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Although I do not claim possession of the best memory, I do remember the moment that I received the notice that Texas was seeking individuals to review a parcel of history/social studies textbooks that its school children may be using over the next decade. I eagerly submitted my name for the duty, considering it a wonderful opportunity to participate in a long-standing African-American tradition of “to whom much is given, much is required.” From my perspective, this was a phenomenal opportunity to serve African-American school children by guaranteeing that their ancestors’ storied history was represented in school history/social studies textbooks during the coming decade. I thought that I would be a shoe-in for this volunteer duty as I am a tenured History Professor who has earned Master of Arts degrees in African-American/ African Studies, U.S. History, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in History from The Ohio State University. My assessment could not have been more wrong; I was not selected to serve on what to me was a very important committee as it would ultimately recommend which textbooks that the Texas State Board of Education should use going forward. TO CONTINUE READING TEA ~ S E E P G . 1 0
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HANGING IN WALLER COUNTY, TX
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Edit rial & Opini n
American News&Issues
Manhood, Race & Culture By Dr. James Thomas Jones III Ph.D., M.A., M.A., M.A.
Why the NAACP’s Haste to End Their Boycott Against South Carolina is Wrong on SOOOOOO Many Levels Although I am not particularly surprised that the leadership of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has ‘quick, fast, and in a hurry’ decided to end their fifteen year economic boycott of South Carolina immediately after the southern state
Quick, Fast & in a Hurry:
lowered ‘the stars and bars’ flag that served as a daily reminder of the bestial practices that those who pledged allegiance to that flag agreed with, I am disappointed by what it relates regarding the absence of either common sense or courage among the venerable organizations leadership cadre. This move reveals so much of what is wrong with so-called Black leaders and offers much credence to critics who argue that Civil Rights organizations have lost their way; please do not mistake the above statement to mean that Civil Rights organizations are no longer needed, merely that they seemingly no longer have ‘their eyes on the prize.’ The NAACP was founded on February 12, 1909, several years after the more radical Niagara Movement had convened on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, as a political response to
one of this nation’s greatest traditions, the lynching of African-American men, women, and children. Ironically, it was the final resting place of ‘the great emancipator’, Springfield, Illinois, that served as the catalyst for the organizations founding in the wake of a horrific race riot that convinced well-meaning whites that the lynching of African-Americans was indeed an American pastime, very much like baseball, that would never die out on its own. The alluded to lynchings prodded a group of whites (Mary White Ovington and Osward Garrison Villard) to call for an inter-racial meeting to address not only the pernicious evil of lynching, but also American racism, segregation, and discrimination. Out of the sixty activists that assembled for that meeting, a scant seven were of African-American descent; the most
notable Blacks present were William Edward Burghardt Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and Mary Church Terrell. Over fifty years since the ending of the U.S. Civil War, the first-class citizenship of African-Americans was still being denied. It is this reality that best explains the NAACP’s initial focus upon the enforcement of the U.S. Constitutions 13th (abolishment of slavery), 14th (Citizenship) and 15th (Voting rights for all Adult males) Amendments, respectively. With the equally brilliant and courageous W.E.B. Du Bois at the helm of its news periodical, The Crisis, the NAACP paved a path toward the securing of African-American equality on the nation’s law books. Unfortunately for African-Americans, it appears that time has compromised the NAACP’s position as the North Star guiding our people toward liberation. The organization’s beacon of light
“Let’s just forgive errrrbody, but don’t y’all do that ISH no mo…” Before I Lay it Down... By “Coach” Mark Spivey Read us online! w ww. a f r a m n e w s .c o m
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TX-2
In 1995, the South African government under President Nelson Mandela established something called the Truth and Reconciliation Committee. It was done to help the nation heal from decades of apartheid and bring about a reconciliation of its people by uncovering the truth and human rights violations that occurred for years in his country. According to the Encyclopedia Britannia Online, its emphasis was on gathering evidence and uncovering information from both, victims AND perpetrators and NOT on prosecuting individuals on past crimes. This covered the period from 1960 to 1994, although the struggle for the end of apartheid and colonialism in South Africa lasted nearly 300 years. Under this commission, both
sides were able to tell their stories without the fear of prosecution or jail time. All they had to do was tell the truth and agree to work together as a country to make things better for all. People who killed, raped, stole, abused, and committed ANY other atrocities against their fellow South Africans would be forgiven. The government even agreed to pay reparations to black South Africans who lost their property and land to the racist (apartheid) regime of the white South African government. There has been peace in that country ever since. Now, let me break this down to you people who may be a little slow in understanding what the hell I’m talking about… First, Africa is NOT a country.
It’s a continent. It has 54 countries in it. The United States is a country. It’s a part of the North American continent that includes Canada, and Mexico. Got that? South Africa is a country in Africa. It sits right down there at the bottom tip. A long time ago, white people from Europe (another continent with countries in it) came to Africa and took over the damn place from all of the black folk who were already living there. They did so because Africa was rich in natural resources such as oil, gold, and diamonds and those greedy ass white people wanted them badly. Although, the white folk were outnumbered by the Africans, they bought guns and ish with them that Africans didn’t have. Therefore, if an African wanted to shoot an arrow or
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Texas • July 20 - 26, 2015 has overtime not only been dimmed, but also proven incapable of pointing African-Americans toward politico economic freedom. This erosion of power and utility was best displayed during its recent convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that provided the organization’s National Board of Directors an opportunity to pass an ‘Emergency Resolution’ that ended the organization’s 15-year boycott of South Carolina; the boycott began because of ‘the stars and bars’ flying over the State Capitol dome. Of course, the decision to lower the flag occurred after the murder of nine AfricanAmerican parishioners at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. In many ways, the catalyst that led to the boycotting of South Carolina, the flying of the Continue Reading Online Online @ Aframnews.com throw a spear at some white people, the white folk in turn would kill all they asses with machine guns, rifles, tanks, and bombs. Our black kinfolk had no chance of surviving unless they did what the white folks said. This lasted for hundreds of years. After many years of turmoil (fighting), the white government of South Africa under international pressure and threats of more war, decided to find a way to end all of this peacefully.
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Texas • July 20 - 26, 2015
Edit rial & Opini n The Meaning of the Health Care Decision Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson TX 30th Dist.
