Issuu

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BUSINESS PAGE 5

WE MUST UNDERSTAND PAGE 3

The #1 100% Black-Owned Worldwide Digital News Source JANUARY 4 - 10, 2016 FREE

AFRAMNEWS.COM

VOL. 20 ISSUE 50

“WE MUST NEVER FORGET SLAVERY, LYNCHING, JIM CROW LAWS, THE DISRESPECT OF THE BLACKRACE & PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA.” ~Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher~

THE PAPER BELONGS TO YOU!

Reader, Ronald says: For himself, the changes he would like to make in 2016 are “to positive, be a role model, and get some things in 2016 that he didn’t get in 2015.” For African-American News&Issues Paper, he would like to see the paper “to promote jobs and promote anything else that will positively affect the community.”

READER RAYMOND RILES, WELL KNOWN RAPPER, RAY-FACE (ORIGINALLY FROM ACRES HOMES) SAYS: FOR HIMSELF, THE CHANGES HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE IN 2016 ARE “TO PRAY MORE AND GET CLOSER TO GOD.” FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN NEWS&ISSUES PAPER, HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE PAPER “JUST BE POSITIVE.”

Mission Statement: 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 thouroghly 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!

African

American News&Issues

“WHEN A $1.39 IS WORTH MORE THAN ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD…” Before I Lay it Down...

By “Coach” Mark Spivey, M.Ed

hristmas 2015 has come and gone. Memories and remnants are all that remain. I can’t help but to replay how big the buildup to this holiday is, nor can I determine the scope of its success seeing how we all measure outcomes differently. From the looks of it, however, the majority of people that I’ve come into contact with seemed to appreciate the family gatherings, good food, and festive activities “associated” with the birth of Jesus. Pundits question if Christmas has become too “commercialized” and has its primary focus

Roy Douglas Malonson Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson

President/C.E.O.

Chandra Jarmon

Production/Editor

Sandra Davis

Production Asst

James Jones III, Ph.D

Content Editor

Shelondra Peavy

Contributing Writer

Mark Spivey

Contributing Writer

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.

shifted from a religious theme to that of sales competitions and juggernaut profit margins? Needless to say, “tis the season to be jolly” has different meanings to us all… Many people think that the “giving” aspect of Christmas should be catered towards children and kids. I tend to agree with that partially; not one to turn down a gift or two based on generics. Everybody likes getting gifts. But, children have a way of making giving worthwhile. Let me explain: For the past 13 years my wife and I have hosted our annual Christmas Eve Party. This year was no different. For the first time ever we had to move the gathering from our home to our neighborhood’s clubhouse. Our family is growing. That’s a good thing. Some of the grownups present were young’ns back in the day and now they have children of their own. Little-bitty children; they range from less than six months in age to 5 or 6. It’s good seeing them come through the door and head towards the big ass Christmas tree, wondering if any of the presents under it belonged to them. Many lost their manners by not “speaking” to the adults as they entered, something we Southern folk frown upon. “You not gonna speak to grandma, AJ?”, one of my nephews asked his younger son. “Oh, hey grandma!” he responded, waving hurriedly as he saw other kids heading towards the tree. “Get from under that tree, y’all ain’t been good!” I yelled. “I have, Uncle Mark”, exclaimed my “7 going on 27” little niece, Imani. She had her tiny fingers pointing at her chest, “I’ve been

Edit rial & Opini n

REALLY good! Go ask my mommy…”. Her little bad ass knows that her momma ain’t gonna lie for her… With the temperature near 80 degrees, I had the ole AC cranked up (or down) to 65 degrees expecting an onslaught of people hungry for Christmas treats and partying. I must have had it too cold up in there. They returned to their cars bringing back sweaters and extra shirts with them. Even my motherin-law told me it was “too cold”, therefore, I turned the thermostat up to 67. I know that wasn’t a lot, but you never know who’s not wearing deodorant. We gotta keep everything “fresh”. Soon, the place was packed and the Christmas fun began. The kids built gingerbread houses while the adults played games and sang songs. DJ ATEMPO cranked up some Christmas/ RB classics while everyone took their turns on the MIC at the karaoke screen. But the highlight of the party is when all of the kids are gathered and the “Christmas Story” is told. After that, they’re given their Christmas gifts and packages. Nothing is more delightful than watching children smile. Wrapping paper was ﬂying all over the place as they began ripping it off to see what was inside. “Look at what I got!” “Thank you, mommy!” “Thank you, Mimi!” “Thank you, grandma!” “Thank you, PawPaw!” It was obvious that Christmas had come full circle… I watched my grandson, Koren, open up his gifts. He’s four years old and a “Spider Man” fanatic. My wife and I bought him some nice, expensive “Spidey” stuff. We also went to the Dollar Store to pick up some stocking stuffers. Continue reading online Source: Aframnews.com

TEXAS • JANUARY 4 - 10, 2016

HERE'S HOW 'PRESIDENT' TRUMP WILL GOVERN Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Author & Political

here's no shortage of chatter about GOP Presidential contender Donald Trump campaigning. But almost nothing has been said about how a "President" Trump would actually govern. While there's no consensus that he can win the GOP nomination let alone the White House, there is a consensus that he has a real shot at being a real threat to win the GOP nomination and make a real run for the White House. It's based on these very real facts. Since he ofﬁcially declared for the presidency last June except for one brief moment he's consistently gapped every other GOP contender in poll ratings; no expected implosion has happened. He has ﬁred up a big swatch of the GOP base, conservatives, and white evangelicals, but more ominously he's stirred passion and zealotry among millions of disaffected, alienated white blue collar workers. He's been a rating's and thus a cash cow bonanza for much of the media and a sound bite dream machine for newsrooms. They will continue to play up every Trump quip, dig, and inanity big. This will further cement his name, reputation, and even appeal to millions. Despite predictions that his backers will resoundingly shut down on him when they get in the voting booth in the primaries, there a good likelihood many won't. The GOP presidential nominee needs 50 percent plus one of the 2,470 delegates to bag

the nomination. Party leaders gloat and nervously plot that Trump will crash and burn long before he gets anywhere close to that number. Maybe, but 11 states have winner take all primaries, ten states assign delegates proportionally, and 17 states use a caucus and convention to hand pick delegates. With only Texas senator Ted Cruz and Florida Senator Marco Rubio flirting with double digit poll support, it's no stretch to see Trump netting hundreds of committed delegates from more than a handful of states. Though Trump has seemingly warred with the GOP establishment, the fight has been over mostly over his style, personality, and comportment, but not on the key issues from abortion and Planned Parenthood to the economy and foreign policy. Take Trump's rough edge off his bluster about these issues, and his stance on them is mostly in line with the party's on these issues with some curious exceptions. Continue online Business Card forreading Paper 14_Layout 1 12/11/14 Source: Huffingtonpost.com

