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VOL. 22 ISSUE 7
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2
American News&Issues
Editorial & Opinion
Understanding the Law: Uncontested Divorce
Trump Won’t Have A State Of The Union — It’ll Be A Trump Address Earl Ofari Hutchinson Author & Political Analyst
#45
Trump is not calling his State of the Union Address a State of the Union Address. There’s a few good reasons why. Apart from what Trump calls it, a newly elected president’s first address before Congress and the nation is technically not a State of the Union address. It’s “an address to
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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.
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a joint session.” A President must be in office one year before he gives a State of the Union Address. This makes sense, since it would take that long for a new president to have done anything that he merits discoursing on.
Semantics aside, Trump has done everything he can to give the appearance that his presidency will be the most unorthodox, unconventional and precedent shattering of any administration. So, the wonder is he didn’t take it all the way and simply tweet his address. However, Trump, as all newly minted presidents know, will be watched by the biggest audience any politician could ever hope to have watch and listen to them. And presidents take full advantage of the moment, since traditionally, a State of the Union address can boost the stature, prestige and power of their presidency. It can even bump up a president’s approval rating by a point or two. Presidents also know that the opposition’s response to their speech is feeble, pale and little watched or counted by Americans. In some cases, the opposition response can even backfire. This happens when the rebuttal comes across as a meanspirited, partisan, petty rant against the president. The GOP got deservedly plastered with that charge in just about every rebuttal it gave to Obama’s State Addresses. If Trump stays on script, the odds are that his address won’t do what these addresses are supposed to do, and that is to fine-tune the administration’s policy, draw a roadmap for the nation of where the administration is going, and add luster to the president’s image. Just look at how other Presidents have done that. President James Monroe announced the Monroe Doctrine in 1823. In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln flatly
called for the end of slavery in the rebellious states. This was the prelude to the Emancipation Proclamation he issued a year later. Woodrow Wilson warned of the dangers of impending war in 1913. Franklin Roosevelt outlined the famed Four Freedoms in 1941. Lyndon Johnson unveiled the outlines of his Great Society program to fight poverty in 1965. Bill Clinton unveiled his health care reform plan in 1993. George Bush, in his State of the Union speeches in 2002 and 2003, prepped the nation for the Iraq invasion. Presidents quickly latched onto the media to give their State of the Union speech more exposure and political wallop. Calvin Coolidge gave the first radio broadcast in 1923. Truman gave the first televised broadcast in 1947. These were all conventional presidents and politicians who played within the system’s ground rules, respected the traditions of office and gave a nod to bi-partisan country, not party, let alone ego and self, first in their addresses. None of that applies with Trump. He’s picked fights with the Democratic Party leadership, the press, the courts and even some in his own party. His string of accomplishments include trying to gut consumer protection regulations, pecking away at the Affordable Care Act, terrorizing lawful immigrants to the country and loud threats to swiftly send anyone who sets foot in the U.S. without papers back to where they came. When he gets to his signature campaign issues of job creation, health care and tax reform, don’t expect much in the way of details. Instead, Trump will fill up the teleprompter with his stock rhetorical fluff about bringing jobs back to America, whacking down taxes even more for the rich and corporations, and getting rid of Obamacare. Continue reading online @ Source: HuffingtonPost.com
TEXAS • MARCH 6 - 12, 2017
Krystin Collins Attorney at Law
I
f you are considering getting a divorce or currently seeking a divorce you may be apprehensive about the road ahead. In some cases divorces can be very contentious proceedings, but when spouses are in agreement about the terms of the divorce, the divorce is considered uncontested. To be in agreement about the terms of the divorce means that you and your spouse have come to an agreement on issues including but not limited to: child support, custody, visitation, and distribution of community property. STEPS TO OBTAINING AN UNCONTESTED DIVORCE ARE AS FOLLOWS: Step One: Filing the Petition: To file for a divorce in Texas you and/or your spouse must have lived in Texas for at least six months before filing for divorce; and you must file in the county in which either you or your spouse has lived for at least ninety days. A filing fee is required at the time the divorce is filed with the court, fees increase if children are involved. Step Two: Notifying Your Spouse: You must serve your spouse with notice of the pending divorce in one of the following ways: have your spouse sign a waiver of service; hire a private process server or constable to serve your spouse, or if you cannot locate your spouse you must follow certain procedures to attempt to notify them of pending divorce proceedings. You can still obtain a divorce if you are unable to locate your spouse. Waiting Period. A divorce
