction of racism and the you until you realized that America birth of a post-racial America. is a long distance from entering into Not even the vehement protest of a post-racial period. the primary victims of American Although this is a difficult truth to accept, there are multiple America’s that American citizens of various races/ethnicities and class Roy Douglas Malonson Chairman positions simultaneously experiShirley Ann Malonson President/C.E.O. Chandra Jarmon Production/Editor ence. Andrew Hacker’s manuProduction Asst Sandra Davis script, Two Nations: Black and Staff Writer James Jones III, Ph.D White, Separate, Hostile, Unequal, Contributing Writer Mark Spivey published in 2003, illuminated this General: news@aframnews.com issue. Despite the best efforts of Ads: sales@aframnews.com the more privileged segments of Website: www.aframnews.com this society to deny this reality, the African-American News&Issues is published truth remains that the vast majority by African-American News & Issues, Inc., 6130 of African-Americans do not live Wheatley Street, Houston, Texas 77091, (713) 692-1892. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, in the same America as Whites, 9am - 5pm. The entire contents of the paper are particularly when it comes to their copyrighted by African-American News & Issues, Inc. All rights reserved. Material in this interaction with law enforcement publication may not be reproduced in any form officers. without the expressed written consent of the publisher. African-American News&Issues is not Most Whites are shocked to responsible for any claims made by advertisers. learn that the current angst occurThe views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the publisher. ring between African-Americans African-American News&Issues assumes no and White law enforcement officers responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other material, unless accompanied by is neither new, nor a thing of the a self-address stamped envelope.

Edit rial & Opini n

past. The National Commission on the Cause and Prevention of Violence, published in 1968, verifies that conflict between AfricanAmericans and law enforcement agencies is not a new phenomenon. According to the National Commission on the Cause and Prevention of Violence, “For the Black citizen, the policeman has long since ceased to be a neutral symbol of law and order…Blacks perceive the police as hostile, prejudiced, and corrupt…Many ghetto Blacks see the police as an occupying army…In view of these facts, the adoption of the idea of self-defense is not surprising.” If there were one thing that I wish that Whites could comprehend it is that not only is police brutality an American tradition that has historically been reserved for AfricanAmericans. It is this experience that leads us to have no faith in any aspect of this nation’s law enforcement agencies or court system as they both have been the executors of grave injustices. I am not particularly disturbed by the actions of Whites because they have birthed a cadre of African-Americans of various ages who are seeking vengeance for the evil that this nation has done. They are a different breed that has taken to heart the admonishment that “faith without works is dead.” If things do not change, they promise to be very active in regards to protecting themselves, their family, and the African-American community. If White America, particularly so-called law enforcement officers, does not reverse its course, there will come a moment where they will taste the cold dish of revenge as African-Americans pursue all any oppressed and downtrodden people could ever hope for, JUSTICE.

TEXAS • NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2015

A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT

By: Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Often, the fact that the Clean Air their annual energy bill in 2030. It Act was signed into law in 1970 after will grow the solar and wind energy passing Congress by a strong biparindustries and make major advancetisan vote is forgotten. By enacting ments in energy efficiency across our this landmark legislation, the federal economy. government took a stand for public Scientists have made it abundanthealth and against air pollution. It ly clear to lawmakers and industry was a move that was heralded on leaders alike that climate change is both sides of the aisle and applauded here and we must work together to by the American people because it deal with it. Without transforming put the public’s interests first. our energy sources or reducing our In the decades that followed, we reliance on fossil fuels, we will not saw substantial economic growth be able to address the looming chalwhile enjoying a cleaner environlenge of climate change. The issue ment. The fight to protect our enviof addressing climate change should ronment didn’t end in 1970 though. not be relegated to partisan bickering President Obama is continuing this on the campaign trail or be restricted effort with the Clean Power Plan, to academic discussions. This will which aims to transform the way we affect us all, and we all should be produce energy. Unfortunately, just concerned. as has been the case with the Clean Leaders in the faith community Air Act, the Clean Power Plan is not have also requested that Congress short on detractors. address climate change. When Pope The same individuals that Francis spoke before a recent joint cried foul and predicted the end of session of Congress, he called for American competitiveness in 1970 “a courageous and responsible are making the exact exaggerated effort to redirect our steps and to claims today about the Clean Power avert the most serious effects of the Plan. This posturing is both ill-advise environmental deterioration caused dand without a prudent foundation. by human activity.” The Pope stated, I hear from some of my “I am convinced that we can make Republican colleagues that if the a difference, and I have no doubt United States cuts its carbon emisthat the United States — and this sions, it will have no impact on the Congress — have an important role global temperature or sea level rise. to play.” Card for Paper 14_Layout 1 12/11/14 Business Yet, that is not the reality. Any effort Reprinted from The Hill to reduce emissions will have an impact, and through our leadership we can challenge other nations to do the same. As we heard from Chinese President Xi Jinping, China, one of our key competitors, has accepted this challenge and is introducing a cap-and-trade program that will undoubtedly spur innovation and economic growth. 979-921-9908 I am most pleased with the 28820 FM 1736 Road Hempstead, TX 77445 work the Environmental Protection Waller County Agency is performing. The agency’s Breeder of Trophy Whitetail Deer, top priority is to protect the health of High End Beef-Type Registered the public and the planet, and I comBrahmans and Herefords Cattle. mend them for staying true to their Trophy Hunting mission in the face of unfounded and Whitetails, Axis and Blackbuck hyperbolic criticism. Nature Tours and Photography So what are the facts? The Clean Power Plan is projected to save www.rsdeerranch.com American families nearly $85 on malonson@rsdeerranch.com

Visit us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX-2

TEXAS • NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2015

Edit rial & Opini n

GOING TO TALK TO THE WOMAN: It is Time to Place Demands Upon the Democratic Party Manhood, Race & Culture By Dr. James Thomas Jones III

Many consider Hillary Clinton’s winning the nomination to represent the Democratic Party in the 2016 Presidential election to be a foregone conclusion. Apparently, the Clinton campaign feels the same way as evidenced by a recent internal memo that pinpoints the most crucial aspect of the Democratic Party keeping the White House; that crucial aspect is the voter turnout of African-Americans. Democratic Party strategists realize that President Obama’s two Presidential victories are attributable to the unprecedented voter turnout by African-Americans; this critical part of the Democratic Party base turned out at a phenomenal 65% clip. Hillary must ﬁnd someway to inspire African-Americans to repeat this feat if she plans on winning in 2016. According to analysts Amy Walter and David Wasserman of the Cook Political Report, “A return to pre-2008 African-American turnout levels wouldn’t necessarily doom a Hillary Clinton candidacy, but it would leave her with a whole lot less margin for error in a host of swing states.” According to Walter and Wasserman, “…African-American voters accounted for Obama’s entire margin of victory in seven states: Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Without these states’ 112 electoral votes, Obama would have lost decisively… All of these states, except Maryland, will be crucial 2016 battlegrounds.” Put simply, Hillary Clinton will most likely not be moving into the White House without signiﬁcant AfricanAmerican support. The aforementioned facts once again places the African-American community in an advantageous position of being able to demand, not

