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VOL. 21 ISSUE 18
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Forging a New Path
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COMMISSIONER GENE L. LOCKE SPEAKS TO ACRES HOME CHAMBER FOR BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT; OUTLINES PLANS TO UPHOLD LATE COMMISSIONER LEE’S LEGACY
African American News&Issues
2
“WE NEED MORE LOCAL PLAYWRIGHTS…” Before I Lay it Down...
L
By “Coach” Mark Spivey, M.Ed
orraine Hansberry, August Wilson, Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Gordon Parks and Tyler Perry are famous African-American playwrights who have become household names in American theatre. Hansberry’s “Raisin in the Sun” and August Wilson’s “Fences” have been stalwart productions on Broadway for many
Roy Douglas Malonson
Chairman
Shirley Ann Malonson
President/C.E.O.
Chandra Jarmon
Production/Editor
James Jones III, Ph.D
Contributing Writer
Mark Spivey
Contributing Writer
Sandra Davis
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.
Letter to the Editor
W
e welcome all original responses from our readers to content found in the African-American News&Issues. Letters to the Publisher may be sent via e-mail to news@aframnews. com. Please keep all letters under 300 words. Be sure to include the author’s name, area of residence. All letters and articles may be verified before they are published. All letters are subjected to editing or being cut for spacing purposes. Thank you in advance for your submission.
years. As a child, I remember reading “The Learning Tree” which was the first Hollywood studio film to be directed by an African American when Gordon Parks did it in 1964. Younger playwrights such as Pulitzer Prize and Obie Award winner,
Annie Baker, along wih David Adjmi who wooed audiences in 2008 with his hit “The Evildoers” have begun to usher in a new “MILLENNIALSSANCE” of gifted writers. I haven’t copyrighted “MILLENNIALSSANCE”, my way of describing New Age writers with “Harlem Renaissance” personalities at the moment, but remember you heard it here first. Also remember that the United States is a hotbed for developing young writers and allowing them to express their artistry in various compilations and ways. I can honestly say that one of my long-life ambitions was to someday become an actor prior to me being side-tracked by birthing babies and fatherhood. Consequently, the only way for me to live out my dream was to attend local productions down at the “Ensemble” and “Arena” Theatres in Houston. I also enjoyed local productions at various churches, colleges, and high schools. I ran into a young man at church one Sunday a few years back. I never knew that he was an up-and-coming producer. Native Houstonian, Marcus
Edit rial & Opini n
Freeman is founder of “PopiMarx” Productions. As a youngster at MacGregor Elementary School he was part of the “After School” program that offered different activities for kids accustomed to waiting for their parents to pick them up after they got off work. Young Marcus, thinking that he was signing up for a ceramics class accidently ended up in a drama program instead. The acting bug hit him and he pursued it all the way to college. He worked at the aforementioned “Ensemble” theatre as well as the “Express Children’s Theatre”. Freeman also stage-managed plays such as “Love and Fire” and “No Soldier Left Behind”. While honing his craft as an actor in television commercials for Mike Calvert Toyota, Captain D’s Restaurants, and recently Gillman Honda, Freeman continued to hone other production skills. Tutored by former “A Different World” actor, Charnele Brown, who encouraged him to begin writing, Freeman completed his first short screen play, “Sneakin” and stage play “My Daughter, My Child” in 2011 to rave reviews. He returned to the stage in 2012 in the inspirational screen play, “Love and Fire”. “The Prank”, which Freeman produced and directed in 2015, also garnered rave reviews. His latest production “The Robinsons”, will debut on Friday, June 17th, 2016 at the Freneticore Theatre in Houston, Texas. It is the story of a family who enters a contest to win a million dollars with one member of the family having to make a “supreme sacrifice” if they are to be successful. I am sure there are other local playwrights in the Greater Houston area like Marcus Freeman. We need more of them. No one ever thought Tyler Perry would be as successful as he has become, but he had to start somewhere.
To continue reading visit us online Source: Aframnnews.com
TEXAS • MAY 23 - 29, 2016
Texas Takes Defiant Stand Regarding Bathroom Issue Manhood, Race & Culture
T
By Dr. James Thomas Jones III
exas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has had an eventful week that has revolved around a single issue. The issue that has made his week so problematic is as yet to be decided question that revolves around the question of are gay and transgender rights a Civil Rights Issue as President Barack Hussein Obama has attempted to fashion them. The current battlefield in what has become a raging war over gay and transgender rights is access to bathrooms in America’s public schools. State run schools are now being ordered by Federal directive to treat transgender students according to the gender identity that they have chosen for themselves. Educational institutions are to provide access to bathrooms the moment that they are notified of the chosen gender identity by parents or legal guardians. This simple notification is sufficient for the change as there is no additional documentation required from medical professionals or the like. Failure to follow the Federal directive places schools in jeopardy of having their Federal Educational funding withheld, Texas currently receives $10,000,000,000.00 (ten-billion dollars), if they fail to provide ‘equal access’ to transgender students even when it offends and/or makes others particularly uncomfortable with their presence. Lieutenant Governor Patrick lashed back at President Obama by publicly admonishing that his state “…will not be blackmailed by the President’s 30 pieces of silver. The people of Texas and the Legislature will find a way to find as much of that money as we can if we are forced to.” Many Texas elected and school officials are vowing to resist the direc-
tive with all of their might. This Federal directive comes on the heels of approximately half of the state’s 1,200 school districts receiving notification that they had lost a major lawsuit that claims Texas is violating the Constitution in the manner that it funds its public schools. I hope that Federal level officials realize the fight that they are up against in regards to Texas Republicans. In the face of U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch chastising school officials via a yet to arrive directive that “there is no room in our schools for discrimination”, Rodney Cavness, Superintendent of Port NechesGroves School District remarked that when the directive arrives, “…I’ll throw it away.” It appears as if the Texas elected officials and school administrators who are resisting the Federal Directive are taking their cues from Texas Governor Greg Abbott who has gone on-record resisting gay and transgender rights across the state. This past week, Governor Abbott responded to this issue in the strongest manner during the Texas Republican Party Convention by stating “homosexuality must not be accepted as an acceptable alternative lifestyle.” This story is nowhere near its Business Card for Paper 14_Layout 1 12/11/14 completion. ------- The end for now!