cannot be granted by the court until the Petition for divorce has been pending for at least sixty days. This time period starts on the date the Petition is filed with the Court. The “waiting period” is also referred to as a cooling down period where spouses have the opportunity to reconcile; in most instances this time is used to reach an agreement regarding the terms of the divorce. Step Three: Final Decree of Divorce. The Final Decree of Divorce finalizes all the terms of the divorce. The decree outlines the division of assets, allocation of debt, child custody, child support, and any other agreements the spouses have made. A Final Decree of Divorce may also provide for the name change of either spouse to their maiden name. Timing Issues: You may set your case for a final hearing any time after the sixty day waiting period ends. If the divorce is uncontested, the final hearing consists of answering questions about the terms agreed upon in the divorce decree, and having the judge enter the agreement into the Court’s records. A script is usually provided that outlines all the questions that must be answered during the final hearing. Navigating the legal system when obtaining a divorce can be confusing; in order to minimize stress and insure that your rights are being protected consult with an attorney before initiating divorce proceedings. 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 713-7750332 or krystin.collins@gmail. com. - END
TEXAS • MARCH 6 - 12, 2017
Editorial & Opinion
Do not be Afraid, Houston Welcoming City for All Hon. Sylvester Turner City of HoustonMayor
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hen I ran for Mayor, you often heard me say that I wanted Houston to be a city with no limits, a city of hope, opportunity and inspiration. That is the city I, along with your help, hope to continue to build. As the nation’s fourth largest city and most diverse metropolitan area in America, Houston is home to people from all over the world. One in four Houstonians is foreignborn; over 140 languages are spoken in our neighborhoods, and 90 countries are officially represented in the consular corps. Immigrants and refugees are our neighbors. They are the families at our schools, churches, temples and mosques. They contribute to Houston’s vibrant economy by running small businesses and working in all of our diverse industries. I know that many in our community are scared and uncertain about how they may be impacted by recent decisions in Washington D.C. I do not agree with the president’s decisions and find them contrary to the values on which this country was built. As mayor, I don’t pick and choose who I represent; I represent everyone. Our police officers do not profile, and they are not ICE. We don’t build walls; we build relationships and understanding. We don’t tear families apart; we help them to stay together, and we, certainly, don’t hate. In this city, it doesn’t matter where you come from, what you look like, what faith
you practice or whom you love, we will stand with you. In addition to opposing the President’s recent actions on immigration, I have joined many other mayors in asking the White House to maintain the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. I have also launched the City of Houston’s Office of New Americans to serve immigrant and refugee communities living in Houston and help implement our comprehensive Welcoming Houston plan. We are working to improve coordination among groups serving immigrants and refugees and assessing service gaps. The primary goal of this plan will be to make sure that anyone who works and lives in the city of Houston can feel welcome and a part of the city that we all call home. The City of Houston will not tolerate discrimination of any kind or hate crimes and threats against our residents. Our police department and our Municipal Courts will always respect your constitutional rights, and we will ensure that victims and witnesses of crimes can come forward without fear of retaliation, regardless of where they are from. If you feel threatened or are the victim of a hate crime, please call the City of Houston Police Department’s Hate Crime Hotline at 713-308-8737. If you are an immigrant or refugee and you need information or help, please call the Office of New Americans at 832-3931010 or visit www.welcominghouston.org. We will investigate these crimes fully and make our services available to all our residents. We are, and we will remain, a Welcoming City, and no one should be afraid to live, work or study here. - END