request or beg for, concessions from the Democratic Party. Most people have erroneously convinced themselves that Black activism is denoted by African-American leaders issuing demands upon the White power structure. Nothing could be further from the truth! African-Americans favored mode of activism has been tapping into White power-brokers sense of morality and fairness. Such a weak posture is a great distance from the issuing of a demand. A demand is a significant threat that if you do not do this, we will do this to punish you. Rarely have African-American leaders punished those who resisted their overtures; there is no doubt that this is one of their most significant short-comings. Considering the multiple pressing problems afflicting the AfricanAmerican community, Black leaders should have a detailed list of ‘demands’ they plan to deliver to Clinton. Unlike previous inglorious moments in the African-American existence, these ‘demands’ must be accompanied with an ominous warning that if the Democratic Party does not agree to these ‘demands’, we will surely fail to appear at the polls. The thinking that any Democratic Party President who has made no commitments to address even the most prominent problems facing the African-American community is better than any Republican must be put to rest as history has shown us that groups have to use their political wits to leverage concessions when the opportunity presents itself. Fred Hampton, the head of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense’s Chicago branch, once observed that “…politics is nothing but war without bloodshed; and war is nothing but politics with bloodshed.” It is this mindset that must serve as the foundation for all African-Americans as they seek political means to improve the socioeconomic status of the entire community. Continue Reading Online Online @ Aframnews.com

African

American News&Issues

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR HISTORY! FORGETTING WHAT - ROY DOUGLAS MALONSON HAPPENED TO US CAN DESTROY US!

A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER:

HOW CELEBRATING THIS CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR COULD BE A WIN/WIN FOR THE BLACK COMMUNITY

e are approaching that magical time of year when Americans spend money that they do not have in an effort to shower their loved one’s with gifts. As with most things, AfricanAmericans have a peculiar relationship with Christmas. Many within our community not only embrace the occasion, but also take every opportunity to joyously remind you that “Jesus is the reason for the season”, while others take an oppositional position that would make Ebenezer Scrooge blush. Those who have politicized the Christmas season propagate their belief that African-Americans participation in the Holiday works against their best interests as it causes them to support the very people and system that has oppressed them for nearly 400 years. I think that the calls for AfricanAmericans to abstain from Christmas are at their best foolhardy and unrealistic. Those segments of our community making this call are going to ﬁnd themselves as frustrated this year as they have been in past years and are destined to be in the future. Dare I say that they are slightly crazy because We MUST Understand that “If you do what you always did, you’ll get what you always got.” In their case, they have received failure every year as droves of African-

Americans spend their money Christmas shopping. It is time for the Nationalist community that has repeatedly attempted to get African-Americans to stop supporting those who have not only worked to ensure, but also proﬁted from their marginal politico economic status to abandon their current course that reminds one of Nancy Reagan’s infamous ‘Just Say No’ campaign. A much more productive tactic is to instruct African-Americans what they should say yes to. Considering that the ultimate goal of Black Nationalists economic plan is to circulate the Black dollar within the African-American community, a much more productive tactic is to propose a 1-to-1 ratio, heck even a 10-to-1 ratio would be an improvement in regards to the monies Blacks spend outside and inside of the community. Put simply, maybe we should consider a campaign prodding those who are bound to extend the tradition of spending truckloads of money this coming Christmas to spend a portion of those dollars within the AfricanAmerican community. A call could be made that requests that for every $10 African-Americans spend with businesses outside of the community that they voluntarily spend $1 with a Black business. Toward making this a possibility

We MUST Understand By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

within the African-American communities of Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin, Texas, AfricanAmerican News & Issues is requesting that African-American business owners in each of those cities visit the paper’s website --- www.aframnews. com --- ﬁnd this editorial and in the comment section, place all pertinent information regarding your business: • Business Name • Owner • Service or goods sold • Price Range of Goods • Location (City --- Address) • Website • Hours and Days of Operation • Contact Information (Phone and E-Mail Address) And any additional information that you consider pertinent to your businesses inclusion in this project. This information will be compiled and included in AfricanAmerican News&Issues Christmas Edition that is seeking to encourage the circulation of the Black dollar within the African-American community. We intend this to be just a little something to make the Holidays of 2015 ‘A Christmas to remember.’

all original responses from Letter to the Editor Weourwelcome 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.

Visit us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX-3

African

American News&Issues

From Pg. 1 ~ Eugene Ethridge

C ver St ry

Texas • N•ovember - 15, 2015 Texas August912-18, 2013

How Powerless is the Black Community to get Justice for their Own

FORT BEND - I have honestly tired of addressing these repeating courses of AfricanAmericans, male and female, who have failed to leave their interactions with law enforcement officers and agencies with their lives intact. It does not matter if it is Eric Garner being choked to death before a stunned audience, Michael Brown or Tamir Rice being shot in broad daylight, or Sandra Bland’s questionable demise in the Waller County Jail. Enough is enough!!!!!!!!!!!! Although I am certain that many readers will consider this next statement particularly harsh, however, it appears that any African-American who comes into contact with local or state law enforcement officers is in grave danger. Considering the regularity that local, state, and national news outlets carry stories detailing the death of yet another African-American at the hands of officers, one must be either foolish or naïve to not have serious concerns when interacting with officers, especially when they are placed under arrest, regardless of the infraction. According to Nicholas Malone, “there isn’t a Black man that I know who does not get nervous when in the presence of the police. That there is as clear of recognition of inequitable power dynamics between Black men and cops as one will ever find.” This perspective was once again validated as yet another African-American has died while in police custody. Eugene Ethridge, 33, a resident of Houston, Texas, is the latest individual to die under questionable circumstances while in police custody. Officers have related that Ethridge was arrested on November 1st on a felony charge of driving while intoxicated with a child younger than age 15 in the vehicle; this young man was most recently arrested for driving with a suspended license on October 2, 2015. Within 48 hours of arriving at the Fort Bend County Jail, Eugene Ethridge’s body was discovered by jailers hanging from a sheet. There are several points of incongruence that makes Fort Bend County jailers assertion that Ethridge killed himself extremely questionable: (a) each inmate is screened for suicidal thoughts/mental instability before they are placed in a cell, (b) this was most certainly not Eugene Ethridge’s first time being arrested and jailed; considering that he was somewhat of a veteran in regards to incarceration, why would he go to such extreme measures behind this particular arrest. Ashley Yates, Eugene Ethridge’s fiancée, states that not only has her entire world has crashed down around her, but also she is most

