JANUARY 16 - 22, 2017 | FREE
AframNews
WWW.AFRAMNEWS.COM
African-American News and Issues Newspaper
VOL. 21 ISSUE 52
AframNews
3rd Edition
ADVERTISE in the NEXT EDITION!
Next Edition to release February 2017
The
H-Town Black Konnect
The #1 100% Black-Owned Worldwide Digital News Source
June James - From The Streets to the Studio
Connecting Our Communities to the services they need!
Promote your Black-owned Business in the largest circulated Black business Journal #TheHTownBK
Inquire today by Calling (713) 692-1178 There are still spots available 150,000 copies circulated throughout the city!
1st African-American Female Lieutenant
See Page 5 Lt. Tammy Alfred, Harris County Precinct 1
Emancipation Avenue
Producer, Rapper Uses God-Given Talents To Help Shape Dreams and Send Strong Life Message See Page 5 SEE PG 4
DICK DOWLING STATUE
African
2
American News&Issues
Understanding the Law: Will Contest Krystin Collins Attorney at Law
When a person passes away, with a will, the first order of business is to probate the will in probate court in order to dispose of the decedent’s estate. Often times the process of probating a Will is very straight forward, but there are times that major issues arise that result in the filing of a Will contest.
Roy Douglas Malonson Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson President/C.E.O. Chandra Jarmon
Production/Editor
LaToya Hamer
Production Asst.
Rebecca S. Jones
Contributing Writer
Mark Spivey
Contributing Writer
Chelsea Davis-Bibb
Contributing Writer
Darwin Campbell
Contributing Writer
Sandra Davis
Distribution
DeMarcus Hubert
Distribution
General: news@aframnews.com Ads: sales@aframnews.com Website: www.aframnews.com African-American News&Issues is published by African-American News & Issues, Inc., 6130 Wheatley Street, Houston, Texas 77091, (713) 692-1892. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm. The entire contents of the paper are copyrighted by African-American News & Issues, Inc. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. African-American News&Issues is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the publisher. African-American News&Issues assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other material, unless accompanied by a self-address stamped envelope.
Letter to the Editor
W
e welcome all original responses from our readers to content found in the African-American News&Issues. Letters to the Publisher may be sent via e-mail to news@aframnews.com. Please keep all letters under 300 words. Be sure to include the author’s name, area of residence. All letters and articles may be verified before they are published. All letters are subjected to editing or being cut for spacing purposes. Thank you in advance for your submission.
TX-2
Editorial & Opinion
A Will contest is an action filed in court to challenge the validity of a Will for a number of reasons, such as: a loved one feels that the Will doesn’t accurately reflect the decedent’s wishes and possible coercion or duress was involved when the Will was executed; at the time the will was made the decedent lacked the mental capacity to execute a Will; or the Will was not executed in accordance with Texas law or does not meet the requirements of a valid Will in Texas. COERCION/DURESS/UNDUE INFLUENCE Often time individuals execute their Wills at a later stage in their lives when they may be susceptible to the undue influence of an outside individual. If you feel that your loved one executed a Will that does not accurately reflect their wishes and was procured as a result of physical or mental abuse, you may be able to file a Will contest on the grounds that the testator was coerced or under extreme duress at the time the Will was executed. LACK OF CAPACITY To execute a valid Will in Texas, you must have: 1. Legal capacity: you must be over the age of 18 to execute a valid Will; 2. Testamentary capacity: you must be of “sound mind” which means you must have the mental capacity to understand that you are executing a Will. Often times a valid Will contest can be brought on the grounds that the testator lacked the Testamentary capacity to execute a valid Will. This issue arises usually when an individual executes
a will that suffers from illnesses such as, Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia. In these instances their Will may not be valid if it can be proven that at the time of executing the Will the decedent lacked the requisite capacity to make a Will. EXECUTION AND FORM Issues as to the execution or form of a Will arise when the decedent has left a Will that they have prepared themselves. In Texas in order to have a valid Will it must be: 1. in writing and signed by the testator, or another person at the testator’s direction and in their presence; 2. Signed by two credible witnesses over the age of 14 in the testator’s presence. 3. There is also the option of adding a self-proving affidavit to the Will. The self-proving affidavit substitutes for in-court testimony of witnesses as to the validity of the Will. If these procedures are not followed when executing a Will, a Will contest could be brought on the grounds that the Will execution or the form of the Will fails to meet statutory requirements. If you are considering contesting the Will of a loved one, consult with an attorney to explore your options to make a fully informed decision before proceeding with your suit.
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. - END
TEXAS • JANUARY 16 - 22, 2017
The Anti-Inauguration Charles M. Blow Author, Political & Social Analyst
The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States is just two weeks away, so now is the time to begin making plans to send him the strongest possible signal that your opposition to the presidency he has foreshadowed will not be pouting and passive, but active and animated. Now is the time to begin making your plans for the anti-inauguration. Exclaiming your resistance, while necessary, is insufficient. Resistance is a negative position. While negativity in the face of this menace is justified and admirable, negativity alone is a fractional response. As with most things in a fully articulated life, balance is required. You need to augment your outrage with actions that are affirming, behaviors that reinforce principles and values. When politics seem out of your control, remember that community and culture are very much in your control. We help shape the world we inhabit every day. A life is a collection of thousands of decisions, large and small, made every day. Make those decisions
with purpose and conviction, especially for Jan. 20. The point is not necessarily to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, but rather to deprive it of oxygen and eyeballs; to plant a flag of resistance firmly at the opening gate. This doesn’t mean that people won’t attend or watch. They will. But every station that carries it, as many will, should feel the impact of your absence. Just because succession of power in our fragile democracy isn’t denied by dictator or compelled by coup does not mean that the majority of Americans who voted for someone other than Trump, and view his ascension as an offense, should feel any pressure or compunction to bear witness to the pomp and pageantry surrounding the installation of a demi-fascist and fullblown demagogue as president. This ceremony is part of a governmental apparatus meant to project a picture of seamless continuity and normalcy to Americans and the world. But making Trump appear normal is contingent on public cooperation, which must be denied. Here are some ways to make your opposition felt and bring forth some light on the impending Day of Darkness. • Protest. Protests are being organized all over the country, including in the capital itself. Join in. One group, under the banner “Not My President,” is even planning a silent protest at the U.S. Capitol. Then of course there will be the Women’s March on Washington the day after the inauguration. With more than 100,000 people saying they will attend on Facebook, and organizers estimating that they could get 200,000, this could be the largest anti-Trump rally yet.
To continue reading online visit Source: nytimes.com
TEXAS • JANUARY 16 - 22, 2017
Editorial & Opinion
African
American News&Issues
3
RESPECT THE PRINCIPLES OF BLACK PRESS
mountains and getting things done.