African
American News&Issues
Black Cowboys in Texas
T
here are not too many professions, sports, activities or the likes that exist in the United States today that African-Americans did not contribute to in some shape, form or fashion. The cowboy and cowgirl area is not an exception to that rule, because the existence of Black cowboys in Texas’ history dates back to the early nineteenth century. In this special edition of African-American News & Issues we are saluting our Black cowboys and cowgirls. Therefore, I will be providing a brief background history in reference to Black cowboys and cowgirls in Texas. There is not a great deal of history out there on the original formation of Black cowboys in the states. Perhaps, because the first Black cowboys were born in slavery and had no rights just as all Blacks during that time. Black cowboys would work as horse-breakers and provided the “behind the scenes” work for Whites. As time progressed out of slavery, they eventually purchased farms and ranches to practice their profession on. The Texas State Historical Association also records other areas that Black cowboys served in including: federal peace officers in Indian Territory, gunfighters, outlaws and some pursued great cattle drives. According to TSHA being a Black cowboy back in the day was no pretty job. The Association docu-
“
poorly fed, underpaid, overworked, deprived of sleep, prone to boredom and loneliness, choked in the dust, were cold at night, and suffered broken bones in falls and spills from horses spooked by snakes or tripped by prairie dog holes.”
ments that Black cowboys were, Furthermore, TSHA revealed that a cowboy’s work “centered on the fall and spring roundups, when scattered cattle were collected and driven to a place for branding, sorting for market, castrating, and in later years, dipping in vats to prevent tick fever.” It would be an understatement to convey that African-American cowboys were discriminated against and suffered the grips of hatred and prejudicial elements. Much like today, Blacks had to work twice as hard to receive twice as less. But, to get the respect of others who did not look like them, they had to be the best in every area of cowhand. Although Black cowboys had been around since the early nineteenth century, they were not allowed in the rodeo with other racial groups until around 1940. Previously, Black cowboys had established their own rodeos and associations, due to the exclusion of not being welcomed in the professional setting with others. The Black cowboy and cowgirl of today, have a greater experience in modern times than our forefathers. Due to the struggle of our ancestors, Black cowboys and cowgirls of today are able to have an impact on society. There are trail rides, rodeos and all types of events that compliment the Black cowboy and cowgirl of today. I am aware of several Black cowboy and cowgirl associations that provide a significant amount of support to the youth of our community and onward. Oftentimes, I write about members from our community going off to be mis-educated and forgetting who they are and where they come from. To that regard, I believe that it is important that we go back to the days when we taught our children how to make a living doing common things. Our children need to be taught trades, regardless of what type of talent or knowledge they
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We MUST Understand By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman
already possess. Having experience in farming, agriculture and things of that nature are invaluable assets to our children. The reason why I state that is because these are fields that are not often sought after. Therefore, there will always be money in it, because not a lot of people are on to it. We MUST Understand that there are all types of ways to make a living, legally; but we have to put ourselves and our children in the right atmosphere to gain the resources and skills needed to do so. Thus, I would like to encourage our readers to use the various functions that we have at our disposal to assist with advancing our future generations. With that being stated, it is vital that we expose our children to various types of activities, such as cowhand. While the role of the cowboy and cowgirl is not entirely defined in this one editorial, there still remain many benefits to individuals who are a part of or affiliated with some of our Black Cowboy and Cowgirl associations. I am aware of several of these associations that contribute annually large dollar amounts of scholarships to children from our communities to attend college. Additionally, they do many other positive things within and for our communities that is not often reported. Also, the sport itself is a great experience for our youth and it can serve as an avenue to detour young idle minds from getting caught up into trouble. So I would hope that more members from our communities will get involved and allow your children to do the same. Because there was definitely a price paid for Black cowboys and cowgirls to be amongst us today.