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
Read us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX-2
African American News&Issues
2
“WE NEED MORE LOCAL PLAYWRIGHTS…” Before I Lay it Down...
L
By “Coach” Mark Spivey, M.Ed
orraine Hansberry, August Wilson, Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Gordon Parks and Tyler Perry are famous African-American playwrights who have become household names in American theatre. Hansberry’s “Raisin in the Sun” and August Wilson’s “Fences” have been stalwart productions on Broadway for many
Roy Douglas Malonson
Chairman
Shirley Ann Malonson
President/C.E.O.
Chandra Jarmon
Production/Editor
James Jones III, Ph.D
Contributing Writer
Mark Spivey
Contributing Writer
Sandra Davis
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.
Letter to the Editor
W
e welcome all original responses from our readers to content found in the African-American News&Issues. Letters to the Publisher may be sent via e-mail to news@aframnews. com. Please keep all letters under 300 words. Be sure to include the author’s name, area of residence. All letters and articles may be verified before they are published. All letters are subjected to editing or being cut for spacing purposes. Thank you in advance for your submission.
years. As a child, I remember reading “The Learning Tree” which was the first Hollywood studio film to be directed by an African American when Gordon Parks did it in 1964. Younger playwrights such as Pulitzer Prize and Obie Award winner,
Annie Baker, along wih David Adjmi who wooed audiences in 2008 with his hit “The Evildoers” have begun to usher in a new “MILLENNIALSSANCE” of gifted writers. I haven’t copyrighted “MILLENNIALSSANCE”, my way of describing New Age writers with “Harlem Renaissance” personalities at the moment, but remember you heard it here first. Also remember that the United States is a hotbed for developing young writers and allowing them to express their artistry in various compilations and ways. I can honestly say that one of my long-life ambitions was to someday become an actor prior to me being side-tracked by birthing babies and fatherhood. Consequently, the only way for me to live out my dream was to attend local productions down at the “Ensemble” and “Arena” Theatres in Houston. I also enjoyed local productions at various churches, colleges, and high schools. I ran into a young man at church one Sunday a few years back. I never knew that he was an up-and-coming producer. Native Houstonian, Marcus
Edit rial & Opini n
Freeman is founder of “PopiMarx” Productions. As a youngster at MacGregor Elementary School he was part of the “After School” program that offered different activities for kids accustomed to waiting for their parents to pick them up after they got off work. Young Marcus, thinking that he was signing up for a ceramics class accidently ended up in a drama program instead. The acting bug hit him and he pursued it all the way to college. He worked at the aforementioned “Ensemble” theatre as well as the “Express Children’s Theatre”. Freeman also stage-managed plays such as “Love and Fire” and “No Soldier Left Behind”. While honing his craft as an actor in television commercials for Mike Calvert Toyota, Captain D’s Restaurants, and recently Gillman Honda, Freeman continued to hone other production skills. Tutored by former “A Different World” actor, Charnele Brown, who encouraged him to begin writing, Freeman completed his first short screen play, “Sneakin” and stage play “My Daughter, My Child” in 2011 to rave reviews. He returned to the stage in 2012 in the inspirational screen play, “Love and Fire”. “The Prank”, which Freeman produced and directed in 2015, also garnered rave reviews. His latest production “The Robinsons”, will debut on Friday, June 17th, 2016 at the Freneticore Theatre in Houston, Texas. It is the story of a family who enters a contest to win a million dollars with one member of the family having to make a “supreme sacrifice” if they are to be successful. I am sure there are other local playwrights in the Greater Houston area like Marcus Freeman. We need more of them. No one ever thought Tyler Perry would be as successful as he has become, but he had to start somewhere.