On June 24th, the Supreme Court of the United States upheld a critical provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). This decision was a victory for millions of hardworking Americans who are now secure in the knowledge that they can enjoy the benefits of affordable, life-saving health coverage. In the case, King v. Burwell, challengers to the ACA argued that people who applied for health care in states that did not establish their own exchanges were ineligible for federal subsidies. Since Texas did not set up its own exchange millions of residents, who enrolled in health plans using the federal exchange, were at risk of losing subsidies which would have made the purchase of health care insurance unaffordable. Fortunately, a majority of the justices on the Supreme Court rejected the plaintiff’s argument and upheld the ACA. As a result, those at-risk Texans, as well as millions of Americans in the 27 states that did not establish exchanges, will continue to receive subsidies to help pay for health insurance. In Texas, where the state refuses to expand Medicaid while 17 percent of the population remains uninsured, this makes a big difference. In the majority opinion,
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, “Congress passed the Affordable Care Act to improve health care markets, not to destroy them.” Roberts agreed with the writers and supporters of the ACA, who argued that federal subsidies were always intended to be available to every single American, not just those in certain states. The ruling will enable Congress to preserve the best and most necessary provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Following two attempts in the Supreme Court, and 60 votes in the House of Representatives intended to undermine the ACA, one thing is clear, the Affordable Care Act works. Five years after the enactment of the ACA, more than 16 million Americans have enrolled, and the rate of uninsured Americans is now 11.9 percent—the lowest in U.S. history. It is time to end the attacks on the Affordable Care Act. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to find even more ways to improve the health care law’s affordability, availability, and quality. Our goal should be to perfect the law so that every American has health insurance coverage. With the success of the ACA, we have the ability to fight chronic disease, invest in medical research and improve our focus on preventive measures. I am committed to finding ways to improve health outcomes for my constituents, and for every American.
American News&Issues
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Please Do Not Forget Our History! Forgetting What Happened to Us Can Destroy Us! - Roy Douglas Malonson
A
Wright was Right!
lot of people have criticized the words of Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Jr., who was the former pastor of President Barack Obama. He mentored President Obama as well as married the he and his wife Michelle, and baptized their children. Rev. Wright, is the Pastor Emeritus of Trinity United Church of Christ located in Chicago, Illinois whose past association with the President caused a nationwide uproar amongst many. In seeking and running for the office of presidency, the President was judged harshly because of Rev. Wright’s viewpoints on race relations and other issues concerning the country. Rev. Wright had been the pastor of large congregation for over three decades. However, his words were under scrutiny during the presidential campaign in 2008 because he simply addressed many truths that exists within this country. Nonetheless, President Obama denounced Rev. Wright later on in his campaign. But the fact remains that many of the things that Rev. Wright addressed were true. So I have concluded that, “Wright was Right”! An excerpt from one of Rev. Wright’s sermons when the President was running against present-day, U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, included some of the following content. “Who cares about what a poor Black man has to face everyday in a country and a culture controlled by rich White people?” As he continued on, he compared the Black man’s struggle to that of Jesus Christ. He stated, “I am still in Bible country, I am still in the text... Jesus was a poor Black man who lived in a country and who lived in a culture that was controlled by rich White people! The Romans were rich, the Romans were Italian; which means they European, which means they were White. And the Romans ran everything in Jesus’ country.” Then he went on to express
why people were not as accepting of President Obama, opposed to other candidates. “It just came to me within the past few weeks why so many folk are hating on Barack Obama. He doesn’t fit the model... He ain’t White, he ain’t rich and he ain’t privileged. I am sick of Negroes who just do not get it. Barack knows what it means to a Black man living in a country and a culture that is controlled by rich White people,” he said. Later on his this particular
Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Jeremiah Wright of Trinity United Church of Christ, words were under scrutiny during the presidential campaign in 2008 because he simply addressed many truths that exists within this country. But I have determined that, “Wright was Right”! Photo: ridwanlaher.blogspot.com
sermon, he made inferences to many levels of discrimination and injustices that Africans living in America undergo in contrast to the majority race. A few of those elements included the fact that, White folks have never: “had a cab whizzed past them because their skin was the wrong color”, “never had to worry about being pulled over in their car for driving on the wrong side of town”, doesn’t know what it’s like to be a poor Black person raised in a single-parent home, “never
We MUST Understand By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman
been called a n*****”, or ever had their people defined as non-person, “never had to work twice as hard just to be accepted by the rich White folk” or “to get a passing grade when you know you are smarter than a C student” and “never had your own people say you not White enough.” Then there was the infamous words that will go down in history that Rev. Wright declared at another point in time. “Not God bless America. God damn America -- that’s in the Bible -- for killing innocent people. God damn America for treating us citizens as less than human. God damn America.” But was he wrong for simply bringing to light the many issues that people try to act as though they do not exist? Simply put, “Wright was Right’! You can call it what you will or may but the truth is the truth, regardless of where and who it comes from. It doesn’t matter how it is dressed up or down played, it is still the truth. Some folks get mad when simple facts about this country are highlighted that we Africans living in America face, but that is ridiculous! We MUST Understand that, although Black people have come a long way, there is still quite a ways to go before African-Americans are treated fairly in regards to other cultures, nationalities and ethnicities. Just because this is the year 2015, does not mean that Black folks have arrived. There is a tendency to overlook certain ills and aspects of the nation, because African-Americans are subject to things in this time era that they were not otherwise afforded. But at the end of the day, there is still something about this Blackness! TX-3
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S A N D R A B L A N D , 28- Y E A R - O L D B L A C K WOMAN, DEAD UNDER MYSTERIOUS C I R C U M S TA N C E S I N H E R J A I L C E L L PHOTOS FROM SANDY BLAND’S FACEBOOK
‘TX’ FROM PG. 1
One of the most astonishing things that one could ever hope to receive is a genuine, meaning unconditional, love and camaraderie. For those who have never experienced such, I would suggest that they enroll at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) as the students walking that campus have genuine love and camaraderie to spare. There is no doubt that the student body and alumni of Prairie View are in a word, family. It is an uncommon love that stirs their emotions and causes them to run to the aid of one another regardless of the risks involved. It appears that if one Prairie View Panther is in distress, an endless cycle of Panthers will arrive out of the dark to address the ailment. One of the most revealing ways that Prairie View graduates display their love for the institution is by creating imaginative ways to extend their affiliation with the university past their graduation date. Prairie View students frequently display the opposite of what is best termed, ‘senior-itis’; a condition that causes those close to matriculating from any educational institution to begin skipping class and slacking on their assignments. Such individuals are obviously displaying to all (parents, professors/teachers, and administrators) their extreme desire to immediately end their affiliation with the educational entity of their choice. Prairie View students are usually different in that they have a genuine love for their school and their classmates. For the vast majority of alumni, Prairie View A & M University is in a word, Home. So I was not surprised to learn that former PVAMU Panther Sandra Bland, was making the trek from her Chicago area home of Naperville, Illinois back “home” to work for her alma mater. All accounts highlight that Ms. Bland began the trek from Naperville to Prairie View on July 9th with the intention of beginning her TX- 4