HISTORICAL PRINCIPLES DEFINED IN BLACK PRESS
I
t was interesting to hear Actrss Meryl Streeps make comments at the Golden Globe Award defending the press. After talking and making remarks about the situation that occurred between then Presidential candidate Donald Trump and a reporter, Streep said. “Disrespect invites disrespect. Violence incites violence,” she continued. “When the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose… We need the principled press to hold power to account, to call them on the carpet for every outrage.” We MUST Understand what respect means and what a “Principled Press” is and is not. First of all, We MUST Understand it is incumbent that all elected, government, police and other events-related officials respect the Black Press. Black Press has suffered most at the hands of White and Black politicians and White media organizations too long, who want to dispel the importance of news from a Black perspective or ignore the significance of reporting it right and accurately or even respecting it enough to report Black news at all. The Black press is not “fake news”. It has played an integral role in the development of the Black community and shaped policies from the statehouse to the White House. It has been the catalyst alongside the Black Church in changing the course of history by providing a strong voice, moving political
Frederick Douglas met with Abe Lincoln in the summer of 1863, a Black man of principle and Black Press journalist sought full accountability and to address Black rights and freedom principles to the 16th President of the United States. He spelled out the following. First that colored soldiers ought to receive the same wages as those paid to white soldiers. Second, that colored soldiers ought to receive the same protection when taken prisoners, and be exchanged as readily, and on the same terms, as any other prisoners, and if Jefferson Davis should shoot or hang colored soldiers in cold blood, the United States government should retaliate in kind and degree without delay upon Confederate prisoners in its hands. Third, when colored soldiers, seeking the ‘bauble-reputation at the cannon’s mouth,’ performed great and uncommon service on the battlefield, they should be rewarded by distinction and promotion, precisely as white soldiers are rewarded for like services. Douglass, who was also an abolitionist and owned The North Star newspaper campaigned with great principles tirelessly for the emancipation of Negro slaves at a time when it was dangerous for a Black man to speak out on the issue. In the “Life and Times of Frederick Douglass,” p. 484. it was noted that he wrote in his newspaper the following statement. “The very stomach of this rebellion is the negro in the condition of a slave. Arrest that hoe in the hands of the negro, and you smite rebellion in the very seat of its life…The negro
is the key of the situation – the pivot upon which the whole rebellion turns…Teach the rebels and traitors that the price they are to pay for the attempt to abolish this Government must be the abolition of slavery… Henceforth let the war cry be down with treason, and down with slavery, the cause of treason.” BLACK PRESS AND STREEP INGREDIENTS
Douglass fits the Streep ingredients of being the type of “Principled Press”. That definition demands fairness and honest accountability. The fact that the Black Press in Houston, Dallas and other cities has to literally have to beg, push, shove, yell and make their voices heard over the dominant White press is the ultimate disrespect. The fact that the Black Press is ignored on notices and media access to events while White media walks right in with full access is totally beyond ridiculous. Also, it I sheer stupidity on the parts of local, state and federal politicians to want to give us the old “Back of the Bus” treatment of the Jim Crow Era and try to ignore our relevance today. The Black Press has principles and provides the most honest news that the Black community can use to live and grow by. At the African-American News and Issues, we report the news in a fair, ethical and professional manner. It is reflected boldly in our Mission Statement which states: “Without fear or favor, we declare that NEWS will be reported through an analysis on what is happening in our communities. African-American News&Issues is a reliable news source that reports on real time interviews
and actual facts. We thoroughly research to make sure everything reported is valid to the best of our ability. We do not make anything up and we always give credit to those where do. We supply valid statistics, and it can be proven that we are #1 and honest in every department when reporting numbers. We are determined to be true to the people to whom this paper belongs to!”
PRINCIPLES REFLECTED IN NO FEAR PHILOSOPHY We are not afraid to take on politicians, police, White media, government or community, civic or religious leaders. We believe in tackling the tough issues with tough questions and providing hard and truth-based answers in each news story that can be thought-provoking and strike like a Cobra or at other times inform and provide a much needed glimpse of our own Black history and how that history connects with us in the present and can be used to determine our future as a race and a people. Having Principles does not always make one popular, but Respect is earned through a proper handling of actions and news making events with the most sincere truth, trust and honesty. We MUST Understand that being a Principled Press means not have underlying motives, unbalanced reporting or influential partners or biased friends who drive the news or define the meaning of truth and fairness NO MORE DISRESPECT We MUST Understand that Streep is right that it is about accountability, However, that accountability must be doled out fairly, be above the board and belt and apply to
We MUST Understand By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman
Loyalty and Respect is hard to come by. If it ever crosses your path, be sure to keep it! ~Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher
all without biases, cover ups or “smooth” talk overs. It must apply to all groups be they Black, White, Red, Yellow, Democrat, Republican, Protestant, Catholic or Jew…. Just as Jim Crow Era passed, All Must Understand with notice that ignoring and disrespecting of Black Press will no longer be tolerated and that we will not be “bullied” or pushed around in media circles by politicians, events organizers, government representatives or White-owned news organizations. The value of Black Press to the history of Black America is vital and cannot be denied and neither will we allow our access to news be denied. We are the voice of our Black community and our people deserve access and to be informed and heard on issues affecting our community. “All Must Understand that We will be the “Principled Press” to hold the “Powerful” accountable, and will call them on the carpet for every outrage – especially when it involves the Black community..” Read More We MUST Understand columns online @ AframNews.com! TX-3
4
African
American News&Issues
“JUNE THE JENIUS” FROM PAGE 1
HOUSTON - He is not only a passionate producer, but also an accomplished “Jenius”. In the Dog-Eat-Dog World of Rap music, June James is a gentle giant and a rising influence on an industry that is shaping the thoughts and minds of a younger generation of AfricanAmerican and Hispanic youth who are looking for guidance, direction and hope in a world full of positive and negative influences, ideas and philosophies. At 26, his wisdom is unprecedented for a man his age and his dreams and goal are active, alive and unfolding right before him. “Life is a journey and each of us must seek out our own uniqueness and be patient,” he said. “One of the greatest allies in your success is knowing and learning the importance of business and surrounding yourself with positive people or a team that has your best interests at heart.” James is doing just that and carving out his own new respectable niche in the music and production business hoping to bring his own special brand and message that branches out and inspires others to explore and discover their own dream and talents, even beyond the sacred realm of music. A native of Acres Home “44”and raised in Houston, “Jenius” sought out and found his talents amidst the challenges of family issues, the lure of the streets and the desire to get his education. James is steadily and quickly making a name for himself in the hip hop music scene with placements with major artist such as Young Jeezy, Rich Homie Quan, T.I, Rocko, Iggy Azalea, Curres NY, Juvenile, Paul Wall, Plies, Slim Thug and Lil Keke. Many who know him consider him the hardest working young producer in Texas.