To continue reading visit us online Source: Aframnnews.com
TEXAS • MAY 23 - 29, 2016
Texas Takes Defiant Stand Regarding Bathroom Issue Manhood, Race & Culture
T
By Dr. James Thomas Jones III
exas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has had an eventful week that has revolved around a single issue. The issue that has made his week so problematic is as yet to be decided question that revolves around the question of are gay and transgender rights a Civil Rights Issue as President Barack Hussein Obama has attempted to fashion them. The current battlefield in what has become a raging war over gay and transgender rights is access to bathrooms in America’s public schools. State run schools are now being ordered by Federal directive to treat transgender students according to the gender identity that they have chosen for themselves. Educational institutions are to provide access to bathrooms the moment that they are notified of the chosen gender identity by parents or legal guardians. This simple notification is sufficient for the change as there is no additional documentation required from medical professionals or the like. Failure to follow the Federal directive places schools in jeopardy of having their Federal Educational funding withheld, Texas currently receives $10,000,000,000.00 (ten-billion dollars), if they fail to provide ‘equal access’ to transgender students even when it offends and/or makes others particularly uncomfortable with their presence. Lieutenant Governor Patrick lashed back at President Obama by publicly admonishing that his state “…will not be blackmailed by the President’s 30 pieces of silver. The people of Texas and the Legislature will find a way to find as much of that money as we can if we are forced to.” Many Texas elected and school officials are vowing to resist the direc-
tive with all of their might. This Federal directive comes on the heels of approximately half of the state’s 1,200 school districts receiving notification that they had lost a major lawsuit that claims Texas is violating the Constitution in the manner that it funds its public schools. I hope that Federal level officials realize the fight that they are up against in regards to Texas Republicans. In the face of U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch chastising school officials via a yet to arrive directive that “there is no room in our schools for discrimination”, Rodney Cavness, Superintendent of Port NechesGroves School District remarked that when the directive arrives, “…I’ll throw it away.” It appears as if the Texas elected officials and school administrators who are resisting the Federal Directive are taking their cues from Texas Governor Greg Abbott who has gone on-record resisting gay and transgender rights across the state. This past week, Governor Abbott responded to this issue in the strongest manner during the Texas Republican Party Convention by stating “homosexuality must not be accepted as an acceptable alternative lifestyle.” This story is nowhere near its Business Card for Paper 14_Layout 1 12/11/14 completion. ------- The end for now!
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
Read us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX-2
4
African American News&Issues NEW PATH From pg. 1
HARRIS COUNTY “Commissioner Lee left big shoes to fill and I can’t be El Franco,” Commissioner Locke told the crowd attending the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development networking luncheon earlier this month on May 5, 2016. “But I plan to honor him by creating the model for an urban county commissioner. Three-quarters of Precinct One is located in the City of Houston. I represent the richest of the rich and poorest of the poor. Each person deserves to have safe communities, streets and sidewalks that are in good condition and other critical services.” When Locke, a local attorney, was sworn-in as commissioner, he knew he could never replace Commissioner Lee, Locke’s long-time friend who served nearly 30 years in office before his death in January. However, Commissioner Locke made a promise to honor Lee’s memory by maintaining the programs he offered to constituents, and by creating new projects that would build on the exceptional level of service that Precinct One residents deserved and had come to expect. Commissioner Locke, appointed in January to fill Lee’s unexpired term, was warmly received as he outlined his plans for the remainder of 2016 and the next four years, if he is successful in his bid to remain in office after next January. On June 25, Harris County Democratic Party precinct chairs will select a sole candidate who will replace Commissioner Lee on the ballot in November. There is no Republican candidate
Acres H me Pr ud
Texas • May 23 - 29, 2016 Texas • August 12-18, 2013
HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER GENE L. LOCKE SAID HE WILL EXPAND THE LATE COMMISSIONER EL FRANCO LEE’S EXCELLENT PROGRAMS AND IMPLEMENT OTHER SERVICES THAT WILL BENEFIT PRECINCT ONE RESIDENTS IN UNINCORPORATED AREAS AND THE CITY OF HOUSTON.
on the ballot. “If you think I am doing a good job and you want me to remain as your Harris County commissioner, I am asking you to contact the Precinct One Democratic Party chairs and ask them to vote for me. That is the only way we can continue the progress for our families and our community,” Commissioner Locke said. As a principled leader and a strong Democrat, Commissioner Locke vowed to use his position and bully pulpit on Commissioners Court to fight for voting rights, a well-funded Harris Health System that provides indigent care, and a fair and accountable criminal justice system for defendants and taxpayers. Commissioner Locke has challenged his staff to increase the number of seniors and youth programs and participants offered in the precinct’s community centers. One recent example of that was the annual Spring Tea held in
April at the Cavalcade Annex. The event featured a hat contest, a teacup contest, a Seniors Drama Program performance, dancing, poetry and giveaways that were enjoyed by the 350 attendees. Commissioner Locke said he and his staff dedicated the Spring Tea to the memory of Commissioner Lee. Also, he said, the event is a part of his promise to make government work for all the people and to improve the quality of life for everyone. “This is one of those programs today that we improved the quality of life because we look as good in this setting in Kashmere Gardens as any other group in the whole United States,” Locke said. At the lunch, the commissioner told the audience he plans to improve infrastructure in the unincorporated areas as well as sections of the City of Houston that are in Precinct One. To do so, he has already started a