979-921-9908 28820 FM 1736 Road Hempstead, TX 77445 Waller County

Breeder of Trophy Whitetail Deer, High End Beef-Type Registered Brahmans and Herefords Cattle. Trophy Hunting Whitetails, Axis and Blackbuck Nature Tours and Photography

www.rsdeerranch.com malonson@rsdeerranch.com

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TEXAS • JANUARY 4 - 10, 2016

Edit rial & Opini n

THE CORRUPT GRAND JURY SYSTEM: TAMIR RICE Manhood, Race & Culture

By Dr. James Thomas Jones III

n the new millennium, the brutality that AfricanAmericans experience at the hands of law enforcement officers is not only predictable, but also expected. No one should be shocked that 12 year old Tamir Rice lost his life at the hands of “law enforcement officers”. The fact that it was caught on camera is the only shocking element of the entire incident. Within the pantheon of African-Americans, male and female, who have met their demise at this familiar adversary, Tamir Rice is nothing special; he joins a lengthy list of victims such as Fred Hampton, Mark Clark, Carl Hampton, Jonathan Jackson, George Jackson, the list stretches across several centuries. The murder of AfricanAmericans by “law enforcement officers” invariably brings forth the exact same “playbook” by those who proclaim to represent the community, be it preachers, community activists, Black Nationalist leaders, and/or elected officials. This playbook consists of several predictable actions/activities: • We will decry the murder of an innocent Black person. • We will call for an ‘independent investigation’ of the matter. • The militants will publicly spew hollow threats at law enforcement

agencies that amount to little more than ‘mental masturbation’. • We will hold rallies and press conferences to address the pernicious issue of police brutality. • We will hold a march to call attention to the issue. • We will then bury our dead and return home heartbroken with a righteous indignation that promises ‘never again’; that is until the next time it occurs, and we all know that there will be a next time. The alluded to reactionary playbook has repeatedly failed us. And as the great saying goes, “if you do what you always did, you gon’ get what you always got.” Such is a lesson that “race leaders” have failed to recognize. Although Tamir Rice is central to this incident, there is a larger lesson to be learned here. It is this realization that drives my belief that it is impossible for African-Americans to honor Tamir Rice by securing anything resembling to justice. Put simply, our reactionary nature, lack of cohesiveness and political disorganization prevent such an occurrence. When will AfricanAmericans learn that threats, public statements, and wearing out of shoe leather is NOT a winnable strategy for dealing with institutional racism found amongst law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, or even within ﬁnancial institutions. Continue Reading Online Online @ Aframnews.com

African

American News&Issues

! 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 ~ Calvin Coolidge of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER

Until the lion has his or her own storyteller, the hunter will always have the best part of the story.

(African Proverb)

hile thinking long and hard about what my initial message for 2016 would be, my mind went through many suitable topics (Black-on-Black Crime), events (the recent Mayoral election), individuals (Sandra Bland), and issues (Police Brutality). Each of these would have addressed either the present status of Black Houstonians or highlighted the things that we should be focusing upon to improve our community politically, socially, and economically. I eventually decided against such a message in favor of a more basic communication aimed at not only the Black community that has supported African-American News & Issues for so long, but also my staff and writers. I thought that it was important that I remind everyone, from those who create African-American News & Issues on a daily basis, to those who read it, the primary purpose this newspaper serves. Simply put, why African-American News & Issues was created and continues to exist to this day. I must tell you that AfricanAmerican News&Issues was created in reaction to my growing disgust with other socalled ‘Black Newspapers’ that

continually avoided pressing issues within the Black community purely out of a desperate desire to avoid the always looming shadow of race. To this day, I think that it is not only ridiculous, but also cowardly the way that many so-called Black Newspapers parroted the angles and stories of white reporters and newspapers like the Houston Chronicle. I challenge many so-called Black Newspapers with the following question, if we are going to simply follow the lead of white newspapers in avoiding race matters and not speaking for the Black community, why do you even exist. I am disgusted by cowardly reporting that fails to deal with the pressing and prominent issues facing our community from a pro-Black perspective. Being in this business has taught me that so much of the information or even the stories that are considered newsworthy by Black newspapers are only considered such because they initially received the approval of white newspaper editors who have historically been hostile toward African-American advancement. African-American News & Issues refuses to follow the

We MUST Understand By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

lead of white news periodicals for one simple reason, such an action would forfeit its position as the people’s paper. African-American News&Issues has boldly stood against not only the white press, but also many African-American newspapers that have mimicked the disdain that periodicals such as the Houston Chronicle have publicly expressed for AfricanAmerican leaders and the Black community in general. Absent an independent voice that relishes the opportunity to address the political issues and continual economic exploitation of African-Americans, the Black Press has little to no utility. This matter reminds me of an African proverb that says “Until the lion has his or her own storyteller, the hunter will always have the best part of the story.” The writers of my paper, African-American News&Issues, have taken this African proverb to heart and are dedicated to telling the story of a usually voiceless African-American community. We look forward to continuing our service to the AfricanAmerican community.

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

African-American News&Issues. Letters to the Publisher may be sent via e-mail to news@aframnews.com. Please keep all letters under 300 words. Be sure to include the author’s name, area of residence. All letters and articles may be veriﬁed before they are published. All letters are subjected to editing or being cut for spacing purposes. Thank you in advance for your submission.

