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DOES HOUSTON NEED A H.E.R.O.?

There is little debate that one of the most divisive issues in African-American life surrounds the issue of homo-sexuality. Put simply, it has not only served as a divisive issue within the race, but also exposed many of the most prominent inconsistencies and hypocrisies within the Black community. Undoubtedly, the logic behind the vast majority of African-Americans repudiation of the homo-sexual lifestyle ﬂows from their exposure to the Church and ‘Holy Scripture’. When convenient African-Americans have taken ‘scripture’ to be the very ‘breath of God’ that provides the path to ‘glory’, the never-ending rewards for a life well-lived. However, even a cursory glance reveals that the accentuation of ‘scripture’ is sporadic and inconsistent among African-American clergy as the same book that they use to highlight homosexuality as a sinful lifestyle with biblical stories such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is never used to defend its promotion of slavery. American history is replete with stories of slaveholding whites using this same ‘Holy book’ to explain their lucrative exploitation of stolen Africans and their descendants. A cursory view of the historic struggle for African-American rights throughout the twentieth-century simultaneously highlights not only the presence of many African-American homosexuals in prominent spaces (Bayard Rustin, James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and Alice Walker), but also our community’s incredibly hypocritical ability to simultaneously accept their sizable intellectual and activist gifts while repudiating their person. The Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (H.E.R.O.) which is now heading toward a vote this November brings many of these matters to the forefront. In regards to African-Americans, the protections being offered via this measure do not extend Black rights in any appreciable manner. As with most things, the African-American perspective must be particularly nuanced as a misstep will further damage an already politically fragmented community. Black homosexuals have always been placed in a peculiar situation that is best reﬂected in the reality that they have often been too Black to be fully accepted by a Gay Rights community that often fails to recognize that the issues/problems facing them are often not identical to those facing white movement leaders; historically speaking, Black homosexuals have been far too Gay to have any of their issues addressed by a traditionally Black Macho patriarchal activist community. TO CONTINUE READING ‘H.E.R.O.’ SEE PG. 9

VOL. 20 ISSUE 29

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

A Voice for Those Who Have Non

“I went from being a teacher in the union helping teachers battle their issues - to a single mom raising a special needs child - to a voice for the community that will hopefully help bless and save other lives,” says Deirdre Dickson-Gilbert. HOUSTON - “David only had a slingshot and some rocks and that’s all I have,” said founder of the National Association for Medical Malpractice Victims, Inc., Mrs. Deirdre Dickson-Gilbert. She has become an advocate for victims and family members thereof; amongst those who have been victimized and harmed due to medical negligence. Being a voice for those who feel they have none is apart of her DNA. As a child, she remembers her mother, Lovella Dickson assuming the role of a community activist, speaker and even running for public ofﬁce. Hence, these attributes contributed to her mother as serving as a key inﬂuence in her life. For 26 years, she worked in the public school system sector as an educator. Throughout her career, she was apart of the union and always found herself at the forefront speaking out for teachers and other organizations. While being very productive as a teacher, Gilbert encountered a dramatic change in her life in 1988. TO CONTINUE READING ‘GILBERT SEE PG. 4

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THE MIS-EDUCATION OF THE BLACK STUDENT ATHLETE Manhood, Race & Culture By Dr. James Thomas Jones III

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

s fanatical fans throughout the nation gear up for yet another College Football Season that they hope culminates with their favorite school dethroning my alma mater, THE Ohio State University, from their National Championship perch; the alluded to anticipation causes them to be oblivious to the reality that there is a signiﬁcant crisis gripping not only College Athletics. The alluded to crisis revolves around what many consider an oxymoron; that being, the classiﬁcation of the AfricanAmerican collegians they cheer for as ‘student-athletes’. Educators have for the longest time warned the nation regarding the ‘win-at-all-costs’ culture that surrounds any successful athletic program. There is not a single major collegiate coach in America, regardless of the sport, who does not realize that his/her foremost preoccupation, that is if he desires to keep his million dollar contract, is winning. Such pressure causes even

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the most moral men to go to extreme lengths to increase the number in the win column; they all know that win percentage outweighs student-athlete graduation rate all day, everyday. Apparently the win at all costs pressure has caused most coaches, most notably University of Texas Head Football Coach Charlie Strong to take a few recruiting risks. From the moment that the Texas Longhorns 2015 Football Recruiting class was signed, many questioned if all of these young men would be able to gain admission to the vaunted University for academic reasons. As many expected, four of the young men --- Gilbert Johnson, Devonaire Clairington, Ronnie “Buck” Major, and Du’Vonta Lampkin --- have failed to gain admission to the University of Texas for various academic reasons. Du’Vonta Lampkin recently related that he will not enroll at the University of Texas and will pursue admission at another university. The saga of much ballyhooed Wide Receiver Gilbert Johnson is a particularly sad tale of a young man who after signing a National Letter of Intent to play at the University of Georgia this past year, failed to gain admission, he has spent this past year at Georgia Prep Sports Academy where he ended up injuring his leg. After spending a year at a ‘prep school’, Mr. Johnson accepted an athletic scholarship to the University of Texas, unfortunately, he has failed to gain admission to the University of Texas for academic reasons. Recent reports indicate that Johnson will enroll in Mars Hill University, a Division II school located in North Carolina. The remaining individuals --- Major and Clarington --- still have a glimmer of

hope that they will be able to meet the academic requirements prior to school starting. Although Charlie Strong’s University of Texas Football Team has been highlighted in this report, there are few athletic programs that do not have these types of problems. For example, South Oak Cliff’s Jordan Stevenson, a four-star running back who signed to play this year for the Wisconsin Badgers will be released from his National Letter of Intent for failing to gain entry to the University for Academic Reasons. African-American male athletes’ failure to gain admission to institutions for academic reasons is a constant refrain. Often even after they are admitted they have voluminous difficulties with the school work. One must not forget the recent scandal at the University of North Carolina that involved cheating after student-athletes were admitted to the University. Although it is comforting to point the finger at the Head Coach when these things occur, I believe a much beneficial approach may be to investigate, and then address, the crisis in the lack of academic preparation for African-American males’ in general, not just the student-athletes. This is a home-grown and in-house issue that African-Americans are nearly solely responsible for. Rarely a day passes when I do not see one of my male students giving away bountiful pieces of power that they will desperately need to determine their life’s path. Put simply, they seemingly relish the chance to waste opportunities that have historically been denied to their parents, grandparents, etc. Continue Reading Online Online @ Aframnews.com

TEXAS • AUGUST 10 -16, 2015

WHAT IS BLACK LEADERSHIP?