partnership with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner with the goal of improving the quality of life for residents who pay both city and county taxes. A street-repair program is an essential part of the commissioner’s agenda. He said he is using county crews and county money to construct streets and roads in the city. He is spending $13.5 million to repair streets near NRG Park. The streets will allow Harris County to put its best foot forward for out-of-town guests attending the 2017 Super Bowl. However, the streets will pave the way to a smoother commute for area residents and commuters for many more years. Commissioner Locke also has pledged an additional $17 million to repair streets in several Houston neighborhoods, including South Union, Independence Heights, Sunnyside, South Park and other areas. He has earmarked $2.5 million to repair sidewalks that will provide
children and parents a safe route to and from school in Houston, Aldine and Spring school districts. Earlier this year, the commissioner created a debris removal program that targets nuisance properties in the city limits, including Acres Home. Precinct One crews have cleared dozens of abandoned properties, removed trash and boarded up vacant houses to create a safer and cleaner environment for families living in the affected neighborhoods. “It’s all a part of working hand in hand with other governmental agencies to make sure that taxpayers get the most out of their tax dollars,” Commissioner Locke said. “If we work together, we can offer more streamlined and efficient programs.” People who attended the lunch were also among the first members of the public to hear about Commissioner Locke’s newly created Precinct One Hunger Project. “There is a painful reality in Harris County that we
cannot ignore. Too many of our neighbors and friends live with hunger every day. Texas ranks No. 2 in the nation as a food-insecure population. Almost 1-in-5 of the people in Harris County have extreme difficulty obtaining enough food to meet their daily needs,” Commissioner Locke said. Sometime around May 28, which is World Hunger Day, Commissioner Locke plans to announce the Precinct One Hunger Project – an effort to use Precinct One resources to mobilize regular food drives conducted by different religious institutions and businesses. The food collected will be stored and eventually distributed to those food centers that serve the most disadvantaged in Precinct One. Commissioner Locke ended his speech with a promise to work tirelessly for the people of Precinct One and all of Harris County for as long as he holds office. SUBMITTED BY: MARY BENTON, PCT 1
Read us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX- 4
TEXAS • MAY 23 - 29, 2016
ENSEMBLE THEATER ANNOUNCES 2016 – 2017 SEASON
C mmunity
HOUSTON - Houston’s own Ensemble Theater has announced their 2016 – 2017 Season. The much anticipate 2016 – 2017 Season has something for everyone with plays honoring musical legends (Mahalia Jackson and Nina Simone) and a series of regional premieres, plus a global premiere. ENSEMBLE THEATRE'S 2016-2017 SEASON • "Sassy Mamas" (Celeste Bedford Walker) directed by Eileen J. Morris. Previews begin Sept. 17, 2016. Opens Sept. 22. • "The First Noel" (Lelund Durond Thompson and Michael Webb), directed by Patdro Harris, musical direction by Carlton Leake. Previews begin Nov. 12, 2016. Opens Nov. 17. • "Mahalia" (Tom Stolz), directed by Shirley Marks Whitmore. Previews begin Jan. 21, 2017. Opens Jan. 26. • "The Nacirema Society" (Pearl Cleage), directed by Eileen J. Morris. Previews begin March 18, 2017. Opens March 23. • "Front Porch Society" (Melda Beaty), directed by Eileen J. Morris. Previews begin May 6, 2017. Opens May 11. • "Simply Simone" (Robert Neblett and David Grapes), directed by Patdro Harris, musical arrangements by Vince diMura, musical direction by Carlton Leake. Previews begin June 24, 2017. Opens June 29.
Read us online! w w w.afra mnews.com
5
Understanding the Law: Burglary of a Habitation Under Texas law, to be guilty of the crime of burglary, a person must enter a habitation, or a building, with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or an assault without the effective consent of the owner. To be convicted of burglary you do not have to actually commit a felony, theft, or assault; having the requisite intent to do so constitutes the crime. There are two elements to the crime of burglary: 1) Unlawful Entry: To be found guilty of burglary, the State must first prove that you entered a habitation or building without the effective consent of the owner. This can be proven in two ways: • an individual actually breaks into a home or building without permission; or • an individual remains on a property after their allowed time to be there has expired. Example: if someone enters a convenient store during business hours, but hides in the store until it closes and steals money out of the register, they are guilty of the crime of burglary. 2) Intent to Commit a Felony, Theft, or Assault: To be found guilty of burglary, the state must prove that you unlawfully entered a habitation or
building with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault. This element of the crime specifically deals with the individual’s mental state before entering the building. To be convicted of burglary, both of these elements must be met. Often times it is hard to prove one of the elements and the State must reduce the charges to offenses such as trespass or some other lesser crime. Punishment Range for Burglary:
According to the Texas Penal Code, If you are convicted of burglary it is either a: 1) State Jail Felony: burglary is charged as a state jail felony if it is committed in a building other than a habitation. State jail felonies are punishable by confinement in a state jail for 180 days to 2 years, and a fine not to exceed $10,000. 2) Second Degree Felony: burglary is charged as a second degree felony if it is committed in a habitation. Second degree felonies are
Krystin Collins Attorney at Law
punishable by confinement in prison for 2-20 years, and a fine not to exceed $10,000. 3) First Degree Felony: burglary is charged as a first degree felony if you enter a habitation with the intent to commit a felony other than felony theft. First degree felonies are punishable by confinement in prison for 5-99 years, and a fine not to exceed $10,000. If you have been charged with the crime of burglary, consult with an attorney to know your rights and to ensure that your rights are being protected. Attorney Krystin Collins is a native of the Acres Homes Community. She is a graduate of Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law and has been a licensed attorney since 2009. Her primary practice areas are criminal defense, civil litigation, personal injury, estate planning, and divorce. She may be contacted at 713-775-0332 or krystin. collins@gmail.com.
TX- 5
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M A R K E T P L A C E
TEXAS • MAY 23 - 29, 2016
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What’s Happenin’
TEXAS • MAY 23 - 29, 2016
24
MAY
Tuesday RUN-OFF ELECTION GET OUT & VOTE! Check with the County Clerk office or visit harrisvotes.com for more information!