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

African

American News&Issues

YOU! - From Pg. 1

New Year. New You

HOUSTON - Just in case you have any doubt about it; your dreams will never work unless you work’em! This is an undeniable fact that people somehow continually deny. This concept is virtually the same as saying “faith without works is dead” or “you can’t win if you never get into the game”. That said; let’s take a closer look at these statements: What would happen if you were to dream a totally attainable dream, but you never make any attempts at seeing the dream manifest? The answer is: nothing. Absolutely nothing will happen until you roll up your sleeves and go after it. At the top of every year, people make all sorts of golden promises to themselves, to other human beings, and sometimes, even to God! Yet, at some point, those promises are broken. Many times, this is due to the fact that the promises rendered are often times, ones that require some type of major change, determination, drive, will power, and/or self discipline. And unfortunately, human nature causes us to be at a pre-set deficit when it comes to having these attributes, because of our innate need to please the flesh. For instance – there may have been a time or two in the past when certain ones of us might have made a promise to ourselves that we would regularly exercise, but since it is more pleasurable to sit and be relaxed, that is what we eventually regressed to doing. On another note, we may also have made promises to other people before, such as: “I’m going to stop smoking cigarettes” or “I’m going to spend more time with you”. But, for whatever reason – time, weaknesses, and/or circumstances seemed to

C over St ry

always make us do something other than what we’ve vowed to do. By definition, a resolution is “the actual act of resolving an issue, a problem, or any other matter of interest”. Therefore, it seems safe to say that there is no resolution needed if everything is already peachy and rosy. But, if there are indeed issues, problems, or other matters of yours that need to be resolved, then, the top of the year is as good of a time as any for resolutions. And so – if you need to get out of debt, have better health, return to school, get a job, strengthen your finances, lighten your load, add a companion, drop a “hater”, seek a promotion, start a business, eat less fat, be more active, etc. – just do it! Give yourself a pep talk, put your game face on, roll up your sleeves, and get in the game. Aim to win, but prepare a cushion for yourself in the event that you should fall. Then – Go for it! In doing so, it is important to know that occasional failures and misses are okay, as long as you put forth your best effort. It’s been said many times before that the most successful people in the world have all failed at least once before they succeeded. Also, it’s been noted that if we make our plans and resolutions publicly known, this adds a sense of accountability and motivates us not to quit. Because, if nobody else is aware of our resolutions, this makes it a lot easier for us to change our minds or give up before we can experience any type of victory. Having said that, here are a handful of resolutions from some of our fellow Houstonians for the year of 2016 (and beyond):

Reader, Barbara Ann Jones says: For herself, the changes she would like to make in 2016 are “to get off the streets and do better for her kids.” For African-American News&Issues Paper, she would like to see the paper “round up all of the important Black people in Houston and get them to come to the neighborhoods and show us the way to help ourselves and other people too.”

Reader L.T. Sandles says: For himself, the changes he would like to make in 2016 are “working on his health and physical fitness” For African-American News&Issues Paper, he would like to see the paper remain the same, because he likes it just like it is.

Texas - 10, 2016 Texas• •January August412-18, 2013

Reader, Randy Bell (Auto Detail & Repair Shop Owner) says: For himself, the changes he would like to make in 2016 are “being a better person overall and being a better business owner by providing better services to his customers.” For African-American News&Issues Paper, he would like to see the paper capitalize on the fact that we have Sylvester Turner as our new Mayor. He believes the paper can be instrumental in making the community thrive.

Reader, Curtis Moore says: For himself, the changes he would like to make in 2016 are “to get a job and have a better life.” For African-American News&Issues Paper, he would like to see the paper “teach us how we can have a better life.” To continue reading see pg. 8

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

Bus ness

Texas • January 4 - 10, 2016

IN THe New Year we MUST Be aBOUT OUr BUSINeSS “History repeats itself” is one of the most common refrains that one is bound to hear. The statement is partially true if for no other reason than people tend to habitually do the exact same things for one of two reasons: (a) it is a habit that they have developed or (b) it has proven to be an economically productive action. There is absolutely no room to debate the fact that the vast majority of African-Americans are doing the same thing because ‘it is a habit that they have developed.’ Unfortunately for AfricanAmericans, their economic habits have guaranteed their ‘have-nots’ position; a plight that droves of African-Americans run to the church to pray about, as if God is going to provide a solution to their poverty. Although it may sound particularly harsh, the solution to our community’s financial problems although partially created by the church, will not be solved by merely praying, fasting, or meditating. There is an old saying that states, “if you do what you always did, then you will get what you always got.” Put simply, in this new year it is time for our community to try a new tactic; that is if we are truly interested in ‘the liberation and salvation of the Black nation’. There is quite possibly no more succinct means of describing the current economic state of Black America than the quote, “a fool and his money shall soon part.” As an overall community, we have been foolishly reckless in regards to financial matters. The African-American community’s economic status is in such disarray that an unbiased evaluator would have no choice but to paint a grim picture of our current situation. Despite the current realities of

economic collectivism, one has to be encouraged by the reality that the subject has been discussed in venues varying from Black Nationalist gatherings to Black barbershops/beauty salons. All seem to agree that we are woefully lacking an understanding of what collectivist economic is and how we should go about addressing this major malady. In many ways, AfricanAmericans lack of comprehension that their economic uplift is determined by their ability to practice economic collectivism is puzzling for several reasons. Quite possibly the most bewildering of these reasons is that we need to only look around to gain an understanding that every race/ethnicity in this nation pursues every available opportunity to support their own in economic endeavors. Make no mistake about it, life is analogous to a board game where various races, ethnicities, and sub-cultures attempt to increase their political and economic power through strategic maneuverings, the ability to coordinate with other players, who are invariably receiving some benefit from the alliance, increases one’s opportunity for success. Considering this analogy, it appears as if other groups — Alternative Lifestyle [Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer], Women [Wealthy, Middle-Class, Working-Class, Asian, Latina, White, Black], Asian [Chinese, Japanese, Filipino] Latina [Mexican, Puerto Rican, Brazilian, Cuban, Dominican] White [Irish, Anglo-Saxon, Russian, Italian, Polish, German] — are able to make decisive logical moves on this crowd game board and forge alliances to advance their interests. Now I most definitely do not want you to get the idea that per-

sons of African descent [Nigerian, Jamaican, African-American, Ghanaian, Black Brits, Haitian, Cuban, Brazilian, Caribbean] are not involved in the game, it is that they are the least likely to forge alliances, including within their own race. Predictably, their attempt to navigate the game of life solo leads to not only frustration, but also the loss of the political power and the eventual total dependence upon others for material survival; they become oppressed, exploited, and parasitic as their poor economic decision making eventually leads to their begging ‘majority society’ for employment opportunities. In time, exploited and oppressed populations will make what they consider a logical move to get in the game, a decision that drives home just how uninformed they are in regards to how the game of life is played. They will eventually shun their own race and attempt to assimilate into more powerful groups. Their short-sighted thinking has led them into a false belief that such a maneuver is their only opportunity to escape the deep hole that they see other persons of African descent trapped in. Little do these individuals realize, they have made a deal with the Devil that guarantees them a few politico economic crumbs that the major players in the game of life will offer once their appetite is satisfied! The primary reason that persons of African descent never pursue alliances within their own racial group is because they have been taught in classrooms, media, and through personal experience that “Niggers don’t know how to handle no business.” The vast majority of movers and shakers within the Race will relate such feelings as they bask in their selfcreated position as the only Negro