certain that foul play was involved in Mr. Ethridge’s demise. From her perspective, there is no other plausible explanation for what has occurred. Mrs. Yates was notified on Tuesday night regarding her future husband’s demise by a Sheriff’s deputy. She refuses to believe Fort Bend County jailers ‘official story’. According to Yates, the Fort Bend County Sheriff deputy who arrived at her residence to deliver the devastating news “…said basically he hung himself with a sheet. I said, ‘My fiancée is over 300 pounds, there’s no way he hung himself with a sheet.” Ashley Yates recalls that “Eugene is a protector, or at least my protector. He has a little girl who thinks he’s amazing and the best person in the world and now I have to tell that little girl he’s not here.” In response to Ethridge’s demise, Fort Bend County Jailers did their best to assure the public that this death was a ‘relatively routine’ suicide; special efforts are being made to accentuate the non-involvement of jailers in the death. Major Chad Norvell related the following in a statement to the press, “We (Fort Bend County jailers) have no questions. It’s sad someone would do that. He was in a cell by himself.” An autopsy on Mr. Etheridge is being performed by the Galveston County medical examiner; results have yet to be released. It is only natural for citizens to question the actions of officers when a loved one is killed by or while in the custody of officers. According to Alex Goodwin, a recent investigative report relates astounding facts in regards to the law enforcement officers in both Houston and Dallas. In Houston 52 civilians met their demise at the hands of local law enforcement officers in a four year period (2008 – 2012). Shockingly, not a single officer was indicted for any of the deaths. A very similar pattern occurred in Dallas, Texas, during the same period. Grand juries reviewed 81 shooting cases involving officers and decided that only one officer should be indicted. Obviously, there is no one who polices the police. “It is the reality that many officers seemingly have no greater priority than protecting their own lives that frightens me the most” says Aaron Freeman, “they are seemingly willing to do anything, include killing me, to guarantee that they are going to go home at the end of the day.” Fort Bend County authorities are being especially careful in regards to how they handle Eugene Etheridge’s case as it is not unprecedented for the Fort Bend County jail. Etheridge’s death occurred a mere six weeks after Heriberto

Coreas, an inmate in the Fort Bend County jail, died in a local hospital days after what officers have characterized as a failed suicide attempt. Fort Bend County jailers came under fire for the circumstances surrounding Mr. Coreas’ death. Fort Bend County has a policy that calls for jailers to conduct routine checks to ensure inmate safety every 30 minutes. Apparently, this rule is sporadically honored as jailers were only checking the holding cells and ignoring the individual cells, where Heribert Coreas was being held. This alluded to failure violated a Texas law that mandates jailers execute checks every 30 minutes on inmates behaving erratically or who they believed to be mentally ill. State inspectors who arrived at the Fort Bend County Jail to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr. Coreas’ death placed the facility on an “At-Risk” status. For those segments of the Houston community who are crying foul in regards to Eugene Ethridge’s death, they recognize that this death closely mirrors the death of Sandra Bland in the Waller County Jail. According to Roy Douglas Malonson, publisher, “Hell, this is the Sandra Bland case of Fort Bend County. Both were arrested for a traffic violation, given psychologi-

E v e r b od y

I nvi t e d

cal exams, and both were hung in an individual cell. This is much more than a coincidence, it is a pattern.” The Sandra Bland case, considering that it was captured by both a dash camera and an unidentified citizens cell phone, provided an up-close view for the entire nation regarding the treatment that African-Americans have historically received from law enforcement officers and agencies. African-American drivers know that their worst nightmare is coming into contact with an overzealous out-of-control officer whose sole goal is making the detained citizen bow to their authority. The rash of recent incidents definitively proves that courageous AfricanAmericans refusal to bow to an officer’s power will have deadly consequences. Within the pantheon of African-Americans, male and female, who have met their demise at this familiar adversary, Eugene Ethridge is nothing special; he joins a lengthy list of victims such as Fred Hampton, Mark Clark, Carl Hampton, Jonathan Jackson, George Jackson, the list stretches across centuries. Continue reading online @ www.aframnnews.com By: Dr. James Thomas Jones, III

A t t e nd & P a r t i c ipat e !

Northeast- Northwest “Run-Off” Mayoral Forum SYLVESTER TURNER BILL KING

HOST State Representative Sefronia Thompson

Tuesday -- November 17, 2015 Forest Brook Middle School 7525 Tidwell Rd Houston, Texas 77016 From 6:30pm to 9:00pm CO-HOST For more info contact: Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher of (713) 692-1892

It’s Not Over; Let’s Do

A gain

Get Out & Vote! **Remember the Dates:** Early Voting: Wednesday -- December 2, 2015 Election Day: Saturday -- December 12, 2015

RUN OFF CANDIDATES: HOUSTON ISD, DISTRICT II Rhonda Skillern-Jones and Larry Williams HOUSTON ISD, DISTRICT III Jose Leal and Manuel Rodriguez CONTROLLER Chris B Brown and Bill Frazer

CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE 1 Mike Knox and Georgia Provost

CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE 2 Willie R Davis and David W Robinson CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE 4, Amanda Edwards and Roy Morales CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE 5, Jack Christie and Philippe Nassif

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT F Steve Le and Richard Nguyen CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT H Karla Cisneros and Jason Cisneroz CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT J Jim Bigham and Mike Laster

Visit us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX- 4

Educati n/Y uth

Texas •November 9 - 15, 2015

THE most BASIC DANGER to Black BOYS

It is rare that a day passes that some inquisitive individual fails to ask THE QUESTION that sits at the center of much of the AfricanAmerican community’s problems. The question, which is usually posed in an indirect half-hesitant manner by a nonBlackperson, is a simple one, “What is wrong with Blackmen?” The question is so common that it no longer angers me, as it once did; in fact, it amuses me and causes a slight involuntary smile. Seeing my reaction, the inquisitor usually backpedals, an obvious sign that they believe that their question has offended me. Most follow it up with a declaration of either, “I do know a good Blackman 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

Tulsa World: MVP FaTherhood WeekeNd oNe oF Tulsa’s sTroNGesT MeNTor ProGraMs PhoTo courTesy oF Tulsa World

solution for is much too dynamic to be answered off the cuff. I always muse, if people only understood that the African-American male issue has been here for over four-centuries, in fact, it predates this nation, they would pause before posing the issue. Put simply, AfricanAmerican men were this nation’s original problem, meaning how should they be defined? Should they be classified as citizens, slaves, workers, human, or some sub-species of

‘CRAZY AS CAT SHIT’:

How Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke has Deﬁnitively Proven that he is Crazy as Hell from Pg. 1 ~

One of the most commonly used terms is the word crazy. The vast majority of the time, the term is incorrectly used to describe someone that we may consider to be eccentric, peculiar, or even illogical. However, there is a population of individuals who may not be clinically diagnosed; however, they are undoubtedly ‘crazy as cat shit.’ Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr., a regular Fox News correspondent, is the latest Negro to definitively prove that he is ‘crazy as cat shit.’ In case you missed it, Sheriff Clarke Jr., has managed to maneuver himself into being the favored Negro