2
JUN Thursday
GUEST SPEAKER BRENDA STARDIG CITY COUNCIL MEMBER DISTRICT A
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
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Jun 5 - Jun 6
Saturday - Sunday Free Press Summer Fest 500 Allen Prkwy Houston, TX 77019 From 11am - 10pm For more info visit: www.fpsf.com Tuesday Windsor Houston Networking Breakfast 6920 TC Jester Blvd Houston, TX 77091 Beginning at 9:20am For more info contact: (281) 224-0280
14
May 16 - Jun 5
Thursday - Saturday The Ensemble Theatre Plenty of Time 3535 Main St Houston, TX 77002 Times Vary For more info contact: (713) 520-0055 Friday Church Without Walls Job Fair 5725 Queenston Blvd Houston, TX 77084 From 10am - 3pm For more info contact: (281) 649-6800 Saturday South Texas College of Law Black Alumni Chapter Meeting 1303 San Jacinto Houston, TX 77002 From 10am -11am For more info visit: stcl.edu
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Sunday The Ensemble Theatre The Rose 3535 Main St Houston, TX 77002 Beginning at 1pm For more info contact: (713) 520-0055
6
Monday Destiny of Faith Intl Ministry Battered Bruised But Not Broken Ministry 9442 Needham, Hwy 242 Spring, TX 77386 Beginning at 7pm For more info contact: (832) 216-2889
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Saturday Houston Area Urban League 48th Annual Equal Opportunity Day Gala Hilton Americas Hotel *Ballroom of the Americas* 1600 Lamar Houston, TX 77010 Beginning at 6pm For more info visit: haul.org Sunday First Baptist FBC Praise Dancers 844 Fortune St Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 11:30am For more info contact: (832)892-5078
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Jun 30 - July 31
Thursday - Saturday The Ensemble Theatre Satchel Paige & the Kansas City Swing 3535 Main St Houston, TX 77002 Times Vary For more info contact: (713) 520-0055
Houston Community College is among the top in the nation for preparing students for jobs and universities, and it is recognized as: #1 in awarding Associate Degrees to all minorities #1 for international student enrollment among U.S. community colleges #2 in awarding Associate Degrees to African American students #2 in awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanic students #4 in awarding Associate Degrees in all disciplines #5 in awarding Associate Degrees to Asian American students
Congratulations to our 2016 graduates for achieving your dreams. We are proud to call you alumni of Houston’s Community College. *Community College Week 2015
Learn more at hccs.edu HOU-7
8
African American News&Issues
Moore v. Gonzalez Who Will You Vote For?
May 24th is vastly approaching and Jerome Moore and Ed Gonzalez are both battling to win the run off in order to be the democratic nominee for Sheriff. Both candidates are native Houstonians, and both are educated, and well prepared to service the citizens of Houston. Running for a political office isn’t easy, but both candidates have been up for the challenge. Moore received a Bachelor’s of Science degree from The University of Houston Downtown, and obtained a Masters of Security Management for Executive’s Degree. He has accumulated many licenses and certifications over the years, which he feels makes him more
Gonzalez earned a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice from The University of Houston Downtown, and furthered his education by obtaining a Masters from The University of St. Thomas in Liberal Arts. He is a former police officer, serving 18 years in The Houston Police Department. In his free time, Gonzalez loves to watch movies, go for a run, and also spend time with his family. If elected, each candidate has several platforms that they would like to see added; however, when interviewed, Moore and Gonzalez were asked what their top three priorities are. Moore would like to improve the jails, add diversity back to the command staff, and
Ed Gonzalez
than qualified to be the next Sherriff of Houston Texas. In his free time, he loves walking his dog, and spending time with his family.
build trust between law enforcement and the community. Moore stated, “A lot of citizens don’t trust law enforcement. I want to do something better where I bring
Politics back that trust with law enforcement.” He further expressed “We should have programs where citizens and law enforcement learn how to interact with each other,” stated Moore. In addition to, he wants to build more programs for the youth, and inform them that all officers are not bad. Gonzalez would like to focus on keeping the community safe, reduce mass incarcerations, and clean up the county jail. He believes that even though inmates are locked up for a crime they committed, they should feel free from danger. “We should always strive that those under our care are safe and protected” expressed Gonzalez. He made it known that people should be tough on crime, but also compassionate. Furthermore, if someone is incarcerated, he wants to actively work with the family and provide them with support and some form of intervention to help uplift the family while their loved one is gone. An interesting fact brought up by Moore is that there has never been a Black Sheriff. The Harris County Sheriff department was formed back in 1837, and was originally called The Harrisburg Sheriff Department. In the history of this department, there have been 28 White sheriffs, and one Hispanic. Many people told him that he was wasting his time and that there would never be a Black Sherriff. However, Moore’s response was, “I wanted to prove to my kids…don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do.” As a humbled man, he has funded his entire campaign with the support of his family, and expressed that God is the reason why he is in the runoff right now. “It was only by his grace that I got right here.” Gonzalez has many distinct qualifications that he feels set him a part from his opponent, which
TEXAS • MAY 23 - 29, 2016
Jerome Moore
are his crime reform initiatives that he was able to accomplish in his six years as a leader on the city council. These accomplishments include; the creation of the Houston Sobering Center, address the issues of mental illnesses of individuals who most frequently use Houston police and fire services, and through collaboration with others, brought the creation of Café College Houston, just to name a few. This program assist kids with college, career guidance, financial aid, and there is also a diversion program for juveniles with minor offenses. Jerome Moore is very passionate about the citizens of Houston. He wants to use his experience and skills to make sure that the Harris County Sheriffs Department is the best that it can be. “I want people to let they vote be their voice. We have to stop letting these elected officials to come around only when it is time to get our vote.” Furthermore, Moore made it known that elected officials should be held account-
able for their actions. If elected, he wants to be held accountable. “I work for you, you don’t work for me.” Moore is very determined, motivated, and ready to work for the citizens of Houston. Gonzalez is also ready to prove that he is the best candidate for the job. “I can bring a strong voice, and strong leadership”, expressed Gonzalez. Many people such as Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and Congressman Al Green have endorsed him, which he feels “speaks loudly about my candidacy.” Gonzalez is ready to go to work, and wants to bring a “transformational leadership.” Each candidate is prepared to take on the responsibilities that will come with being the next Sherriff of Houston. Regardless of whom you vote for, utilize your vote and make your voice heard. Again, Election Day is May 24th. Who will you vote for? Read more articles online @ Aframnews.com Wriiten By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M/Ed.