Read us online! w w w. aframnew s. com who is about making moves; we all know that this fool, thinking that they can independently improve their personal position will busy themselves with pyramid schemes and quick rich scams that will take them no where. What is the solution to this most unfortunate plight? The path for group empowerment is always the same; groups must close ranks for a period, mobilize and organize economic resources, and focus their energies upon hard work and educating their men, women,

and children with an eye toward securing political power, economic self-sufficiency, and articulating a liberating theology. Despite the obvious reality that the winners in the game of life are groups, many African-Americans naïvely believe that they can win by using individuality. Their logic is as simple as it is backwards, they believe that if they diligently work, they will succeed without group backing; nothing could be further from the truth. Continue Reading Online @ www. aframnews.com

Black Kollectibles & F lowers

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

AY SAME DRY E V DELI

Happ y New Year

Live Pole Ivy

Flowers for All Occasions Flores Para Todas Ocasiones

713-692-1100 Se habla español We A ppr eciate Our Customer s

Major rds Ca Credit ted Accep

Pick-up or Delivery Available

Store Hours

Tues: 12pm - 5pm 6130 Wheatley Street Wed, Thurs, Fri.: 8:30am - 5pm Houston, Texas 77091 Closed Sat. thru Mon.

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

Bus ness

TEXAS • JANUARY 4 - 10, 2016

IN THE NEW YEAR WE MUST BE ABOUT OUR BUSINESS “History repeats itself” is one of the most common refrains that one is bound to hear. The statement is partially true if for no other reason than people tend to habitually do the exact same things for one of two reasons: (a) it is a habit that they have developed or (b) it has proven to be an economically productive action. There is absolutely no room to debate the fact that the vast majority of African-Americans are doing the same thing because ‘it is a habit that they have developed.’ Unfortunately for AfricanAmericans, their economic habits have guaranteed their ‘have-nots’ position; a plight that droves of African-Americans run to the church to pray about, as if God is going to provide a solution to their poverty. Although it may sound particularly harsh, the solution to our community’s ﬁnancial problems although partially created by the church, will not be solved by merely praying, fasting, or meditating. There is an old saying that states, “if you do what you always did, then you will get what you always got.” Put simply, in this new year it is time for our community to try a new tactic; that is if we are truly interested in ‘the liberation and salvation of the Black nation’. There is quite possibly no more succinct means of describing the current economic state of Black America than the quote, “a fool and his money shall soon part.” As an overall community, we have been foolishly reckless in regards to ﬁnancial matters. The African-American community’s economic status is in such disarray that an unbiased evaluator would have no choice but to paint a grim picture of our current situation. Despite the current realities of

economic collectivism, one has to be encouraged by the reality that the subject has been discussed in venues varying from Black Nationalist gatherings to Black barbershops/beauty salons. All seem to agree that we are woefully lacking an understanding of what collectivist economic is and how we should go about addressing this major malady. In many ways, AfricanAmericans lack of comprehension that their economic uplift is determined by their ability to practice economic collectivism is puzzling for several reasons. Quite possibly the most bewildering of these reasons is that we need to only look around to gain an understanding that every race/ethnicity in this nation pursues every available opportunity to support their own in economic endeavors. Make no mistake about it, life is analogous to a board game where various races, ethnicities, and sub-cultures attempt to increase their political and economic power through strategic maneuverings, the ability to coordinate with other players, who are invariably receiving some beneﬁt from the alliance, increases one’s opportunity for success. Considering this analogy, it appears as if other groups — Alternative Lifestyle [Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer], Women [Wealthy, Middle-Class, Working-Class, Asian, Latina, White, Black], Asian [Chinese, Japanese, Filipino] Latina [Mexican, Puerto Rican, Brazilian, Cuban, Dominican] White [Irish, Anglo-Saxon, Russian, Italian, Polish, German] — are able to make decisive logical moves on this crowd game board and forge alliances to advance their interests. Now I most deﬁnitely do not want you to get the idea that per-

sons of African descent [Nigerian, Jamaican, African-American, Ghanaian, Black Brits, Haitian, Cuban, Brazilian, Caribbean] are not involved in the game, it is that they are the least likely to forge alliances, including within their own race. Predictably, their attempt to navigate the game of life solo leads to not only frustration, but also the loss of the political power and the eventual total dependence upon others for material survival; they become oppressed, exploited, and parasitic as their poor economic decision making eventually leads to their begging ‘majority society’ for employment opportunities. In time, exploited and oppressed populations will make what they consider a logical move to get in the game, a decision that drives home just how uninformed they are in regards to how the game of life is played. They will eventually shun their own race and attempt to assimilate into more powerful groups. Their short-sighted thinking has led them into a false belief that such a maneuver is their only opportunity to escape the deep hole that they see other persons of African descent trapped in. Little do these individuals realize, they have made a deal with the Devil that guarantees them a few politico economic crumbs that the major players in the game of life will offer once their appetite is satisﬁed! The primary reason that persons of African descent never pursue alliances within their own racial group is because they have been taught in classrooms, media, and through personal experience that “Niggers don’t know how to handle no business.” The vast majority of movers and shakers within the Race will relate such feelings as they bask in their selfcreated position as the only Negro

and children with an eye toward securing political power, economic self-sufﬁciency, and articulating a liberating theology. Despite the obvious reality that the winners in the game of life are groups, many African-Americans naïvely believe that they can win by using individuality. Their logic is as simple as it is backwards, they believe that if they diligently work, they will succeed without group backing; nothing could be further from the truth. Continue Reading Online @ www. aframnews.com

Black Kollectibles & F lowers

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

AY SAME DRY E V DELI

Happ y New Year

Live Pole Ivy

Flowers for All Occasions Flores Para Todas Ocasiones

713-692-1100 Se habla español We A ppr eciate Our Customer s

Major rds Ca Credit ted Accep

Pick-up or Delivery Available

Store Hours

Tues: 12pm - 5pm 6130 Wheatley Street Wed, Thurs, Fri.: 8:30am - 5pm Houston, Texas 77091 Closed Sat. thru Mon.