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

of the Fox News Channel for his unshakable support of this nation’s police officers and opposition to any activities aimed at loosening the politico economic chains binding African-Americans. If one were to listen to this Negro, they would believe that Eric Garner caused his own death, Michael Brown’s death was justifiable, and Tamir Rice was little more than a future gang banger that the world is better without. Such sentiments are understandable when one hears Sheriff Clarke’s assertion on “Fox & Friends” that racism and police brutality are both relics of the past. According to Clarke, “…there

humanity? Consequently, the answer to why African-American men have lagged behind all others in every socioeconomic and health indicator from this nation’s founding 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 Blackmale

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 Blackmale 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 negatively affected

is no police brutality in America. We ended that back in the ‘60s.” The Sheriff must be given credit for his determination to prove his point. Not many people would sit on national television and cite a non-existent academic article to bolster their position. According to ‘crazy as cat shit’ Clarke “there’s a new Harvard study out that show that there is no racism in the hearts of police officers. They go about their daily duty, if you will, to keep communities safe.” Harvard University has denied the presence of any such article. It is most certainly difficult to select the most absurd statement that ‘crazy as cat shit’ Clarke has made, as not even his unwarranted criticism of President Barack Hussein Obama of playing race politics fits the bill. Sheriff Clarke recently stated the

following in reference to President Obama. “He has been a nightmare, and I cannot wait until January 2017 so that America’s nightmare can be over.” Although the aforementioned criticism of President Obama displays an uncommon level of nuttiness, ‘crazy as cat shit’ Clarke’s view of the Black Lives Matter movement is quite possibly his most over-the-top commentary. According to Sheriff Clarke, the nation had better work to end the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement immediately as it holds the potential to become a significant threat to America’s internal security. Unbelievably, Clarke’s position is almost verbatim the exact same language that J. Edgar Hoover, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation used to alter the national climate in regards to the storied Black

Blackmales since the demise of chattel slavery? Many correctly trace the catalyst to BlackMales suffering to the disintegration of the Blackfamily. Data tells us that in the late 19th Century the city of Brother Love, Philadelphia, had a thriving Blackcommunity that where at least 75% of the homes were twoparent households; in 1925 nearly 80% of New York City’s Blackhouseholds were similarly structured. Data highlights that the prevalence of female headed-households in the AfricanAmerican community is a relatively recent phenomena. For example, prior to the vaunted 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision only 18% of Blackhouseholds were headed by a single-parent. Many are shocked to discover that African-Americans married at a rate that exceeded their White counterparts during the initial one-hundred years following chattel slavery; a serious blow to those who seek to explain away the unprecedented destruction of the Blackfamily as a remnant of chattel slavery. According to noted scholar Walter Williams, in 1940 the birth of Blackchildren to unwed mothers was approximately 14%. To coNTiNue readiNG VisiT WWW.aFraMNeWs.coM By: James Thomas Jones, III, Ph.D.

Panther Party for Self-Defense. Clarke tweeted the following message, “Before long, Black Lives Matter will join forces with ISIS to (bring) down our legal (sic) constituted republic. You heard it first here.” This message was followed up with another tweet that fashions Clarke as a modern-day soothsayer that can tell the future. According to the second tweet, Clarke relates that “I have been right on every call I have made about these subversives. I will be right again.” I have always made it a rule not to attack African-Americans in public as it usually does irreparable harm to our opponents delight. However, there are exceptions to every rule. Continie reading online @ www.aframnnews.com By:Dan Freeman

Visit us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX- 5

-American News&Issues • Texas • February 10-16, 2010• 7

Marketplace

Read us online! wCHURCH w w. a fr a m n ewADS s. c o m

ACCOUNTANTS

BAPTIST CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE

ELECTRONIC

8 AM and 11 AM BIBLE STUDIES

Member AICPA

MICHAEL LOVE, CPA

Email: mlovecpa@yahoo.com www.michaellovecpa.net 713-666-2900 Office 713-666-2932 Fax 2626 South LoopW, #420 Houston,TX 77054

ALUMNI

B.T. Washington Houston ISD Alumni

281-217-2

G.W. Carver School Alumni of Aldine ISD

713-806-9889

BEAUTY SHOP

er school enrichment programs are ofNATURAL KREATIONS -5:45 daily. Reese will be unaffected by

Melanie Malonson

281-898-4716 Photo: Aldine ISD

11718 SOUTH WILCREST Other schools would HOUSTON, TX 77099

Wednesday 7:30PM Leonard N. Barksdale, Pastor Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church 4300 Noble Street, Houston TX 77020 Ph: 713/675-5111 • Fx: 713/675-1522

Website: www.fwmbc.org

Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church members will endeavor to provide a strong foundation of love; we will stand on Biblical Truths; and we will equip one another to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our community and in our (713) 697-1758 world. 6616 D.S. BAILEY LN

Galilee M.B.C

Rev. Edwin A. Davisr, Pastor

TX 77091 CHURCHHOUSTON, OF CHRIST

FIDELITY CHURCH OF CHRIST Guiding Light “The Church That Cares” Inspirational

Baptist Church Sunday Morning Bible Class (713) 699-4448 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship6719 COHN ST Rev. Joseph 10:45 a.m. HOUSTON, TX 77091 Baker, Pasor Evening Bible Class 5:00 p.m. Evening Worship 6:00 p.m. Chorus Group Rehearsal 7:30 p.m.