HIS SELF-DRIVEN PATH James always had a healthy love for music, but his first steps into the business started at age 14, when he played in his first band. It grew from there into a healthy love for writing music and producing and by age 16, he had worked on his first project in 10th Grade, called “Fruit Loops 5”, while at Lamar High School. That gave birth to a multitude of other music mixer projects and scores of music he has written and produced. He said producing and writing music as an outlet after losing his father at an early age. The temptations of the streets were a challenge he constantly fought to overcome and has lived to tell his story and influence and hopefully steer young people through difficult straits of life. Music came fairly natural for him as he sought to tell stories TX- 4
Cover Story about life using his own unique form of poetry, prose and beats. During that time, he became aware of the power and influence of producing and it also motivated him to create and a desire to reach out and help others. He also modeled and developed his individual dreams and marketing goals around successful artists in the business who demonstrated a desire to give unselfishly to developing their skills while helping others do the same. Some of those include heavy hitter producers like Timbaland and Pharell. AN ACTIVE JOURNEY Since those very early days, James took his ability to play every horn instrument and began producing. He has since produced for an array of artists, including T.T., Gucci and Juvenile. Outside of producing, James attended college at Texas Southern University where he curated LAD Dj’s – a coalition that began in 2011 and grew to as many as 40 members. That effort changed the college and club scenes by consistently breaking the latest records. In addition, he founded the collaborative music group, The Hit Cartel in 2014. The Hit Carel houses producers, disc jockeys, engineers, songwriters and artists. Also, he was selected and Awarded Houston's Hottest producer as well as XXL magazine's top 25 producers to watch for in 2015. For more than nine years, James has been actively producing records at all levels. His first major placement was “Big Faces” by Plies. Recently, James signed an exclusive songwriter and co-publishing agreement with Think It’s A Game Records and TIG & Publishing. He was awarded “Producer of the Year” at Houston’s Hottest Awards in 2014 and was awarded a second “Producer of the Year award at the 2015 Go DJ Awards. Today, he has one of the top songs on the charts called , “Key to The Streets” Remix by YFN Lucci, ft 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne. To add to last year’s successes, not only has he got placements with 2 Chainz and Young Thug, his mixtape, “June the Jenius”, dropped in November. That two-disc mixtape houses 26 songs and features the artists, Zoey Dollaz, Tory Lanez and even Slim Thug. THE EVOLUTION OF MUSIC BUSINESS James said social media has taken the industry to a whole new level. “It’s not your grand daddy’s music or records today,” he said. “Music has evolved from just hit plays on the radio and is like fashion – it changes quickly from the streets to the studio...Rap music has morphed into multiple genres and now has a host of venues and messages flowing from artists all over the world.” Some of the new ways and alternative music is produced and presented through the internet and social media, include places like Sound Cloud, Bandcamp, MixCloud and other social media vehicles. This provides a way to help artists sell their music and deal directly with their fans, and helps fans discover new music and directly support those who make it. According to James, many do not understand the effort it takes to get your music and message out, but said having a passion to succeed and the spirit of persistence is essential to stay in the hunt. He also noted that television shows like “Empire” present an unrealistic look at the business and doesn’t tell the real story about the struggle it takes to make it and get ahead in the music business.
TexasTexas • January 1612-18, - 22, 2017 • August 2013
“The real struggle is like the movie “Hustle & Flow”,” he said. “It’s the real deal and tells the story of the ups and downs of the business and shows that when you hungry, you work harder and are more creative which brings out the best in you.” FROM LIFE OF THE STREETS TO PRODUCTION MANAGER-BUSINESS OWNER It has not always been easy beating the odds of the streets, but James attributes his success to focus and having a plan. “The business is actually 90-percent business and 10-percent talent,” he said. “Success takes time… there simply are no shortcuts.” He said the Black community has still not mastered the principles of understanding ownership and self reliance. Breaking free from the bondage of dependence of others as providers is the only way to true independence as a people. “We have not learned our business. It is time for us to seek ownership and self reliance,” he said. “Why be dancers and singers in the theater when you can own the whole theater.” He added that we are content to be a rider of life’s train, instead of being the conductor or owning the train company. James said one of his main goals is to be one of the leaders promoting more people to work and discover the talents within them and taking those natural God-given talents to levels never before imagined success. “Discover and find the God given talents you have and focus on it,” he said. “Don’t take the easy way out. Take the time and good fortunes will find you.” CALL TO UNITY Another thing that African-Americans must strive to overcome is the tendency to become divided, fractious and hateful towards each others success. Statistics continue to yield year end and year out that Black on Black crime is at epidemic proportions in every major U.S. city. “We are hurting one another and have become our own greatest threats to one another,” he said. “We must stop the jealousy, hating and beefing on one another. Times like these (referring to latest political changes in the White House and Washington) require us to work together, step up, be strong and lift each other up.” MESSAGE TO YOUTH One of the key steps to success is knowing what you are good at and going for it. His simple message to youth is that life is a journey and that many youth must recognize their talents and stop selling themselves too short. He lamented that too many believe that the music or entertainment business is the only way to financial success and happiness. “Everyone is not fit for the (music) business,” he said. “Everyone can’t be Rappers, basketball players or football players. Our community needs doctors, lawyers, scientists, astronauts and teachers too.” James said that Black youth need to understand how much they are needed in these other vital areas, and set their dreams and goals to accomplish it. He warns youth not to waste time trading their skills and talents or selling yourself for a quick dollar, being cool or popularity. “Hard work will pay off and dreams do come true,” he said. To continue reading visit us online @ aframnews.com By: Darwin Campbell
TEXAS • JANUARY 16 - 22, 2017 “Lt. Tammy Alfred” FROM PAGE 1
Lt . Tammy Alfred & Constable Alan Rosen
Seeks To Reverse Negative Police Stereotypes & Rebuild Trust With Youth, Community HOUSTON - She is the First African-American woman to be promoted and to serve as the first Lieutenant in Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Office under Precinct 1 Constable Al Rosen, but Tammy Alfred’s focus is not on herself – It is on fellow peace officers, young people and the public she has sworn to serve and protect. “Her wide variety of experience and dedication has touched hundreds of officers and reached across many divisions and has served as a dynamic and example to fellow employees, officers and the public,” Rosen said. “She is a proven professional who leads by example displaying characteristics such as confidence, integrity, compassion and teamwork.” Alfred has been on duty as a peace officer and a public servant for 32 years and she still takes time to listen, care, talk and help others needing assistance. “When I started, I was just looking for a job and a way to make it,” she said. “It took six weeks to get an interview, but once I was hired, I began to see firsthand what the job was about and I wanted to know and learn more.” She started her career in June 1984 as a part-time clerk working in various clerical positions for several years and joined the Reserves in 1985. As a clerk, she develop a keen interest in law enforcement and decided to take the next step attending the University of Houston Downtown Academy and later earned her TCLOE certification in June 1986. After achieving that goal, she started her career as a full-time deputy in 1992. Achievements and Qualifications Alfred is a 1982 graduate Magna Cum Laude graduate of M.B. Smiley High School and attended University of Houston Downtown until 1984. She is a certified DARE instructor and holds a Master Peace Officer License. As a young officer, she worked at a level in two of the most challenging areas, Mental Health and Juvenile
Cover Story Departments and performed her duties in a manner that got her promoted to Sergeant. “I worked on the trip and transport and worked mental health warrant division and then went to serve in the juvenile division,” he said. “Those were times when I learn about from officers and the people I served. It allowed me the opportunity to learn and grow my listening skills.” She also recalls that was a time when she polished her de-escalation skills and ability to diffuse situations – skills she found handy later in supervisory roles when she was called during disputes and traffic stops. Her most memorable work with juveniles came during the period after Hurricane Katrina. “Many of the young people were having trouble adjusting to Harris County coming from New Orleans,” she said. “It was a great challenge helping them deal with the changes and managing the adjustment phases, but we believe we made a difference.” The increase in responsibilities increased as she was responsible for the oversight and management of the entire Courthouse Complex, the Civil Division, Executions and the Patrol Division. She is a woman who understand both sides of the law enforcement spectrum with experience both on the civil side and law enforcement side on patrol. Alfred’s commitment and dedication to duty has been recognized by the agency and colleagues as Supervisor of the Year in 2015 According to her, some of her best growth and development came in the field actually using her skills. She discovered in her career that it appears that women officers are often responded to more favorably in conflicting situations – based on observations of situations from years of case experience. “In my situations, I genuinely listen and talk to that person like a person,” she said, “I want them to and hopefully help that person feel confident in me enough to trust in me that I am here to help and will take care of them while doing my best to resolve the situation.” In addition to work in the field, Alfred furthered her training with supervisory management courses at the Harris County Sheriff Office Academy, Baytown Police Academy, the Lamar Institute of Technology Regional Police Academy and other classes sponsored by the Precinct 1 Constable’s Office. According to Rosen, her supervisory skills have been clearly documented has been a vital part of troubleshooting, problem-solving, managing payroll and IFIS, overseeing daily staffing schedules and helping the department meet its needs and requirements and managing traffic stop scenes as needed. One of her crowning achievements in over 30 years was her managing of a TXDOT grant which funded over $400,000 into the agency through DWI and speed violations. She also has managed county auctions which bring