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

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se Academy, before school and after school enrichment programs are of713692- 1178 om 7 a.m.-8:30 a.m. and from 4:20-5:45 daily. Reese will be unaffected by the magnet schools.

rict administrators looked ately for areas to cut that have the least impact on s. Administrators made 12 nt of their cuts in district ments (central office, maince, operations, and substiAlthough no one was laid off, hose to delete or freeze sevISD positions, as they were . Reductions were also made e use of paraprofessionals ng assistants). The district made several board approved o stipends for educators in n areas. Incentive plans were ated, class sizes increased pansion projects frozen. But budget changes would not be ent to secure the future solof the district. rder to strengthen the budhe district would propose r cuts and it would need the unities support for them. magnet programs were next. strict scheduled meetings at s academies from December ugh January 7. first magnet school up for ation was Carroll Academy’s et program. It demonstrated ast amount of interest from HOU-6among mags and students ograms on the primary level, et, it had the greatest cost.

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elimination. Other schools would be Smith, Stovall, Harris and Hill, all based on the same criteria. Students of magnet programs that had been eliminated would return to their home campus and given first priority for available slots in other magnet programs, with the exception of 4th grade students, who will be given the option of continuing at Houston Academy. Staff will be placed into vacant positions on other campuses. The order would have given the magnet program a protected status and funds from the government would have been provided for their operation. Also, several events and items were reduced or eliminated, such as the magnet festival and technology fair. The proposed cuts were approved by district trustees at the January 25 school board meeting before a packed house of incensed parents and student. But Bamberg warns the cuts may still not be enough to meet the needs of the nation’s 12th largest district. Administrators say they still need $18 million to balance the budget. “The only way we’re going to get additional revenue at this point is to look to the community,” said Bamberg, alluding to the need for increased property tax revenue, which could be as much as 13 cents

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

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Can “Big Government Save Black America? By William Reed

Just by its cover, Blacks may not see how utilitarian “Good Profits” can be, but the publication can provide them meaningful insights on successful capitalistic practices. The outreach to Blacks centered on Black Enterprise magazine asking the nation’s fifth richest citizen: “What is the biggest misconception that people have about you?” The 80-year-old chairman and CEO of Koch Industries responded with: “That we’re trying to destroy democracy in this country, out of greed.” Many Blacks view the Koch brothers with loathing because of their contrasting view of “the role of government.” Most Blacks view government as the solution to society’s problems. The ultimate capitalist, Charles Koch sees government as “undermining and suffocating the economy.” In a myriad of interviews the elder Koch brother says “For most of this nation’s history, our country has been characterized by opportunity, upward mobility and personal freedom. But today, America is hurtling headlong in the opposite direction, away from a

free society. Koch’s view is that ‘the Democrats are taking us down the road to serfdom over the cliff at 100 miles an hour and the Republicans are going just 70” and says “I want to reverse the trajectory.” While Koch’s book offers good business and management philosophy and practices, it suns afoul of Blacks’ ways of life. Because too many of us see government as “omnipotent” it’s important that the majority of us to know “what the private sector is” and “what the public sector is” and understand the difference. The private sector is usually composed of organizations that are privately owned and not part of the government. These usually includes corporations (both profit and nonprofit) and partnerships. For example, retail stores, credit unions, and local businesses operate in the private sector. The public sector is usually composed of organizations that are owned and operated by the government. This includes federal, provincial, state, or municipal governments. Continue Reading Online @ www.aframnews.com

January 4 - 10, 2016

DEC

Jan 4 - Jan 9

Monday - Saturday Houston Zoo Lights 2015 Women’s Global Leadership Conference 6200 Hermann Park Dr Houston, TX 77030 Beginning at 6pm For more info contact: www.houstonzoo.org

Jan 4 - Jan 30

Monday - Saturday Houston Museum of African American Culture As Small as a Giant: A Homeage to Black Lives matter Movement 4807 Caroline Houston, TX 77004 For more info contact: (713) 526-1015 This Should be Your Event s e n d i n q u i r i e s to news@aframnews.com

Saturday Project Row Houses Muhammad School of Martial Arts 2511 Holman St Houston, TX 77004 From 2pm - 3pm For more info contact: (713) 526-7662 Monday Project Row Houses Tutoring 2521 Holman St Houston, TX 77004 From 5pm - 9pm For more info contact: (713) 526.7662

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

Jan 4 - Jan 23

Monday - Saturday Houston Museum of African American Culture Abolitionists: Different Eyes Seeing the Same Reality 4807 Caroline Houston, TX 77004 For more info contact: (713) 526-1015

Jan 4 - Feb 21

Monday - Sunday Discovery Green Field of Lights 1500 McKinney Street Houston, TX 77010 All Day For more indo contact:

www.visithoustontexas.com

JAN

Friday The Shrine of the Black Madonna Imani (Faith) 5313 MLK Blvd Houston, TX 77021 (Market Opens at 5pm) Beginning at 7pm For more indo contact: (713) 876-8226

What’s Happenin’ 12 Tuesday Windsor Houston

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Networking Breakfast 6920 TC Jester Blvd Houston, TX 77091 Beginning at 9:20am For more info contact: (281) 224-0280 Sunday First Baptist of Lincoln City BC FBC Praise Dancers 844 Fortune St Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 11:30am For more info contact: (832)892-5078

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African-American News&Issues now offers E-Blast to over 20,000 business professionals and community subcribers for a very low price. Let us promote your next event! For more information contact (713) 692-1892 or visit www.aframnews.com

Jan 27 - Jan 29

GUEST SPEAKER Janette Cosley

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

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Minimum of a $25 H-E-B Gift Card random drawing will be held during event

Email Your Upcoming Events to: news@aframnews.com 4 weeks in advance! or call (713) 692 - 1892

Wednesday - Friday Aldine ISD FFA Livestock Show 1865 Aldine Bender Houston, TX 77032 For more info contact: (281) 985-6646

Jan 28 - Feb 28

Thursday - Sunday Ensemble Theatre Fences 3535 Main St. Houston, TX 77002 Times Vary For more info contact: (713) 520-0055 Saturday Houston Bar Assoc, Society of Professional Journalist & The Houston Press Club 30th Law & Media Seminar 1303 San Jacinto Houston, TX 77002 Beginning at 8am For more info contact: (713)759-1133

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS A WILL PACKER PRODUCTIONS/CUBEVISION PRODUCTION A TIM STORY FILM “RIDE ALONG 2” ICE CUBE KEVIMUSICN HART KEN JEONG BENJAMI N BRATT OLIVIA MUNN PRODUCED BRUCE MCGILL TIKA SUMPTER BASEDBY CHRI STOPHER LENNERTZ WRITTENBY WILL PACKER p.g.a. ICE CUBE ON CHARACTERS MATT ALVAREZ LARRY BREZNER CREATEDDIRECTEDBY GREG COOLIDGE BY PHIL HAY & MATT MANFREDI A UNIVERSAL PICTURE BY TIM STORY SOUNDTRACK ON BACK LOT MUSIC