employment with the university the following Monday. Unfortunately, Sandra Bland would never begin this next stage of her life as she would be found dead in a Waller County jail cell approximately ninety-six hours after she arrived in Texas. Sandra Bland’s problems began as she traveled down University Drive and exited the PVAMU campus; she was a mere fiftyyards off the campus when a Waller County Sheriff’s Deputy pulled her vehicle over under the guise that she failed to signal a change of lane on the largely unoccupied road. After what Deputies referred to as a hostile encounter, Ms. Bland was forcibly removed from her vehicle by a Deputy. The events that transpired while Sandra was outside of her vehicle were captured via a telephone camera that begins with two white Sheriffs deputies, one of which had Ms. Bland down on her stomach with both of his knees in her back. Undaunted by the situation, Sandra Bland shouted out to anyone who would listen about the injustice that was occurring. The following statements were captured by the aforementioned video camera. While still pinned to the ground, Sandra shouted loud enough for the camera to capture her final protestations toward one of the deputies “You just slammed my head into the ground! Do you not even care about that? I can’t even hear.” Clearly realizing that there were witnesses to the unfolding crime, Ms. Bland related to bystanders, “He slammed my F$^^ing head into the ground!!!!!! I can’t even F@#%ing feel my arm.” One-bystander, Malcolm Jackson, related that the police were unnecessarily brutal during the entire encounter. Mr. Jackson related that “after he (the officer) pulled her out of the car…and tossed her to the ground, knee to the neck, and arrested her.” An enraged Sheriff’s Deputy ordered the individual recording the events to leave the area. Fortunately, the unknown individual courageously stood his ground and continued to film the sordid events. This individual was able to capture this beautiful young lady’s final statement of “Thank you for recording. Thank you.” Sandra Bland was jailed on charges of “assaulting a public servant.” Unfortunately, Ms. Bland would never walk out of the Waller County Jail that she was being detained in, alive. Sandra Bland’s dead body was found inside a jail cell on Monday July 13th, ironically, the very day and time that she was supposed to begin her new job, at approximately 9:00 AM. Jailers immediately related that the 28-year-old AfricanAmerican female died of “self-inflicted asphyxiation.” Waller County Sheriff Glenn Smith
C ver St ry
related that his “jailers saw Bland at 7 AM Monday when they gave her breakfast and again at 8 AM when they spoke to her over the jail intercom. Smith says she was found dead an hour later.” As expected, Waller County District Attorney Elton Mathis related “I do not have any information that would make me think it was anything other than just a suicide.” It appears that Mathis is hedging his bets regarding Ms. Bland’s death that has led to both the Texas Rangers and the Federal Bureau of Investigation becoming involved by relating, “I will admit it is strange someone who had everything going for her would have taken her own life.” By Tuesday, Tricia Bentley, a spokeswoman for the Harris County (Houston) Institute of Forensic Sciences, related that Sandra Bland’s death “has been classified as a suicide, with the cause of death (listed as) hanging.” Those who knew Ms. Bland have issued significant protest regarding assertions that this young lady harmed herself by their recollections of a young lady who was full of life and looking forward to the experiences that are always associated with securing a new job; not to mention that this opportunity allowed her to return ‘home’ and into the bosom of so many that loved her. Family members are not alone in their disputing law enforcement officers’ assertion that Sandra harmed herself, friend Cheryl Nanton relates that “I do suspect foul play. I believe that we are all 100 percent in belief that she did not do harm to herself.” LaVaughn Mosley, a friend of Ms. Bland, succinctly summed up the current climate by relating “we’re very suspicious and we’re a very tight community and we’re very upset that this has happened, and it seems like there’s nothing really being done about it. Anyone who knows Sandy Bland knows she has a thirst for life. She was planning for the future and she came here to start that future, so to say she killed herself is totally absurd.” Unfortunately for Black America, it often takes the unjustified homicide of one of our own at the hands of whites for us to galvanize. Hence, this is a particularly ‘pregnant’ moment for a community that has been abused, exploited, and maligned by an overtly hostile white tyrannical majority. This moment must not be wasted, if for no other reason than that it came at a cost of Sandra Bland’s life. Considering the history of raciallyinspired violence that has been a trademark of this nation from its founding, AfricanAmericans have come to distrust every statement and activity that emanates from local, state, and national level law enforcement personnel and agencies. Although many whites
TEXAS••August JULY 2012-18, - 26, 2015 Texas 2013 may disagree, even a superficial glance of racial politics and violence in Waller County makes the adoption of such a worldview by local Blacks logical and understandable. The presence of Waller County Sheriff Glenn Smith, the individual who sits at the center of this brewing firestorm promises to breathe bountiful gusts of hurricane force winds into an already raging inferno. Smith has previously been entangled in racial controversy that flowed from the way that he, and the men under his charge, have behaved toward both local African-American citizens and the thousands of students who attend PVAMU. Reports relate that Sheriff Glenn Smith’s highly questionable interactions with the African-American community led to his being suspended from his prior post as Police Chief of Hempstead, Texas, in 2007. Making matters worse, local African-Americans related that in the wake of the suspension, Sheriff Smith resumed his well-worn pattern of discriminatory and racist behavior. The deluge of complaints against Smith led to his being fired from his post. Common sense relates that such public troubles would signal a permanent demise for most elected officials. However, common sense apparently does not reign in Waller County as Glenn Smith was elected by the citizens of Waller County to a county-wide Sheriff’s position. Instead of being in charge of a single city, Smith was now in charge of the very county where Hempstead, Texas, the place where he had been fired, was located. Although many have asserted that Glenn Smith’s highly questionable actions while Police Chief of Hempstead increased his popularity and grassroots support within the white community, such an assertion cannot be verified for one particular reason; that being, the political disorganization, inefficiency, absence of vision, and general cowardice from local Negro leaders has made it virtually impossible to ascertain the true power that whites hold throughout Waller County. Put simply, it would be an insult to terms such as ‘piss-poor’ and lackadaisical to apply them to the so-called Negro leadership in Waller County. One would be in great error if they referred to the leadership of Prairie View, Texas, as being non-existent, sadly, a more appropriate characterization would be counter-productive in regards to what should TO CONTINUE READING ‘TX’ SEE PG. 5
Bus ness
TEXAS • JULY 20 - 26, 2015 ‘TX’ FROM PG. 4
WALLER COUNTY SHERRIF GLENN SMITH
WALLER COUNTY DISTICT ATTORNEY ELTON MATHIS
be natural and logical progress regarding development. Any examination of local elected officials leaves one with the impression that local Negro leaders have willingly capitulated with those whites who have historically ruled Waller County. The ineptitude of local Negro political leaders is astounding. According to the 2013 Census, there were nearly 47,000 people living in Waller County. 43.6% white, 29.5% Hispanic, and 25.8% African-American (not including the students at Prairie View A & M University). Most troubling of these statistics is the fact that when one looks at the potential voters in Waller County, meaning those aged 18 and older, there are 15,099 potential white voters and 18,904 potential Black voters; if the undergraduate population at Prairie View A & M University is included. Yet, the presence of African-American elected officials is largely non-existent in county-wide seats. It appears as if the Negro leadership of Waller County is either satisfied with being ghettoized in areas such as Prairie View or so politically inefficient that they do not consider themselves capable of challenging for more influential county wide seats. The aforementioned political ineptitude that is best displayed in local Negro leaders inability to mobilize a formidable voting bloc, even as they hold the numerical advantage among potential voters across the county, paved the way for the aforementioned Glenn Smith to win the position of Waller County Sheriff, after being fired from his post in Hempstead, over Jeron Barnett who was seeking to become the first Black sheriff of Waller County. The only explanation for Barnett’s