elimination. be Smith, Stovall, Harris and Hill, e asame d ucriteria. s o n lStuine all based onRthe House of a f r aprograms m n e wthat s . chad om dents of magnet Prayer been eliminated would return to BLACK CHAMBER their home campus and given first Wednesday M.B.C. MINISTER: Mid-Week Bible Class priority for available slots in other (281) 773-2750 Theaster Maloy, Sr. 7:00 p.m. magnet programs, with the excep3521 DESOTO ST Rev. Lloyd OFFICE: tion of 4th grade students, who HOUSTON, TX 713/674-5131 77091 Giles, Pastor 140 Fidelity Rd. Houston Tx 77029 will be given the option of continuing at Houston 713-692-7161 Academy. Staff will FLOWERS & GIFTS FIFTH WARD CHURCH OF CHRIST WHEATLEY be placed into 6112 vacant positionsSTon HOUSTON, TX 77091 other campuses. SUNDAY The order would have given the 8:00 a.m. Worship Black Kollectibles magnet programCHEMICAL a protected status 10:00 a.m. Bible Class Flowers and funds from the government 11:15 a.m.& Worship would have been provided for their p.m. Worship F6:00 lower Shop 713-692-1100 operation. Also, several events and MONDAY Citywide Chemical Gift Shop 713-692-1195 items wereJanitorial reduced & orCommercial eliminat10:00 a.m. 6130 WHEATLEY GaryST Smith ed, such as the magnet festival and Ladies Bible Class Pest Control Company HOUSTON, TX 77091 Minister 3521 Jensen St. technology fair. The proposed cuts WEDNESDAY Houston, TX 77026 713/227-4808 or 4809 were approved by district trust7:30 p.m. Bible Class for all FUNERAL HOME Janitorial Supplies ees at the January 25 school board Sales-Service-Supplies meeting before a packedWholesale-Retail house of Website www.fthwardcoc.org We repair buffers, incensed parents and student. But Boyd Funeral vacuum, shampooers Bamberg warns the cuts still “GIVING, GROWING, & GAINING” and allmay other machines. Charles Home 4308 Stonewall St. Hou. Tx 77020 not be enough to meet needs SAMEthe DAY FREE DELIVERY Dawson 713-672-2654 of the nation’sUSChemical 12th largest district. METRO 281-445-0971 Dawson Chemical In addition their other activities, Administrators say they still need 7411toWHEATLEY ST. the Fifth Ward COC also holds a Bible 713/697-7137 $18 million to713/633-9019 balance the budget. HOUSTON, TXon 77088 Class for non-members Thursday nights at 7:30 PM. For more informa“The only way we’re going to tion on the various special events or CHURCH activities you really should visit their get additional revenue at this point website, it is very well done, informative is to look to the community,” said and worth a visit even if you have another church home. Bamberg, alluding to the need for Cliffdale Funeral Home, Inc increased property tax revenue, Baptist 746 West 22nd Street which could Church be as much as 13 cents CHURCH OF GOD per $100 value of property. Houston, Texas 77008 (281) 447-8850 IN CHRIST Ed.- Last week’s story, provided 713-869-4529 854 ENTERPRISE ST Pastor inaccurateHOUSTON, demographics for AISD. DUNCAN MEMORIAL “Committed to the Future” TX 77088 Fred Sanders The correct numbers are 68.2 perCHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST cent Hispanic, HOU-627 percent AfricanSr. Pastor Elder Greg Edwards American, 2.2 percent White.

Shirley Ann’s

& Janitorial Supply Company & Janitorial Supply Company 6010 Irvington -Hou.,TX 77009 4308 Kelley St. • Hou., TX 77026

Carl Barnes

(713) 674-5466

FUNERAL HOME

Johnson Funeral Home 713-747-9604

5730 CALHOUN RD. HOUSTON, TX 77021

O.W.Wiley Mortuary

713-681-7475

1290 PINEMONT DRIVE HOUSTON, TX 77018

HAY FOR SALE

Horse Quality

Large Round Hay Bales Call 979-921-9908 (8am-4pm)

Adver tise online aframnews.com For mo r e in fo ca ll 7 1 3 -69 2 -11 7 8

Shirley Ann’s Black Kollectibles & Flowers

NOW HIRING $10/hr

PART TIME Must have valid Drivers License Computer & Excellent People Skills Experience is a Plus

Call 713-692-1100 HUNTING

RS DEER & CATTLE RANCH Whitetail, Axis, & Blackbuck Deer Hunt All Year Round

www.rsdeerranch.com

979-921-9908

SHOE REPAIR MIGHTY FINE SHOE REPAIR Men & Ladies - Boots & Shoes Shined, Waxed, Glazed, Dyed & Repaired

281-448-9255 mfshoes@aol.com

Major Credit Cards ACCEPTED 1400 South Victory Houston, TX 77088

Texas • November 9 - 15, 2015

Economics

“In The Black” Tour Looks To Equip Black Women Business Owners With Resources & Tools For Future Success

Market Strategist and CEO of Odyssey Media, Linda Spradley Dunn, joined Roland Martin on NewsOne Now to discuss the increasing number of Black women business owners, how to transition from a small business to a larger scaled operation, the tools Black women can use to further aid in the expansion of their entrepreneurial endeavors, and how she’s helping advance the cause with her “In The Black” Tour. Despite African-American women comprising the largest group of business owners in the United States, Black women are awarded less than one percent in angel funding. Dunn told Martin that when she walks into a bank with her assistant, she is still viewed as his secretary. “Though we have the passion, we have the commitment, and a lot of times we’re better equipped than some men to run businesses, we’re not getting the tools necessarily to grow those businesses,” said Dunn. Later during their conversation, Dunn explained the “end game” of the “In The Black” tour is to teach African-American women how to collaborate and create a trusting environment where women can receive

assistance with the challenges of running a business and say, “we’re here to lift you up.” The “In The Black” tour, which is sponsored by Coca-Cola, Life Reimagined (AARP), and Marriott International is interested in seeing “diverse women succeed in business,” Dunn said. One of the tools to help Black women succeed and take the next step in their respective entrepreneurial endeavors focuses on developing leadership, analyzing your balance sheet, and strategically looking at your plan of how to go forward. Dunn looks at this particular resource as the “reimagining” of a life map, because she believes many women are “stuck.” “You’re being a mom, a CEO, you’re helping out at your church, trying to raise kids, and you’re trying to run a business. Sometimes we’re teaching take off the cape, you can’t do it all at one time,” said Dunn. She added that “In The Black” also helps women keep track of their successes through a digital forum, as well as provides the “tools and resources to help continue reading at newsone.com

EDITION DATE: November 9 - 15, 2015 (Vol. 20 Issue 42) Heading Title:

What’s Happenin’ Public Notice African American News&Issues 7 Contact Information: Saturday PUBLIC NOTICE Ethel 12 Thursayiprayz Name: 14Kujimiyo 20 Friday American St. Philip’s College Company: Houston ISD Association Gospel Party of Blacks in Energy Celebrating a Saint HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Phone: (713) 556-6524 1112 Southmore Blvd 2015 Energy Workshop **A B NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Fax: 713-556-6551 Feature Houston, TX 77004 3100 Cleburne St H W ** Email: EKUJIMIY@houstonisd.org Beginning at 6pm The Houston Independent School District located in the HatAddress for Tearsheets: Houston, TX 77004 1801 MLK Dr Stories & tie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th 4400 West 18th Street For more info contact: From 8:30am - 3pm San Antonio, TX 7778203 Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the Community (800) 319-9231Houston,Texas For77092 more info contact: Beginning at 5:30pm stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, 2NE 42A (713) 550-6936 For more info contact: Sunday Writers Level C1 15 (210) 486-2900 Project Row Houses SUBSCRIBE • Project 15-10-07 – Leadership Development Training; Searching for for AD COST Aurora Picture Show Saturday Request for Proposals with a deadline of 11/30/2015 at community news chasers. Sunday 21 UNCF Houston Artist Talk & Screening: 15 The League of 2:00 PM. The pre-proposal conference for this project Follow what goes on in your Arthur Jafa $720.00 will be in Room 2NE32 at the above stated address on