By: #WhoIsDanFreeman

onsidering the voluminous response that an earlier piece I wrote regarding ‘Where is the Negro Leadership of Waller County?’ It is clear to me that our community not only has no idea of what leadership is, who can be a leader, and what are the duties and responsibilities of Black leadership. So in an effort to make myself clear, I will revisit this issue again. If you were to look up the definition of leadership, you would find the following description; Leadership: the action of leading a group of people or an organization. Although I would love to state that the above definition is comprehensive, however, it fails in regards to succinctly describing the type and functionality of leadership necessary to break the politico economic chains that have enslaved AfricanAmericans for nearly four-centuries. Considering the unique oppression that persons of African descent have experienced on the North American continent, an oppression that began prior to this nation’s formation, it stands to reason that Black folk would need a unique leadership group that was courageous enough ‘to speak truth to power’ and wise enough to distinguish between public ‘rabble rousing’ and diligently building a fully-functioning socioeconomic society protected by political might. Sadly, what is passing for leadership today is the opposite of what we need. Today’s Negro leadership seemingly fails to understand that although they have people following them, they fail the people when they do not have a goal in mind; they are quite simply, just busily working their way towards something.

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I challenge any of today’s so-called leaders to pinpoint their goals; I am certain that you will hear broad terms such as freedom, justice, equality, and liberation. Our people deserve better than such non-speciﬁc, largely rhetorical, goals structures. Unfortunately, there appears to be a tendency among today’s leaders to criticize anyone that asks such questions. What such leaders fail to realize is that such ‘constructive criticism’ is not only essential to reﬁning movement strategies, tactics, and goals, but also a major aspect of the Black Freedom Struggle tradition that they are currently involved in. Make no mistake about it, Ella Baker criticized Dr. King, and Dr. King criticized the leadership of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee. Fortunately for all of us, such criticism did not stop these individuals/groups from working with one another. Considering that it was the abduction and subsequent death of Sandra Bland that caused this series of editorials, it is only natural that this discussion returns back to Waller County and Prairie View. As a recent headline in this paper read, ‘Where Is Waller County’s Negro Leadership?’; the question still remains as we are still waiting for some semblance of leadership to emerge. Continue Reading Online 1 12/11/14 Business Card for Paper 14_Layout Source: aframnews.com

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TEXAS • AUGUST 10 - 16, 2015

“WHEN FAILING TO SIGNAL

PROPERLY COULD COST YOU YO LIFE…”

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

Loyal Readers of African-American News&Issues, please allow us to address an issue and correct it. We would like to apologize to Dan Freeman and Coach Mark Spivey for the column mix up. There was a double run of articles under different titles and we do not want the readers to confuse the aurthors for each other. The correct article for Coach Spivey will run under the same title from the previous week. The column has also been updated online.

any of us who have attended our beloved Prairie View A&M University have seen the remarkable transformation of the “Hill” into one of the most beautiful college campuses in America. Known for its lush lawns and majestic trees, our school has always had the appearance of order, pride, and reverence reminiscent of those noted at prominent Ivy League schools such Harvard, Princeton, and Yale. Over the years we have witnessed new buildings sprout up across the landscape; architectural marvels paid for by land grant monies owed to us by the State of Texas and masterfully fought for by then State Representative Wilhelmina Delco back in the ‘90s. We have seen those building rise under the watchful eye of our president, Dr. George C. Wright; and we have heard the rich history of how our university sits at the top of a hill on a former slave plantation called “Alto Vista”, so wonderfully told by the mayor of Prairie View, the honorable Frank Jackson. We have a new pond at the entrance of our campus; one that has a serene feeling to it. There, our students can sit, study, and occasionally

skinny-dip in it from time to time, but mainly it’s there for relaxation. I often see retired residents from the community walking the loop for exercise and if you’re there right before the sun goes down, you can see the beauty of our campus as a backdrop of the horizon. Even University Drive has undergone a massive road expansion, going to four lanes instead of two. Thank you again, Mayor Jackson. The only thing on campus that has not changed over the past few years is the speed limit on University Drive. Everybody and they momma knows that if you drive more than 20 miles per hour down that stretch of highway, nine times out of ten you’re likely to get pulled over by our university’s ﬁnest police force. We all know that. We also change lanes from time to time without signaling. But, I’ve never heard of anyone getting pulled over for that. I understand it’s improper to do so, but it’s at best a minor violation. Why would DPS Troopers be monitoring trafﬁc activity on PVAMU’s campus anyway? Isn’t that 700 mile stretch of road on highway 290 big enough for them to do their jobs? What was the REAL reason for Sandra Bland to be pulled over? We have to start there because this was the beginning to the end of her life. Many people feel that we march and/or protest just for idle reasons. They feel that we are just a bunch of “niggahs” or Black folk who always bring up the “race card” and like to throw the word “racism” around as if it was a toy. They also feel like we are “race-baiters” and “thugs”. The same scope that these people see us through is the same scope they saw Sandra Bland through. This is why we march… There are a lot of wonderful people in Waller County. I have worked there for 9 years. I haven’t been a victim of racism (I think) nor has any White person been unkind to me. I am not a local. I live in Cypress, therefore, my day to day experience in Waller County is professional. Continue Reading Online Online @ Aframnews.com

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

KNOW YOUR WORTH...