Prairie View (city), Texas People QuickFacts
Prairie View
Population, 2013 estimate Population, 2010 (April 1) estimates base White alone, percent, 2010 (a) Black or African American alone, percent, 2010 (a) Per capita money income in past 12 months (2013 dollars), 2009-2013 Median household income, 2009-2013 Persons below poverty level, percent, 2009-2013 Business QuickFacts Total number of firms, 2007 Black-owned firms, percent, 2007 Manufacturers shipments, 2007 ($1000) Merchant wholesaler sales, 2007 ($1000) Retail sales, 2007 ($1000) Retail sales per capita, 2007 Accommodation and food services sales, 2007 ($1000)
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failure is that local Negro leaders failed miserably at getting potential voters out to the polls. It is ironic that Negro leaders in Waller County have failed to convince Prairie View A & M University students, whose right to vote has repeatedly been challenged by local white powerbrokers in court cases that have reached the United States Supreme Court, to come out to the polls. However, there may be a reasonable explanation for this failure. The alluded to failure of students to rule Waller County via either their vote or their prodigious economic power has apparently benefited Black elected officials who have been able to remain in office despite their failure to formulate any plans, let alone deliver any tangible improvements in the city beyond jargon regarding their future plans ‘when they are reelected, the best is yet to come.’ The alluded to disengaged voting populace has likewise failed to hold Negro leaders’ feet to the fire in regards to their never-ending failure to deliver tangible improvement to their environs. The following chart lays plain the poor job that local Prairie View leaders have done in regards to developing the city’s economic base. According to the United States census, the following is a glimpse into the demographics and paltry business dealings to be found in the city of Prairie View, Texas. SEE PRAIRIE VIEW (CITY), TEXAS STATISTICS BELOW
When looked at through this lens, it is clear that the city of Prairie View with its overwhelming majority of African-Americans has been failed by its leadership, meaning elected officials, as well as the esteemed clergy; a non-existent business class gets a
Texas
5,852 5,571 4.9% 88.6% $9,689
26,505,637 25,146,104 70.4% 11.8% $26,019
$31,827 39.1%
$51,900 17.6%
Prairie View
Texas
F F 01 01 01 NA 01
2,164,852 7.1% 593,541,502 424,238,194 311,334,781 $13,061 42,054,592
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pass in regards to receiving any criticism at this moment. There is no other way of viewing the ‘leaders’ of a community whose residents on average have a per capita money income of less than $10,000 and a median household income that is over $20,000.00 less than the rest of the state, not to mention a poverty level that is nearly 40%. The elected political leaders of Prairie View, Texas, should be run out of town for seemingly working to maintain an impoverished Black community. Make no mistake about it, the economic poverty and political powerlessness of Prairie View, Texas, best explains what is akin to the public abduction of Ms. Sandra Bland a mere fifty-yards from the Historically Black University campus by two white Sheriff deputies. Although it is painful to admit, the reality of the situation is that the leadership of Prairie View, Texas, is incapable of issuing a demand to the existing white power structure in either Waller County or the state of Texas. Were it not for the mobilization of the student body and their brilliant use of social media, the death of Sandra Bland would not have even become a state issue, let alone a national one. Although it is difficult to find a silverlining in this entire debacle, there is indeed a silver-lining to be found in the reaction, and subsequent action, of the students and recent alumni of Prairie View A & M University. It has been the students’ steadfast determination to make what they have termed the ‘murder’ of Ms. Sandra Bland a headline across this nation that provides hope. Within 48 hours of Sandra’s demise, the students have followed one of this young lady’s final messages by using social media to propagate her case with various ‘hashtags’ such as #JusticeForSandy, #SandySpeaks, #WhatHappenedToSandyBland? In a private moment, Ms. Bland admonished her peers to fight racial oppression in everything that they did. This young lady obviously recognized the power that technology, when combined with social media, held. She stated in what could be termed her most reverberating message, “This thing that I’m holding in my hand. This telephone. This camera. It is quite powerful. Social media is powerful. We could do something with this. If we want a change, we can really, truly, make it happen.” Now the question placed in front of the students is a very simple one that pivots around a simple axiom that explains so much about life. The axiom is, ‘if you do what you always did, you’ll get what you always got.’ CONTINUE READING ‘TX’ ONLINE @ WWW.AFRAMNEWS.COM STORY BY: DAN FREEMAN TX- 5
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all based on the same criteria. Ad ve r tis e o nStuline dents of magnet a f r aprograms m n e wthat s . chad om been eliminated would return to their homeBLACK campus and given first CHAMBER priority for available slots in other magnet programs, with the exception of 4th grade students, who will be given the option of continuing at Houston Academy. Staff will be placed into 713-692-7161 vacant positions on 6112 WHEATLEY ST other campuses. HOUSTON, TX 77091 The order would have given the magnet program a protected status CHEMICAL and funds from the government would have been provided for their operation. Also, several events and Citywideor Chemical items were reduced eliminat& festival Commercial ed, such asJanitorial the magnet and PestThe Control Company technology fair. proposed cuts 3521 Jensen St. Houston, TX 77026 were approved by district trustor 4809 ees at the January 25713/227-4808 school board Janitorial Supplies meeting before a packed house of Sales-Service-Supplies Wholesale-Retail incensed parents and We student. But repair buffers, Bamberg warns the cuts may still vacuum, shampooers and allthe otherneeds machines. not be enough to meet Charles SAME DAY FREE DELIVERY Dawson of the nation’s 12th largest district. US METRO Administrators say theyDawson still Chemical need Chemical $18 million to balance the713/697-7137 budget. “The only713/633-9019 way we’re going to get additional revenue at this point CHURCH is to look to the community,” said Cliffdale Bamberg, alluding to the need for increased property Baptisttax revenue, which couldChurch be as much as 13 cents per $100 value property. (281)of 447-8850 Ed.- Last week’s story, 854 ENTERPRISE ST provided Pastor inaccurateHOUSTON, demographics AISD. Fred Sanders TX 77088 for The correct numbers are 68.2 perHOU-627 percent Africancent Hispanic, American, 2.2 percent White. & Janitorial Supply Company & Janitorial Supply Company 6010 Irvington -Hou.,TX 77009 4308 Kelley St. • Hou., TX 77026
Wednesday 7:30PM Leonard N. Barksdale, Pastor Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church 4300 Noble Street, Houston TX 77020 Ph: 713/675-5111 • Fx: 713/675-1522
Website: www.fwmbc.org
Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church members will endeavor to provide a strong foundation of love; we will stand on Biblical Truths; and we will equip one another to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our community and in our (713) 697-1758 world. 6616 D.S. BAILEY LN
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House of Prayer M.B.C. Wednesday
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MINISTER: Theaster Maloy, Sr. Rev. Lloyd Giles, Pastor HOUSTON, TX 77091 OFFICE: 713/674-5131 7:00 p.m.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) HCC Information Technology Assessment and Related Services Project No. 15-20 Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/district/ departments/procurement. Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11A06, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Thursday, July 30, 2015.