LOCAL LISTINGS FOR STARTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 CHECK THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

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Reader, Debbie Jones (of Neighborhood Centers) says: For herself, the changes she would like to make in 2016 are “to be more focused on her family, going back to school to get her Bachelor’s degree, and just starting a new chapter in life.” For African-American News&Issues Paper, she says that she does not read it often enough to say what changes should be made, but from now on, she will read the paper more often and follow up with the African-American News&Issues Paper about necessary changes if she feels the need to. HOMESTEAD/FONTAINE - Reader, Sterling Davis says: For himself, the changes he would like to make in 2016 are “to keep raising his 5 kids the best he can with their mother, Sycori, and be the best parent he can possibly be.” For African-American News&Issues Paper, he would like to see the paper “do articles about stuff that actually happens in the hood, like how the stores be jacking up the prices skyhigh, and any other issue that happens in the ghetto, because people in the hood is the ones that’s picking up the papers and reading’em.” Reader, Alton Fisher (Licensed Electrician) says: For himself, the changes he would like to make in 2016 are “to be more productive and gain more contracts.” For African-American News&Issues Paper, he would like to see the paper “get out and mingle with the people a little more and ﬁnd out about the “true issues” concerning the people in the Black community.” Reader, Patricia Crofton (Active and Driven Member of the Community) says: For herself, the changes she would like to make in 2016 are “to become more active again, and to be more involved in ﬁghting against police brutality and other pressing issues.” For African-American News&Issues Paper, she would like to see the paper “tell it like it is, speak up, and don’t hold back!”

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TEXAS • JANUARY 4 - 10, 2016

Reader, Carolyn Gulley (Loyal Community Resident) says: For herself, the changes she would like to make in 2016 are “to be more helpful in the community, be a better person, and share the goodness of God and his blessings.” For African-American News&Issues Paper, she would like to see the paper “do their best to make the people aware that they don’t have to continue to be in bad situations, because it’s all about choice, and the paper can help to guide people in the right direction.” Pleasantsville - Reader, Greg (Randy’s Foods Driver) says: For himself, the changes he would like to make in 2016 are “to get back to helping the kids in my community with sports and other activities.” For African-American News&Issues Paper, he would like to see the paper “bring the people out for something like a national night out, but more often, so we can come together more.” GREENSPOINT - Reader, Glenn Parker says: For himself, the changes she would like to make in 2016 are “to be a better person than he was on yesterday, strengthen his relationship with God, and bring closeness between his brothers and sisters.” For African-American News&Issues Paper, she would like to see the paper “keep doing what they’re doing and hopefully the people who read the paper will do what they need to do too.” In closing, let us remember that the best way to get started is to stop talking and begin doing. And if we should fail or lose momentum, It is my hope that we would consider each of this year’s 365 days as “another chance” to get things on track. Otherwise, we may be tempted to wait and try again “next year”, and that is not a wise resolution at all, because we’ll look up and realize that too many years have passed us by.

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Most of all – If there are matters that we need to resolve, it would be shameful to go through one year after the next without ever applying a resolution. African-American News&Issues would like to take the time out and thank our loyal readers. Without you, Your Paper, The People’s Paper would not exist. Story By: Shelondra Peavy Photo Credit : Shelondra Peavy & BlueSaar

Health

TEXAS • JANUARY 4-10, 2016

ASHLEY TURNER

“I enjoy what I do, because I’m walking in my purpose” On a Sunday afternoon you can find Ashley Paige Turner reading “Half of a Yellow Sun” an evocative novel of the promise, hope, and disappointment of the Bifran War, but every day with four years of health experience and a conviction for helping individuals, Ashley presently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Bee Busy Wellness Center. She was born and raised in Houston, TX and excelled academically as she attended the University of Texas at San Antonio where she received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology. She continued her studies at Texas Woman’s University where she received a Master’s in Health Care Administration. Upon graduation from TWU she accepted a position at Legacy Community Health Services in the Human Resources department and later transitioned to Marketing and Communications. On February 2, 2015 she became Chief Operating Officer at Bee Busy Wellness Center. Ms. Turner makes it a point to give back to her community. For the past eight years she has volunteered for Turner Family Day in the Park where she assist with the senior citizens and the youth. Furthermore, she is a mentor for the youth at Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation and she participates in the Less than 40 Alliance at Loving Word Fellowship where she helps prepare the youth for higher education. Ashley not only deals with statistics, but handle operations from the time the patient

LOVES TO

“BEE BUSY”

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NEW MILLENNIALS

walks in the door to the Wellness Center and time they leave. With the has switched the consistent flow, she also game of healthcare watches the service lines by being more proacand monitor the flow of tive in seeking prepatients that come in ventive and quality and out of the clinic. As a care. From BBWC’s primary goal for BBWC, inception, it has partAshley also has set goals nered with several that include helping the entities to conduct a community to achieve series of community optimum health through needs assessments. high quality preventive The findings have care, treatment for minor consistently shown illness or injuries, and the Southwest management of chronic Houston area to medical conditions such be underserved in as diabetes, asthma, or everything from prehigh blood pressure. ventative primary Bee Busy Wellness health to mental Center is a federand dental services. ally qualified Healthcare Additionally, of the ASHLEY PAIGE TURNER center with a mission 326,000 individuals to provide culturally in the service area, appropriate healthcare services that pro- 53% are uninsured. mote improved health, and quality of life, Bee Busy Wellness Center has two lofor families and individuals. Their profes- cations uniquely positioned in Southwest sional staff provides the following services: Houston, an area of that includes high levels Family medicine, Pediatric care, Women’s of disadvantage and poor health. This particHealth, Men’s Health, Pharmacy Services, ular clinic has special programs that include Nutritional Counseling, Immunizations, Healthy Happy Hour, Homeless Services, Mental Healthcare and Dental coming soon. Bee Baby, Domestic Violence Task Force, The millennial generation (also commonly and Food Pantry. Bee Busy offers individual known as Gen-Y) and incudes births from and group educational sessions on family 1982- 2000, has become a consistent de- planning, prenatal care, chronic disease and mographic that flows in and out of Bee Busy adolescent. Health topics facilitated by com-