Read us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX-8
TEXAS • MAY 23 - 29, 2016
The Eagle’s Nest Newspaper
Educati n/Y uth
MISSION STATEMENT “The faculty and students of Booker T. Washington High School for the Engineering Profession are striving for the successful outcome of its students through learning, companionship, research, and diligence.”
The hallways of Booker T. Washington were littered with posters counting down the days until STAAR and AP testing. I seen students talking about how they were cracking at the seams over the end of the year testing so I thought I would go a little deeper, and ask these students how they actually felt about the last few weeks of school. I interviewed two students: Nytasha King and Mia Hernandez to get the low down. Dimas: How is studying going for you? Hernandez: I am a serious procrastinator so I waited till like last week to actually start studying for everything. I know that is
W
a bad thing, because it has been a stressful year? King: I have a strict mom and grandmother who want be to be the best person I can be so studying is my free time now-adays. So I started about 2 months ago. Dimas: Have you thought about what you wanted to do for the summer? Hernandez: Not really, I am more of a flow as it goes girl. I plan stuff maybe a week before, because I forget things very easily. So, no I haven’t really thought about the summer. King: Yes, 100% I have been working for this internship, but my first one I got waitlisted so I have been looking into others before it may be too late. Dimas: Has anyone told you about your options for next school year? Hernandez: I have people talk to me here and there, but not really. I know I should think about it, because I will be a senior and then college. King: Yes and no. You see they have talked to me, but of course I half don’t
listen. But I have started plan a lot of things lately. Dimas: Did you know that your next year will be crunch time? Hernandez: Of course! It will be my senior year this I the end! King: Actually no. I think you took care of what you were supposed to do last 3 years then your last year shouldn’t be that stressful, but that is just my opinion. Dimas: Who have you talked to about the future? Hernandez: Well mostly my parents, they are always telling me what I need to be focused on. You know because the future is the rest of my life! King: Now that I think about it, not many people. I kind of only tell people my future when they ask, and not many people really ask. Now that testing is over, it seems to be a release of pressure. I sense less stress and more excitement as the summer approaches.
FBISD DISTRICT NEWS
BOARD APPROVES NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
CONGRATULATIONS! An educator of 18 years, Sonya SmithWatson recently served as assistant principal at Cornerstone Elementary, a position she held for the past two years. Prior to joining Cornerstone, she served as assistant principal at Briargate and Holley Elementary Schools. She has additionally held positions as a math curriculum manager, math specialist, teacher and campus administrator for area school Sonya Smith-Watson, Principal at Continue Reading Online By Veronica Dimas, BTW Student districts. She obtained Cornerstone Elementary School her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from ARONA URNS Alabama A&M University, her Master’s degree in Educational minute of it. I attended school here, and Administration from Prairie View A&M University, and is curnow I am teaching what I loved learning.” rently pursuing her Doctorate degree in Education.
ALUMNI OF THE WEEK: MS. C
e have such a rich history here at Booker T. Washington High School! It is crazy to think how many people it takes to make this school run like a well-oiled machine. For this week’s “Alumni of the Week” article we chose to honor one of our favorite science teachers Ms. Burns in a slightly different way. We decided to interview Mrs. Burns, as well as, students on campus to gauge their opinions. King: “What do you love most about Ms. Burns?” Perez (Student): “She is one of the originals. Year after year she is here for us to show all of us how much she cares and loves us.” King: “How does Ms. Burns make her classroom feel comfortable and safe?” Newton (Student): “Ms. Burns speaks to us like were people, and she never disregards our emotions like they don’t matter.” After speaking to students we thought we should go to the source,
9
Read us online! w w w.afra mnews.com
Ms. Burns
King: “How long have you been teaching at Washington High School?” Ms. Burns: “I have been teaching here since 1991. And I have loved every
B
King: “Why did you decide to return to Washington?” Ms. Burns: “Because Booker T. Washington High School there is always so much to learn and teach. As a teacher you have to keep it interesting, and I do that here. I mean, that’s what I love the most about teaching. That teaching is always entertaining, because if it wasn’t I wouldn’t last. It is never dull. Literally every school year there is something different to keep it interesting.” King: “How do you feel about the new school?” Ms. Burns: “I believe the new school will bring about a new positive change of attitude for our students. I think that it will be the transformation that we need to be successful. I always try to be a leader for my students, and fellow teachers here at Washington High School. I love this school and I love these kids.” By Nytasha King, BTW Student
CONGRATUALTIONS! Constance Hawkins joins Fort Bend ISD as a former educator of Pearland Independent School District. She has more than 10 years of experience in education, having served as a third-grade reading and math teacher, kindergarten teacher and team leader. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Constance Hawkins, Assistant Early Childhood from the Principal for the EDGE Program at University of Houston, is Briargate Elementary School an ESL-certified educator, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Instructional Leadership Development.