Read us online! www. aframnews. com
5
in hundreds of thousands of dollars each year that are overseen by the agency. Some of her more fun experiences involves working special events, toy drives for children and running youth safety training and bicycle safety programs. She also worked as DARE officer and with Mothers Against Drug Drivers. “My goal is to make a difference,” she said. “I love communicating with youth and helping to offer positive interactions and being an example to youth.” Family Focused When Alfred is not working, she is just as dedicated and focused on God and her family. She has three children. Of those, two daughters, Candice and Cayla and one son, Carey. Next Goals Reversing Negative Police Stereotypes However, despite her many accomplishments, she still has career goal and objectives that includes developing and manager and partners with law enforcement, criminal justice and the civilian community. Even with her promotion, Lt. Alfred thinks unselfishly of others as she enters higher realms of administrative duties and functions at the agency. She said one of goals in these troubling times when social media stigmas tell youth and community appear to fear law enforcement, is to be a positive force in helping restore the professional respect for officers in the eyes of youth. “We want to help kids understand law enforcement and how the system works from top to bottom,” she said. “I want to undo the negative and bad perceptions of police because we do not want kids being afraid of us. We are not here to hurt you or kill you.” Rebuild Community Relations She believes one of the best ways to do that is for youth or member of the community rebuild relationships and volunteer to ride-along with law enforcement. “Safety of officers, the public and the community are our number one priorities,” she said. “We want people to make good choices first, understand our job and see first hand and up close what we do and how we do it.” She also encourages each citizen to learn and know their rights and also communicate properly with officers in a way that does not escalate any situation. The department uses vehicle and body cameras that continuously record situations as they happen. “If a person feels wronged or their rights violated, we have a number of ways at our disposal to examine and investigate and we encourage people to let us know,” she said. “We are here to work with people and ensure safety and it is our hope that the contact will help share what we feel and see what we do it all about.” By: Darwin Campbell TX- 5
6
African
American News&Issues
HOUSTON - Texas Southern University announced today that it will host the 2017 “Super Comedy Bowl Explosion" More than 8,000 are expected to attend the show, which will feature nationally acclaimed comedians Rickey Smiley, Earthquake, Michael Blackson, Tony Roberts, Ali Siddiq and Billy Sorrells. Other Surprise Special Guest will soon be announced. The Super Comedy Bowl is one of the premier highlights of an expansive list of events to be held in Houston during the week prior to the Big Game. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Tom Joyner Foundation and the Mack Performing Arts Collective (MPAC). “We’re excited to bring a powerhouse lineup of comedy talent to the Houston market during one of the most exciting weeks of the entire year for local residents and the thousands of sports fan who will be descending upon the city,” said
TEXAS • JANUARY 16 - 22, 2017
“SUPER COMEDY BOWL EXPLOSION” Velma Trayham, founder of ThinkZilla PR & Consulting Group, the event public relations and marketing agency. “All of the comedians on the show are legends in their own right, and we know that they are going to deliver a must-see performance.” Headliner Rickey Smiley is the host of “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show,” the number one syndicated hip-hop radio morning show in the country and stars in his own reality television series on TV One. For over two decades, he’s
HIS DOUGH, HER COOKIE
“The greatest deed a Black woman can do for her community is to marry a Black man.” ~ Torri Stuckey HOUSTON - Author Torri Stuckey presents interesting topics in his new book, HIS DOUGH, HER COOKIE: The Black Woman’s Guide to Love and Marriage in the Age of Independence. Just from reading the title, you may think that this is just another relationship book, but it’s not. Although it does give some dating and relationship best practices, the main topics in the book surround; restoring the institution of marriage in the Black community, the reconciliation of the relationship between Black men and women, the historical factors that have HOU-6
Entertainment turned everyday observations into comedic gold. He’s especially known for the variety of characters he plays during his acts and his comedic prank calls. Earthquake is a veteran comic, actor, voice artist and radio host who has appeared on Comedy Central, Showtime, BET, the hit sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris”and Chris” many stages across the country. He is recognized as one of comedy legend, Whoopi Goldberg’s favorite comedians. Additional heavy hitters joining the tour include Michael Blackson, Tony Roberts, Billy
led to the breakdown of traditional Black families, and the impact of the independent Black woman on families. There are good things that are occurring in the Black communities, but there are also many things that are going wrong, which is the amount of people who are in poverty, kids growing up without fathers, the lack of trust, competition, and even issues that occur between Black men and women. Stuckey expressed that, “in order to help turn the ship of what we have seen with some of the problems in the Black community, is to restore strong Black families and restore the institution of marriage in the Black communities.” According to Stuckey, “72% of Black children are being raised by single Black mothers.” This is a huge issue as many kids are growing up without a father figure in their life. Stuckey knows this all too well as he was raised by a single mother in a tough neighborhood, and has seen firsthand what it is like to grow up fatherless. Stuckey’s father was around, but because he suffered from a drug addiction, he wasn’t around as much. Stuckey believes that Black communities can find success .One thing that he desires is social and financial freedom for Black families. He believes that, “poverty is more than a social economic status; it’s a state of mind, and beyond the absence of money and other necessities, it’s this mindset that keeps a lot of people from rising above it.” One way to financial freedom in Stuckey’s eyes is to focus more on restoring Black families because a mother and father together is what makes a family strong. According to him, “there is a huge wealth gap between Black and White families.” One reason this gap keeps widening is due to White families marrying at a higher rate than Black families because Blacks have more of the mindset of “every man for himself”. He expressed, “Men and women are kind of doing their own thing…and they may be doing well for themselves, but collectively as a community…we’re struggling.” One thing that contributes to Blacks not getting married according to Stuckey is welfare. He made note of the expansion welfare through the Food Stamp Act of 1964, and Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 and how it has disrupted “God’s natural family order, emasculating Black fathers and
Sorrells and popular local Houston comedian, Ali Siddiq. Blackson, known globally as “The African King of Comedy” has been featured on HBO, BET and in the hit movie “Next Friday.” Siddiq, who launched his career while in prison, is the winner of Comedy Central’s “Up Next” competition. He has appeared on numerous major networks and is preparing to release his fifth album. Roberts is an award-winning comedian, actor and rapper who have gained national attention from appearances on HBO, “Comedy Central” and “It’s Showtime at the Apollo”. Sorrells is the self-proclaimed “Kasanova of Comedy” and a social media sensation. His hilarious character-driven viral videos launched his career, which includes a role “Funniest Wins” on TBS and roles in pilot shows for Oxygen, BET and VH1. Event date and time can be found on AframNews.com
placing supreme power in the hands of Black mothers through fiscal fortification.” This contributes to Blacks not getting married because, “a lot of the programs… to get money required the father to not be in the home. It made mothers to have to make a choice. Do I rely on this guy whose work history and money has been inconsistent, or do I get married to the government who is going to give me a constant check?” When women received this financial freedom, it then led to the “independent woman”, and her ability to stand-alone, without a man. Furthermore, Stuckey touched on the issue of competition between the Black male and women, and how they can compete financially and for power, which ultimately hurts Black families as well. So why did Stuckey write this book for women and not men? His response is because “they are not there.” This statement goes back to the statistic of “72% of Black children are being raised by single Black mothers.” This also contributes to how he views Black women, since “the majority of women are the ones who are raising the families in the Black communities.” He sees Black women as the gatekeepers and lynchpins of the Black community and the success that community hinges on Black women rediscovering their value in the community and restoring the balance of power. Black women are the nucleus of the community, the one who bares children and bring the future in the world. One of the reasons why some Black fathers are not present, is due to a lot of them ending up in the prison systems. According to Stuckey, “1 in 3 Black men are expected to go to prison.” Black men face a lot of discrimination in our country, and because some are growing up in fatherless homes, this forces a lot of young Black men to try and figure out how to be a man on their own. If boys and young men are in the wrong environment, it can be dangerous. “Your mother can not teach you how to be a man. Guys will always find male influence. Sometimes that influence can be positive and sometimes it may be negative,” expressed Stuckey. To be a Black man in this society Stuckey made it known that it is tough.