Read More columns online @ AframNews.com! TX-3
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African
American News&Issues
HERITAGE FROM PAGE 1 HUMBLE - Black Cowboys are legendary African-American figures who drove great cattle herds across the early west. They serve as great American icons representing courage, hardiness, and independence. In just short of two decades, the Black Professional Cowboys and Cowgirls Association Inc. (BPCCA) is having a powerful impact on Houston-Harris County AfricanAmerican community and the positive education of its youth. Using the drawing power of three major annual events and the use of rich AfricanAmerican traditions surrounding Black Cowboy and Cowgirl history and culture, the handful of volunteers has helped revive a mostly ignored part of Black history and brought to light the contributions made to building the West and the American economy. It truly highlights the rich culture and traditions of the African-American Cowboys & Cowgirls. “People appreciate these events for the fun and its link to our past,” BCCA Founder Dwight Judge said. “This has important historical value to the community and shines a bright light on our rich history and contributions to the West.” However, its main mission lies with education. In its 18th year, the Black Rodeo event that has provided a total of 154 educational scholarships for deserving Houston areas youth and raised over $150,000 to help fund the education of students. The next scholarship awards will be handed out in June. “It’s a big deal and the reason we do what we do,” he said. “Our goal is not only to help kids get an education, but also help them be successful pursuing their dreams in life.”
“
BLACK COWBOYS ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE. WE STRIVE TO KEEP THE LEGEND ALIVE & GROWING.”
~BLACKPROFESSIONAL COWBOYS & COWGIRLS ASSOCIATION~
BLACK HERITAGE DAY It is the main event of the three and provides a day of entertainment like no other in the Greater Houston metropolitan area. “Heritage Day” theme is centered on the importance of remembering cultural heritage and to strengthen family traditions and celebrating the rich culture and traditions of African-American families. TX- 4
Cover Story
Judge said support and attendance for the event held at the Humble Civic Center has been increasing for the past four years. “Attendance has been at capacity and this year is no different,” he said. “It’s ready, set and go for affordable family fun each year. People come and always get a full day of complete entertainment and great time of fellowship between family and friends.” Over 200 riders perform and demonstrate Western and ranch skills that go back to days on the open prairie. Some of the popular staple events include Zydeco music and special rodeo events that include Bull Riding, Bronco Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Women Barrel Race, a Mutt-busting competition and kids cash scramble. Featured each celebration is the exposition with a huge Kid Zone, lots of games, rides, arts & crafts, and original, delicious Southern Cuisine. According to Judge, many skilled men and women travel and have to Humble from all over Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Mississippi to showcase their athleticism and present their best skills from the Old West rodeo culture. He also added that it is a wonderful place to learn about the Black connection to the Old West. BLACK COWBOYS HISTORY According to the Texas State Historical Association, Black cowboys have been part of Texas history since the early nineteenth century, when they first worked on ranches throughout the state. The word cowboy refers to the men who drove herds of cattle from ranchland in Texas over hundreds of miles of rough and dangerous terrain to the stockyards in the north. Many Black Cowboys have been idealized in motion pictures, television, and books, but the Black Heritage Day Celebration goes a step further. “Black Heritage Day showcases the rodeo skills and talents of our African-American Cowboys and Cowgirls,” Judge said. “History has been unkind to the African-American Cowboy with White Cowboys getting all the attention and acclaim. This is the other side of the hat.” The TSHA reports that many of the first black cowboys were born into slavery, but later found a better life on the open range, where they experienced less open discrimination than in the city. After the Civil War, many were employed as horse breakers and for other tasks, but few of them became ranch foremen or managers. Some black cowboys took up careers as rodeo performers or were hired as federal peace officers in Indian Territory. Others ultimately owned their own farms and ranches, while a few who followed the lure of the Wild West became gunfighters and outlaws. A number of them reached enviable
TEXAS ARCH 612-18, - 12, 2017 Texas• •M August 2013
reputations. For example, Bose Ikard, a top hand and drover for rancher Charles Goodnight, also served him as his chief detective and banker. Also, Daniel W. (80John) Wallace started riding the cattle trails in his adolescence and ultimately worked for cattlemen Winfield Scott and Gus O’Keefe. Mollie Stevenson, a fourth-generation owner of the Taylor-Stevenson Ranch near Houston, founded the American Cowboy Museum to honor Black, Indian, and Mexican-American cowboys. According to historical accounts, a typical crew consisted of one trail chief, eight cowboys, a wrangler to take care of the horses, and a cook. One historian has estimated that an average crew would have included two or three Black cowboys. By the time the huge cattle drives of cowboy legend ended, at least 5,000 Black men worked as cowboys. Black cowboys have continued to work in the ranching industry throughout the twentieth century, and African Americans who inherited family-owned ranches have attempted to bring public recognition to the contributions of their ancestors. “It provides an up close and personal experience and is something to be proud of,” Judge said. “It demonstrates part of history not taught
in schools or known to many of our kids.” ON BOOTS AND DIAMONDS BPCCA Fabulous Boots & Diamonds Dance is another annual tradition supporting the cause where family and friends gather together in celebration and fun. The dance is held annually during the month of February. It serves as the kick-off to the New Year with dancing, food and surprises.
