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LOOK AT WHAT THE RAIN EXPOSED:
In many ways, the recent flooding crisis that placed several Houston areas under unbelievable amounts of water was an enormous opportunity for all Houstonians as well as surrounding counties to come together and fight-back against Mother Nature’s torrential rains. Were I not sitting in Houston myself, I could have been convinced that I had somehow been transported back to August 29th, 2005, the infamous day that Hurricane Katrina not only threatened a hellish attack, but also delivered upon the threat in an unprecedented manner. Every news station transmitted pictures of huge portions of the Bayou City drowning under water. As of yesterday evening, Houston Intercontinental Airport, which sits a stone’s throw away from the Greenspoint Area, reported that it was the wettest day Houston had seen in the month of April since 1976 with 9.91 inches of rainfall. The seemingly never-ending rain reminded many residents of Tropical Storm Allison who dumped an unconscionable amount of rain on the Bayou City nearly 15 years ago. According to John Warton, “This is exactly like Allison. Just water any and everywhere. Just a shame.”
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VOL. 21 ISSUE 14
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Force Behind the Force
Chief Johnny C. Whitehead
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First Black African-American Captain, Major and Colonel of Baltimore County Police Department First Black Chief of Police for Rice University Police Department (RUPD)
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“THE FLOODS OF 2016 CRIPPLE BROOKSHIRE, TEXAS” Before I Lay it Down... By “Coach” Mark Spivey, M.Ed
The Greenspoint area of Houston, Texas exhibited Hurricane Katrina-like qualities as my wife and I trudged through nearly four feet of water to witness the devastation first hand. Prompted by images of babies floating along in refrigerators and crates reminded us of the horrors the citizens of New Orleans experienced in 2005. We saw families with battered looks on their
Roy Douglas Malonson Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson President/C.E.O. Chandra Jarmon
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General: news@aframnews.com Ads: sales@aframnews.com Website: www.aframnews.com African-American News&Issues is published by African-American News & Issues, Inc., 6130 Wheatley Street, Houston, Texas 77091, (713) 692-1892. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm. The entire contents of the paper are copyrighted by African-American News & Issues, Inc. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. African-American News&Issues is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the publisher. African-American News&Issues assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other material, unless accompanied by a self-address stamped envelope.
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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.
faces trying to overcome the forces of nature with little success. To escape rising flood waters was their ultimate task even if it meant leaving everything they owned behind. Charles Darwin’s “survival of the fittest” analogy became more apparent each passing moment as thousands of people became affected by the obvious, that is, “uncertainty”. The true character of Houston’s residents, however, shined brightly as hundreds of volunteers from other parts of Harris County rushed in to help those in need. About 45 miles west of Greenspoint lies the small community of Brookshire. It’s home to the Royal High School Falcons. Now, it’s also home to over 80 displaced families affected by the same weather system that would eventually drench all of Southeast Texas. The amount of rain seen in this area was a part of the phenomenon known as the “500-year flood”. This doesn’t mean that the event happens once in every 500 years; it means that it has 1 in 500 chances of it occurring annually. For you mathematicians, that calculates to 0.2%. In laymen’s terms it means that it happens rarely. Brookshire and surrounding areas in Waller County got over 15 inches of rain during a 24-36 hour period that has cancelled school in Royal ISD for the entire week. Royal High School is now a shelter for residents displaced by flood waters and more rain that’s on the way. Like Greenspoint, many people from all over Harris County flocked to Brookshire to offer their assistance. Volunteers from local/area churches, businesses, civic groups, Greek-Lettered Organizations, as well as fire department and emergency response personnel, have come together to make sure the citizens of Brookshire are not standing alone in this time of need. Social Darwinism should not apply to human beings who cannot help themselves due to illness, disaster, or calamities in my opinion. It is very important that we all come together and help
one another in times like these. And, come together we did. It was a sight to behold. Elementary students from Shafer Elementary School in Katy, delivered a caravan of supplies and goods to Royal High. The “Clique Tight Riders” from Hempstead along with the “ICU Riding Club” from Waller, also blessed the citizens of Brookshire with the assistance they needed. 20 plus girl scouts from Katy helped organize donated clothing into neat, little stacks while Reverend Lee Jones and his church members from Brookshire prepared food and snacks from sun up to sundown. The PVAC (Prairie View Alumni Chapter) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated played a major role in volunteering their services throughout the week. My fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, Incorporated, along with the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority worked hard by directing and organizing logistical movements at this “shelter” while encouraging the residents to be strong. Brookshire Mayor, Eric Scott and Fire Chief, Lyndon Stamps expressed gratitude for all the help the community and surrounding areas received. Hempstead Mayor, Michael Wolfe and Waller County Judge Elaine Jackson also made major contributions to the citizens of Brookshire. In spite of all of the good things happening in Brookshire during this time of recovery, Royal Independent School District lost one of our most loved teachers to the rapid flood waters. We ask that everyone remember Social Studies Teacher, Charles Odum, who was not only a great teacher, but also a wonderful husband, father, and mentor in your prayers. The Floods of 2016 may have crippled Brookshire, but it did not stop them from moving forward. Please continue to pray for their recovery. God bless, good night, and keep yo families together. TO READ MORE ‘Before I lay it Down visit Source: aframnews.com
TEXAS • APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2016
YOUR PROPERTY VALUE NOTICE Property Value Matters By Sands Stiefer Chief Appraiser of HCAD
As you may remember from my December column, I discussed the property tax calendar and how property tax activities happen each year at approximately the same time every year. I bring this up because this is the time of year when the appraisal district begins sending out the property value notices to every property owner in the county. You may already have received in the mail, or soon will receive, your 2016 Notice of Appraised Value. This notice is a letter from me to you that lists both the market value of your property and the appraised value. Please do not put this letter on the counter in that stack of mail you intend to read some day – open it now – because you have a limited amount of time to take action on it. One way to think about market value is to ask, “How much would I reasonably expect to get if I had put my property up for sale and it sold on January 1 of 2016?” That would be the 2016 fair market value. The reason I want you to open this letter as soon as you receive it is because if you disagree with the market value and want to file a protest, you only have until May 31. If for some reason you do not receive your value notice letter until May or later, then you will have 30 days to file your protest. But if you miss the filing deadline, then you have lost your chance to protest this year and will have to wait until next year. I’ll discuss more about the protest process in my next column.
In addition to the value of your property, the letter provides a lot of good information about what to do if you disagree with the value we put on the property and how to file a protest either online, by mail or in person. Also included in the envelope is a green protest form. On the back of the letter is important information about your exemptions and an estimate of your 2016 property taxes. You really should take the time to look at the back of the letter to make sure you are receiving the correct exemptions on your property such as the regular residence homestead exemption (RES), over-65 (OVR), Disability (DIS), or veteran’s exemptions (VT). This information is located in a box halfway down the page. If you think you should be receiving an exemption and it isn’t listed in the letter, please let us know by calling 713-957-7800. This is HCAD’s busiest season, so it’s better to call early in the morning just after 8:00 AM. You can also email help@hcad.org to ask questions.