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Request for Proposals Houston Community College System Marketplace Heading: Northeast College Northline Campus Public Notice Academic Building as part of the Academic Building and ParkingContact Garage Information Name: Jennifer Chiu Project I
Phone: (713) 718-5138
Tribble & Stephens Construction Ltd. is soliciting competitive Fax: proposals from qualified Subcontractors and Suppliers for the Academic BuildingEmail: Project, hua.chiu@hccs.edu located at Houston CommuAddress College for Tearsheet/Copies: nity College System’s Northeast Northline Campus at 8001 Fulton Street Houston, 3100 Texas Main77022. Street
Houston, Texas 77002
Competitive proposals will be received until 2:00 pm on Wednesday July 29, 2015 at the offices of Tribble & Stephens located at 8588 Katy Freeway, AD Suite COST 100, Houston, Texas 77024 for the following trade items: demolition, traffic control, earthwork, pavement markings, site furnishings, NET COST: $190.80 site utilities, landscapingTOTAL and irrigation, concrete, masonry, structural steel & miscellaneous metals fabrication and erection, rough carpentry, finish carpentry, millwork, waterproofTotal Cost Run Ad & for 2 Weeks ing, insulation, roofing, hollow metalto doors, frames finish hardware, metal wall panels, glass & glazing, flooring, lath $381.60 and plaster, metal stud framing and drywall, tile, polished concrete, flooring and base, painting,, signage, miscellaneous building specialties, fire protection, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, fire alarm, audio/visual, fitness equipment, residential appliances, window treatments, fixed auditorium seating, elevators, IT communications cabling and Infrastructure, and lightning protection. Faxed Proposals are acceptable. Please fax to 713-973-7107.
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Documents will be available (for download or to order hard copies) on iSqFt at www.isqft.com, or from B&E Reprographics, 3664 Walnut Bend Lane, Suite A, Houston, Texas 77042, Telephone: 713-243-7200, Fax: 888-513-6872, email: berepro@berepro.com.
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PleaseRequest sign approval and fax b for for Qualifications Houston Community College System by 12 NOON Wednesday for next M Northeast College Northline Campus Academic Building as part of the Academic Building and Parking Garage Project I
Tribble & Stephens Construction, Ltd. is soliciting qualifications from certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Subcontractors and Suppliers for the HCCS Northeast College Northline Academic Building Project, located at 8001 Fulton Street Houston, Texas 77022. Competitive proposals are currently being solicited for all Divisions of Work for this project to be received by 2:00 pm on Wednesday July 29, 2015. Please visit us at our website at www.tribblestephens.com to obtain the necessary prequalification forms. Interested firms should send their completed prequalification information package to: Tribble & Stephens Construction, Ltd. Attn: Estimating 8588 Katy Freeway, Suite 100 Houston, Texas 77024
Date
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PUBLIC NOTICE TRANSPORTATION JOB FAIR SPONSORED BY THE HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Saturday July 25, 2015 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Shadydale Elementary School 5905 Tidwell Road Houston, TX 77016 HISD WILL BE CONDUCTING IN-PERSON INTERVIEWS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: School Bus Drivers 15.70 per hour School Bus Mechanics Mechanic Helpers Transportation Attendants Up to $900 Attendance Incentive and $250 Sign On Bonus for new Bus Drivers! Free CDL Training, Guaranteed Route Hours, Flexible schedules, High Tech Buses, Benefits and Retirement available Please bring 2 forms of ID For further information check our website at www.DriveHISD.org or CALL (713) 226-4531
All applicant are subject to verification of work experience, Certification, References, drug testing, and criminal history check, It is the policy of the Houston Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, handicap or disability, ancestry, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or political affiliation in its educational or employment schedules and activities.
Equal Opportunity Employer
JULY
July 21 - 26
Tuesday - Sunday Houston Hobby Center Motown The Musical 800 Bagby Ste #300 Houston, TX 77002 *Showtimes vary* For more info contact houston.broadway.com
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Thursday Iprayz Gospel Party & Showcase 1112 Southmore Blvd Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 6pm For more info contact (800) 319-9231 Friday Buffalo Soldiers National Museum The Sound of History 3816 Caroline St Houston, TX 77004 From 6pm - 8pm For more info contact (713) 942-8920
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Friday KCOH 1230 AM Dial Tune in to The Power Brokers Show From 8am - 9am Friday Young Gunz of the Trailride 4th Annual Dukes & Boots Dance The Silver Eagle 4302 Reed Rdt Houston, TX 77051 Beginning at 8pm For more info contact (281) 224-1242 Friday Mt. Zion MBC Pastoral Appreciation Banquet **sPecial guest** mayoral candidate sylVester turner 1620 Dollywright St Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 7pm For more info contact (281) 447-2579
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Heading Title: African American News&Issues What’s Happenin’ Public Notice Thursday Monday 6 25 Saturday Contact The Judson Robinson 27 MtInformation: Hebron MBC AUGUST Name: Ethel Kujimiyo Sr. Community Center Musical Company: Houston ISD 1 Saturday Carl B Hampton Day, **s g ** Acres Home Chamber Phone: (713) 556-6524 Pecial
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uest
Son of Pleasantville micHell JoHnson maJor for Bus. & Eco. Dev, Inc. Fax: 713-556-6551 1422 Ledwicke St dr. f.d. samPson Digital Computer Class Email: EKUJIMIY@houstonisd.org Houston, TX 77029 7817 Calhoun Rd Address for Tearsheets: 6112 Wheatley St From 4pm - 8pm4400 West 18th Houston, Street TX 77033 Houston, TX 77091 For more info contact at 7pm Houston,TexasBeginning 77092 From 11am -12:30pm (832) 422-78062NE 42A For more info contact CyNThiA ClAy briGGs For more info contact: eXeCuTiVe direCTor oF carlhamptonlives.net (713) 733-9170 (713) 692-7161 CoMMuNiTies iN sChools oF Saturday AD COST Wednesday housToN, iNC THIS SHOULD BE YOUR EVENT Acres of Angels Upper Room s e n d i n Q u i r i e s to Acres Home Chamber and New Covenant The Release $691.20 news@aframnews.com for Bus. & Eco. Dev, Inc. Christian Tabernacle 11140 Greenbay St, Networking Luncheon Diabetes Walk Monday Houston, TX 77024 6112 Wheatley St Sunnyside Park Sunnyside Community From 7:00pm - 8:30pm Houston, TX 77091 3502 Bellfort St, End Hunger Sunnyside For more info contact From 11am -12:30pm Houston, TX 77051 Food Truck (713) 354-4408 For more info contact: From 11am - 2pm 5150 Reed Rd cwashington@chapelwood.org (713) 692-7161 For more info contact Houston, TX 77033 info@acreshomecenter.org Friday (713) 594 - 0056 or Beginning at 9am House of Deréon Saturday (832) 531 - 5504 For more info contact: Houston International Black August 2015 (832) 374-5585 Sunday Jazz Festival The Movement Jordan Grove MBC 2204 Crawford St 2417 Riverside Dr upporT Those 136th Church Anniversary Houston, TX 77002 Houston, TX 77004 2603 Anita St whoM From 5:00pm - 2:00am From 2pm - 7pm Houston, TX 77016 For more info contact For more info contact: supporT you Beginning at 10:45am (713) 772-5175 (469) 219-4478 Rev. Sammy Davis (Fellowship B.C.) Beginning at 4:00pm Rev. Marcus Cosby (Wheeler Avenue B.C.) PO# 21 15-06-17HR For more info contact P.O. Number (713) 522-3085 Sunday Mt. Zion MBC AppreciationCelebration **sPecial guest** Bus Drivers needed reV. isaac m attHews, Signature Pastor We’re Going Places. god’s grace community cHurcH Help us get there. 1620 Dollywright St Date Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 4pm For more info contact (281) 447-2579 HISD is looking for Bus Drivers to become a part of our transportation team. We offer:
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3 Please sign for approval and fax back to (713) 692-1183 by 12 NOON 31 Wednesday for next Monday’s publication.