Texas • November 9 - 15, 2015

rtemisia oly

11/13/2015 at 9am. • Project 15-10-13 – E-Rate Eligible Network Systems Hardware – with a deadline of 3PM November 30, 2015. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be at 4400 West 18th, Houston, Texas 77092 Hattie Mae White Building Room 2NE17 on November 16, 2015 at 11:30 AM. • Project 15-10-15 – E-Rate Network Cabling CSP – with a public opening deadline of December 2, 2015 Room 1E02, Time 8:00 - 9:30 AM. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be at 4400 West 18th, Houston, Texas 77092 Hattie Mae White Building November 17, 2015 at 9 to 11 AM in Room 1E02. • Project 15-10-17 Crime Insurance with a deadline of 2:00 PM; December 4, 2015. Pre-proposal conference will be held on November 13, 2014 at 11:00 am in room 2NE32 at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org. To access, go to Departments, Procurement Services, Bid Opportunities. The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

2521 Holman St Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 1pm Sunday First Baptist of Lincoln City BC FBC Praise Dancers 844 Fortune St Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 11:30am For more info contact: (832)892-5078

Women Voters of Austin Panel Discussion

Telecommunication Services (RFP) Houston First Corporation requests proposals from experienced entities to provide telecommunication services at its facilities, including the George R. Brown Convention Center. RFP documents are available online at www.houstonfirst.com/ do-business. Questions should be submitted by e-mail to bids@houstonfirst.com.

NOV

Monday Aldine ISD Free Evening Meals During School Year All Middle & High School Students For more info contact: (281) 985-6213

ain

6200 Hermann Park Dr Houston, TX 77030 Beginning at 6pm For more info contact:

3816 Caroline St Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 6:00pm For more info contact (713)942-8920

Read us online aframnews.com

Tuesday Windsor Houston Networking Luncheon 6920 TC Jester Blvd Houston, TX 77091 Beginning at 9:30am For more info contact: (281) 224-0280

G e t o u t a n d Vo t e “ Ru n - O f f ” December 12, 2015

5150 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77056 Beginning at 6pm For more info contact: www.letthefashionbegin.com

community and report on it HARRIS MONTGOMERY FT BEND WALLER HOUSTON GALVESTON LIBERTY Call 713-692-1892 For more information

Publish and Promote your Events through African-American News&Issues

Times Vary PO# 37 15-11-04 For more info contact: Marketplace P.O. NumberHeading: (713) 520-0055 Public Notice Saturday Hope Espiscopal Contact Information Church Name: Mitch Health HopeMiszkowski Fair Email: 1613mitch.miszkowski@houstonfirst.com W.Signature 43rd St Houston, Houston TX 77018 Company: First Corporation From 10am - 2pm Phone: 713.853.8215 For Fax:more info contact (713)for 674-7021 Address Tearsheet/Copies: Date 1001Saturday Avenida de las Americas Houston, TX Community 77010 Beauty’s Garden Administration/Procurement Peace Thrugh Pie 3201 AirlineAD Dr COST Houston, TX 77022 From 12pm - 2pm For more info$153.00/ contact: week (832) 910-8261 SaturdayTotal AD COST Project Row Houses Aurora Picture Show 2 weeksare= $306.00 Screening: Dreams Colder than Death 2442 Bartlett St Houston, TX 77098 Beginning at 7:30pm

Tuesday Houston Buffalo Soldier National Museum Soul of Philanthropy Exhibit

The Historic Characteristics of Philanthropy in the African American Community MODERATOR: Jeffrey L. Boney

27th Annual Gala “A Mind Is...” 1600 Lamar St Houston, TX 77010 Beginning at 6pm For more info contact: (713) 942-8623

Money in Politics Please sign for approval 4001 Speedway andAustin, fax back to TX 78751 From 2:30pm - 4:30pm (713) 692-1183 Nov 20Wednesday - Jan 9 by 12 NOON Friday - Saturday Houston Zoo Lights for next Monday’s 21 Saturday Let the Fashions Begin 2015 Women’s Global Men of Style Gala publication. Leadership Conference

14 - Dec 30edition his is the price and size for ad to run Nov in Houston Saturday - Wednesday Theatre www.houstonzoo.org Volume 20 Issue 41 November 2AEnsemble -Soulful 8, 2015 Christmas S . Volume 20 Issue 42 November 9Houston, -3535 15MTX , 2015 77002 PUBLIC NOTICE

owden

oman

HOU-7

African

American News&Issues

Health

TEXAS • NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2015

4-STAR RATED BY MEDICARE 2016

Find out about your Medicare options at a FREE Neighborhood Meeting. East Holiday Inn Houston - East 16311 East Freeway Channelview, TX 77530 Nov. 24, 10:00 a.m.

Inner Loop Harris County Council of Organization 4610 Delano Street Houston, TX 77004 Nov. 17, 10:00 a.m. Dec. 7, 10:00 a.m. Holiday Inn Express & Suites 1810 Bell Street Houston, TX 77003 Nov. 18, 24, 10:00 a.m. IHOP 6508 Washington Avenue Houston, TX 77007 Dec. 7, 10:00 a.m.

North Denny’s 11320 North Freeway Houston, TX 77037 Nov. 16, 3:00 p.m. IHOP 25619 I-45 Spring, TX 77380 Nov. 24, 2:00 p.m.

St. Monica’s Catholic Church 8421 West Montgomery Rd. Building 5 Parish Hall Houston, TX 77088 Nov. 30, 1:00 p.m.

Northeast Denny’s 22671 Eastex Freeway Kingwood, TX 77339 Nov. 19, 2:00 p.m. Humble Civic Center 8233 Will Clayton Parkway Humble, TX 77338 Nov. 30, 10:00 a.m. Burger King 3715 Little York Road Houston, TX 77093 Dec. 1, 9:30 a.m.

Northwest Denny’s 11099 Northwest Freeway Houston, TX 77092 Nov. 17, 10:00 a.m.

South

Holiday Inn Express Pearland 1702 Main Street Pearland, TX 77581 Nov. 11, 10:00 a.m.

HURRY! The Medicare decision DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 7 th.* www.TexanPlus.com

Madison Jobe Senior Center 1700 Thomas Street Pasadena, TX 77506 Nov. 18, 9:00 a.m. Golden Corral 9115 Broadway Street Pearland, TX 77584 Nov. 18, 12:00 p.m. Holiday Inn Express South Houston Pearland 13931 South Freeway Pearland, TX 77047 Nov. 25, 10:00 a.m.

Southeast Residence Inn Houston Clear Lake 525 Bay Area Boulevard Houston, TX 77058 Nov. 18, 10:00 a.m. Americas Best Value Inn & Suites 5201 Gulf Freeway La Marque, TX 77568 Nov. 20, 10:00 a.m. Courtyard Houston Hobby Airport 9190 Gulf Freeway Houston, TX 77017 Nov. 23, 10:00 a.m.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Texas City 2440 Gulf Freeway Texas City, TX 77591 Nov. 24, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 2, 10:00 a.m. Americas Best Value Inn & Suites 5201 Gulf Freeway La Marque, TX 77568 Dec. 3, 10:00 a.m.