Sands Stiefer is the Chief Appraiser of the Business Card for Paper 14_Layout 1 12/11/14 Harris County Appraisal District
979-921-9908 28820 FM 1736 Road Hempstead, TX 77445 Waller County
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Read us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX-2
TEXAS • APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2016
Edit rial & Opini n
MONEY, POWER, RESPECT: THE IMPORTANCE OF FINANCIAL EDUCATION Rev. Al Sharpton President, National Action Network
The month of April is synonymous with many things — spring, taxes, April showers — but what it should perhaps be most associated with is financial empowerment. In 2004, the Senate did precisely that when it officially recognized April as National Financial Literacy Month. This is of particular importance for the Black community. When 21 percent of Black households are unbanked and 34 percent are under-banked, we can no longer ignore the immediate need for financial awareness and enfranchisement. Last week, National Action Network (NAN) held its 25th annual convention in New York City, where we dedicated two outstanding panels to these very subjects. As society continues to advance, we must ensure that everyone understands the mechanisms at play to achieve upward mobility. There’s no better time than Financial Literacy Month to galvanize all those who gathered with us at the Sheraton Times Square, and everyone tuning in from around the nation and around the world. The moment to arm ourselves with the tools to obtain and maintain financial strength is now. NAN teamed up with MasterCard and its “Master Your Card” initiative (masteryourcardusa.org) to host two panels last week on educating and strengthening the community fiscally. The first one, titled “Economic Justice: Breaking the Barriers to Financial Inclusion” featured esteemed panelists like Cy Richardson, Senior VP of Economics and Housing at the National Urban League; Charles Lowery, Director of Fair Lending and Inclusion at the NAACP’s Economic Department;
Clayola Brown, President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute; Nick Bourke, Director of Small Dollar Loans at the PEW Charitable Trust; Wole Coaxum, Founder & CEO of Mobility Capital Finance Inc.; Minister Kirsten John Foy, Northeast Regional Director of NAN and Bertha Lewis, Founder of the Black Institute. The conversation was moderated by Nichole Francis Reynolds, Director, U.S. Federal Affairs of MasterCard. Organized to address a number of issues facing those who are unbanked or under-banked, this panel addressed topics such as redlining, exclusion and discrimination in all forms of financial services, and how we can use technology to circumvent those barriers. It helped educate the attendees on how financial deserts have taken hold across the country because of things like minimum balance requirements, monthly fees and certain technology are required to fully participate in the process. Our financial experts and speakers explained how the Black community and marginalized communities in general can move up into full financial inclusion and how technology can actually assist in wealth building, access to capital and upward mobility. On the final day of the convention, NAN addressed young people through the panel, “Youth Financial Literacy: Is There a World beyond Cash?” As the future of this country, young folks must learn the importance of sound financial education and empowerment; the sooner they grasp the significance of participating in electronic payment networks responsibly, the stronger their economic outlook will be. According to the Council for Economic Education, just 20 states require students to take an economics course, and just 17 states require high school students to take a course on personal finance. Continue reading online Source: Huffingtonpost.com
African
American News&Issues
3
! Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated ~ Calvin Coolidge derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.
WHY HARRIET TUBMAN IS THE PERFECT CHOICE
A
s I am certain that you have heard by now, our great ancestor and unparalleled freedom fighter Harriet Tubman has been selected to be the new image on the twenty-dollar bill. Tubman’s selection makes her the first African-American to be selected by the U.S. Treasury department to ever appear on American paper currency. Predictably, there are many who oppose Tubman’s selection for no other reason than her race; additionally, there are many within the African-American community who would have favored a figure such as Frederick Douglass, America’s foremost Abolitionist, to replace former U.S. President Andrew Jackson on the new twenty-dollar bill. Let me first say that I have nothing against African-American luminaries such as Frederick Douglass, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, or any other person that others would like to see on American currency, however, after putting some thought into this matter, I think that Harriet Tubman is the perfect person to adorn the new currency. Put simply, it is Harriet Tubman who best represents the sacrifices that African-Americans have made to this nation without asking for anything in return beyond their just due. I am certain that you realize that there were several issues that drove
this nation into a Civil War, the vast majority of these issues in some shape, form, or fashion dealt with the issue of slavery. Quite possibly, the biggest ‘difference-maker’ in regards to subduing slavery was Harriet Tubman. Tubman’s status as the ‘Moses’ figure who led her people to freedom on the Underground Railroad is well known. In this role, Tubman never lost a single passenger. She was known for threatening to kill any ‘passengers’ who felt that they could not complete the journey with immediate death; according to Tubman, there was no turning back. She also stated that she could have freed twice as many enslaved Africans if they had only known that they were enslaved. There is no doubt whatsoever that Tubman was on the front-lines of the battle to free our people. In fact, most are unaware that her contributions to freeing our people extend well beyond her courageous activities on the Underground Railroad. What is unknown to many is that in addition to freeing hundreds of enslaved Africans, Tubman also served as a spy for the Union Army that led her to conduct innumerable reconnaissance missions. We now know that Harriet Tubman was instrumental to many of the operations that Union Generals planned as they ventured into southern areas that they were unfamiliar with. They consulted
We MUST Understand By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman
Tubman who knew many of these regions like the back of her hand; there is no doubt that both her knowledge and the information that she provided in her role as a spy who was frequently situated behind ‘enemy lines’ was irreplaceable for the Union Army. As with most military conflicts, the information Tubman provided to Union leaders helped them not only turn the tide of the war, but also emerge victorious. As previously mentioned, I believe that Tubman is the perfect person to receive this honor because her commitment and life-experience closely follows that of AfricanAmericans who have made incredible sacrifices for this nation yet received little in return. After risking her life as a spy who covertly moved through enemy lines to secure information that no one else could have even hoped to retrieve for the Union Army, the U.S. Government, as it is known to do when it comes to dealing with African-Americans, turned their back on Tubman and denied that she had made any contributions to the cause to end slavery. It took Tubman thirty-years to not only receive the recognition that should have been given freely, but also to collect upon a pension that she deserved for her role in the U.S. Civil War. This is why I believe that Tubman is the perfect representative for this honor. Her life in many ways displays the dogged strength and commitment to righteousness that our people have continually displayed throughout their trialsand-tribulations in this nation; contributions that I must add are neither honored nor acknowledged by the U.S. Government. Read More We MUST Understand online @ www.aframnews.com TX-3
TEXAS • APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2016
Edit rial & Opini n
MONEY, POWER, RESPECT: THE IMPORTANCE OF FINANCIAL EDUCATION Rev. Al Sharpton President, National Action Network