To continue reading visit @ www.aframnews.com By:Darwin Campbell, African-American
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EDITION DATE: March 6 - 12, 2017 (Vol. 22 Issue 7) EDITION DATE: March 13 - 19, 2017 (Vol. 22 Issue 8)
What’s Happenin’
TEXAS • MARCH 6 - 12, 2017
PUBLIC NOTICE Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) Media Arts and Technology Center of Excellence Project No. 17-39 Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Thursday, March 31, 2017. Documents can be obtained at:
19 SUNDAY First Shiloh MBC
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126th Anniversary Contact Information 4420 Lyons Ave. Name: Jennifer Chiu Houston, TX 77020 Phone: 713.718.5138 Beginning at 10am Email: hua.chiu@hccs.edu For more info contact: Address for Tearsheet/Copies: (713) 672-73513100 Main Street Houston, Texas 77002 SUBSCRIBE NOW!
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SATURDAY www.hccs.edu/procurement. Ministry Assistance Craig Hatchett enjoys the BBQ run ad for 1 week of the Near NorthwestCost to sausage & as Jack Brandon $136.80 Alliance (MANNA) slices the meat Crawfish for a Cause 790 W Little YorkTOTAL Rd NET COST for 2 weeks: MONDAY - THURSDAY Houston, TX 77091 $273.60 Pro Footbal Hall of Fame 12pm - 4pm Gridiron Glory For more info contact: 3100 Cleburne St. (713) 504-5486 Houston, TX 77004 WEDNESDAY Times Vary Pure Grace MBC For more info contact: Focus Group Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 (713) 313-1361 790 W Little York Rd by 12 NOON Wednesday the TUESDAY Houston, TXweek 77091 before Monday Windsor Houston From 10am - 12 noon Skilled Nursing Facility For more info contact: Networking Breakfast (832) 771-1054 PO#1127846920 TC Jester Blvd. John & Delorse Baker THURSDAY Houston, TX 77091 From 9:30am - 10:30am For more info contact: (281) 224-0280 SUNDAY First Baptist Church of Lincoln City FBC Praise Dancers 844 Fortune St. Date Guest Speaker Houston, TX 77088 Dr. Alton Smith Beginning at 11am Board of For more info contact: Trustees, District 3 (832) 892-5078 Acres Home Chamber for Bus. & Eco. Dev, Inc. SUNDAY Networking Luncheon First Shiloh MBC 6112 Wheatley St 126th Anniversary Houston, TX 77091 4420 Lyons Ave. From 11am -12:30pm Houston, TX 77020 For more info contact: Beginning at 10am (713) 692-7161 For more info contact: info@acreshomecenter.org (713) 672-7351 SATURDAY PV Nurses Alumni 34th Annual THURSDAY - SUNDAY Scholarship Luncheon The Ensemble Theatre Doubletree Hotel The Nacirema Society 8181 Airport Blvd 3535 Main St. Houston, TX 77061 Houston, TX 77002 Beginning at 11am Times Vary For more info contact: For more info contact: (415) 350-6990 (713) 520-0055
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2017 Rodeo
Texas • March 6 - 12, 2017
PRAIRIE VIEW TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION
Their Happy Trails Blazed Pathways of Respect and Historic Achievements for African-Americans PRAIRIE VIEW - Since 1957, the Prairie View Trail Riders Association has been active in keeping the Black History and Heritage of the Old West alive. This year is no different with 200 riders mounted up and traveling with 7 wagons on their annual pilgrimage from Hempstead, Texas to Houston for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Some 60 years later, the group is still going strong and over the past 29 of those years has involved itself with a keen focus on community by making numerous stops annually at elementary schools, retirement communities, day care centers and also distributing schools supplies/back packs to deserving students en-route to Memorial Park. THE FOUNDING