Southwest Denny’s 6060 Hillcroft Street Houston, TX 77081 Nov. 12, 22, 10:00 a.m. Kelley’s Country Cookin 11555 W. Airport Boulevard Meadows Place, TX 77477 Nov. 14, 10:00 a.m. Denny’s 8199 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77074 Nov. 19, 9:00 a.m. Luby’s 10575 W. Airport Boulevard Stafford, TX 77477 Nov. 21, 9:00 a.m.

MONTHLY

PLAN PREMIUMS

West Holiday Inn Express & Suites Katy 21010 Katy Freeway Katy, TX 77449 Nov. 16, 10:00 a.m. Holiday Inn Express & Suites I-10 West Energy Corridor 12323 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77079 Nov. 24, 10:00 a.m. Dec. 1, 10:00 a.m.

Call now to reserve your seat. Bring a friend!

1-866-470-0041 (TTY users call 711)

8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in your local time zone, 7 days a week.

TexanPlus® HMO is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in TexanPlus® HMO depends on contract renewal. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-Star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next. Free information kit with no obligation. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings call 1-866-470-0041 (TTY users call 711). Plans available vary by county and benefits are based on the plan selected in your county. *Unless you qualify for a Special Election Period. Y0067_AD_PTF_MTG_0715 CMS Accepted 08/18/2015 TX-8

Health

TEXAS •NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2015

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

MY LIBRARY KEEPS ME HEALTHY AUSTIN - Soon, the Austin Public Library in collaboration with the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department will offer free health screenings and services at ﬁve branches in underserved neighborhoods and at the Faulk Central Library in downtown Austin. The initiative is called My Library Keeps Me Healthy and it includes programming and outreach opportunities focusing on the Library’s many health and wellness resources. With My Library Keeps Me Healthy, the Austin Public Library and the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department have joined forces to create an information environment for residents of Austin that results in positive and healthy lifestyle choices in alignment with community goals to create a healthy Austin, including the Together We Thrive: Austin/Travis County Community Health Plan (2012) and

the City of Austin 30-year Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan. As an institution focused on evaluating and disseminating quality information and resources to a varied population, the Austin Public Library has a unique role in creating a healthy Austin as a collaborator that can assist in building health literacy and the information skills needed to locate and evaluate information that will equip Austin residents with the knowledge and freedom to make healthy choices. The Library is also able to contribute health and wellness resources ranging from digital database subscriptions to eBooks and physical books to a team of Reference Librarians ready to answer questions and direct Library customers to appropriate resources. My Library Keeps Me Healthy seeks to help the members of our community to build health literacy and information skills and to make healthy choices for themselves and their fami-

lies. By partnering with the Austin/ Travis County Health and Human Services Department, the Austin Public Library will encourage more Austin residents to improve their personal and family health whether the improvement comes in the form of prevention (screenings; activities related to healthy eating and ﬁtness), tobacco cessation, chronic disease management (Free Diabetes Classes offered by Austin/ Travis County Health and Human Services Department), or general stress relief and entertainment activities. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and Texas State Library and Archives Commission (2016). Funding for My Library Keeps Me Healthy began September 1, 2015 and runs through August 2016. For more information about My Library Keeps Me Healthy please call 512-974-7517 or visit library.austintexas.gov.

IT’S TIME TO CHECK YOUR HEALTH CARE COVERAGE FOR 2016

Black Kollectibles & F lowers Availab le Now!

Front

New! 2016 BLACK HISTORY 16 MONTH WALLCALENDAR 12” X 12 ”

Gift Shop: 713-692-1195

BY BOB MOOS/SOUTHWEST PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER/U.S. CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES

Now’s the time to check your health care coverage for 2016 or sign up for the first time. About 9 million Americans, including 1.2 million Texans, got coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace during last year’s open enrollment period. This year’s marketplace open enrollment began on Nov. 1. If you bought a health plan last year, you’ll want to review it to make sure it still meets your needs. Every year, insurers make adjustments to premiums, out-ofpocket costs and benefits. You should have received a letter from your insurance company explaining how your costs and benefits will change for 2016. Even if you’re satisfied with your current coverage, it’ll be smart to log into your marketplace account at www.healthcare.gov and update your information on household income and family size. You may also contact the marketplace call center at 1-800-318-2596 to do that. Updating your personal information is important, because you may be eligible for lower costs than last year. About eight in 10 people who enroll in health coverage through www.healthcare.gov qualify for financial help to make their monthly premiums more affordable. The average monthly assistance amounted to $270 this past year. Generally, if you bought a plan last year and do

nothing this year, you’ll be automatically re-enrolled. Yet as tempting as “doing nothing” sounds, you could be missing out on a better deal. Consumers who shopped and switched plans during the last enrollment period have saved about $400 in premiums over the year. Texans can choose from an average of 50 health plans, though the exact number will vary from county to county. Rural areas are likely to have fewer. By comparing all the available plans in your area at www. healthcare.gov, you may ﬁnd one that saves you more money, offers more services or includes more doctors in its network of providers. The open enrollment season runs until Jan. 31. But if you want any changes in your coverage to take effect on Jan. 1, you must act by Dec. 15. This year’s open enrollment also gives the uninsured the chance to obtain coverage through the marketplace. The private health plans all cover a comprehensive set of beneﬁts, including doctor visits, hospital stays, preventive care, pregnancy and prescription drugs. Health plans sold through the marketplace must treat you fairly. Insurers can’t deny you coverage because you have a medical issue, such as cancer or diabetes. Nor can they charge you more than they would someone who’s in good health.

Back

Store Hours: Thursday 11:30am - 4pm | Friday & Saturday 11am - 5pm

Funerals * Hospitals * Sympathy * Birthdays * Anniversaries * Weddings Valentine * Women’s Day * Easter * Mother’s/Father’s Day * Schools & More

p or Pick-u y r Delive e bl Availa

CHRISTMAS CACTUS

Flowers for All Occasions

713-692-1100

Se habla español We A ppr eciate Our Customer s

Major ds Car Credit ted Accep

Store Hours

Tues: 12pm - 5pm Wed, Thurs, Fri: 8:30am - 5pm Closed Sat thru Mon TX-9

Community

Read us online! www.a f r a m n e ws .c om

Story & Photos by Christina James

Texas •November 9 - 15, 2015

alPha kaPPa sororiTy, omicron Tau omega chaPTer memBer Pose To commemoraTe The nighT The celeBraTion honored “housTon’s finesT”, individuals Who are making an imPacT in The areas of; healTh eQuiTy, social JusTice, educaTion (disadvanTaged communiTies) and communiTy redeveloPmenT.