The month of April is synonymous with many things — spring, taxes, April showers — but what it should perhaps be most associated with is financial empowerment. In 2004, the Senate did precisely that when it officially recognized April as National Financial Literacy Month. This is of particular importance for the Black community. When 21 percent of Black households are unbanked and 34 percent are under-banked, we can no longer ignore the immediate need for financial awareness and enfranchisement. Last week, National Action Network (NAN) held its 25th annual convention in New York City, where we dedicated two outstanding panels to these very subjects. As society continues to advance, we must ensure that everyone understands the mechanisms at play to achieve upward mobility. There’s no better time than Financial Literacy Month to galvanize all those who gathered with us at the Sheraton Times Square, and everyone tuning in from around the nation and around the world. The moment to arm ourselves with the tools to obtain and maintain financial strength is now. NAN teamed up with MasterCard and its “Master Your Card” initiative (masteryourcardusa.org) to host two panels last week on educating and strengthening the community fiscally. The first one, titled “Economic Justice: Breaking the Barriers to Financial Inclusion” featured esteemed panelists like Cy Richardson, Senior VP of Economics and Housing at the National Urban League; Charles Lowery, Director of Fair Lending and Inclusion at the NAACP’s Economic Department;
Clayola Brown, President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute; Nick Bourke, Director of Small Dollar Loans at the PEW Charitable Trust; Wole Coaxum, Founder & CEO of Mobility Capital Finance Inc.; Minister Kirsten John Foy, Northeast Regional Director of NAN and Bertha Lewis, Founder of the Black Institute. The conversation was moderated by Nichole Francis Reynolds, Director, U.S. Federal Affairs of MasterCard. Organized to address a number of issues facing those who are unbanked or under-banked, this panel addressed topics such as redlining, exclusion and discrimination in all forms of financial services, and how we can use technology to circumvent those barriers. It helped educate the attendees on how financial deserts have taken hold across the country because of things like minimum balance requirements, monthly fees and certain technology are required to fully participate in the process. Our financial experts and speakers explained how the Black community and marginalized communities in general can move up into full financial inclusion and how technology can actually assist in wealth building, access to capital and upward mobility. On the final day of the convention, NAN addressed young people through the panel, “Youth Financial Literacy: Is There a World beyond Cash?” As the future of this country, young folks must learn the importance of sound financial education and empowerment; the sooner they grasp the significance of participating in electronic payment networks responsibly, the stronger their economic outlook will be. According to the Council for Economic Education, just 20 states require students to take an economics course, and just 17 states require high school students to take a course on personal finance. Continue reading online Source: Huffingtonpost.com
African
American News&Issues
3
! Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated ~ Calvin Coolidge derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.
WHY HARRIET TUBMAN IS THE PERFECT CHOICE
A
s I am certain that you have heard by now, our great ancestor and unparalleled freedom fighter Harriet Tubman has been selected to be the new image on the twenty-dollar bill. Tubman’s selection makes her the first African-American to be selected by the U.S. Treasury department to ever appear on American paper currency. Predictably, there are many who oppose Tubman’s selection for no other reason than her race; additionally, there are many within the African-American community who would have favored a figure such as Frederick Douglass, America’s foremost Abolitionist, to replace former U.S. President Andrew Jackson on the new twenty-dollar bill. Let me first say that I have nothing against African-American luminaries such as Frederick Douglass, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, or any other person that others would like to see on American currency, however, after putting some thought into this matter, I think that Harriet Tubman is the perfect person to adorn the new currency. Put simply, it is Harriet Tubman who best represents the sacrifices that African-Americans have made to this nation without asking for anything in return beyond their just due. I am certain that you realize that there were several issues that drove
this nation into a Civil War, the vast majority of these issues in some shape, form, or fashion dealt with the issue of slavery. Quite possibly, the biggest ‘difference-maker’ in regards to subduing slavery was Harriet Tubman. Tubman’s status as the ‘Moses’ figure who led her people to freedom on the Underground Railroad is well known. In this role, Tubman never lost a single passenger. She was known for threatening to kill any ‘passengers’ who felt that they could not complete the journey with immediate death; according to Tubman, there was no turning back. She also stated that she could have freed twice as many enslaved Africans if they had only known that they were enslaved. There is no doubt whatsoever that Tubman was on the front-lines of the battle to free our people. In fact, most are unaware that her contributions to freeing our people extend well beyond her courageous activities on the Underground Railroad. What is unknown to many is that in addition to freeing hundreds of enslaved Africans, Tubman also served as a spy for the Union Army that led her to conduct innumerable reconnaissance missions. We now know that Harriet Tubman was instrumental to many of the operations that Union Generals planned as they ventured into southern areas that they were unfamiliar with. They consulted
We MUST Understand By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman
Tubman who knew many of these regions like the back of her hand; there is no doubt that both her knowledge and the information that she provided in her role as a spy who was frequently situated behind ‘enemy lines’ was irreplaceable for the Union Army. As with most military conflicts, the information Tubman provided to Union leaders helped them not only turn the tide of the war, but also emerge victorious. As previously mentioned, I believe that Tubman is the perfect person to receive this honor because her commitment and life-experience closely follows that of AfricanAmericans who have made incredible sacrifices for this nation yet received little in return. After risking her life as a spy who covertly moved through enemy lines to secure information that no one else could have even hoped to retrieve for the Union Army, the U.S. Government, as it is known to do when it comes to dealing with African-Americans, turned their back on Tubman and denied that she had made any contributions to the cause to end slavery. It took Tubman thirty-years to not only receive the recognition that should have been given freely, but also to collect upon a pension that she deserved for her role in the U.S. Civil War. This is why I believe that Tubman is the perfect representative for this honor. Her life in many ways displays the dogged strength and commitment to righteousness that our people have continually displayed throughout their trialsand-tribulations in this nation; contributions that I must add are neither honored nor acknowledged by the U.S. Government. Read More We MUST Understand online @ www.aframnews.com TX-3
4
African
American News&Issues
FORCE FROM PG. 1
HOUSTON - The term “force” has been described as, “any influence that causes a free body to change its speed, direction or shape. Force is any physical sort of physical strength applied on an object to make it move. Basically, the two most common types of forces are push and pull.” Force is also a term attributed to describing, “an organized body of military personnel or police.” As it is, we are encompassed roundabout in a nation where each state, city and even some counties, communities, school districts and universities have chosen to elect various men and women of courage to; stand and push and pull at the heart of mankind in the efforts of creating a more perfect union. While there remain various types of forces in today’s society; AfricanAmerican News&Issues has chosen to present one whom we