We MUST

uthor and Poetess C. Although there remain many Understand JoyBell C. once made refermembers of our communities who ence to a very true thought. have successfully triumphed over By Roy In that statement she concluded many stumbling blocks to secure a Douglas that, “Life is too short to waste any greater future for themselves, I will Malonson, Chairman amount of time on wondering what just made reference to two of them. other people think about you. In the Just this year, we presented Rodney Another example was a story that first place, if they had better things Cleveland in an article entitled “Can’t we wrote about on Tony Williams going on in their lives, they wouldn’t be Stopped!” This young man is a in 2013 entitled, “Overcoming have the time to sit around and talk native Houstonian who grew up on Adversity”. Williams was the son of about you. What’s important to me the Northeast side of town. His story a local pastor who was raised on the is not others’ opinions of me, but reveals that as a teen, he dropped South side of Houston. In his early what’s important to me is my opinion out of high school and commenced days of life he experienced a series of of myself.” This is one concept that I to an era of criminal mischief. From events that led to unlawful imprisonhold to a high degree in my own life, stealing to engaging in illicit drugs to ment. But before that, he described because you can not live your life off fighting and creating disturbances; he that he would eat out of garbage of how the world views you. underwent a lot of the activities that We MUST Understand, that it is has become a stereotype for our young bins, sleep in vacant buildings, was chased and beaten by the not about what people call police, used and dealt drugs you but it’s about what you and many other things to answer to. Anytime you alstate the least. However, low a person to define your once he was released he character, you are giving made a decision to go to them permission to dictate college. He graduated from your future and destiny. As Houston Community the poetess said, “Life is too College and later became short”. the owner of Dollar Metal Over the years, Africanand Recycling. Even though American News & Issues others counted him out, once has built a reputation for he realized his self-worth highlighting and presenting he continually soared above life stories on individuals obstacles and was able to live within our own communiRodney Cleveland, determined his Tony Williams through internal a life different to those people ties who have overcome motivation went from being a have destined for him. many obstacles in this thing own worth. He went from being a troubled teen to the Marine Corps drug dealer, addict and convict Concluding, We MUST called life. As publisher, I to being the First Black Union to becoming the owner of Dollar Understand, that there will initiated and authorized this Metal and Recycling, from simcome a day when the very endeavor for more than one Representative for Union Pacific. ply determining his own worth.. people that you allow to reason. It was never meant control your destiny won’t be to give anyone a platform to around. That is a proven fact. At that promote him or herself. Nevertheless, Black men. However, he said within point, if you live your life based off one of the main reasons was to inspire, himself that he had to make a change of other people determining your self regular everyday people. within his life, because he realized his worth, when they are no longer around Because African-American own self-worth. He knew that there you will find that you have lived a life News & Issues is a publication that is was more to life than the lifestyle that full of emptiness and you will never geared toward addressing current and he was involved in. Slowly, he began reach that pivotal point of success. historical realities affecting our comto pick up the pieces. He enlisted into In most cases, there are people that munities, I think that this has been a the Marine Corps and later secured will tell you who you are and who very beneficial effort. There are many employment with Union Pacific. you should be just to intentionally of us who need to know that if other Today, he remains the first Black build themselves up with an intent to people who came from the same side Union Representative for his departtare you down. We have to be careful of the tracks and town that we came ment at Union Pacific. This only came from made it, then so can they. You by him defining himself, going against about people like that because they come in all races, creeds and colors. just simply have to determine your the odds and not allowing others to And in most instances they are people own self-worth and not other people to tell him who he was or was going to that look just like you. do it for you. become. TX-3

African

American News&Issues

Gilbert From Pg. 1

C ver St ry

Texas •A 1012-18, - 16, 2015 Texas • ugust August 2013

On August 1, Mrs. Deirdre Dickson-Gilbert (NAMMV) along with Cynthia Copeland (AFCSME), the Black Heritage Society and other partnering organizations sponsored, “On the Bridge for Justice”. The demonstration took place on Rosemont Bridge (Buffalo Bayou) in downtown Houston. The initiative was held to inform residents about the severity of medical negligence.

It was then that she gave birth to her daughter, Jocelyn Dickson who was born blind. Jocelyn was born with a rare syndrome called, “CHARGE”. According to the Genetics Home Reference, “CHARGE stands for coloboma, heart defect, atresia choanae (also known as choanal atresia), retarded growth and development, genital abnormality and ear abnormality.” However, the illness was one that was not common during the era of Jocelyn’s birth. With a special needs child in tow, Gilbert found herself having to stop working due to the numerous amount of surgeries (120 to be exact) that her daughter had to undergo. Jocelyn’s illness resulted in her having to be fed by a tube. It was difficult for Gilbert to find a day care or even get any real type of help for what she was going through, because of the unfamiliarity of the syndrome. This battle became extremely strenuous and resulted in her having to acquire public

assistance and move back home with her mother. For years, Gilbert spent her days and nights, from weeks to months to years, up and down the highway going to and from and living in and out the hospital. Her daughter had a variety of ailments and at times, she would stop breathing, which caused her to have to return home with an oxygen tank. Gilbert would even have to place tubing in her daughter’s nose for Esophageal Dilation. Young Jocelyn at times would remove her own tubing, so much so that it would get infected. During an interview, Gilbert explained that one day she ran out of her mother’s house to a church and got on her knees in the middle of the parking lot and began crying out to God. “I just couldn’t take it anymore and I had to do something,” she said. She returned home and told her mother that she was going to remove the tubing. As most protective grandmothers, she warned her daughter against doing so.

Nevertheless, she did and with being made aware from her cousin of how unwanted animals were fed out of a syringe; she used the same method on Jocelyn. Much to her chagrin, this effort proved to be beneficial and before long, her daughter was feeding out of a bottle and then eating food. Although it was a mountain of hardship keeping Jocelyn alive, Gilbert remained dedicated to her daughter. Even with Jocelyn’s disability she ended up eating, seeing, walking and talking. All of which were odds that were totally impossible, according to the doctors prognosis of her from birth. Since CHARGE was unfamiliar to many people, Gilbert never stopped equipping herself with knowledge about the syndrome. She researched every bit of information that she could on the internet and would indulge in studies that had been done in Canada from people who suffered from the same. Her inquisitive mind and search enabled her with the strength, will and

all original responses from Letter to the Editor Weourwelcome readers to content found in the

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knowledge to care for her daughter. During this time, Gilbert wrote her first book, entitled, “Can I Just Have A Little Bit”. It was a healing and crying out process of her experience of needing some sort of peace in the midst of her daughter’s issues. After all of the obstacles that Jocelyn was able to overcome in 22-years, her demise came as a result of the same people that were entrusted to keeping her alive. On Valentine’s Day of 2011, she succumbed due to medical negligence. This traumatic event, inspired Gilbert’s second book, “Momma Help Me Please.” It tells of a story between a mother and daughter. It describes how she was able to keep her daughter alive. Furthermore, it seeks to demonstrate that even though Jocelyn suffered from her syndrome, she still had joy. She would laugh, cry and play - all the emotions that other children have. The title of the book yields the last words that Jocelyn ever said to her mother. The struggle that Jocelyn went through and the manner of death she had all motivated the fire within her to reignite her role as an activist. Hence she became an advocate for families of those who had CHARGE syndrome and those who were victims of medical malpractice. She also created the