Read us online @www.aframnews.com/TheEaglesNewspaper The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX-9
10
Bus ness
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UNBOXED
Tamayia Colvin speaking at her one of her exhibits in New Orleans. Picture captured by Erika Veal. Have you ever wanted to quit your job to pursue your true passion? Tomayia Colvin did, and she will never look back. Colvin is a former teacher who left that career path in order to fulfill her desires to do photography full time. She obtained her Bachelor Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from University of Houston, and she furthered her education by receiving a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. Her love for photography all started with a love for scrapbooking. She enjoyed going to peoples’ homes and explaining to them about having something to pass down from generation to generation. That was shortly lived as she quickly found out that this generation is now circled within a digital world. “I quickly started to get more requests for photos than the scrapbooks,” stated Colvin. Although she enjoyed teaching, Colvin can now express the lives of others through photography. One project that Colvin is currently working on is called The Unboxed Project. This project derived from Colvin’s experience in the classroom. The Unboxed Project is Colvin’s first solo exhibit, which highlights the story of twenty-five seniors who are doing positive things in their life, and for their community. Through photography, Colvin wanted to depict these students in a positive light, since the world generally portrays teens in a more negative way. “I wanted to show them differently. I wanted to show these kids that were not wearing hoodies, they don’t have their pants sagging, they’re not teenaged mothers…nobody talks about those kids. All we see is just who did something bad clearly on the news.” Celebrating the lives of those students is what Colvin wanted to do. The Unboxed Project shows how there are students who are doing amazing things in such
a negative environment. Colvin stated, “In my opinion, they were living outside of this box that society was trying to put them in.” The exhibit for this project has already toured in Houston, Texas, Dallas, Atlanta, and Georgia. She plans to tour Las Vegas, Washington, and New York. After this project, she plans to showcase and add more students to the unboxed project. When Colvin isn’t taking photos, she is participating in different speaking engagements. She speaks to different photographers to try to uplift and inspire them to do the same thing that she is trying to do in her community. The main focus should be on what they are currently doing, and how they can impact their own communities. If she is speaking to a younger crowd such as teens, she is explaining to them how she got to where she is today, and how to overcome those obstacles. Furthermore, she wants to show students that you don’t have to be boxed into one career path because of your parents. Using her own life as an influence, she brings up the question, “Am I really living my purpose? Is this really what I want to do?” The message she wants them to receive is that they must choose a path that is right for them no matter the obstacles, and in spite of those people who do not support them. Her impact on society is to promote positivity through the students she photographs. In addition to, Colvin is a co-author to the book Shift On: Twenty Stories of Turning Trials into Triumph Nikki Woods, who is the senior producer for the Tom Joyner Morning Show. The book is focused on twenty people who tell their stories about how they made a shift in their life from something negative to positive. To Continue Reading Visit us online @ aframnews.com By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed.
TEXAS • MAY 23 - 29, 2016
UT Austin and UIL to Honor James E. Payne of Beaumont The University of Texas at Austin and the University Interscholastic League (UIL) will honor James E. Payne, a partner in the Beaumont law firm Provost Umphrey. He received the first-ever Vice President’s UIL Excellence Award during the UIL Boys State Basketball Tournament in San Antonio. Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, vice president for diversity and community engagement at UT Austin said, “We are pleased to honor James E. Payne with the inaugural Vice President’s UIL Award of Excellence. He has been an outstanding leader in Southeast Texas and has made his mark nationally as an exceptional leader of Sigma Pi Phi. His character, leadership and achievement reflect the goals of the UIL as they help young people strive for excellence.” Payne was a UIL participant at Port Arthur Lincoln High School, where he played on the championship basketball team in 1986 under Coach James Gamble. In 2012 Payne was elected to serve as the youngest leader ever of Sigma Pi Phi one of the most prominent fraternal organizations. He led that organization, with more than 5,000 members, to take an active role in President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative to address gaps faced by boys and young men of color. He is also active in the NAACP and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Payne developed the nationally recognized Buy 90 Campaign which was designed to economically empower the African American community in Southeast Texas. He has been selected by Thomson Reuters for the Texas Super Lawyers list from 2003-2015 and also has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America every year from 2006-2016. Payne is highly sought after as a motivational speaker by many organizations, schools and churches. He has said that he has carried what he learned on the basketball court from Coach Gamble and UIL competition with him throughout his academic and professional career. Payne graduated second in his
JAMES E. PAYNE
class at Port Arthur and completed his bachelor’s degree with honors, in three-and-a-half years, at the University of Houston. He earned his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center in 1993. ABOUT THE UIL The University Interscholastic League was created by The University of Texas at Austin to provide leadership and guidance to public school debate and athletic teachers. Since 1910 the UIL has grown into the largest inter-school organization of its kind in the world. The UIL continues to operate as part of the University of Texas, under the auspices of the Vice President for Diversity & Community Engagement. ABOUT THE DIVISION OF DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The Division of Diversity and Community Engagement was established in 2006 at The University of Texas at Austin as one of President Bill Powers’ four strategic initiatives. The division works in four areas: campus culture, the Pre-K to Ph.D. education pipeline, community engagement and research. It is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus that promotes a robust exchange of ideas, cross-racial and cross-cultural understanding, and the opportunity for all to participate. SUBMITTED BY: LESLIE ASHER BLAIR
Read us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX-10