have titled as the, “Force behind the force”! This mighty man of nobility hails from Baltimore, Maryland and arrived in Houston a little over four years ago to become the leading and driving force behind Rice University Police Department. This appointment is one that establishes him as being the first Black Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety for the infamous University. During an interview with Chief Johnny C. Whitehead, he explained his journey from Maryland’s largest city to Texas’ largest city. He shared that initially, his father wanted him to be a carpenter. With a slight chuckle he said, “But the carpenters that I talked to, told me that I wanted to be an electrician.” So, originally he went to Vocational School and majored in Electrical Maintenance. But after graduat-
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ing high school he found that his heart was not in that industry. At the age of 19, he recalls encountering an AfricanAmerican police officer who worked on foot patrol in his West Baltimore community. The gentlemen offered him insight as to how the Baltimore City Police Cadet Program could provide a decent salary and assist with his educational expenses. At that time, Whitehead did not realize that he would be setting himself up for a career that would produce decades’ worth of service to the public. He proceeded on to the City Police Headquarters for walk-in testing. Much to his surprise, he passed the exams and continued on in the selection process and passed it as well. Hence, he became a police cadet for the Baltimore City Police Department at the age of 19. Two years, later he went to the Police Academy and began working the streets as a police officer in the Northern District. In 1979, Whitehead decided to move to the Baltimore County Police Department. He started his first assignments in the Towson Precinct. Although patrolling came as a mere hobby to him, he was encouraged by his Sergeant to take the Corporal test. After heeding to his Sergeant’s advice, he took the test and was promoted after only four years of being an officer with the Baltimore County PD. He worked in Vice Narcotics and Training Sections as Corporal. Undoubtedly, becoming accustomed to soaring through the ranks at this point in his life, he took the next step and made Sergeant in 1985. As Sergeant he worked in the North Point Precinct and later moved to the Legal Section. This provided him the opportunity to serve as Baltimore County PD’s Legislative Liaison and Fair Practices Officer. In 1989, he was promoted to Lieutenant. He also shared during our interview that, “Every time there was an opportunity to advance, I would take advantage of it.” Thus in 1991, Whitehead
TEXAS • APRIL 25 - M12-18, AY 1, 2016 Texas • August 2013
CHIEFJOHNNY C. WHITE
made history in Baltimore County. He became the first “African-American promoted to the rank of Captain and was given command of the Cockeysville Precinct, Baltimore County’s largest precinct by land area.” Three years later, he became the first African-American Major for Baltimore County PD. Continuously soaring like an eagle through the ranks, one year later he became the first AfricanAmerican promoted as Colonel in the same division. During this pivotal point in his life, he was given command of Baltimore County’s Field Operations Bureau. He retired from the Baltimore County Police Department in 1997 to accept the position of Director of Operations for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. He then served as Senior Policy Advisor on Public Safety for the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland. He went on to become Chief of Police at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. It was after this experi-
ence that the Chief set his sights on Houston. When Chief Whitehead first learned that Rice University was recruiting for Chief of Police, he explained that he really didn’t know a lot about Houston. He said, “I had come to Houston a couple of times attending conferences – but I didn’t know a lot about the city.” After being appointed to his current position, the he has come to love the city as well as his position at Rice. He shared that he appreciates the smaller, more intimate community that Rice offers. “You really get a chance to know everyone, from the students, to faculty and staff, to the groundskeeper,” he said. He also added that, “at Rice students actually want to engage our officers, inviting them to their leadership meetings, having lunch and dinner with them in the dining halls, weighing in on policy and giving us advice on how to improve safety.” TO CONTINUE READING VISIT US ONLINE @ WWW.AFRAMNEWS.COM STORY BY: REBECCA S. JONES
TEXAS • APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2016
Community
They Met...They Fell In Love...They Said I Do
T
BY: NATHALIE DAVILA PHOTOGRAPHY
ommie and Laura always seemed to be within arms reach of each other. They visited the same places, they knew the same people, and they walked the same streets. It wasn’t until adulthood they had finally met. It was more than love at first sight. Tommie describes it as, “At last I met my kindred soul. She is the one person in the world I can truly say belongs with me”. Over the past six years they made it a goal to keep their bond strong, make each other better in all facets of life, share love and kindness with themselves and other and most importantly to have as much fun as they could. They spend their time bonding with family and friends, enjoying nature with their dog Starlah-Lynn, and trying as many out of the ordinary things they can think of. They are looking forward to many years of love and adventure. Recently, the two gathered together in holy matrimony at the Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church located at 4300 Noble St. in Houston, Texas. They vowed to spend the rest of their lives together and African-American News&Issues would like to Congratulate the both of you and wish you all the best in the world. This is only the beginning; it will only get stronger and better!
Race to elect Mayor Turner’s successor as State Representative for District 139
HOUSTON - Mayor Sylvester Turner has been on the job for a little over 90 days. In less than 30 days, a special election called by the Governor will name the interim who will close out Turner’s current unexpired term as state representative for District 139. The winner of the special election on May 7 will serve District 139 until January 1, 2017. Since there was not a Republican candidate in the March primary, the winner of the primary runoff election on May 24 will go on to fill the full twoyear term commencing on January 1, 2017. Former Houston City Councilmember Jarvis Johnson is the only candidate on both the ballots — special election and the primary run off election. Should he win the special election, Johnson will immediately, fully assume former Rep. Sylvester Turner’s seniority status and his roles that include Vice-Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. The Appropriations Committee has jurisdiction over all bills and resolutions appropriating money from the state treasury. After the winner of the interim finishes out the term in December of this year, the winner of the runoff primary election will assume office. If Johnson also wins the
runoff election, his interim experience will position him to enter office with seniority, giving him greater influence to shape legislation. Candidates who filed for the special election were not required to run in the March primary. However, Johnson quickly recognized the benefit of getting a head start in office. “I want voters to understand that who they vote for in the special election should be considered when voting in the primary runoff election two weeks later,” said Johnson. “Experience will matter when the term starts in January 2017. Serving as the interim representative through December would allow the winner of the primary runoff election to immediately start championing legislation on behalf of District 139.” This means District 139 voters need to turn out at the polls twice in May. SPECIAL ELECTION Early Voting | April 25 – May 3 Election Day | May 7 PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION Early Voting | May 16 – May 20 Election Day | May 24
Read us online! w w w. aframnew s. com EXPOSED FROM PG. 1
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GREENSPOINT RESIDENTS LARGELY LEFT TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES
Unfortunately for Black Houstonians, my feelings were not caused by the horrific downpour of rain, rather, the lackadaisical response of not only Harris County, but also surrounding counties, to predominantly African-American areas, most notably Houston’s Greenspoint Area. Nicholas Malone, the founder of the Academic Grind Center and a resident of the Greenspoint Area, remarked that “We learned a long time ago that we had better look out for ourselves when any crisis comes. You sit around here waiting on even Harris County Emergency vehicles to save you; you might not be around to see anymore tomorrows. It may sound funny, but it’s definitely true.” An unidentified Greenspoint resident chimed in by reiterating Mr. Malone’s assertion when she stated, “The non-response during emergencies, hell, even the poor city services that we receive should be considered a Houston tradition it happens so often.” While emergency responders worked in Cypress Creek to save horses from drowning and areas along Brays Bayou and Meyerland experienced a deluge of first responders from surrounding counties who worked furiously to rescue those affected by the torrential downpour, predominantly African-American areas, most notably the Greenspoint Area were relatively silent in regards to the arrival of first responders and emergency crews with boats nonetheless to save the residents of those areas from what can only be termed pending doom. According to Stephanie Wilson,
a nurse, as well as a resident of Katy, located on the city’s West side, “I can tell you for certain, that there were emergency crews all over this area. Rescuing people and even taking them to the hospital if need be. It was a very impressive operation.” The lack of response that predominantly African-American areas such as Greenspoint received was not only noticed by Roy Douglas Malonson, the publisher of African-American News&Issues, but also representative of a pervasive pattern that has historically occurred within the Bayou City. “Even when people’s lives are in peril, African-Americans are tended to last. What make me even angrier is what the lack of, or at best slow response says about the priorities of Houston. Apparently those who decided which areas will be tended to have some type of policy or evaluation process that leads them to always, not some time, but always by-pass predominantly Black communities. We know that they do it, they know that they do it, and it is time for it to stop. I mean, what does that say about you if you will not come to save women and children?” As Houston braces for what many weather broadcasters are warning could be a second round of torrential rains, Black Houstonians had better be on-guard for the occurrence if for no other reason than the fact that no one is coming to save them from these problems that they had no hand in creating. By: Dan Freeman Photos by: Anthony Stewart TX- 5
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ELECTRONIC Member AICPA
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Email: mlovecpa@yahoo.com www.michaellovecpa.net 713-666-2900 Office 713-666-2932 Fax 2626 South LoopW, #420 Houston,TX 77054
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FUNERAL HOME
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Bus ness
Texas • April 25 - May 1, 2016
furthered his education at Stephen F. Austin University, where he received a BFA in Digital Media, and a minor in Ad Design. He is currently enrolled in a maters program at Prairie View A&M University, where he is studying education in their College of Education program. He is also a part of a program that creates different lessons for stuHOUSTON - Born and raised on the North dents and teachers. One of his major accomside of Houston, Douglas Nathaniel James plishments will be this upcoming May, when Jr., is a phenomenal upcoming artist. At the he is scheduled to walk across the stage, and age of five is when he began painting, and graduate. After graduation, he would like to creating designs. The talent he has obtained become a certified teacher. Douglas wants to is credited to his father, who passed down his go back to artistic his Alma abilities. Mater, and Douglas become a finds fine arts exciteteacher ment in at Klein drawing Forest different High characSchool. ters, and One of his experigoals is encing to create with different different programs designs. for stuAs a dents in orpainter, der to help Douglas “beaufinds a tify the lot of his commuinspiranity” with tion from murals and the life paintings around that will him, and help create the hipDouglas explains the concept of his business venture. a positive hop culture society. from the As a future educator, teaching students early 80’s up to now. It inspires him to create about art is only one of his many passions. something that no else has seen before. “I’m His goal is to teach students on how to find really observant of life, and that’s basically their own perspective within the art. He wants what art is. Art is life”, stated Douglas. If students to know that you can take anything, Douglas sees something that inspires him, it and call it art. The one thing that fascinates will be transformed into art. Douglas about art is “the ability to make Jean Michael Basquiat is one of his something out of nothing. It’s astounding favorite artists. Basquiat is an artist who did a to me, to use whatever you can and call is lot of graffiti artwork, and who focused most art”. Douglas further stated, “you can paint of his paintings on telling a story. The majorone line on the wall and call it art. People ity of the stories that Jean created through his artwork intrigued Douglas, as he uses some of can gravitate to it, and create a thousand thoughts about what it means.” Basquiat’s techniques into his own artwork in Douglas is also a proud member of order to tell a beautiful story. Telling a story through his artwork is one way he connects to Alpha Phi Alpha. Through this organization, his artwork plays an important role as this the community around him. Whether it is his organization is based on “empowering the life, or the lives around him, they continue to community, and having love for all mankind.” inspire everything that he creates in order to design a beautiful masterpiece. To Continue Reading visit us online Douglas is also a very educated man. As @ www.aframnews.com a graduate of Klein Forest High School, he By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb
IMAGINE. CREATE. ELEVATE.
Rate and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Houston edition. T •A 25 - MApril 1, 201625 - May 1, 2016 (Vol. 21 Issue 14) DITION DATE: What’s Happenin’ EXAS
PRIL
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Edgenuity is bidding on RFP # 16-04-03 Comprehensive Online Instruction System. Edgenuity is seeking freelance help to work on this project. Respondents must have experience teaching and in the delivery of online curriculum for grades 6 – 12. Experience and familiarity with Edgenuity’s online systems are preferred. Send inquiries to rfps@edgenuity.com.
APR
Apr 26 - Apr 28
Tuesday - Thursday “Ralph Douglas West Ministries IC3 Conference The Church Without Walls 5725 Queenston Blvd Houston, TX 77084 For more info contact: ic3churchconference.com Wednesday The Ensemble Theatre Two Trains Running 3535 Main St Houston, TX 77002 Beginning at 6pm For more info contact: (713) 520-0055
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Wednesday Houston-Galveston Area Council Public Comment Period and Public Meetings for the Draft 2017-2020 TIP 3555 Timmons Ln 2nd Floor, Rm A Houston, TX 77027 From 12pm - 1pm From 5:30pm - 6:30pm For more info contact: (832) 681-2509 Email Your Upcoming Events news@aframnews.com 4 weeks in advance!
or call (713) 692 - 1892
April 27 – May 1 Wednesday - Sunday Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Hobby Center for the Performing Arts 800 Bagby Street Houston, TX 77002 For more info contact: (800) 982-ARTS (2787)
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Thursday - Friday Community of Faith 2 Day Prayer Crusade The Church Without Walls 1024 Pinemont Houston, TX 77091 For more info contact: (713) 688-2900
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Tuesday Windsor Houston Networking Breakfast Public Notice 6920 TC Jester Blvd Contact Information: Houston, TX 77091 Name: Terry Rasmussen M. Ed. Beginning at 9:20am For more info contact: Company: Edgenuity (281) 224-0280 Phone: 832.444.8782 Thursday Heading Title:
Fax: (713) 522-1105 Email: terry.rasmussen@edgenuity.com GUEST Address forSPEAKER Tearsheets: African-American HONORABLE MITCHELL **** PleaseDERRICK provide address for tear News&Issues BOARD OF REGENTS CHAIRMAN sheets**** now offers
Great News!