Jocelyn Dickson Foundation. It is an organization that awards scholarships to students who are interested in pursuing a medical career. Jocelyn was a lover of hospitals, so Gilbert thought that it would only be befitting to do this service in her honor. She also pioneered a talk show on Blog talk called, “Life”. Within less than two years, through this endeavor she met over 30,000 people who had went through similar situations. It was at this point that she realized the scores of victims whose lives medical negligence had claimed. Gilbert informed that she heard, “horrific and barbaric stories” from people across the country. She soon found out that the topic was one that was not readily discussed amongst the public. She said, “It was like it was a taboo or something, kind of like the AIDS virus.” She continued, “Even though no one wanted to speak out about it somebody had to push the issue so it would come to life.” In her research she found that medical negligence was the third leading cause of death and that 1.5 million people were consumed by its wrath. Story By: Rebecca S. Jones Photo Credit: Deirdre Dickson-Gilbert To Continue Reading Visit www.aframnews.com

Texas • augusT 10 - 16, 2015

5tH blACK WomAN DieS iN PoliCe CUStoDY iN JUlY

Black News

A New York mother of eight is the fifth Black woman to die while in police custody in the month of July. Raynette Turner, 43, died in a Westchester County jail cell after being arrested for allegedly stealing crab legs at a wholesale food store. Turner was arrested July 25 on the petty larceny charge and was set to be arraigned on July 27. However, the previous evening, she complained about not feeling well and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Turner was diagnosed with high blood pressure. The next day, the defendant’s husband, Herman Turner sat at Mount Vernon City Court patiently awaiting her appearance for the arraignment. She never made it, however, dying just two hours before her 4 p.m. arraignment. Turner’s family was not notified of her death until the following morning when police detectives told them at their house. Turner’s autopsy is still currently pending for the cause of her death. The case has drawn attention in social media and elsewhere, coming in the wake of the well-publicized deaths of four other Black women in police custody, including: • Sandra Bland, 28, (from Chicago) of Texas who was pulled over on July 10 for failing to use a turn signal. According to authorities she committed suicide on July 13. • Kindra Chapman, 18, from Alabama was arrested for allegedly stealing a cell phone. She was charged with ﬁrst-degree robbery on July 14 and found dead the same day from “asphyxia by hanging.” • Joyce Curnell, 50, of South Carolina was arrested on July 21 due to an outstanding warrant for shoplifting. The following day she was found dead in her cell. Her autopsy is currently pending, and; • Ralkina Jones, 37, from Cleveland was arrested on July 25 for a domestic dispute and was charged with assault, domestic violence, endangering a child, and criminal mischief. Jones was then taken to a hospital after appearing “lethargic.” She was found dead in her cell the following day. An autopsy performed found “no suspicious injuries” on Jones’ body.

Courtney Jacobs AFRO | The Philadelphia Tribune

reSiDeNtS looK to reViVe AUStiN’S SHriNKiNG blACK CommUNitY

Food, football, technology and live music are synonymous with Austin, Texas. Along with its diverse interests, the city is one of the most ethnically diverse in America, with growing Asian and Hispanic communities. The city’s African-American community, however, is seeing a decline in numbers, with a 5.4% decrease between 2000 and 2010, according to the Census Bureau. Now, many residents of East Austin, the city’s historically black quarter, are looking for ways to reverse the tide. East Austin is where most of the city’s African-Americans have lived and raised their families since the 1930s. African-Americans once accounted for as much as 25% of the city’s population. Today, blacks make up only about 8%; the number will fall to 5% in a few decades, according to city projections. The change comes as new residents, mostly young white professionals, are moving into East Austin and many blacks are relocating to the suburbs or other regions of the state. In 2015, the Census Bureau named Texas’ capital city as one of the fastestgrowing metropolises in the U.S., with more than 885,000 residents and counting. The median sale price of a home in East Austin was $225,000 during the 2012-13 ﬁscal year, according to the Austin Board of Realtors. Just two years later, housing prices in the area saw a steep increase to an average sale price of $345,000. Affordable-housing efforts, such as the work of the Blackland Community Development Corp., have been underway for years but, with the signiﬁcant increase of home prices, have not been entirely effective. Michaela N Vincent | CNN

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PreSiDeNt obAmA SPeNDS DAY iN FeDerAl PriSoN: HoUStoN leADerS briNG AtteNtioN to teXAS

President Barack Obama surprised many last week by making an appearance in a place where no president has appeared before – a federal penitentiary. President Obama toured the El Reno Correctional Institution last week as part of his attempt to deliver on a campaign promise that guaranteed an overhaul of the country’s criminal-justice system. The visit to El Reno happened a few days after President Obama commuted the sentences of 46 nonviolent drug offenders, including two Houstonians – Joe Louis Champion and Robert Earl Thomas Jr.

Jerry Ford II | TheDallas Weekly

DoNAlD trUmP: No blACK PreSiDeNtS For A WHile beCAUSe oF obAmA

Donald Trump thinks the United States will not see another Black president for some time because Barack Obama has “set a very poor standard,” the billionaire businessman, entertainer and Republican presidential candidate told ABC News on Sunday. Trump -- who has questioned whether Obama was born in the United States and was once sued by the Justice Department because the management of his apartment complexes allegedly discriminated against Black tenants -- also thinks he’ll win the Black vote. Trump responded to a question on the show about a tweet he sent last year saying America would not see another Black president for generations because of how poorly he thought Obama had done. “He has done nothing for African Americans. You look at what’s gone on with their income levels. You look at what’s gone on with their youth. I thought that he would be a great cheerleader for this country. I thought he’d do a fabulous job for the African American citizens of this country. He has done nothing,” Trump said. “They have problems now in terms of unemployment numbers, look at their unemployment numbers. And you have -- here you have a Black president who’s done very poorly for the African Americans of this country,” Trump said. “I think that I will win the African American vote and I think I will win the Hispanic vote.” Trump also distanced himself from his past praise of some of his current opponents, basically acknowledging he only said nice things about them in the past because he needed good relationships with politicians for business purposes. Trump also would not rule out a third-party run for office, saying only that he wouldn’t run as an independent if he was treated fairly by the Republican party. Ryan J Reilly | Hufﬁngton Post

NAACP DeFeNDS teXAS blACK mAN WHo AlleGeDlY SHoWeD GAY CHilD SeX tAPe to teeNAGerS

Recently, the NAACP in Grand Prairie, Texas, staged a protest to defend Demoyas Baker, 27, a worker at the Dalworth Recreational Center who was arrested because he allegedly showed two teenagers a gay child sex tape featuring two 12-year-old boys. The tape of the boys was derived from surveillance footage from the center taped in May. The arrest warrant for Baker contained a statement from a Dalworth employee who caught Baker showing the tape to a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old. One of the teenagers confirmed the employee’s version of events. That didn’t matter to Angela Luckey of the Grand Prairie NAACP. “He is still maintaining his innocence. That what he’s been accused of, he still maintains he did not do it,” she asserted. The protest at the Dalworth Recreational Center on Thursday featured Luckey and other supporters of Baker claiming that he simply didn’t know how to handle the video. They attacked the recreation center for not removing it before Baker used it. Baker has been charged with Class A Misdemeanor – Harmful Display to a Minor, according to the Grand Prairie Reporter.