BY: CHELSEA DAVIS-BIBB M.ED TO CONTINUE READING, GO TO AFRAMNEWS.COM
te and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Greater Houston edition. EDITION DATE: January 9 - 15, 2017 (Vol. 21 Issue 51) EDITION DATE: January 16 - 22, 2017 (Vol. 21 Issue 52)
What’sHappenin’
TEXAS • JANUARY 16 - 22, 2017
Marketplace Heading: MONDAY Public Notice N Houston Frontiers WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Houston Community College Aldine ISD Contact Information Memorial Breakfast 2017 Request for Proposals (RFP) FFA Vega Livestock Show Name:Marilyn GRB Convention Ctr Cisco Network Equipment at M.O.Campbell Center Phone: 713.718.7410 Project No. 17-37 1001 Avenida De Las America 186 S Aldine Bender Rd. Houston, TX 77010Fax: Sealed proposals will be received in Houston, TX 77060 Procurement Operations (3100 Main Beginnning at 8amEmail: marilyn.vega@hccs.edu For more info contact: Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Address for Tearsheet/Copies: For more info contact: (281) 985-6646 Texas 77002) until 12:00PM (local 713.331.0440 3100 Main Street time) on Wednesday, February 1, Houston, Texas 77002 MONDAY 2017. Black Heritage Marketplace Heading: Documents can be obtained at: AD COST Society/HSBHC www.hccs.edu/procurement. Public Notice 1st Annual “MLK, Jr. MONDAY - FRIDAY Houston Community College Taste of Houston” Cost Contact Theatre Information toEnsemble run ad for 1 week Request for Proposals (RFP) 501 Crawford St - LotName:Jennifer C MAHALIA Chiu Job Description Evaluation Con$129.60 Houston, TX 77002Phone: 713.718.5138 3535 Main St sultant Services Corner of Texas & Emmanuel Houston, TX 77002 Project No. 17-36 Fax: From 12pm - 5:30pm For more info contact: TOTAL NET COST for 2 weeks: Email: hua.chiu@hccs.edu Sealed proposals will be received in For more info contact: (713) 520-0055 $259.20 Procurement Operations (3100 Main Address for Tearsheet/Copies: www.blackheritagesociety.org EnsembleHouston.com Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, 3100 Main Street TUESDAY Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local SUNDAY Houston, Texas 77002 time) on Thursday, February 16, Society For The National Associa2017. Performing Arts tion of University WomAD COST Marketplace Documents can be obtained at: Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson: en, HoustonHeading: Branch www.hccs.edu/procurement. Public Notice The Cosmic Sunday Jazz Jubilee Please sign for approval andPerspective fax back to 713-692-1183 Jones Hall CWA Union Hall1 week Cost to run ad for Houston Community College Contact Information by 12 NOON Wednesday the week before Monday 615 Louisiana St, 1730 Jefferson St. Request for Proposals (RFP) $136.80 Vega Houston, TX 77002Name:Marilyn Houston, TX 77003 Internet Security Surveillance Services Beginnning at 8PMPhone: 713.718.7410 Starts at 3pm - 7pm Project No. 17-38 Fax: For For more info contact: ticketCOST info contact: TOTAL NET for 2 weeks: O#112784Sealed proposals will be received in 713.227.4772 Email: marilyn.vega@hccs.edu 281-748-0961 $273.60 Procurement Operations (3100 Main Address for Tearsheet/Copies: This should be Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, 3100 Main Street Texas 77002) until 12:00PM (local your77002 Event! WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY Houston, Texas time) on Wednesday, February 7, email us TODAY! New Hope B.C. 2017. Winter Revival news@aframnews.com AD COST Documents can be obtained at: 4827 Creekmont Dr. 4713-692-1183 weeks in advance! www.hccs.edu/procurement . Please sign for approval and fax back to Houston, TX 77091 to run ad for 1 week Beginnning at 7pm by 12 NOON Wednesday the week Cost before Monday For more info contact: $136.80 THURSDAY d713.498.5987 Date MONDAY • 01/17 - Reverend Black Heritage Society Jacque Denkins TOTAL NET COST for 2 weeks: O#112784 39th Annual “Original” (Pastor Blessed Hope $273.60 MLK, Jr. Baptist Church) Birthday Parade • 01/18 - Reverend Donald Dixon ( Minute Maid Park Pastor Greater New 501 Crawford St Hope Baptist Church) Houston, TX 77002 Starts at Hamilton & Tex- • 01/19 - Moderator C. GUEST SPEAKER L. Wallace (Pastor Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 asFrom 10am - 12:30pm ART ACEVEDO Mother Zion Baptist Forby more info contact: HIEF OF POLICE 12 NOON Wednesday Church) the week before CMonday
PUBLIC NOTICE
16
African
American News&Issues
7
Jan 25 - Jan 27
te and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Greater Houston edition. EDITION DATE: January 16 - 22, 2017 (Vol. 21 Issue 52) EDITION DATE: January 23 - 29, 2017 (Vol. 22 Issue 1)
16
Jan 26 - Feb 26
te and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Greater Houston edition. EDITION DATE: January 16 - 22, 2017 (Vol. 21 Issue 52) EDITION DATE: January 23 - 29, 2017 (Vol. 22 Issue 1)
29
17
Jan 18 - Jan 20
16
MONDAY
23rd Annual MLK Grande Parade O#112784 Midtown Houston Parade Originates On San Jacinto St & Elgin St Beginning at 10:00am mlkgrandeparade.org
22
SUNDAY
Charity Fellowship Date Baptists Church 6th Year Church Anniversary 5144 E Sam Houston Pkwy Houston, TX 77015 Beginning at 3:00pm 832-656-4184
Acres Home Chamber for Bus. & Eco. Dev, Inc. Networking Luncheon 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 11am -12:30pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org
AFRICAN NEWS & ISSUES (HOUSTON)
www.blackheritagesociety.org
2
FEB
AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT AND RELIANCE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH WALDEN MEDIA A PARIAH PRODUCTION A FILM BY LASSE HALLSTRÖM “A DOG’S PURPOSE” BRITT ROBERTSON KJ APA JOHN ORTIZ EXECUTIVE ALAN BLOMQUI ST MARK SOURIAN LAUREN PFEIFFER WITH DENNIS QUAID AND JOSH GAD PRODUCERS PRODUCED BASED ON SCREENPLAY BY GAVIN POLONE THE NOVEL BY W. BRUCE CAMERON BY W. BRUCE CAMERON & CATHRYN MICHON AND AUDREY WELLS AND MAYA FORBES & WALLY WOLODARSKY DIRECTEDBY LASSE HALLSTRÖM A UNIVERSAL RELEASE © 2016 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS AND STORYTELLER DISTRIBUTION CO., LLC
LOCAL LISTINGS FOR STARTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 CHECK THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES
HOU-7
MON 1/16
16
JAN
8
African
Education/Youth
American News&Issues
TEXAS • JANUARY 16 - 22, 2017
The Eagle’s Nest Newspaper
Black Kollectibles & F lowers
Availabl Now! e
te Certificaed Includ
An Historic Change Barack And Michelle Obama Plate 8 1/8” diameter plate stand sold separately
MISSION STATEMENT
“The faculty and students of Booker T. Washington High School for the Engineering Profession are striving for the successful outcome of its students through learning, companionship, research, and diligence.”
NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS As the New Year is quickly becoming a reality, the students at Booker T. Washington High School are making promising resolutions. With proper planning, much is possible. New Years is the time when many people around the world make pledges to make the upcoming year the best ever. Goal setting becomes a priority as they look to the potential of a new year. In all instances, it is something that will help to upgrade their lives. For millions, resolving to eat better is at the top of the list, while for millions more it will be to strengthen the relationships in their lives. Even still, some make a vow to themselves to stop and enjoy the small things in life. Every improve-
is important because it will make students focus on what is important to them as well as the overall welfare of the school. Every student wants their school to have a great reputation and shine in the community. We want the world to know just how hard we work at Washington High. My advice to the students is to put first things first and remain focused as they continue to end the year with academic success. As we continue to support and motivate our student body to follow through with their ‘’Resolutions’’ that lead them success, we asked them about the areas of their lives that they felt needed improving. Furthermore, teachers, parents, and
short- term goals in order to one day, achieve your long- term goals. Here is what a few Washington students will strive for in 2017: ‘’My New Year’s resolution is to better myself at school by improving my grades, so I can attend the college of my choice ‘’ –Trevon L. ‘’My New Year’s resolution is to focus improving myself as a person, and to start being more organized so I can be on track and keep up with deadlines ‘’ – David C. ‘’My New Year’s resolution is to remove the word “can’t” from my vocabulary, and try to do my best at all times ‘’- Daija C.
administrators also have new year resolutions. Our administrators want to improve overall student behavior as they enforce new school rules and regulations. They have goals that relate to how we can make it better. I am sure every Washington teacher resolves to help improve the academic success inside the classroom and to help improve our campus learning environment outside the classroom. Washington parents may also have a resolution to continue to provide their children with solid advice about how they can maintain their grades, prepare for post secondary learning, and start preparing for a life time career that can be filled with many opportunities. Beginning the new year on the right path leads to success no matter what your goal. Expect the best from yourself and achieve your
‘’For the new year, I want to be more focused and to pay attention in class ‘’-Jayden B. ‘’I will learn to block out negativity this year’’ Benjamin U. ‘’ My New Year’s resolution is to continue to do well in all my classes’’ Terrence B. ‘’My New Year’s resolution is to focus more on my career path and work towards my dreams in order to achieve them. I plan to do the right thing instead of always trying to fit in with the crowd. Lastly, I intend to be myself regardless of who is around me ‘’ –Candace W. This new year has the potential to more than what 2016 was, and many have hopes that they can make the right adjustments to their lives to live well in 2017.
Thomas Blackshear ama nt Ob e d i s op Pre ift Sh G Your e l ctib Kolle Black
President Obama & The First Lady Ornament 4 1/2” Tall
President Obama Ornament 4” Tall
Don’t Miss Your Chan ce Get Y o ur Kolle ctible s Tod ay!
Gift Shop: 713-692-1195
Store Hours: Thursday 11:30 - 4pm | Friday & Saturday 11am - 5pm
6130 Wheatley Street | Houston, TX 77091
We Appreciate Our Customers!
TX-8
ment leads to a better life, right? Well, some people do not understand the purpose of making resolutions at all. Some think, what’s the point? People all over the world work to accomplish goals throughout the year, but many never or rarely succeed in keeping up with their New Year’s resolutions. Changing your mindset or lifestyle can be very challenging work, but it is definitely worth the effort. As we put a close to the 2016 school year, Washington students are planning to enhance their learning habits to excel and meet our academic standards. In order to maintain the high standards set for us by Dr. Phillips, our student body will need to set personal goals and push themselves to achieve them. As we approach next semester, goal setting
By Tamia, BTW Student
TEXAS • JANUARY 16 - 22, 2017
Texas Round-Up
DIALLO’S OF HOUSTON TO PAY $139,366 TO RESOLVE EEOC DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT
Nightclub Made Unlawful HIV Medical Inquiry, Then Fired Employee, Federal Agency Charged HOUSTON – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced today that Diallo’s of Houston, a Houston-area nightclub and party venue, will pay $139,366 and furnish other relief as a result of an EEOC disability discrimination lawsuit. In its lawsuit, EEOC charged that Diallo’s violated federal law when it forced employee Felicia M. Parks to provide medical documentation to prove she was not HIV-positive, and then fired her when she failed to provide such documentation. EEOC charged that Diallo’sowner/manager approached Parks and informed her that she had “heard” from an unidentified third party that Parks was HIV-positive. The owner/manager twice demanded that Parks provide documentation to show she was not HIV-positive, based only on the owner/manager’s assumption that Parks’ HIV status was hazardous to the company’s business. The owner/manager then fired Parks when she did not provide the required documentation. Such alleged conduct violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). EEOC filed its lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division against Diallo’s Entertainment, Inc. dba Diallo’s of Houston (Civil Action No. 4:16-cv-02909) after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process. On Dec. 29, 2016, Judge David Hittner entered default judgment against Diallo’s. EEOC was granted judgment following its presentation of evidence in court, and obtained an award for the affected employee of $139,366. The court awarded all the relief sought by EEOC, including $89,366 in back pay and other pecuniary losses to Parks, plus compensatory damages for her mental pain and suffering and punitive damages totaling an additional $50,000. The court also granted EEOC’s requested injunctive relief prohibiting Diallo’s from engaging in future disability discrimination, and ordered that the nightclub institute policies, practices and programs to ensure equal employment opportunities for qualified persons with disabilities. The court also awarded EEOC its court costs. “It is a violation of federal law to make a disabilityrelated inquiry unrelated to the employee’s job requirements or to any legitimate business necessity,” explained EEOC’s regional attorney in Houston, Rudy Sustaita. “EEOC will keep fighting such invasive and unfair probing by employers.” The attorney in charge of the case, EEOC Senior Trial Attorney Connie Wilhite Gatlin, added, “Employers may no longer rely on outdated and meritless assumptions about HIV to discriminate against employees. A demand for disability-related information without any legitimate reason is simply illegal.”