10
Bus ness
Read us online! w w w. a f ra m n e ws. co m
UNBOXED
Tamayia Colvin speaking at her one of her exhibits in New Orleans. Picture captured by Erika Veal. Have you ever wanted to quit your job to pursue your true passion? Tomayia Colvin did, and she will never look back. Colvin is a former teacher who left that career path in order to fulfill her desires to do photography full time. She obtained her Bachelor Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from University of Houston, and she furthered her education by receiving a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. Her love for photography all started with a love for scrapbooking. She enjoyed going to peoples’ homes and explaining to them about having something to pass down from generation to generation. That was shortly lived as she quickly found out that this generation is now circled within a digital world. “I quickly started to get more requests for photos than the scrapbooks,” stated Colvin. Although she enjoyed teaching, Colvin can now express the lives of others through photography. One project that Colvin is currently working on is called The Unboxed Project. This project derived from Colvin’s experience in the classroom. The Unboxed Project is Colvin’s first solo exhibit, which highlights the story of twenty-five seniors who are doing positive things in their life, and for their community. Through photography, Colvin wanted to depict these students in a positive light, since the world generally portrays teens in a more negative way. “I wanted to show them differently. I wanted to show these kids that were not wearing hoodies, they don’t have their pants sagging, they’re not teenaged mothers…nobody talks about those kids. All we see is just who did something bad clearly on the news.” Celebrating the lives of those students is what Colvin wanted to do. The Unboxed Project shows how there are students who are doing amazing things in such
a negative environment. Colvin stated, “In my opinion, they were living outside of this box that society was trying to put them in.” The exhibit for this project has already toured in Houston, Texas, Dallas, Atlanta, and Georgia. She plans to tour Las Vegas, Washington, and New York. After this project, she plans to showcase and add more students to the unboxed project. When Colvin isn’t taking photos, she is participating in different speaking engagements. She speaks to different photographers to try to uplift and inspire them to do the same thing that she is trying to do in her community. The main focus should be on what they are currently doing, and how they can impact their own communities. If she is speaking to a younger crowd such as teens, she is explaining to them how she got to where she is today, and how to overcome those obstacles. Furthermore, she wants to show students that you don’t have to be boxed into one career path because of your parents. Using her own life as an influence, she brings up the question, “Am I really living my purpose? Is this really what I want to do?” The message she wants them to receive is that they must choose a path that is right for them no matter the obstacles, and in spite of those people who do not support them. Her impact on society is to promote positivity through the students she photographs. In addition to, Colvin is a co-author to the book Shift On: Twenty Stories of Turning Trials into Triumph Nikki Woods, who is the senior producer for the Tom Joyner Morning Show. The book is focused on twenty people who tell their stories about how they made a shift in their life from something negative to positive. To Continue Reading Visit us online @ aframnews.com By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed.
TEXAS • MAY 23 - 29, 2016
UT Austin and UIL to Honor James E. Payne of Beaumont The University of Texas at Austin and the University Interscholastic League (UIL) will honor James E. Payne, a partner in the Beaumont law firm Provost Umphrey. He received the first-ever Vice President’s UIL Excellence Award during the UIL Boys State Basketball Tournament in San Antonio. Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, vice president for diversity and community engagement at UT Austin said, “We are pleased to honor James E. Payne with the inaugural Vice President’s UIL Award of Excellence. He has been an outstanding leader in Southeast Texas and has made his mark nationally as an exceptional leader of Sigma Pi Phi. His character, leadership and achievement reflect the goals of the UIL as they help young people strive for excellence.” Payne was a UIL participant at Port Arthur Lincoln High School, where he played on the championship basketball team in 1986 under Coach James Gamble. In 2012 Payne was elected to serve as the youngest leader ever of Sigma Pi Phi one of the most prominent fraternal organizations. He led that organization, with more than 5,000 members, to take an active role in President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative to address gaps faced by boys and young men of color. He is also active in the NAACP and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Payne developed the nationally recognized Buy 90 Campaign which was designed to economically empower the African American community in Southeast Texas. He has been selected by Thomson Reuters for the Texas Super Lawyers list from 2003-2015 and also has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America every year from 2006-2016. Payne is highly sought after as a motivational speaker by many organizations, schools and churches. He has said that he has carried what he learned on the basketball court from Coach Gamble and UIL competition with him throughout his academic and professional career. Payne graduated second in his
JAMES E. PAYNE
class at Port Arthur and completed his bachelor’s degree with honors, in three-and-a-half years, at the University of Houston. He earned his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center in 1993. ABOUT THE UIL The University Interscholastic League was created by The University of Texas at Austin to provide leadership and guidance to public school debate and athletic teachers. Since 1910 the UIL has grown into the largest inter-school organization of its kind in the world. The UIL continues to operate as part of the University of Texas, under the auspices of the Vice President for Diversity & Community Engagement. ABOUT THE DIVISION OF DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The Division of Diversity and Community Engagement was established in 2006 at The University of Texas at Austin as one of President Bill Powers’ four strategic initiatives. The division works in four areas: campus culture, the Pre-K to Ph.D. education pipeline, community engagement and research. It is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus that promotes a robust exchange of ideas, cross-racial and cross-cultural understanding, and the opportunity for all to participate. SUBMITTED BY: LESLIE ASHER BLAIR
Read us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX-10
African American News&Issues
12
Texas • May 23 - 29, 2016
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