William Bigelow | Breitbart

bCSo looKiNG For Hit AND rUN DriVer tHAt KilleD loCAl teACHer It’s going to be a tough start to the school year for students at Southwest High School. One of their teachers was killed by a hit and run driver over the weekend. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office said Vanessa Puente, 38, was hit by an SUV on the southwest side of town early Sunday morning as she was walking home. On the side of the road at the corner of the intersection you can find a memorial. It contains ﬂowers and hand written notes. One man, who asked KENS 5 to conceal his identity, said he heard the impact of the accident and ran out of his house to perform CPR. A mural of the school mascot was her idea, just one of many ways she helped students reach their full potential. Black said he will always remember Puente through a portrait of him sketched by one of Puente’s students. BCSO investigators are still looking for the driver responsible. They believe the driver was in a dark colored SUV, possibly an older model Ford Expedition. The vehicle will have front-end damage on the passenger side. BCSO is asking anyone with information regarding this crash to please call their investigator at 210-335-6086 or San Antonio Crime Stoppers at 210-224-STOP. Phil Anaya | KENS5 San Antonio

TX- 5

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

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Photo: Aldine ISD 281-898-4716 11718 SOUTH WILCREST elimination. Other schools would HOUSTON, 77099 be Smith, Stovall, HarrisTXand Hill, all based on the same criteria. A d v e r t i s e o nStuline dents of magnet programs that had aframnews.com been eliminated would return to their homeBLACK campus and given first CHAMBER priority for available slots in other magnet programs, with the exception of 4th grade students, who will be given the option of continuing at Houston Academy. Staff will be placed into 713-692-7161 vacant positions on 6112 WHEATLEY ST other campuses. HOUSTON, TX 77091 The order would have given the magnet program a protected status CHEMICAL and funds from the government would have been provided for their operation. Also, several events and Citywideor Chemical items were reduced eliminat& festival Commercial ed, such asJanitorial the magnet and PestThe Control Company technology fair. proposed cuts 3521 Jensen St. Houston, TX 77026 were approved by district trustor 4809 ees at the January 25713/227-4808 school board Janitorial Supplies meeting before a packed house of Sales-Service-Supplies Wholesale-Retail incensed parents and We student. But repair buffers, Bamberg warns the cuts may still vacuum, shampooers and allthe otherneeds machines. not be enough to meet Charles SAME DAY FREE DELIVERY Dawson of the nation’s 12th largest district. US METRO Dawson Chemical Administrators say they still need Chemical & Janitorial Supply Company & Janitorial Supply Company 6010 Irvington -Hou.,TX 77009 4308 Kelley • Hou., TX 77026the budget. $18 million to St.balance 713/697-7137 “The only713/633-9019 way we’re going to get additional revenue at this point CHURCH is to look to the community,” said Cliffdale Bamberg, alluding to the need for increased property Baptisttax revenue, which couldChurch be as much as 13 cents per $100 value property. (281)of 447-8850 Ed.- Last week’s story, 854 ENTERPRISE ST provided Pastor inaccurateHOUSTON, demographics AISD. Fred Sanders TX 77088 for The correct numbers are 68.2 perHOU-627 percent Africancent Hispanic, American, 2.2 percent White.

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

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TX 77091 CHURCHHOUSTON, OF CHRIST

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Baptist Church Sunday

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

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Contact Texas • augusT 10 -Information: 16, 2015 Name: Chris Pittner Company: Sylvan Learning PUBLIC Phone: NOTICE (512) 633-9660 Office Fax: (512) 233-0795 E-fax Email:JOB chris.pittner@sylvansw.com TRANSPORTATION FAIR Address SPONSORED BY for tearsheets: ***NEEDED TODISTRICT SEND TEAR THE HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL SHEETS*** Saturday August 15, 2015 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Port Houston Elementary SchoolAD COST 1800 McCarty $120.40 Houston, TX 77029

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new Bus Drivers! Please review and sign for approval. Free CDL Training, Guaranteed Route Hours, Flexible schedules, Please fax back to High (713) 692-1183 Tech Buses, Benefits and Retirement available Now by 12Hiring NOON WednesdayPlease forbring next 2 forms of ID Ofﬁce Assistant Monday’s publication. $10/hr For further information check our website at

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Texas • August 10 - 16, 2015

Sunday First Baptist of AUGUST 16 Lincoln City BC

Thursday Iprayz Gospel Party & Showcase 1112 Southmore Blvd Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 6pm For more info contact (800) 319-9231 Friday KCOH 1230 AM Dial Tune in to The Power Brokers Show From 8am - 9am Email Your Upcoming Events to: news@aframnews.com

15 Saturday The Upper Room

Prayer Ministry Prayer Breakfast 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 11am -12:30pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161 Saturday Acres Home Chamber for Bus. & Eco. Dev, Inc. Digital Computer Class 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 11am -12:30pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161 Saturday City of Houston & Mayor Anise Parker Back 2 School Supply U of H Main Campus Registration Deadline July 31, 2015

www.houstontx.gov/btsf

Saturday Council Member Dwight Boykins Back 2 School Bash 3611 Ennis Houston, Texas 77004 From 9am - 12pm For more info contact 832-393-3201

FBC Praise Dancers 844 Fortune St Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 11:30am For more info contact: (832)892-5078 Monday Council Member Dwight Boykins Swingin’ For Seniors Golf Tournament 2155 N MacGregor Way Houston, TX 77030 Beginning at 8am For more info contact: (832) 393-3001

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Monday - Thursday National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. 68th NAREB Convention 4 Riverway Houston, TX 77056 Times Vary For more info contact (713) 871·8181

Thursday Gulf Coast of Texas African-American Family Support Conference 9401 Knight Rd Houston, TX 77045 From 9:30am - 3:30pm For more info contact: (281) 272-2206