Jarvis Christian College to receive $1 million UNCF Career Pathways Initiative grant
HAWKINS– Jarvis Christian College is one of 24 colleges and universities that will receive five-year grants totaling $35.3 million for the UNCF® Career Pathways Initiative. Jarvis Christian College will receive a $1 million grant, which will allow the College to implement programs to improve employment outcomes for its graduates. Jarvis Christian College President Dr. Lester C. Newman said, “As Jarvis Christian College begins 105 years of service, this is a tremendous opportunity for Jarvis and for our students. It gives us an opportunity to take a look at what we are doing and how we can enhance the operation and educational opportunities for our students and prepare them for the world of work.” Made possible through a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the UNCF Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) is a unique pilot program for select historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and predominantly Black institutions (PBIs) that is helping them enhance career readiness for their 54,000 enrolled students. Jarvis Christian College submitted a proposal that reflects a commitment to strengthening career advising and mentoring, enhancing curricula and supporting integrated co-curricular engagement. As part of CPI, the College will develop a range of academic programs, student internships, industry partnerships, specialty certifications and faculty development as it forges a new model for career readiness. “These colleges and universities show promise in significantly addressing the urgent challenges facing African American college students and graduates,” said Dr. Michael Lomax, UNCF president and CEO. “CPI will help ensure our graduates are prepared for and hired into high-paying 21st-century jobs.” A complete list of colleges and universities receiving the grants can be viewed here. Jarvis Christian College (JCC) is a historically Black liberal arts, baccalaureate degree-granting institution affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The mission of the college is to prepare students intellectually, through academic programs that promote excellence in teaching and learning; socially, through student-centered support programs that encourage positive and constructive communication among peers, faculty, and staff; spiritually, through programs that stimulate spiritual growth and worship; and personally, through interaction that fosters self-development and maturity. The mission further seeks to prepare students for professional and graduate studies, productive careers, and to function effectively in a global and technological society.
Read us online! www. aframnews. com
9
Rep. Coleman on renaming of Dowling Street to Emancipation Avenue HOUSTON - Today the Houston City Council approved changing the name of Dowling Street to Emancipation Avenue. Rep. Garnet Coleman (D147) started a push to rename Dowling Street to Emancipation Avenue over a year ago, and today is the culmination of his and many others efforts to have the street that is at the heart of Houston's Historic Third Ward and leads people to Emancipation Park be properly named. Rep. Garnet Coleman released the following statement applauding the Council's decision to change the name of the street to Emancipation Avenue: "I want to thank Mayor Turner and the Houston City Council's for renaming Dowling Street to Emancipation Avenue. Emancipation Avenue is the perfect name for the street because it aligns with other streets that lead Houstonians to the city's major parks ─ such as Hermann Park with Hermann Drive and Memorial Park with Memorial Drive. " "Dowling Street which was originally named East Broadway but, was changed to offend the Black community who lived in the surrounding area by naming the street after Confederate Army Commander Dick Dowling. Renaming the street is righting one of the many wrongs of the past."
To continue reading visit us online @ www.aframnews.com TX-9
10
Read us online! w w w.a f r a m n e w s .c om
Politics
Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation enterprise, a National Day of Racial Healing
January 17 Will Help Americans Heal and Overcome Deep Racial Divisions WASHINGTON - Just five days before inauguration of Donald Trump as the country’s 45th President, millions of Americans on January 16 will celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For many, memories of the civil rights icon revolve around his momentous “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, calling for an end to racism and to the expansion of economic opportunities. Dr. King’s brilliance - strategic leadership of the Civil Rights Movement to unparalleled courage and integrity – is often over shadowed by the speech that scholars hailed as the 20th century’s top public address in the U.S. Unfortunately, Dr. King’s dream of equality articulated in 1963 remains unfulfilled in many communities today – a reality affirming the continued structural inequities and bias spurring widespread disparities in social conditions and opportunities for people of color.
Furthermore, high profile police shootings involving people of color has fueled the perception that the criminal justice system is unfair and bias. In fact, a study by University of California, Davis anthropologist Cody Ross found “evidence of a significant bias in the killing of unarmed Black Americans relative to unarmed White Americans, in that the probability of being Black, unarmed, and shot by police is about 3.49 times the probability of being White, unarmed, and shot by police on average.”
The United States has witnessed how the belief manifests in many ways. From coast to coast, communities experience disparities for people of color in health, education, employment and housing. TX - 10
After decades of funding diverse communities to help improve the lives of vulnerable children, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) leadership recognizes the need for racial healing and eliminating racism, and replacing it with the affirmation of our equal and shared humanity. The hierarchy of human value is deeply embedded consciously, systematically, structurally and unconsciously by the people and systems adhering to it.
At a recent summit, 570 people representing the 130 TRHT partner organizations issued a call to action to designate January 17, 2017 as the inaugural National Day of Racial Healing in America.
Furthermore, the vitriolic, divisive rhetoric and raw emotions raging throughout the past year pulled the scab off a persistent wound in the American psyche, bringing the issue of race front and center and exposing the divides in our society. What does the nation do about it? How do we move forward on a path toward racial equity that facilitates racial healing, dismantles structural racism and lifts vulnerable children on a path to success?
Racism is rooted in the false belief in a human hierarchy, an antiquated taxonomy of the human family, which has fueled structural racism and conscious and unconscious bias throughout U.S. culture with a perception of inferiority or superiority based on race, physical characteristics or place of origin. Whites are placed at the top and all other racial groups in descending order. This absurd notion, which science has soundly discredited, was used to justify colonization and enslavement for centuries. And the false ideology fuels white supremacist movements and other overt expressions of racial and ethnic hatred and bigotry.
practices and policies. The racial healing can move us toward one another in a spirit of wholeness and love. A transformative, positive change can come from this shift in our individual and collective consciousness and the resulting actions we take on behalf of ourselves, our children and future generations of our human family.
Removing it from our society will require a concerted effort over time. The Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) enterprise created by WKKF and a broad coalition of organizations from all sectors of society is working to end the belief and facilitate racial healing. TRHT is a community-driven vehicle for transformative change. The TRHT approach examines how the belief system became embedded in our society, both its culture, and structures, and then works with communities to design and implement effective actions that will permanently uproot it. We are marshaling individual, local, public and private resources to dismantle systemic, structurally-based patterns of discrimination at the municipal, county, state, Tribal and federal levels.
Think about Dr. King’s powerful vision. “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” That’s the America many of us strive to create, but clearly, despite progress in some areas, we are still seeking to realize.
To-be-sure, America has made progress over the decades. Government and the courts enacted statutes and rulings ranging from Brown v. Board of Education to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the Fair Housing Act of 1968 that outlawed public discrimination, while purportedly providing equal opportunities. Yet, these actions only addressed the effects of racism, not its core foundation. Time has demonstrated that government and courts can enact and uphold laws, but they don’t change hearts, minds and souls or address the root cause of racism.