Saturday Houston Passport Agency TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY E-Blast to over 20,000 Passport Day business professionals 1919 Smith St and community AD COST 4th floor subcribers for a very Houston, TX 77002 low price. From 9am - 3pm Total Cost to run Ad for one week: Let us promote For more info visit: your next event! $153.00 travel.state.gov For more information contact Saturday (713) 692-1892 Nat’l Alliance on GUEST SPEAKER Mental Illness GENE LOCKE NAMI Walks COMMISSIONER HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT ONE Thursday - Sunday Sam Houston Park/Allen The Ensemble Theatre parkway(downtown) Acres Home Chamber Plenty of Time From 9am - 3pm for Bus. Inc. Please sign& Eco. forDev, approval and3535 faxMain St For more info visit: Networking Luncheon Houston, TX 77002 highlands1@sbcglobal.net back to (713) 6112 Wheatley St 692-1183 Times Vary Houston, TX 77091 Aldine ISD by 12 NOON Wednesday for info contact: For more From 11am -12:30pm Free Evening Meals (713) 520-0055 For more info contact: All Middle & High School Students next Monday’s publication. (713) 692-7161 Saturday For more info contact: info@acreshomecenter.org M.E.N. Inc (281) 985-6213 Scholarship Gala DON’T MISS OUT ON YOUR 8111 Kirby Dr. CHANCE TO WIN A Houston, TX 77054 INIMUM OF A $25 M Signature Beginning at 7pm Sunday H-E-B GIFT CARD For more info contact: Risktakers’ (281) 845-3642 RANDOM DRAWING WILL BE Tariyah & Destiny’s Lemonade Stand HELD DURING EVENT Sunday B&W Meat MarketDate First Baptist 4801 N Shepherd Dr, FBC Praise Dancers Let Your Houston, TX 77018 844 Fortune St From 10am - 2pm Houston, TX 77088 Event For more info contact: Beginning at 11:30am P.O. Number for this Ad (832) 874-0082 For more info contact: (832)892-5078 Monday Saturday Destiny of Faith SPECIAL ELECTION Intl Ministry Get Out & Vote EARLY VOTING Battered Bruised But Monday Get Out & Vote! Not Broken Ministry Distirct D Saturday 9442 Needham, Hwy 242 2nd Chance Job Fair SMART’N UP Spring, TX 77386 George R. Brown ConBlack Male Summit Beginning at 7pm vention Center 5309 MLK Blvd For more info contact: 1001 Avenida de Las Houston, TX 77021 (832) 216-2889 Americas For more info contact: The #1 100% Houston, TX 77010 dericmuhammad@yahoo.com From 9am - 1pm Black-owned Tuesday For more info contact: Worldwide Digital RUNOFF ELECTION (832)393-3001 News Source Get Out & Vote
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American News&Issues
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FLOOD VICTIMS CALL 3-1-1
SHELTERS: If you were displaced by the flooding, there are a number of Red Cross shelters available. • M.O. Campbell Educational Center 1865 Aldine Bender Road, Houston, Texas 77032 • Jersey Village Baptist Church 16518 Jersey Drive, Jersey Village, Texas 77040 • Willow Meadows Baptist Church 4300 W Bellfort Boulevard, Houston, TX 77096 • Chinese Community Center 9800 Town Park Drive, Houston, TX 77036 • Acres Homes MultiService Center 6719 W. Montgomery Road, Houston, Texas 77091 • St. John’s Methodist Church 2019 Crawford Street, Houston, TX 77002 FREE STORAGE U-Haul is offering 30 days of free storage and the usage of U-Box containers to flood victims. Call U-Haul for more information: • U-Haul of East Houston 11202 Antoine Drive Houston, TX 77066 (281) 377-3380 • U-Haul of West Houston 8518 Hwy. 6 South Houston, TX 77083 (281) 495-6683 • U-Haul of Gulf Coast Texas 1617 San Jacinto Houston, TX 77002 (713) 750-7701 • U-Haul Storage Centers of Houston 2415 S. Dairy Ashford Road Houston, TX 77077 (281) 531-4022
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FIND YOUR TOWED CAR: If you had to abandon your vehicle, it will likely get towed. If that happened, please visit www.findmytowedcar.com to find the location to which your car was towed. SOLID WASTE Due to the storm event that occurred in Houston, the Neighborhood Depositories will be open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm starting Wednesday, April 20, 2016. Residents are encouraged to drop off their home debris at the nearest Neighborhood Depository. Houston residents may utilize these Solid Waste Management neighborhood depositories: • North - 9003 • N Main 77022 • Northwest - 14400 • Sommermeyer 77041 • Northeast - 5565 • Kirkpatrick 77028 • Southeast - 2240 • Central Street 77017 • South - 5100 • Sunbeam 77033 • Southwest - 10785 • SW Freeway 77074 No household garbage, electronics or household hazardous waste is accepted. Each user must provide the following as proof of residency: • A current Texas Driver’s license (a current Texas Department of Public Safety issued I.D. may be substituted) or a Texas License to Carry and • A current utility bill or city property tax receipt. Addresses and names on all presented documents must match Texas Driver’s License or ID. • *Electronic records are NOT accepted. • RECYCLING ONLY - No proof of residency required. • NO PETS allowed on premises. For more information about the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department and its services, check online at www.houstonsolidwaste.org HOU-7
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American News&Issues
Texas Round-Up
FEMA Montitoring Response Efforts & Flood Impacts for Southeast Texas Houston - Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, released the following statement regarding the Federal Government response in Southeast Texas: “FEMA, through its regional office in Denton, Texas, continues to monitor response efforts for the severe weather and flooding in parts of southeast Texas. FEMA remains in close coordination with state emergency managers and tribal officials, as well as our federal partners at the National Weather Service forecast offices as the potential for continued severe weather and flooding continues, throughout the week, for some areas of the nation. According to the National Weather Service, severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall have brought 10-18 inches of rain since Sunday across southeast Texas, including the Houston (Harris County) metro area, leading to significant flash flooding. A threat for localized flash and additional significant river flooding continues through mid-week, especially in central and eastern Texas, including the saturated areas near Houston. Flood and flash flood advisories remain in effect in many areas of southeast Texas. Severe storms and isolated tornados are possible across south Texas. “A FEMA liaison is deployed to the state emergency operation center in Austin, Texas to assist state responses as needed. FEMA continues to stand ready to assist the state and tribes, as needed and requested. There have been no unmet needs reported by the state and no requests for Stafford Act assistance. Residents in potentially affected areas should follow the instructions of state and local officials and monitor local radio or television stations for updated emergency information. “When severe weather strikes, the first responders are local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations, and numerous private interest groups. The individuals within these organizations provide emergency assistance to protect the public’s health and safety and services to meet immediate needs. Many voluntary agencies continue
to provide services, including providing shelter, meals, clean up supplies and local resources, to those with needs due to the severe storms and flooding. The Red Cross has opened shelters in affected communities and displays open Red Cross shelters and their locations on an easy to use map interface at http://www.redcross.org/ find-help/shelter. For those who wish to help, cash donations offer voluntary agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources and pumps money into the local economy to help businesses recover. SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS TIPS • Monitor local radio or television stations for updated emergency information, and follow the instructions of state, local, and tribal officials. • If you encounter flood waters, remember – TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN. • Do not walk through flowing water. Six inches of swiftly moving water can knock you off your feet. • If roads are closed or there is water over a road, do not drive through the water. • Be prepared to take detours and adjust your route due to road closures if there is standing water. • Follow the instructions of local officials – and if told to evacuate, do so immediately. • Familiarize yourself with the terms used to identify a severe weather hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued. Some of the more common terms used to describe severe weather and flooding include the following: 1. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. 2. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring. 3. A Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is