Myrtis Dightman Sr and Jr
According to Prairie View Trail Rider Historian Junell Cain, it all started with the vision of two men – Dr. E. B. Evans, President of Prairie View A&M University and Community Leader James Francies Jr. Cain is a life-time member of the Prairie View Trail Riders Association and serves as secretary of the trail riders. In 1956, Dr. Evans, Francies called for a meeting with Veterinarian Dr A. N. Poindexter, Myrtis Dightman Sr. and Jim Mosley to discuss the idea. Cain noted that PVAM wanted an avenue for their Agriculture Department could exhibit their hogs, then called the Houston Fatstock Show and Rodeo, where Blacks were not TX - 6
permitted to enter. Francies and others present wanted an avenue to join other trails like the Salt Grass Train as an All Black Trail Ride joining the HFSR. From these visionary men, a plan was laid out to present to the HFSR and the first step was to get an all-Black trail ride established. The Prairie View Trail Riders Association and Trail Ride was born under the direction of Francies, who chartered the name in Austin and then sought a meeting with Houston Fatstock Show and Rodeo Committee. Then HFSR President David Weekley and Jim Kline of the Trail Ride Committee agreed to meet and they agreed to allow the Prairie View Trail Ride to added to the lineup in 1957. Prairie View became the Number 5 Trail Ride to join the lineup and secured permission to allow PVAMU Agriculture Department to show hogs in the exhibits as well. In 1957, history was made when PV Trail Ride mapped out their route of travel with two wagons – The Prairie View Trail Riders Association Wagon with Jake Brown as mule handler and Wagon #2 with KCOH Radio Station with Skipper Lee Brown and Dizzy Lizzie as Wagon Bosses. It provided a way to record the history making inaugural run for the Prairie View Trail Ride. Cain said that at that time, music and daily broadcasts were came from the trail as the group made its 60-mile trek from PVAM University into Houston Texas. About 20 riders and their horses braved weather conditions to make the ride. Of those riders were the Francies family, J.B. Collins Sr. family, Edgar Cain Sr. family and the Myrtis Dightman family. During that historic run, the trail was led by Jim Mosely served as Scout with other members of the PVAM Ag Department. THE HISTORY OF THE TEXAS TRAIL RIDE Texas was once a land of many trails — the arteries that linked the outlying areas with settlements. The only transportation in the early days was powered by horse, mule or oxen, and many trails in different parts of the state were originally paths formed by the repetitive use of settlers. Stagecoach routes also helped establish more trails, and today’s highways are modern day versions of those same routes which connected the more populous areas of the state. The groups of people who comprise the 13 trail rides that converge on Houston are like small cities of settlers, combining their leadership and resources to bring their group over many miles.