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Thursday Iprayz Gospel Party & Showcase 1112 Southmore Blvd Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 6pm For more info contact (800) 319-9231 Saturday Harris County AFL-CIO Council BBQ Cook Off 7902 Fairmont Pkwy Pasadena, TX 77507 From 9am - 6pm For more info contact:

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Saturday Israel Baptist Church Health & Wellness fair 7805 Darlington St Houston, TX 77028 From 11am - 2pm For more info contact: (832) 264-4570

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UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES PRESENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH NEW LINE CINEMA/CUBEVISION/CRUCIAL FILMS A BROKEN CHAIR FLICKZ PRODUCTION AN F. GARY GRAY FILM “STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON”CO-EXECUTIVE O’SHEA JACKSON, JR. COREY HAWKINS JASON MITCHELL AND PAUL GIAMATTI EXECUTIVE SCORE BY JOSEPH TRAPANESE PRODUCERS S. LEIGH SAVIDGEALAN WENKUS PRODUCERS WILL PACKER ADAM MERIMS DAVID ENGELBILL STRAUSTHOMAS TULLJON JASHNISTORYPRODUCEDBY ICE CUBE p.g.a. TOMICA WOODS-WRIGHTMATT ALVAREZ p.g.a. F. GARY GRAY p.g.a. SCOTT BERNSTEIN p.g.a. DR. DRE BY S. LEIGH SAVIDGE DIRECTED & ALAN WENKUS AND ANDREA BERLOFF SCREENPLAY BY JONATHAN HERMAN AND ANDREA BERLOFF BY F. GARY GRAY A UNIVERSAL PICTURE SOUNDTRACK ON UNIVERSAL MUSIC ENTERPRISES

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African

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RELIGION PROFILE: PASTOR MONTARI MORRISON, SR.

Pastor Montari Morrison, Sr. Morrison is a third-generation preacher turned pastor, who is following in the footsteps of his predecessors who followed in the footsteps of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Pastor, Grace Fellowship M.B.C., Victoria, TX

VICTORIA - Born into a family of faith to the late Dr. Lester David Morrison and Johnnie Galloway was Montari Morrison, Sr.. With a lineage that extends from intense and electrifying powerhouses, it is no wonder that the role of spiritual leadership would serve to be one of Morrison’s greatest assets. He hails from the small town named in honor of President John Tyler, Tyler, Texas. As a lad, Morrison was groomed and engaged to be a, “student of the scripture”, by his own admission. His father, pastored Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Northeast Texas, until he was called to the church that his father (the late Pastor Willie Morrison) established in 1961, Greater True Light M.B.C. located at 6828 Annunciation St., 77016. At the age of 14, he started playing the piano. He received his ﬁrst piano lesson from his paternal grandmother, Verlie Mae Morrison. Musical talent and vocals was a trait that was inherited on his father’s side of the family. He expressed, “It was no strange thing to be involved in music, it was almost like a requirement when I was coming up - so it came very natural for me.” He perfected his skills so much that he served as: youth musician, director, every praise and worship leader and anything else that dealt with music; at his church in Mt. Pleasant, White Oak M.B.C. He recalled his humble beginnings as receiving $25 a week for his talents. In addition to playing the instrument, he also was blessed with an amazing vocal talTX-8

ent. With this gift he would sing at many guest churches throughout his youth. In 2000, he went on to graduate from high school in Mt. Pleasant and from there he relocated to Houston. Upon moving to Houston he found that the market was a lot better in regards to utilizing his talents. By the age of 18, he had begun to play professionally and was able to make a living simply by playing and using his gifts for God. In 2008, Morrison was sitting in a barber’s chair reading scripture as it had become his custom. In his reading he came across the text that told the story of men sitting idle and Jesus asks them, “Why?” They responded, “because no man has hired us.” In so many words, Jesus tells them to get up and go to work and don’t look for man to pay you, but whatever you have coming to you I’ll pay. Morrison had already been labeled for years by many elders and saints as having been, “running from the ministry.” However, it was at that moment that it became clear to him, that it was now time for him to go and tell a dying word what thus saith the Lord. With that intent he was minded not to look for any particular person to get him to where he Late Pastor Willie Morrison Founder of Greater True Light Missionary Baptist Church in 1961. needed to be but that God himself, would be the source. He made haste in his unction and began preaching that selfsame year, under the leadership of Dr. V.L. Parker, at which point he was licensed into the ministry at Greater Northeast Antioch MBC. After the passing of his pastor, he moved his membership and was ordained in October of 2011 by Dr. F.L. Fillmore at Northland M.B.C.; and a few others from the Baptist Mission Association of Texas. He faitfully served there as a musician and Youth Pastor, until Pastor Fillmore sent him to Victoria. It was there that Morrison was elevated to another plateau in the gospel ministry. Hence, he became the Pastor of Greater Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in February of 2011. Being spiritually directed by the Holy Spirit, Pastor Morrison established Grace Fellowship M.B.C., “The Place of Grace” in February. The church’s mission is to, “Missionize the sinner,

Religion

TEXAS • AUGUST 10 -16, 2015

minister to the saint and magnify the Savior.” Since the establishment of Grace Fellowship, they have already seen much success. With a starting membership of 60, within months that number has exponentially increased. Pastor Morrison stated, “and we are believing God for more.” Equipped with all of the talents that he was blessed with from his adolescent years, his gifts have been culminated so much so that he has just released his ﬁrst single. He was able to do all of the musician and vocal work on it. For Your Good, is a song that God inspired him to write. He composed it last year. It was during a time in his life that he was going through, “some very hard situations”. He explained that music has always been a therapeutic healing process for him. “It’s my place of relief and putting things in the right perspective. I was sitting down at the piano and God gave me the words and the melody to it. A few months later, I came in contact with a producer and showed him what I had and we begin to work together. Today, we have For Your Good... with more to come...” Pastor Morrison is not only known for his soothing instrumental melodies and proliﬁc teaching and preaching methods, but he has become a writer for the Victoria Advocate. He writes the “Saturday Sermon” in the publica-

Late Dr. Lester David Morrison (1955 - 1990) Pastored Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Tyler. After the passing of his father, the late Pastor Willie Morrison he took on the role of stewardship at Greater True Light M.B.C. in Houston

tion several times a year. To compliment ﬁeld work in the ministry he established Montari Morrison Ministries in 2011. It is a ministry that is designed to do work outside of church such as: feeding the hungry, evangelizing and partnering with clothing donation centers to distribute clothes to the less fortunate, amidst a wide range of other community service activities. STORY BY: REBECCA S. JONES TO CONTINUE READING VISIT WWW.AFRAMNEWS.COM