To continue reading visit www.aframnews.com
Texas Adds 185,000 Jobs Over the Past Year
AUSTIN - Texas added an estimated 185,000 seasonally adjusted jobs over the past year. The state experienced job gains in two of the first three months of 2016. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate maintained a 4.3 percent rate in March, matching the revised 4.3 percent rate in February and continuing to trend below the national average of 5.0 percent. “The Texas unemployment rate continues to trend below the national average,” said Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Andres Alcantar. “TWC remains focused on working with industry and education partners to create innovative solutions to our workforce needs around the state.” Texas’ total nonfarm seasonally adjusted employment decreased by 12,000 jobs in March’s preliminary estimate. This comes on the heels of an impressive string of 11 straight months of job growth for the state. TX-8
TEXAS • APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2016
Understanding the Law: Felon in Possession of a Weapon
Under Texas law, if you are a convicted felon you generally cannot possess a firearm. The manner in which the law is constructed, if charged with Felon in Possession of a Weapon felons are not provided much leeway when presenting their defense. According to Section 46.04 of the Texas Penal Code, a person who has been convicted of a felony commits an offense if he possesses a firearm, with one narrow exception: (1) 5th Anniversary After Felony Conviction: a person may possess a firearm if 5 years has passed since the person's release from confinement following the felony conviction, or if 5 years has passed since the person's release from supervision under community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision, whichever date is later; AND (2) Possession Limited to Residence: In addition to the 5 year requirement, a convicted felon
can only possess a firearm on the premises at which the person lives. In order to be in violation of this law you must be a CONVICTED felon. If you were charged with a felony and successfully completed a deferred adjudication you cannot be charged with Felon in Possession of a Weapon based on that specific charge. The rationale behind this is that deferred adjudication is not considered a conviction by the courts. The judge accepts your guilty plea but defers making a finding of guilt. If a defendant successfully completes deferred adjudication, the case is dismissed and there is no formal finding of guilt. If there is no formal finding of guilt the person is never convicted of the crime charged, which is an essential element to be charged with Felon in Possession of a Weapon. Felon in Possession of a Weapon is punishable as a Third Degree Felony which
Krystin Collins Attorney at Law
carries a punishment range of 2-10 years confinement and up to a $10,000 fine. If you are charged with this crime or if you are a convicted felon considering purchasing a weapon, I would advise that you consult with an attorney to get a full understanding of the laws pertaining to firearm possession and your rights. 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.
Voter registration deadline Monday, April 25, for Primary Runoff Elections
AUSTIN – Attention potential voters: You must register or file a change of address no later than Monday, April 25 to vote in the upcoming Primary Runoff Elections. If you are unsure of your voter registration status, check it online at www.votetravis.com. The election is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 24, but early voting begins May 16. A voter registration application and additional information are available online. If mailed, the application must be postmarked no later than April 25, 2016. You may also register at any of the five Travis County Tax Office locations. Business hours, maps and driving directions to tax office locations available at www.TravisCountyTax.org. If you moved within Travis County since the last time you voted, you can update your address online using the Voter Name and Address Change application provided by the Texas Secretary of State.
“Texas’ economic growth over the year is due to the resilience of our employers who have added 152,300 private-sector jobs over the past year,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “Texas employers continue to be leaders in job creation.” Employment in the Leisure and Hospitality industry increased by 2,400 jobs in March, representing an increase for the 12th consecutive month. Over the year, this industry has gained 75,600 jobs. Trade, Transportation and Utilities employment rose for a fifth straight month with the addition of 800 positions in March. These gains were offset by losses in other industries including Mining and Logging which lost 7,500 jobs in March. “We are continuing to see low unemployment rates, coupled with a growing labor force,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “Texas boasts a quality skilled labor force, and I encourage those looking for new opportunities to visit WorkInTexas.com.”
TEXAS • APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2016
Texas HBCU Corner
FAMILY OF TILLOTSON COLLEGE GRADUATE DONATES HISTORIC COLLECTION & MEMORABILIA
Onie B. Granville recognized as the founder of the first African American-owned and operated bank in the West
AUSTIN - Onie B. Granville’s family archives documenting his legacy as the first African American to own and operate a bank in the West are now housed at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. He graduated from Tillotson College, now HustonTillotson University, in the summer of 1942 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education and a minor in physical education. Onie Granville was one of the most prominent African American businessmen of his time. He founded Granville and Granville Realty in 1949 in Los Angeles with his brother and partner, Edward V. Granville. Onie served as president of the all AfricanAmerican Consolidated Realty Board. In addition, he founded Quality Escrow Company in Los Angeles, which opened in 1961, and was managed by his sister, Bernice Malbrue. In July of 1963, he was appointed to the panel of State Inheritance Tax Appraiser for Los Angeles County by then- comptroller Alan Cranston (Cranston later became Senator). Onie co-organized the Merchants Title Company in Los Angeles in 1963. Also in 1963, he worked on the California Fair Housing Act (Rumford Act), with Governor Pat Brown, Sr. on legislation that would allow African Americans equal purchasing power. In 1964, he founded and opened the Bank of Finance, which was the first African
American-owned and operated state chartered bank west of Kansas City. The collection was donated by Natalie Finney Mallard in memory of her uncle. “As keepers of his records, we are pleased to share this family history with the rest of the world,” Mallard said. “Now, not only African Americans but others can see his accomplishments to cherish as a source of pride.” Onie was co-founder and organizer of the Freedom Bank of Finance in Portland, Oregon in 1969, which was the first African American-owned and operated state chartered bank in Oregon. Onie also founded the Southern California Minority Capital Corporation in 1971, a publicly held small business investment company. In August of 1977, he co-founded and served as director of the Pacific Coast Regional Job Creation Corporation, which is still in existence today, operating as Pacific Coast Regional Small Business Development Corporation. Onie was appointed Building and Safety Commissioner for the city of Los Angeles by Mayor Tom Bradley, and co- founded and served as Assistant Director of the West Adams Community Hospital in Los Angeles in 1970. He founded and organized Inglewood Federal Savings and Loan Association, 1979. Mallard donated a 1964 cornerstone plaque, identifying founders of the Bank of Finance, two 1964 cancelled checks from Bank of Finance, a 1998 City of Los Angeles tribute certificate acknowledging Onie B. Granville (1998), and other items. The inaugural opening of the nation’s only museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, art, history, and culture is scheduled on September 24, 2016. For more information, visit http://nmaahc.si.edu/. Onie passed on September 21, 1998, at the age of 81. As a historically black institution located in Austin, Texas, Huston-Tillotson University’s mission is to nurture a legacy of leadership and excellence in education, connecting knowledge, power, passion, and values. The University offers associate and master’s degrees in addition to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in more than 19 areas of study.