They are people from all walks of life, and each trail ride has many interesting stories. Their appearance in Houston signals the start of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as they merge via many routes into Memorial Park and proudly ride Saturday morning in the Downtown Rodeo Parade. Some Trail Ride Facts • Today, more than 3,000 riders saddle up from all directions, including Louisiana and Mexico. • 13 Trail Rides participate in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Johnny Douch 56th Year as a rider in PV Downtown Rodeo from the water barrels provided for the park, no Parade. White trail rider brought his horse to the same • Nearly 1,800 miles is covered by all 13 barrel,” she said. “The reality of it all was that Trial Rides. our horses were in better shape.” • Longest Distance = 353 miles: Los Each had Coggan’s test and Health certifiVaqueros Trail Ride begins in Hidalgo, cates because we know that Black trail riders had Texas. to follow and meet all the rules and regulations • Shortest Distance = 70 miles: The set by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Texas Cattlemen’s Trail Ride begins in she added. Montgomery, Texas. • All Trail Rides are led by Trail Bosses, SUPPORT/GROWTH who a responsible for ensuring safety. LIFE IN HOUSTON-OVERCOMING BARRIERS Once the Prairie View Trail reached Houston and joined with the other four trails in Memorial Park, PV Trail trail riders were not permitted to camp with them because of the racial conditions of the day. It was not until three years later that riders were able to join their rider colleagues on the campground of Memorial Park. During that time period the ride grew to five wagons and 100 riders. “It is not known whether we were finally accepted, but we did walked around and met with other fellow trail riders,” Cain said. “We told our stories of the trail ride and ate meats that were being cooked on open fires, chili and cowboy stews… but we still had to be careful because not all were happy with us.” However, differences were obvious. One such example involved the watering of horses. “If our horses were horses were drinking
As time passed, the trail ride grew faster than founders could ever imagined, especially with the support of beer companies that sponsored youth groups with a wagon. Some of those at the time included Falstaff Beer sponsoring of the agriculture students of George Washington Carver High School in Aldine ISD, under the instruction of Voyde Caraway and Howard Washington of Falstaff. Coors Beer put its first coach under the direction of Ferdie Carrier and sponsored a group of children from the inner city of Houston. Miller Beer under the direction of Harvey Johnson and Charles Birmingham provided the Prairie View Trail Riders with their first sound system equipped van to improve communications with wagon bosses and riders. The company also furnished lunches out on To continue reading visit us online @ aframnews.com By: Darwin Campbell Photo Credit: Terrence Reed
TEXAS • MARCH 6 - 12, 2017
2017 Rodeo
HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO Black Heritage Day Seeks to Reach Out & Connect African-Americans to Western Heritage
HOUSTON - Since the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was established 80 years ago, it has made an impact on the livestock and entertainment industries and in the sport of rodeo. It also has played a notable role in enhancing the lives of thousands of young people in the state of Texas. One of those great events of the rodeo is the annual Black Heritage Day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. In 2017, Black Heritage Day at the HLSR is March 10 at 6:30 p.m. and features a performance by Award-winning celebrity, talent artist and singing sensation Alicia Keys. However, It is much more and has far deeper roots and meaning that one day and the appearance of a highly touted Black celebrity. It is a day that enables the rodeo to reach out and communicate with one of its largest audiences – African-Americans. None of the current gains could have been possible without the efforts of the Black Heritage Committee. The special day has grown in notoriety only because of the hard work and persistence of the now Black Heritage Committee. HISTORY
Dr. Terrance H. Fontaine The Black Heritage Committee (BHC) was established as an official Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo committee in 1993 under the name Black Go Texan Committee (BGTC). It was the BGTC that was originally established to promote the show to Houston’s African-American community and to serve as and educational resource for the community. Since its founding with 35 original members, the committee has increased to 170 members under the current leadership of Chairman Dr. Terence H. Fontaine.