Bus Drivers needed

We’re Going Places. Help us get there.

www.DriveHISD.org HISD is looking for Bus Drivers to become a part of our transportation team. We offer: • • • • • • • • •

$250 sign-on bonus $900 attendance incentive Free training Competitive hourly wages starting at $15.40 (guaranteed minimum of 5 hours per day) Health, dental, vision and other benefit options Teacher Retirement System participation 403(b) retirement plan option Special trip pay options Referral incentive bonuses

To become an HISD Bus Driver, apply online at www.DriveHISD.org or call 713.613.3073. “All applicants are subject to verification of work experience, certification, references, drug testing and criminal history check. It is the policy of the Houston Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, handicap or disability, ancestry, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or political affiliation in its educational or employment schedules and activities.” Equal Opportunity Employer

TEXAS • AUGUST 10 - 16, 2015 H.E.R.O. FROM PG. 1

This predicament is not unprecedented. AfricanAmerican women who realized that their particular issues were not being represented by either the Civil Rights Movement or the Black Power Era strategically distanced themselves from not only the Black Freedom Struggle, but also Feminist Movement that used the experiences and issues of white women as the standard template. Alice Walker succinctly reflected this issue when she quipped that “Feminism is to Womanism, as purple is to lavender.” Walker’s statement highlights the difference between the two social movements. So the question remains, should Black Houstonians support H.E.R.O.? Although many do not consider it a difficult issue considering its non-impact upon the Black community, in actuality it should be one that causes our entire community to pause, reflect, pray, and move forward with caution. Those that foolishly move forward without any reflection regarding this matter because ‘Holy Scripture’ denounces homosexuality are running the risk of violating the very tenets of their faith as many consider their judgment a sin and all sin is considered equal in the eyes of God. Just as troubling is the risk that a strong stance against H.E.R.O. from the African-American community will lead to a further ostracism of Black Gays from the African-American political struggle. However, there is an equally troubling matter for the vast majority of African-Americans to be found in this matter; that being, the equating of homosexuality, what

C mmunity

many African-Americans consider a ‘lifestyle’, with a biological racial classiﬁcation. I actually think that such an argument is secondary to another matter that ﬂows from the Civil Rights Movement. The matter that I allude to is the reality that the individuals who led the sixties identity politic protest movements --- Women’s Rights, Black Power, Chicano Movement, Gay Rights, etc. --- were provided on the job training during the Civil Rights Movement. In hindsight, it is clear that these other groups were never committed to ‘the liberation and salvation of the Black Nation’ rather they used it as a training ground to develop their own political agendas prior to separating from the Civil Rights Movement. Put simply, the alluded to social movements used the Black struggle as a surrogate to advance their own political agendas. The equating of homosexuality with Blackness reeks of such for the vast majority of the African-American community, even segments who believe that any type of discrimination is morally repugnant, regardless of the victim. I guess that we will all be watching the polls this coming November to see if ‘the very breath of God’ holds sway over the Black vote or if the morality that has always motivated African-American decision-making is more powerful than ‘Holy scripture’. Only then will we truly understand if Black America feels that there is a need for a H.E.R.O.

Black Kollectibles & F lowers le Availab Now!

By: James Thomas Jones III, Ph. D.

LIGHT BRIGADING WITH H-TOWN SOCIAL JUSTICE WARRIORS

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HOUSTON - Recently, the H-Town Social Justice Warriors held a Light Brigading in honor of Sandra Bland. The gatthering took place at the overpass bridge located at 4655 Hazard Street and Highway 59 Freeway. Members of the group and residents of the community came together at an attempt to display a notion of protest for justice for Bland’s death. She had come to Prairie View A&M University for a job interview at the school she once attended. While driving to get groceries, she was pulled over by Stae Trooper Brian T. Encinia for failing to signal a lane change. A mere trafﬁc violation led to an altercation, of which Bland was arrested for allegedly assaulting the trooper. She was taken to the Waller County jail in Hempstead, where she spent three days before ofﬁcials said she hanged herself. Members of the Black community are outraged and protests are being held around the nation, demanding justice. Photo Credit: Tarsha Johnson

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Health

Texas • augusT 10 - 16, 2015

h-e-B inViteS teXAnS to Shed PoundS, GAin dollArS

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR THE 2016 H-E-B SLIM DOWN SHOWDOWN

Ready to take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle? H-E-B is inviting Texans to apply for the 2016 H-E-B Slim Down Showdown, a life-changing journey toward a healthier body and a new outlook on life. Now in its sixth year, the competition is open to H-E-B Partners

(employees) and community members and offers a chance to win a $10,000 grand prize or a $5,000 healthy hero prize. Community members age 18 and older who live within 50 miles of any H-E-B store in Texas can apply, including family of H-E-B Partners (employees) who do not reside in the same household. Applications are accepted online now through Nov. 1. The contest begins January 2016. H-E-B will select 30 people (15 community members and 15 Partners) from around the state to compete in the 12week contest. Contestants will

be notified in December and announced publicly in January 2016. Winners will be crowned in April 2016 during a grand finale celebration in San Antonio. Applications, rules and FAQs can be found online at heb.com/ slimdown. When the Showdown begins, all contestants will travel to San Antonio to participate in an intensive weeklong fitness and nutrition training where they will receive personalized instruction from a host of experts on cooking, meal planning, exercise and other essential behaviors needed to implement a healthier lifestyle.

Upon returning home, contestants will receive coaching and support from H-E-B Registered Dietitians, past contestants and H-E-B Partners who have successfully adopted a healthy lifestyle and can act as a support system throughout the competition. All contestants must be willing to share their journey and inspire others by blogging about their experience and participating in H-E-B Community Challenge events in their hometown. Log on to heb.com/slimdown and apply today! About H-E-B

H-E-B, with sales of more than $20 billion, operates more than 350 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B is celebrating its 110th anniversary in 2015. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at everyday low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs more than 80,000 Partners and serves millions of customers in more than 150 communities. For more information, visit www.heb.com.

the new FACe oF dePreSSion: the “StronG” BlACK woMAn

There are countless myths and stigmas that surround depression in the Black community–particularly Black women. Myths surrounding the “strong Black women” can create needless pain and confusion, and can ultimately keep people from getting proper treatment. Strong Black women are supposed to 1.) have their own 2.) not depend on anyone else for anything 3.) be able to do others and TX-10

for themselves without showing weakness, etc right? The following statements reﬂect some common misconceptions about African Americans and depression: “If our people could make it through slavery, we can make it through anything.” “When a black woman suffers from a mental disorder, the opinion is that she is weak. And weakness in black women is intolerable.”