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Monday Dwight A. Boykins & Lauren Anderson Conversation and Q&A w/ Misty Copeland The Kingdom Builders’ Ctr 6011 W. Orem Dr Houston, TX 77085 From 4pm - 6pm For more info contact (832) 393-3001 chelbi.mims@houstontx.gov
• • • • • • • • •
$250 sign-on bonus $900 attendance incentive Free training Competitive hourly wages starting at $15.40 (guaranteed minimum of 5 hours per day) Health, dental, vision and other benefit options Teacher Retirement System participation 403(b) retirement plan option Special trip pay options Referral incentive bonuses
To become an HISD Bus Driver, apply online at www.DriveHISD.org or call 713.613.3073. “All applicants are subject to verification of work experience, certification, references, drug testing and criminal history check. It is the policy of the Houston Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, handicap or disability, ancestry, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or political affiliation in its educational or employment schedules and activities.” Equal Opportunity Employer
HOU-7
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African
American News&Issues
Religion
TEXAS • JULY 20 - 26, 2015
RELIGION PROFILE: PASTOR RICHARD JEWEL ROSE
LADY SUNDRELL FARLEY AND DR. RICHARD JEWEL ROSE
HOUSTON - Prominence and distinction are two adjectives that describe Dr. Richard Jewel Rose. A native houstonian, he has become a true “jewel” to the religious community. Early on life, he served in the United States Marine Corps. Undoubtably, his proven leadership qualities and capabilities made room for him; as he soared to the level of Sergeant. This entitlement is one that he was honorably discharged with. Accustomed to fighting on the battlefield, Rose began his spiritual voyage at Mary Olive Baptist Church. He later, received an unavoidable call to minister the, “gospel of peace”. Being a chosen and willing vessel of God, he accepted that call. He was licensed into the ministry in October of 1970, by Pastor Gene A. Moore of St. Agnes Baptist Church. While there, he was a faithful and active member and served in several capacities. In the novice of his ministry he: organized the first weekly Bible Study class, taught the Brotherhood, Women’s Mission, Sunday School and participated in varying other church ministries at St. Agnes. He also utilized his melodious voice in the church choir and male chorus. In 1971, he married the love of his life, Sundrell Farley. After being a dedicated youth minister at St. Agnes, the Lord called Rose to a higher plateau in the gospel ministry. Hence, the Holy Trinity Missionary TX-8
Baptist Church was birthed in the Sunnyside area of Houston. In its initial formation, Holy Trinity was established in a two-car garage, along with eight members. As Pastor Rose toiled and labored, the need for a larger establishment arose. This demand for growth prompted the church to relocate to a storefront building on Stassen Street. However, a fire struck which caused for another move. Determined to fulfill the call he was assigned to; Holy Trinity began to worship in the home of Pastor and Sis. Rose, until the need for a larger space once again emerged. This resulted in another move to a storefront building on South Post Oak Road. Eventually, Pastor Rose and the Holy Trinity MBC located to another building, which had once been a liquor store. Pastor Rose, along with the loyal members of Holy Trinity, united together and performed renovations to construct the building into a worship facility. It was while here, that the Lord added to the church by leaps and bounds. The new place of praise is currently located at, 14513 S. Post Oak Rd., 77045. Educationally equipped and spiritually fortified, Dr. Rose has attended and earned served degrees from colleges, universities and seminaries throughout the country. These institutions of higher learning include: East Carolina College; Cascades of Glory Bible Tabernacle; Union Theological Seminary; Houston
Community College, (A.A.); March of Faith Bible Institute, (B.Th.); Texas Southern University, (B.A.); Houston Graduate School of Theology, (M.A.T.S.) and Faith Evangelical Seminary, (M. Div., D. Min.). Throughout the years, Dr. Rose has been a good steward and has been a recipient of various titles, positions, and honors. They include being the: former Dean of The Gregorio School of Biblical Studies; lecturer of the Independent General Association of Texas; Adjunct faculty, Texas Southern University; Presider of the WHW Expository Preaching & Teaching Conference and Preaching Is MY Business; current member of the Fort Bend County Ministers Coalition; and the President of Oikodome School of Biblical Studies and Oikodome School of Biblical Studies Expository Preaching & Teaching Bible Conference. Truly, Dr. Rose is making an impact within not only the religious community, but secular and social as well. He makes full proof of his ministry in many aspects. He may be found consistently persuading, announcing and encouraging lost souls, to come and hear the “good news” of Jesus Christ on social media. Dr. and Lady Rose are the proud parents of two children, Richard Jeremiah and Tabitha Sundrell Rose. They are also blessed with six grandchildren. To worship with the Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church stop by, 14513 South Post Oak, 77045. Services times are as follows: Sunday; Sunday School 8:00am, Morning Worship 9:30am, Bible Training Union 6:00pm, Evening Worship 6:00pm and Tuesday, Bible Study 7:00pm. For more information about upcoming events contact the church at , (713) 433 - 2652 or visit their website at http://holytrinitymbc.org/Home_ Page.html.