“This mission of the Black Heritage Committee is to promote the show in the African American community,” Fontaine said recently. “We also highlight the pioneer spirit and western heritage not only raising awareness of our past, but giving hope to our future by raising scholarship funds for urban youth.” According to Fontaine, the BHC has continued its storied tradition of being leaders at the rodeo regarding community outreach. The committee also has thrived and had solid Lone Star leadership under past chairmans, namely Howard Middleton Jr; Ernie B. Collins; Warner Ervin Sr., Ozell Price, Naomi Hines, Alex Prince, and Donald W. Middleton. According to historical records, the purpose of the group was to promote and demonstrate ways for family to share in family -like relationships, work together while doing what they enjoy doing. Former Chairman Price explained it best, once remarking about reasons why the committee was important, stating, “It was “not for fame or glory, but for all the youngsters.”
African
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public recognition to the contributions of their ancestors. PROMOTING AFRICAN-AMERICAN WESTERN CULTURE The overall goal has been the same and even today seeks to promote the welfare of AfricanAmerican children by promoting show and preserving and highlighting the pioneer and Western Heritage of Black individuals in Houston and throughout the state. By promoting the integral role of the Black Cowboy in helping tame the Old West, the BHC hopes the African American community will develop a greater appreciation for its Western heritage. It is committed to educating people about all the significant contributions made by AfricanAmericans in settling the West, such as the world renowned Buffalo Soldiers, and acknowledging the role played by Black Cowboys and settlers. EDUCATION
Alicia Keys
BLACK COWBOY HISTORY According to the Texas State Historical Association, Black cowboys have been part of Texas history since the early nineteenth century, when they first worked on ranches throughout the state. The word cowboy refers to the men who drove herds of cattle from ranchland in Texas over hundreds of miles of rough and dangerous terrain to the stockyards in the north. Many Black Cowboys have been idealized in motion pictures, television, and books, but the Black Heritage Committee see to take it a step further. The TSHA reports that many of the first Black cowboys were born into slavery, but later found a better life on the open range, where they experienced less open discrimination than in the city. After the Civil War, many were employed as horse breakers and for other tasks, but few of them became ranch foremen or managers. Some Black cowboys took up careers as rodeo performers or were hired as federal peace officers in Indian Territory. Others ultimately owned their own farms and ranches, while a few who followed the lure of the Wild West became gunfighters and outlaws. Black cowboys have continued to work in the ranching industry throughout the twentieth century, and African Americans who inherited family-owned ranches have attempted to bring
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2016 Scholarship Recipient Darolnisha Conway Education is job one of the BHC as the committee works tirelessly on opportunities to raise funds and help at-risk and disadvantages youth. When not involved in fundraising, the volunteers reach out directly as mentors and helping hands giving of themselves and time to help youth in need. Much of their fundraising efforts are returned to the community in the form of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo awarded scholarships. The focus is to promote the show in public and private high schools throughout the Houston Metropolitan Area and use that community outreach and involvement to help raise funds to help provide thousands of dollars in scholarship for Texas youth seeking higher education. THE GALA
One of its grand contributions to helping youth is its annual premier event – The Black Heritage Western Gala. It is in its 24th-year and draws thousands each year raising tens of thousands for scholarships for urban youth. The gala is popular and known for showcasing the committees work and recognizing the contributions of Black Cowboys, landowners and others who have contributed to the betterment of the community. This year’s theme focused on “Honoring Excellence and Integrity through Black Media” and featured the contributions Houston’s Black newspapers that not only report news, but also records and preserves the history and culture of the African-American community. Each newspaper was recognized and honored for their contributions in the communities they serve and received the Verna Lee Hightower Award for Greatness for partnering with the BHC and having that positive impact on the community using their publications. Since the first gala, funds from the event has grown five-fold and all proceeds benefit the show and draws more than 1,000 guests and commemorates Western Heritage and Glitz. Fontaine said the efforts of the BHC will continue to be to keep it focus on promoting education of the western history and heritage and contributions of African-Americans to it in front of the community for generations to come. “The BHC invites all to bring family and friends to join us for a fun-filled day of activities on Friday, March 10,” Fontaine said. To continue reading visit us online @ aframnews.com By: Darwin Campbell TX - 7
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TEXAS • MARCH 6 - 12, 2017
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