“You should take your troubles to Jesus, not some stranger/psychiatrist.” “You’re too strong of a Black woman to be feeling this way. Ge over yourself.” The truth is, people with depression can’t just “snap out of it.” Professor and blogger writer Monica Coleman, Ph.D writes: “In many ways, I do think that there is a greater stigma among African American culture than among white cultures. I live in southern California, and many white people will freely reference “seeing a therapist” in normal conversation. Black people don’t do that. Seeing a therapist is generally seen as a sign of weakness or a lack of faith. There is still an active mythos of “the strong black woman,” who is supposed to be strong and present and capable for everyone in her family – and neglects her own needs. In the midst of a depressive episode, I had a friend say to me, “We are the descendants of those who survived the Middle Passage

and slavery. Whatever you’re going through cannot be that bad.” I was so hurt and angry by that statement. No, depression isn’t human trafficking, genocide or slavery, but it is real death-threatening pain to me. And of course, there are those who did not survive those travesties. But that comment just made me feel small and selfish and far worse than before. It made me wish I had never said anything at all.” Symptoms of clinical depression can happen at any time to any woman. Due to cultural backgrounds, depression may be exhibited differently among African Americans. If you suspect yourself or someone you care about needs could have clinical depression, take a look at the following list of symptoms. If you experience five or more for longer than two weeks, if you feel suicidal, or if the symptoms interfere with your daily routine, see your doctor: • A persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood, or excessive crying

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Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain • Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain • Irritability, restlessness • Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling “slowed down” • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism • Sleeping too much or too little, early-morning waking • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts Remember, there’s no shame in seeking help. No man–or woman–is an island. By: By Dr. P. Gould Read More on BlackDoctor.org

Texas • August 10 - 16, 2015

Educati n/Y uth

Aldine ISD to Address Growth Issues

Superintendent Dr. Wanda Bamberg Aldine Independent School District

ldine ISD is growing at a rapid rate and the time has come to address growth issues. As the district celebrates its 80th anniversary, many older schools are in need of repair and upgrades. During the July 21 Board meeting, Aldine ISD Trustees authorized the Aldine ISD administration to prepare for a special called meeting for a possible bond referendum. The district hired Jacobs Engineering in the fall of 2014 to undertake a facilities and technological assessment of every school and support facility in the district. The district has also worked with DeJONGRICHTER, LLC, an educational facilities planning firm, which assisted in the process. “A population study conducted by Population and Survey Analysts (PASA) projects that Aldine ISD will continue to grow by 3% (2,000 students per year) for the next five years,” said Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. Wanda Bamberg. “Over the last five months, we have focused on specific options to deal with our growth.” In February of 2015, the district formed a steering committee of parents and community members to receive their input concerning the district’s growth, facilities and technological needs. Input was also received from the district’s executive team, made up of cabinet members, administrators, and steering committee chairs. The steering committee attended 6 meetings to study data and provide input about Aldine’s future. The Executive Team met three times to address growth and to plan for Aldine’s future. During the process, two community dialogues were held to receive input from district stakeholders. Aldine residents who attended the community dialogues submit-

ted more than 1,400 surveys. The steering committee studied data from the community dialogues and the input from the executive team and created a facilities master plan to address growth, programming and facility repairs. The steering committee used information from the following sources: •Facility needs assessment conducted by Jacobs Engineering •Demographics study conducted by PASA •Educational planning input from DeJONG-RICHTER The steering committee presented the following options to the Board to address AISD’s growth. Those options include: •Construction of 12 new schools (one high school, one ninth-grade school, a new Early College High School, new Pre-K-K centers, one new elementary school, three middle schools, and the rebuilding of Francis Elementary and Johnson Elementary) •Reconfiguration of grade levels: •From PK Centers to PK-K centers •From 1-4 campuses to 1-5 campuses •From 5-6 campuses to 6-8 campuses •Ninth grade and high school campuses will not be changed. •Purchase of land •Construction of a Career and Technical Education high school •Renovations of Carver High School and Anderson Academy •Converting intermediate schools to elementary schools and Pre-K-K centers. At a special called meeting on August 11, the Board will study the information to consider the bond referendum, including the amount in the bond and the timeline for the referendum. A bond referendum should have minimal impact on taxpayers especially if voters in Texas approve Proposition 1 in November. Proposition 1 changes the homestead exemption amount for school property taxes from $15,000 to $25,000. That means a house valued at $100,000 in Aldine would be taxed at $75,000. A final decision will be announced at the regular August 18 Board meeting.

African

American News&Issues

Registration is open for Pre-K students

HOUSTON ISD - Give your child a head start by enrolling them in prekindergarten now. Pre-K is just as necessary for academic success as kindergarten or first grade, according to numerous research studies. Not only will your child be more successful in school, but later on, they are more likely to graduate high school and attend college, which leads, in turn, to a well-paying job and increased earning potential. HISD offers both free and tuitionbased Pre-K in 153 district schools, including many that are dual-language. We also have nine early childhood centers specifically for young learners. All Pre-K students in the district receive breakfast and lunch during a full day of instruction from certified teachers. To be eligible for free enrollment (non-tuition-based Pre-K), your child must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2015, and live within the boundaries of HISD. Additional requirements can be found here, as well as the district’s policy on 3-year-olds. If your child is eligible, contact the

school you would like them to attend and find out if there are Pre-K seats available. If no seats are available, contact other HISD schools near your home or workplace, a list of which is available here. HISD is an open-enrollment district, which means that you are not restricted to your neighborhood school but can enroll your child in any elementary school or early childhood center with space available. Complete an application (available here), and take it to the school, along with your child’s birth certificate, your photo ID, proof of residency (utility bill), and proof of income (current check stub). For tuition-based Pre-K, a 10-month payment plan of $477 a month is available. Find out more about tuition-based Pre-K here. We encourage you to enroll your child and reap the proven benefits of a Pre-K education. For more information or for help registering for the upcoming school year, please call the HISD Parent Center at 713-556-7121 or visit the Early Childhood website at www.houstonisd.org/PreK.

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Texas • August 10 - 16, 2015

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