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PVAMU NAMES RAVON JUSTICE NEW WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HEAD COACH
Prairie View A&M athletic director Ashley Robinson announced that Ravon Justice was hired to be the next head coach of the Lady Panthers women’s basketball coach. She is the seventh head coach of the Lady Panthers since the start of the NCAA’s women’s basketball era in 1981. Justice arrives at “The Hill” after seven seasons with the University of Houston women’s basketball team. She served as recruiting coordinator for the Cougars for the previous five years. “I am very excited about the hiring of Coach Justice,” Robinson said. “She has a high basketball IQ and is someone who is going to bring a positive culture to the program.” One area in which Justice is expected to make an immediate impact is in the area of in-state recruiting. A native of Atlanta, Texas in the northeast corner of the state, Justice spent more than a decade as a top assistant collegiate coach in Houston, and played her sophomore basketball season in Clarendon College, located in the southern part of the Texas Panhandle. “She is a great recruiter. There are few people in the coaching profession who have as much recruiting experience throughout the entire state of Texas as she does.” In Justice’s first year at Houston in 201011, the Cougars enjoyed one of their finest seasons in program history, posting a 26-6 overall record and returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2004-05 season. With Justice’s guidance, Houston point guard Porsche Landry earned Conference USA First Team honors and became only the fourth player in Cougars’ women’s basketball history to tally more than 1,000 points and 300 assists during her career. Justice also made an immediate impact on the recruiting trail after taking over those duties following the 2010-11 season, as various recruiting services ranked the early six-player class that signed in November of 2011 among the nation’s top-40 recruiting hauls, including Dan Olson’s Collegiate Girls Basketball Report (No. 22) and ESPN HoopGurlz (No. 39). Justice joined the University of Houston staff after five seasons as an assistant at Houston Baptist. Before helping the Huskies
Lady Panthers New Head Coach Ravon Justice team transition from the NAIA to the NCAA’s Division I classification, Justice was a part of the 2005-06 team that completed an undefeated run to the Red River Athletic Conference’s regular season and tournament championships; HBU repeated as tournament champions the following season. The Huskies would also make two trips to the NAIA Division I tournament during Justice’s tenure with the team, including a trip to the quarterfinals in 2007. During her own collegiate playing career, Justice attended Nicholls State for one year before transferring to Clarendon College. As a Lady Bulldog, she was named a junior college All-American in addition to receiving Western Junior College Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors. Following her time at Clarendon, Justice played one season at Washington State before finishing her college career at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha. As a senior at USAO, Justice averaged 19.3 points per game and captured All-Sooner Athletic Conference honors. She tallied the third-most points (521) in a single season in school history during the 2003-04 campaign, while setting school records in free throws (133) and free-throw attempts (214). Justice earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from USAO in 2004 and received her master’s degree in liberal arts from HBU in 2009. TX-9
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Community
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TEXAS • APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2016
Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development
DERRICK MITCHELL
D
Meet the May 2016 Luncheon Speakers
errick Mitchell is a partner in the public law section of the Houston office. He currently advises independent school districts and community colleges at the board level. In addition, he serves as bond counsel, disclosure counsel, and underwriter’s counsel to governmental entities. Derrick has served as bond counsel and disclosure counsel for tax exempt financings for independent school districts, cities, counties and state agencies. He also represents various national and regional investment banking firms as underwriter’s counsel in bond and interest rate swap transactions. His practice emphasis includes general obligation and revenue bonds, including transportation revenue, industrial revenue, higher education, mortgage revenue, pollution control, and non-profit hospital bonds. Derrick earned a Bachelor of Business
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Administration from the University of Houston in 1996 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center in 1999. Derrick was appointed by Governor Abbott as a Regent at Texas Southern University in 2015 and voted as Chair to that Board of Regents by his colleagues in the same year. He served a six-year term as a Board Member of the Texas State Securities Board. He is currently a member of several boards, including Scenic Houston, Gulf Coast Rail District, and Greater Houston Partnership Local Relations Committee. Derrick’s membership with 100 Black Men of Houston, United Way - Alexis de Tocqueville Society and National Black MBA Association, Inc., Houston Chapter and being a Board Member of Pro-Vision, Inc. affords him the opportunity to support positive change in the community in which he lives and in the lives of others. Derrick and his wife are the proud parents to one son. He is active in his church, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
O
n January 22, 2016, Gene L. Locke was sworn in as Precinct One Harris County Commissioner, serving over 1.1 million people. Commissioner Locke is a native of East Texas, graduating from high school in Marshall. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1969 from the University of Houston and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence degree in 1981 from South Texas College of Law. He is of counsel with the Andrews Kurth LLP law firm and previously served as chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee and co-chair of the Public Law Section. As a student leader at the University of Houston, he became involved in the social-change movements of the 1960’s. Commissioner Locke led protests on issues like civil rights, Vietnam War, women’s rights and police brutality. In the 1970’s, he devoted his time and energy to working with people across the city and empowering neighborhoods for community development. He helped organize national demonstrations to support the end of
GENE LOCKE
colonialism and apartheid in Southern Africa. As a former practicing attorney, Commissioner Locke has represented numerous individuals, governments and corporations. In the 1980’s, he was administrative assistant and legal counsel to the late U.S. Rep. Mickey Leland. He served as city attorney for the City of Houston from 1995 to 1998 and handled the city’s litigation involving affirmative action, redistricting and election contests. Previously, he served as general counsel to the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority and was instrumental in the negotiations and development of Minute Maid Park, NRG Stadium and the Toyota Center. Commissioner Locke was former special counsel to the Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO). Commissioner Locke has maintained extensive professional and community involvement, serving with various nonprofit organizations and community groups. He received the Diversity First Award from the Texas Diversity Council and is a prior recipient of distinguished alumnus awards from both South Texas College of Law Alumni Association and the University of Houston Black Alumni Association. He is also a past recipient of the NAACP Freedom Award for Outstanding Service. Commissioner Locke and his wife Aubrey have been married for more than thirty years. He is a proud father of five children and has two grandchildren.
TEXAS • APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2016
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NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORSHIP ORGANIZATION HOUSTON CHAPTER All Photos Credit: Ty’Darius Haynes & Tamarius Jarmon
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TEXAS • APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2016
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