munity health workers. Ashley’s vision along with Bee Busy is that Houston will become a place where every citizen will achieve optimum health; but where that is not possible, every individual, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic circumstance, and physical or mental capabilities, will have unfettered access to high quality, life-extending, care, free of stigma and discrimination. The next chapter, but never a closed book as Ashley Turner has begun her purpose and will continue be a part of something great and something that service the community. “I enjoy what I do, because I am walking in my purpose” Ashley says. “Beyond religious connotations, a life purpose is simply a life’s message.” Ashley enjoys reading, but also creates a walking novel for some who never indulged in the health care ﬁeld. She does so by also promoting awareness and mentoring young ladies to stay informed and stay healthy. Ms. Turner plans on continuing her education and carry out the goals of Bee Busy Wellness Center to improve assess for individuals and families in Houston, provide quality and comprehensive primary care services, eliminate barriers that cause health disparities, provide community education and awareness of available services, and continue to support the efforts of establishing collaborations and partnerships with service providers to maximize health care beneﬁts and costs. BY ERICA DAVIS-STRIBLING

CITGO AND HENRY SCHEIN SUPPORT CRITICAL HEALTH SCREENINGS TO UNDERSERVED HOUSTON COMMUNITY HOUSTON – Residents of West Houston received free health screenings on Dec. 5 at a Mobile Health Event sponsored by CITGO Petroleum Corporation, in partnership with Henry Schein, Spring Branch Community Health Center (SBCHC), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Dentistry, Amerigroup, Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), United HealthCare, Centers for Medicare, Medicaid Services (CMS), Alzheimer’s Association, H-E-B and the Houston Food Bank. The event is designed to bring critical health services, dental screenings and access to healthy foods to underserved areas. SBCHC provided more than 100 attendees with glucose, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure or asthma screenings, as well as preventative health care. More than 40 of those attendees also received free dental screenings for adults and children from stu-

dents at the UTHealth School of Dentistry in using the university’s Mobile Van. Additionally, the Houston Food Bank’s Mobile Pantry donated 10,000 pounds of food to health fair attendees. Volunteers from the Houston Food Bank were also available to process applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for qualifying families. The event took place at SBCHC’s West Houston Clinic, which provides family medicine, pediatric services and women’s health care to the area. SBCHC is a nonproﬁt based in Houston committed to increasing the overall quality of health for uninsured and underinsured families in the community. “Based on our patient socioeconomic data nearly 60 percent of school-aged children in this area are considered ‘economically disadvantaged’ and have limited access to preventative healthcare related to cardiovas-

cular and nutritional health,” said Angel Cordero, marketing specialist at SBCHC. “With help from CITGO, we hope to give many people in the area the opportunity to manage their health through these screenings.” “CITGO supports healthy nutrition and lifestyles and believes in providing resources to those in need, especially in the communities we operate,” said CITGO President & CEO Nelson P. Martinez. “In the past decade, we’ve served more than 800 patients through programs like this Mobile Health Event. Through our work with organizations like the Spring Branch Community Health Center, UTHealth School of Dentistry and the Houston Food Bank we strive to provide critical preventative care to those most affected by poverty in the Houston area.” To Continue Reading visit www.aframnews.com Submitted by: Rachel Milkovich

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Life Style

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THE ARMY FAMILY

Staff Sgt. Leah R. Kilpatrick is a 12-year Army veteran and public affairs professional, who has come to appreciate the Army as an extension of her own family, especially after the death of her husband in 2014. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brandon Banzhaf, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (released)

REAL

FORT HOOD - The world has become a very cynical place. It has become so prevalent in my own life and in my career ﬁeld that I have become convinced that along with a score of 107 or higher in the GeneralTechnical section of the ASVAB and the ability to type 20 words per minute, cynicism is an additional requirement to enter into Army public affairs. And it was with this same cynicism that I would speak of the “Army family.” And I don’t believe I’m the only one. I think the notion has turned into a punchline. A mention of the Army as a family at any dining facility, ofﬁce space or motor pool might elicit at least one eye-roll. But in this time when people are enjoying time with their biological families, I have a renewed appreciation and faith in my Army family. Our Army family. It all started when I was alone, driving down US 190 on my way to Scott and White hospital in Temple, Texas, on Oct.

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23, 2014. I’ll never forget that drive. It was then that the numbness first set in. A numbness I’ve become accustomed to, the heart’s defense mechanism when the pain is too intense to bear. My husband of five years, best friend and soul mate of almost 10 years, was not doing well at all, and the nurses and hospital staff had called me to get there as soon as I could. The staff met me at the elevators (never a good sign) and took me up to the intensive care ward. As we approached the room, all sorts of machines and monitors were being wheeled out of his room, and that’s when they told me. He’s gone. A 46-year-old man. A husband. A father. A son. A brother. A nephew. A friend. A veteran. My rock was gone, and all I wanted to do was go with him. And it was in this moment of helpless despair when I felt I couldn’t be more alone that my family -- to include my Army family -- sprang to action.i All activity in my office grinded to a halt. My Soldier came to watch my kids. My noncommissioned officer in charge immediately completed the requirements to be my CARE team manager. My officer in charge showed up at the hospital along with the chaplain and sat with me. At no time was I alone or without support. The 1st Cavalry Division was my immediate Army family, but battle buddies from as far away as California, New York, Alaska and even Belgium rallied around me. It felt like a matter of hours from notification that Sam had passed away, and people were bringing cards and food and condolences to my house. The battalion even solicited for volunteers to help me and my kids move. I had no idea who or how many people were coming, but the day we moved, I was overwhelmed with First Team Soldiers and family members all come to help. At a time when all I wanted to do was lie down and die, my Army family picked me up. I don’t say all this to brag. I say all this to serve as an eye-opener that although the Army is one big, dysfunctional family – we

TEXAS • JANUARY 4 - 10, 2016

bicker and squabble; we fuss and ﬁght; we don’t always get along; it’s not always hugs and kisses and kumbaya – but when one of us is in need, we are there.