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BY: REBECCA S. JONES PHOTO: DR. RICHARD JEWEL ROSE
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TEXAS • JULY 20 - 26, 2015
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ACRES HOMES’ COMMUNITY UNITES IN SUPPORT OF VOTER REGISTRATION
L-R ETTA CROCKETT, JANE VIDALES, JACQUELINE TURNER, RUBY MOSLEY, ROSIE MCCUTCHEON, CARLA CAUGHMAN AND AMY NGUYEN
JOANN MCGARTHY, THELMA CROOMES AND RAMONA HAMILTON
HOUSTON - Recently, a collaborative effort between the Acres Homes Citizens Council, (which is comprised of the presidents of the civic clubs) and the Acreage Home Super Neighborhood held a Voters Deputization. Collectively, these two groups encompass the entire Acres Home’s community. The event took place at the Acres Home Multi-Service Center located at 6719 West Montgomery Rd., 77091. The sole purpose of the Voters Deputization was to get more people active and involved in the upcoming election. The Deputization is one that occurs once, at least every other year. These two groups strive to enlighten members of the community of the vital significance of utilizing their right to vote. Mrs. Ruby Mosley, a former educator, community activist and pillar of strength throughout Acres Home; shared with attendees her experience over the years in regards to voting. She reminded guests that there was a time in American history that African-Americans were not allowed to vote. She stated, “Now, at 86-years-old, I still remember when I went to Prairie View A&M University; at the age of 16.” “Two years later, I was in Houston going to Franklin Beauty School, to help work my way through school because there was no financial aid,” she said. Mrs. Mosley explained how she had to pay $1.50
KATHERINE DORSEY
COSMIE GARCIA
TIMOTHY WHITE
for a poll tax receipt. She compared those days to the present, wherein today the right to vote is free. “We are no further ahead than where we were then” Mosley expressed. Therefore, the Acres Homes Citizens Council
ANTHONY WILSON AND YVONNE GREEN
and the Acreage Home Super Neighborhood organizations are committed to encouraging young parents to train their children to use one of the only rights they have. Mrs. Mosley adamantly suggested that members of the community should, “take time and have a voice in making decisions for yourselves and stop letting other people decide for you.” “Know who you are voting for and find out something about them,” she admonished. Mrs. Mosley concluded by strongly emphasizing that, “there are times for a change and there are times not to make a change.” Finally she said, “Get up, stand up and stay up is our goal!” Mrs. Mosley is training others to follow in her footsteps to prepare a new generation for tomorrow. Tentatively, the two groups will be hosting a Voters Education Forum. This forum is one where candidates seeking public office will be present. Mrs. Mosley informed that there are three things that will be asked of candidates. They include, “What were you doing before you made a decision to run; how much do you know about the position that you are asking for our vote for and what would you do differently from the person that was in the seat before you?” STORY AND PHOTOS BY: REBECCA S. JONES TX-9
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Educati n/Y uth
Texas • July 20 - 26, 2015
How the Texas School Board of Education is Curtailing African-American Children’s Future By Changing the Past ‘TEA’ From Pg. 1
I heard absolutely nothing back in regards to my offer to serve on this committee until some nine months later while visiting my father in Ohio, I received a phone call from an unnamed individual in Austin, Texas, who hurriedly began our conversation with one piercing query, “Why are you not in Austin right now?” In time, this individual explained that he was from a ‘watch-dog organization’ that was investigating why I, along with other well-degreed educators, were not selected to participate in the aforementioned textbook review process. During this brief exchange, I came to learn that there was apparently ‘no rhyme or reason’ supporting who would be selected for the volunteer committee work; in fact, I now understand that an absence of formal education in the subject area actually increased the chances that one would be selected to serve on the aforementioned committee. In retrospect, I am saddened by the entire process, particularly the reality that African-American children’s minds are being molded, if not blatantly damaged, by individuals who do not have their best interests at heart. Making matters worse, the lack of media coverage or sensationalism has caused many self-proclaimed Black leaders to not deal with this colossal issue. As with most issues not involving Black death at a white hand, our leaders have remained silent. Although I do not dismiss the loss of Black life at a white hand, however, the damage flowing from such an unfortunate occurrence pails in comparison to the damage wrought when Black leaders stand idly by as a flawed revisionist historical narrative is force-fed to our children by an educational system that provides them a ‘choice’
to either learn the biased curriculum or exit their educational institution without a diploma. As with many things affecting our people, it is the esteemed Malcolm X who denounced AfricanAmerican’s pursuit of integration ‘by any means necessary’ by relating to his community, “Only a fool would let his enemy teach his children.” Considering contemporary educational failures, I am left with no other choice than to relate that today’s African-American educational leaders are the fools that Malcolm X was referring to over fifty-years ago. Such a statement has tremendous validity considering the reality that few Black educators have publicly issued even a mild protest regarding the overwhelmingly Conservative, Texas State Board of Education machinations and maneuvers to rig the creation of not only a whitewashed TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) curriculum, but also the selection of a decidedly biased textbook that furthers their primary agenda of removing both the utility of and presence of AfricanAmericans in the American historical record. According to Dr. Anthony Quinn, the Director of Upward Bound at Monroe Community College, “The only reason such maneuvers are occurring within State’s such as Texas is because of the political dynamics within the State. I am aghast that political partisanship has become the primary mechanism behind the critical decision that determines the historical narrative that will be taught to our children.” Considering the lack of expertise and absence of diversity found among the volunteers selected to recommend a textbook, it is not surprising that the historical contributions of African-Americans were
either omitted or slighted at every turn. Amazingly, one School Board of Education member prominently displayed their individual ignorance regarding this nation’s history of racial matters when they questioned why ‘slavery’ needed to be included in the textbook at all, from his perspective ‘the peculiar institution’ was at best a ‘side issue’ in this nation’s history. This particular board members highly contentious and historically inaccurate summation of American history makes the State Board of Education’s determination to select a textbook that emphasized ‘slavery did not cause the U.S. Civil War’ all the more understandable. Eric Joseph, a local historian and educator, is not surprised by such developments. According to Joseph, “they’ve always tried to whitewash American history in many ways. White educators have always sought to de-emphasize African-American contributions, while increasing whites’ stake to this nation. My reading of history highlights that AfricanAmericans contributions outweigh all other groups and cultures.” Dr. Anthony Quinn takes particular issue with the de-emphasizing of the institution of ‘chattel slavery’ that not only stabilized the colonies, but also brought economic prosperity to this nation in innumerable ways. “I think it is ridiculous to paint the picture that slavery was not bad. It was most certainly not a secondary issue. Slavery serves as a divisive issue on the North American Continent prior to the formation of the United Staes of America. Compromises had to be made to bring the Southern states into the United States. Not to mention the reality that the Civil War, a conflict that led to more deaths on American soil than any other conflict, occurred because of the ‘peculiar institution.’”