Today, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. spans the globe with over 250,000 members. With a commitment to servicing the north Houston communities, the Omicron Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded in Spring, Texas in 1985 with a commitment to scholarship, civic engagement and public service. With nearly three decades of service, Omicron Tau Omega and the Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Foundation of Spring, Texas members have engaged in charitable programs to cultivate and encourage high scholastic achievement through annual scholarship awards to graduating high school seniors, promote healthy lifestyles, strengthen the family unit, and improve quality of life in underserved communities. Recently, The Ethel Hedgeman Lyle (EHL) Foundation of Texas celebrated 30 years of service in North Houston. The celebration, “Clicking Our Heels through 30 Years – An Emerald Affair” Funds raised from the celebration will support the Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Foundation of Texas’ a 501 c (3), scholarship fund, which awards annual scholarships to high performing scholars from Aldine, Cy-Fair, Humble, Klein, and Spring Independent School Districts. The celebration also honored “Houston’s Finest”, individuals who are making an impact in the areas of; Health Equity, Social Justice, Education (disadvantaged com-

munities) and Community Redevelopment. Honorees included; Sylvia Bolling, Buckner Family Hope Center-Aldine, Jerrilyn Hayes-Gulf Coast of Texas African American Family Support Conference, Kelly P. Hodges-American Heart Association and Tonya Prince-Sickle Cell Association of Houston. The mission of the Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Foundation of Texas is to provide educational advancement of all individuals, award scholarships to deserving high school students, and support charitable community service projects to the Houston community. The Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Foundation of Texas exists to support the charitable programs of the Omicron Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., America’s ﬁrst Greek letter organization established by African American women in 1908. Other Notable Guests included Ayanna Mack-On-Air Talent with Radio One Houston, Mattelia B. Grays, Former International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gwendolyn Brinkley Former South Central Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Rhonda Newhouse, Spring ISD Board Member. see more PhoTos on Pg. 11

underStAnding the lAW:domeStic violence/ASSAult on A FAmily member

Domestic violence occurs more often than one would like to think. It is an uncomfortable subject to discuss and victims fail to report their abusers either due to fear or embarrassment of how they or a loved one will be viewed by the public. In Texas, domestic violence charges are referred to as Assault on a Family Member. Unlike regular assault, Assault on a Family member refers to an assault where the victim is your spouse, someone you are in a relationship with, a child, or a family member. A range of actions from threats to physical violence are punishable under

the law as Assault on a Family Member. A first offense is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in the county jail and up to a $4000 fine. If you have previously been convicted of Assault on a Family Member and you are charged with a second Assault on a Family Member you will be charged with a 3rd degree felony with punishment ranging from 2 to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. If serious bodily injury occurs during the assault or a weapon is used in the commission of the assault you will be charged with a 2nd degree felony

with punishment ranging from 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 ﬁne. If serious bodily injury occurs and a weapon is used, you could be charged with a 1st degree felony with a punishment ranging from 5 years to life in prison. A common occurrence once a loved one has reported a domestic assault to law enforcement is to want to recant their statement in court and deny that the assault happened, they may even request that no charges be ﬁled or that the charges be dropped. Although some victims decide that they no longer wish to have their abusers prosecuted, Assault on

a Family Member is treated as a very serious crime in Texas courts and prosecutors often continue to prosecute these cases despite the victim’s request. Pleading guilty or being found guilty of Assault on a Family Member is a conviction that will follow you forever. Even if you successfully complete a deferred adjudication you will not be eligible to get your record sealed. If you or a loved one is charged with Assault on a Family Member, I would advise that you consult with an attorney and have a thorough understanding of the punishments and penalties involved.

Krystin Collins Attorney at Law Attorney Krystin Collins is a native of the Acres Homes Community. She is a graduate of Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law and has been a licensed attorney since 2009. Her primary practice areas are criminal defense, civil litigation, personal injury, estate planning, and divorce. She may be contacted at 713-775-0332 or krystin.collins@gmail. com.

Visit us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX-10

Community

Texas â€˘ November 9 - 15, 2015

African

American News&Issues

Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Foundation Celebrates

Glenn Etienne

A yana M ack G lenn C olby E tienne

R honda & F redrick N ewhouse P resents the E thel H edgeman L yle F oundationwith $30,000 E ndowment C heck

M aurya & T im G laude

M andele D avis

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Omicron Tau Omega Chapterâ€™s 30th Anniversary

K elly H odges

T onay P rice

E dward S cott G ambrell & J amon H arrel

G wendolyn B rinkley & M attelia G rays

S ylvia B olling

J ennifer

and

W esley B arnes & T eena B ell

J errilyn H ayes

Visit us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX-11

African

American News&Issues

TEXAS • NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2015

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

Get up to

meal deal!

X FREE

save more than

$ 46 in

BUY

items!

with in-store coupons

buy

H-E-B Stevia 80 ct.

with in-store coupons

Kiolbassa Smoked Sausage Links value pack

That’s up to

1.98

Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls

7 oz. assorted varieties (excludes Delights) That’s up to

2.98

• 7•Up TEN, 2 L btl. assorted varieties

• Crockett Country BBQ Sauce, 18 oz.

free! buy

Totino’s Hot Snacks

90 ct. assorted varieties

20 ct., assorted varieties

• H-E-B Texas Tough® Aluminum Foil

That’s up to

free! buy

Eckrich Smoked Sausage Rope or Links 10 - 14 oz., assorted varieties,

or Eckrich Li’l Cocktail Smokies, 14 oz.

FOR AS LOW AS

• Payroll • Money Orders • Dividend • Government • Cashier • Insurance

by face value or withdrawal amount. * Fees and limits apply. Fees determined See your Business Center for details.

2.08

free! buy

H-E-B Fully Cooked Crispy Chicken Strips 28 oz.

SERVICES

Prices Good Wednesday, November 11 Thru Tuesday, November 17, 2015 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.

Some items may not be available in all stores. Items not valid at Central Market. Due to the popularity of our Extra Low Prices Every Day, we reserve the right to limit quantities. Limit Rights Reserved. We Accept Lone Star Card, WIC And Manufacturers’ Coupons. ©2015 HEB, 15-1088 visit www.heb.com

HOU-12

20 ct. assorted varieties

GET Llévatelo

free! ¡gratis! with in-store coupon Jimmy Dean Lunch or Dinner Bowl, 9 oz. assorted varieties (excludes Delights)

Llévatelo GET

¡gratis! free! with in-store coupon

14 - 16 ct. assorted varieties

Llévatelo GET

¡gratis! free! with in-store coupons

• Ranch Style Beans, 15 oz.,

assorted varieties

That’s up to

H-E-B Specialty Tea

2.98

• H-E-B Texas Corn Chips or Dippers

Cash your check or debit card

with in-store coupon

25 sq. ft.

10.5 oz. assorted varieties

free!

State Fair Corn Dogs

assorted varieties

• H-E-B Flour Tortillas

GET

free!

buy two (2)

assorted varieties

FREE

13 in 6 items!

That’s up to

2.98

free!

• Hill Country Fare Macaroni & Cheese 5.5 - 7.25 oz. assorted varieties

Llévatelo GET

¡gratis!

free! with in-store coupon

Simply Mashed Potatoes

21 - 24 oz. assorted varieties

Llévatelo

¡gratis!