Staff Sgt. Leah R. Kilpatrick, the noncommissioned ofﬁcer in charge of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division public affairs ofﬁce, places a kiss on her husband’s tombstone in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, July 26. The Detroit, Michigan, native said the response of her brothers and sisters in arms after the death of her husband renewed her faith in the Army family. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Saslav, MAANG (released)

And here we are -- more than year later. The loss of my husband is still a painful wound that aches more than words can express. I still have days when I can’t do much more than cry. I still struggle to help my children understand and put words to what it is they are feeling. I still die inside a little every time my 2-year-old looks up at me and says, “Daddy’s not here. Daddy’s in heaven.” People often remark about how strong they think I am, and how they have no idea how I’m holding it all together. Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret. I’ve got one heck of a support system. I’ve got brothers and sisters across the globe. We didn’t grow up in the same household, and we don’t have a single relative in common. We didn’t ﬁght over toys as kids or squabble over whose turn it was to wash the dishes. Continue Reading Online @ www.aframnews.com

By: Staff Sgt. Leah Kilpatrick 3rd ABCT PAO, 1st Cav. Div.

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TEXAS • JANUARY 4 - 10, 2016

Local News Briefs

Harris County Hosts Final Tax Sale at Courthouse Important Tax Updates By Mike Sullivan

Tax Sale will move to Bayou Events Center in February HarrisCountyTax AssessorCollector Mike Sullivan announces that the county will host the final monthly Tax Sale at the Family Law Center. In February, it will move to the Bayou City Events Center. “For almost two centuries, Harris County Tax Sales were required to be conducted on the steps of the county courthouse,” said Sullivan. “Thanks to the Texas Legislature and Harris County Commissioner’s Court, we’ll be hosting our final Tax Sale at the Family Law Center on January 5, 2016. Starting on February 2, 2016, it will moved to the Bayou City Events Center. The Tax AssessorCollector’s Office works with county constables and departments, taxing jurisdictions and collections attorneys to organize and host a monthly tax sale. The new location will offer easier

access, better parking, more security and a climate controlled environment, which will result in a more pleasant experience for bidders. “Each month, we help host this tax sale to sell delinquent properties that unfairly burden the taxpayers of Harris County,” said Mr. Sullivan. These properties are eyesores and blights to neighborhoods that lower property values. This month, we reclaimed $2,746,707 from the December Tax Sale. For the year 2015, we reclaimed $31,198,140, which is $3,077,801 more than last year. With this new move, I’m confident we will be able to reclaim more tax dollars for the citizens of Harris County. The new location will host its first tax sale on February 2, 2016 at Bayou City Events Center, 9401 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77045. The Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office Property Tax Division maintains more than 1.6 million tax accounts and collects property taxes for 71 taxing entities including Harris County. The Tax Assessor-Collector’s office collects more than $6 billion in property taxes.

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The 22nd Annual MLK Grande Parade

The 22nd Annual MLK Grande Parade is scheduled for January 18, 2016 Originating In Houston’s Midtown Beginning Promptly @ 10:00AM (CST). The Parade’s Theme “It Takes A Village” Will Emphasize A Commitment To Diversity And Inclusion. The Grand Marshal For The 22nd Annual MLK Grande Parade-Houston Is Rushion McDonald, Native Houstonian And University Of Houston Alumnus. Rushion McDonald Is Also The Executive Producer Of The Steve Harvey Show, The Family Feud Show, And Has Been Instrumental In Establishing Charities Across The Nation Through His Philanthropic Endeavors. The 22nd Annual MLK Grande Will Be Co-Lead By The University Of Houston Marching Band And The PVAMU Marching, And Will Represented By More Than 300 Culturally Diverse Performing Groups From Across The U.S. Featuring The Nationally Acclaimed St. Augustine Marching Band-New Orleans, LA And The Award Winning Belaire High School Marching Band-Baton Rouge, LA. YOUTH PARADE

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The MLK Events Houston Will Host The 10Th Annual MLK Youth Parade On January 16, 2016 In Houston’s Midtown Originating On San Jacinto Street & Elgin Street beginning @ 12 Noon (CST). The Parade’s Theme Is “It Takes A Village” . The Grand Marshal for The2016 MLK Youth Parade Is Houston’s Own Actor/Singer “Just Brittany” . Just Brittany Is Engaged Nationwide In Promoting High Self Esteem And Community Awareness To Young Adults In Addition To Her Continued Efforts To Bridge Our Cultural/Ethnic Divides . The Parade Will Be Composed Of More Than 200 Culturally Diverse Performing Groups From Across The Nation, And Will be Co-Lead By The Stephen F. Austin High School Marching Band-Houston And The Washington-Marion High School Marching Band-Lake Charles, LA. The Parade Will Have A 1.5 hr Duration Along A 1.5 Mile Parade Route And Promises To Be A Fun-Filled Family Event That’s Worth Seeing. For A Complete Parade Line-up And Additional Information Contact The MLK Grande Parade @ http://www.mlkgrandeparade.org Or Call 713-953-1633.

Free Legal Advice Clinic for Veterans Veterans who need legal advice or legal assistance can visit a free legal clinic scheduled in Pasadena on Saturday, January 9, 2016. The clinic will be held at San Jacinto College, 8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505 from 9:00 a.m. until Noon. Please use the Spencer Highway Entrance to the campus to attend the legal clinic. No appointment is necessary. The clinic is a public service of the Pasadena Bar Association and the Houston Bar Foundation’s Veterans Legal Initiative.

Any veteran, or spouse of a deceased veteran, can receive advice and counsel at the clinic from a volunteer attorney in any area of law, including family, wills and probate, consumer, real estate and tax law, as well as disability and veterans beneﬁts. Veterans who need ongoing legal representation and who qualify for legal aid will be assigned a pro bono attorney through the Houston Volunteer Lawyers to handle their case. For information contact the Houston Bar Association, 713759-1133 or visit www.hba.org.

Kick Start to your New Year’s Resolutions

HOUSTON - Kick your New Year’s resolutions into high gear with a climb up the 48 Floors of at 1001 Fannin! Winter workouts don’t need to be mundane, and putting a milestone in sight will keep you sticking to your goals during the cold months of winter. A unique endurance event, the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb is the 1001 Fannin building on Saturday, February 20, 2016 – that’s 1,062 steps! Participants can scale the building individually or a team. The Lung Association’s annual fundraiser has been reaching exhilarating heights and is a reminder that breathing should not be an uphill battle, though for the 452,000 people in the greater Houston area dealing with lung diseases like asthma, COPD and lung cancer, it can be. Hundreds of supporters will be climbing for friends and loved ones who suffer from lung diseases, and to raise funds for clean air and lung disease research, education and advocacy. “This race is truly an exhilarating experience for both running and ﬁtness enthusiasts, as well as our participants that are suffering from a lung disease,” said Megan Cordova, Special Events Manager of the American Lung Association in Houston. “And is a reminder that no one should have to ﬁght for air on a daily basis.”

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