all original responses from Letter to the Editor Weourwelcome readers to content found in the
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The aforementioned matters have grown exponentially worse since the State Board of Education revised their social studies curriculum in 2010. It was during this moment that the overwhelmingly Conservative board swiftly put into place an aggressive plan that avoided any discussion of American racism or racial politics/matters. It is the ability of a racially nonrepresentative State School Board of Education to determine what will, and just as importantly will not, be taught to African-American children that is equal parts troubling and offensive. Unfortunately for African-American students, Black leaders silence on this matter has been deafening. As usual, other ‘minority’ groups, most notably persons of Jewish descent, have beaten African-American leaders to the punch by publicly rejecting the proposed textbooks. State Board of Education Chairman Barbara Cargill, a Republican out of The Woodlands, not only bristled at such criticism, but also related that current standards were “much more fair and balanced than they were before…I’m delighted that there is so much passion and interest in history.” Agyei Tyehimba, an author, education, and activist based in Harlem, New York, takes great offense at Chairman Cargill’s whimsical assertion. According to Tyehimba, “The entire educational process is designed to benefit whites’ by transmitting their cultural ideas and values during what is tantamount to an indoctrination process. Put simply, they are masters at manufacturing patriotism through their educational institutions and popular culture expressions. It is not surprising that Texas, which has a history of killing black people in their prisons, would also try to kill their cultural heritage and historical inheritance by erasing their ancestors’ contributions.” For those who doubt the State Board of Education’s power over educators, they need to look no further than State law’s mandating teachers dedicate at least 50 percent of their time to TEKS (Texas Essential
Knowledge and Skills); a baseline of facts that this same Conservative board has approved as being essential to creating an educated populace. Noted Criminologist and author of Class, Race, Gender and Crime: The Social Realities of Justice in America (4th Edition) issued the following piercing critique of the State Board of Education’s tyrannical rule over the entire educational process. “This entire matter reminds me of Carter G. Woodson’s The Mis-Education of the Negro. African-Americans have fought in every war this country has had, we have had an obvious part in every industry this nation has ever undertaken by either design it or participating as consumers. This is just another attempt to undermine the contributions of African-Americans, and if they are doing it to Blacks, they are doing it to Latinos, and there is no doubt that it has already been done to Native Americans.” According to Cotton, Texas’ School Board of Education has much company in its dastardly attempts to remove the contributions of people of color from today’s educational curriculums. Cotton relates that the contributions of non-whites to this nation are under direct attack by Conservative led educational entities. Yet, Black leaders have remained silent. Dr. Cotton relates that this attack “should matter to Black leaders because at the same time that this is occurring at the K-12 level, a simultaneous attack is occurring to Ethnic Studies programs throughout the nation at the collegiate level.” From this noted criminologists perspective, it is difficult for many whites to understand that “just as we have American History Survey Courses, we need to have similar courses depicting the history of ‘minority’ populations.” The State Board of Education’s orchestrated attempt to remove ‘persons of color’ and their experiences from educational curriculums and textbooks must be responded to by African-American educators, parents, institutions, and leaders. Continue Reading about the TEA
By: James Thomas Jones III, PhD, MA
Educati n/Y uth
Texas • July 20 - 26, 2015
African
American News&Issues
Washington HS: Honoring the past, embracing the future
Dr. Carlos D. Phillips II
Turning around a struggling high school is never easy. It takes rigorous academic programming coupled with effective teachers and administrators, committed parents and students, and strong business and community partners — all working in concert to ensure student success. It’s a challenging task, but worth every minute of effort if it improves the lives and futures of our students. We are committed to taking on that challenge at Booker T. Washington High School. We know how important it is to preserve the school’s rich and storied history, but we also must ensure students have all the resources they need to be successful — both now and after they graduate. I will be the first to admit that we have not met our obligation to Booker T. and its students. The school hasn’t met required state standards since 2010, and the campus is in its second consecutive year of being labeled “Improvement Required” under the current state accountability system.
Graduation rates have dropped from 79 percent — the district average — in 2012-2013 to 75 percent in 2013-2014. We’ve seen similar trends in our STAAR End of Course exams, which declined this year in all subjects with the exception of Biology, the results for which stayed flat. Compounding these academic issues is the continuing decrease in student population at the school. During the last school year, just 707 students were enrolled at Booker T. Washington, a significant decrease from years past. Roughly 1,500 high school students live within the Washington attendance zone, but just 38 percent of them choose to attend their neighborhood high school. Another 35 percent choose to attend other HISD high schools. More than half of those students seeking other schools are Hispanic. This must change. We must work harder to ensure students not only want to attend Booker T. Washington, but have the tools and resources they need to be suc-
cessful once they get there. Established more than 100 years ago as the city’s first black high school and later named in honor of a renowned educator and civil rights activist who was born into slavery, Booker T. Washington has long served as a beacon of hope in the African-American community. I want this campus to continue to serve as a proud beacon, but for all students. We should honor our history, but also recognize and acknowledge the changing face of this community. We must provide all neighborhood students with a school that is inclusive, welcoming and inspires success. I am committed to making this happen, as is your Board of Education President Rhonda Skillern-Jones, who is passionate about her desire to help this school. We’re building a new school, hiring a new principal and strengthening academic programs, but we need your help to truly move this school forward. I have seen you rally around this school. I know how much you care about Booker T. Washington. I’ve heard your concerns and frustrations. I need you now to take that same energy and rally around this turnaround. We must come together in support of this school, if we are going to make significant, meaningful change. Many of you have already reach out to me and my staff, and I appreciate that. In June, the top members of my staff met with a large group of alumni and community members to provide an update on the school and related search for a new principal. Following that meeting, I sat down with representatives from the alumni association and clergy, as well as State Rep. Sylvester Turner and U.S. Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee, to further discuss the issue.
Once we narrowed our principal search to just two finalists, we held another meeting to introduce the candidates to community representatives. We listened to what you had to say and took your feedback to heart. We need a leader who can honor our history, while also moving us forward. We need a leader who can inspire change and foster success. I believe we’ve found a leader who can do just that. A veteran educator and administrator with 15 years of experience in HISD, Dr. Carlos D. Phillips II will take the helm of Booker T. Washington this summer. Dr. Phillips comes to Washington from GregoryLincoln Education Center, where he served as principal for the past two years. Prior to that, he served as an assistant principal at three different schools including Booker T.
Washington. While at Gregory-Lincoln, Dr. Phillips set high expectations for students and placed a focus on three cardinal principals: increasing academic achievement, enhancing social development and critical thinking, and strengthening parent and community relationships. That is precisely the focus we need at Booker T. Washington, where academic programming already is evolving as administrators place a singular emphasis on engineering in an effort to better align the Futures Academy with the school’s successful and longstanding engineering magnet. HISD’s Futures Academy program allows students to get career training, industry certifications and even an associate’s degree in high-wage, high-demand fields — all
11 Superintendent Terry Grier Houston Independent School District
while still in high school and at no cost. Previously, Washington students were able to earn an associate’s degree, but it wasn’t industry specific. Now, the Washington Futures Academy of Engineering will offer students the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree in engineering science. By getting college courses out of the way while in high school, students can more quickly complete a bachelor’s degree in civil or mechanical engineering after graduation, which gives them a leg up on the competition. Continue Reading Future Online @ www.aframnews.com
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TEXAS • JULY 20 - 26, 2015
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