TEXAS • JANUARY 16 - 22, 2017
Communities, organizations and individuals will acknowledge that deep, racial divides still exist and must be overcome and healed. They will commit to engaging representatives from all racial, ethnic, religious, gender, and identity groups in genuine efforts to increase understanding, improve communications, caring and respect for one another and the perceived other. These actions will help create a new narrative that refutes the belief in a hierarchy of human value and replaces it with the scientifically proven assertion that we’re all descendants of one human ancestry and guided by an inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It appears Dylann Roof, the convicted murderer of nine worshippers at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC, was motivated by a belief that he was somehow superior to Blacks and others. Friends said Roof complained that "Blacks were taking over the world" and he vowed to start a race war. Dr. King understood that the belief in racial hierarchy created barriers to our country’s capacity to fulfill the promise of our democratic ideals. It is time for us to fully eliminate this hierarchy of human value and jettison the antiquated concept. Only then can all of our children be embraced not because of the color of their skin or other physical characteristics, but by their innate essence, their humanity. Our country needs racial healing and a sustained effort to avert the racism that influences public and private systems,
Our country’s make-up has changed significantly since its founding, and the demographic changes are continual. Immigration and birth rates, among other contributing factors, are altering the face of communities. Already, children of color represent the majority of children in the country, and far too many are in poverty. For these new challenges, America needs a new reality, grounded in racial healing so that the work of ending racial disparities can boldly move forward and all children have opportunities to succeed. It is time to focus our energy, resources and discourse on eliminating the false ideology of a hierarchy of human value so we can cultivate and grow what must be valued most: our common humanity. By: Dr. Gail C. Christopher America’s Wire Writers Group
Texas • January 16 - 22, 2017
Health
African
American News&Issues
11
MEDITATION MAY FIGHT OFF MEMORY PROBLEMS AS YOU AGE
A regular meditation practice might benefit older adults beginning to notice memory problems, a small pilot study finds. The study focused on 25 older adults deemed to have mild cognitive impairment — problems with memory and thinking that may, in some cases, progress to dementia. Researchers randomly assigned them to either 12 weeks of meditation and other yoga practices, or 12 weeks of memory enhancement training — which taught strategies for improving forgetfulness. In the end, the study found, both groups did a little better on tests of verbal memory — the kind involved in remembering names or lists of words, for example. But the meditation group showed a bigger change, on average, in tests of visual-spatial memory — which is needed for navigating while walking or driving, or trying to recall a location. The meditators also showed fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety. To Dr. Helen Lavretsky, the senior researcher on the study, that is a key finding. “The benefits of yoga and meditation are diverse,” said Lavretsky, a professor-in-residence in the psychiatry department at the University of California, Los Angeles. There are several reasons the practices might help seniors with memory issues, Lavretsky said. One way is by easing their anxiety about those problems. But, there may also be more-direct effects on “brain fitness,” she explained. Her team found evidence of that in specialized MRI scans that charted study participants’ brain activity. In both groups, changes were seen in the “connectivity” of certain brain networks involved in memory. The findings, published May 10 in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, are based on this small group of older adults followed for a limited time. So it’s hard to draw firm conclusions, said Mary Sano, director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at the Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, in New York City. “For one,” she said, “older adults with mild cognitive impairment are an “amorphous group.” It can include people with temporary memory issues, or anxiety over memory lapses that are not pathological. “The study participants’ scores were pretty high, so that raises the question, are they really impaired or just nervous [about memory issues]?” said Sano, who was not involved in the study. That said, many other studies have pointed to “neural effects” from meditation, Sano noted. So it’s not surprising, she said, that people who practiced it would show changes on memory tests. For the study, all the adults recruited by Lavretsky’s team were ages 55 and older who had memory complaints — forgetting names and appointments, or misplacing things, for example. Eleven went through 12 weekly sessions in memory enhancement training, which has proven helpful in past studies of people with mild impairments. It involves learning techniques for managing memory issues, and performing mental exercises at home — ranging from crossword puzzles to computer-based programs. The yoga/meditation group also had a weekly class. It involved breathing practices, “kriyas” — which combine some movement, stretching and breathing exercises — and meditation. Their homework was to perform the 12-minute meditation every day on their own. The study tested a specific form of meditation called kirtan kriya, which involves hand movements, chanting mantras and visualizations. Continue Reading at BlackDoctor.org
UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS A BLINDING EDGE PICTURES/BLUMHOUSE PRODUCTION AN M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN FILM “SPLIT” JAMES MCAVOY ANYA TAYLOR-JOY BETTY BUCKLEY PRODUCED EXECUTIVE BY M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN PRODUCERS STEVEN SCHNEIDER ASHWIN RAJAN KEVIN FRAKES WRITTEN AND JASON BLUM MARC BIENSTOCK DIRECTED BY M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN A UNIVERSAL RELEASE © 2016 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
LOCAL LISTINGS FOR STARTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 20 CHECK THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES TX-11
African
12
American News&Issues
Texas • January 16 - 22, 2017
®
®
Get up to
X save more than FREE $ 41
meal deal! items! 9 Stouffer’s Party Size Meal, 90 - 96 oz. BUY assorted varieties in
with in-store coupons
5
• Tombstone Pizza 17 - 27.6 oz. assorted varieties
• Nestlé Toll House Cookie Dough 16 - 16.5 oz. assorted varieties • H-E-B Dip, 8 oz. assorted varieties
• H-E-B Wavy Potato Chips
11 oz., assorted varieties
(excludes Thin & Ridged varieties)
• H-E-B Soft Drink, 2 L btl. assorted varieties
42
with in-store coupons
buy
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Cups
4 pk. assorted varieties That’s up to
$
3.75
free!
buy
H-E-B Soup
17 oz. carton assorted varieties
That’s up to
94¢
free!
buy 7•Up
6 pk., .5 L btls. assorted varieties (7•Up Brand Only)
That’s up to
$
1.98
free!
buy
H-E-B Fully Cooked Breakfast Sandwiches 12 ct. snack size, sausage or sausage, egg & cheese biscuits
$
buy
H-E-B Cafe Olé® Single Cup Coffee 12 ct. box assorted varieties
HOU-12
free! with in-store coupon
Kool-Aid Sugar Sweetened Drink Mix Canister 19 oz. assorted varieties
GET Llévatelo
free! ¡gratis! with in-store coupons two (2) Hill Country Fare Corn Bread Mixes 6 oz. assorted varieties
Llévatelo GET
¡gratis! free! with in-store coupon
10.5 - 11.5 oz. assorted varieties (excludes Wavy & Ridged varieties)
Llévatelo GET
¡gratis! free! with in-store coupon
Hill Country Fare
String Cheese
5 oz. assorted varieties
1.77
free!
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. ©2017 HEB, 16-6644 visit www.heb.com
GET
H-E-B Thin Potato Chips
That’s up to
Prices Good Wednesday, January 18 Thru Tuesday, January 24, 2017 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.
FREE
12 in 6 items!
$
That’s up to
$
3.98
free!
Llévatelo GET
¡gratis!
free! with in-store coupon
Jimmy Dean Fully Cooked Links or Patties 9 - 9.6 oz. assorted varieties
Llévatelo
¡gratis!