FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5, 2017 | FREE
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VOL. 22 ISSUE 6
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BLACK HISTORY DID YOU KNOW?
Queens Of Black History Who Deserve Much More Glory
SEE PAGE 4
Top Teens of America - Sugar Valley Chapter presents the 2016-2017 Blue & Silver Presentation & Scholarship Ball
Excellence Beyond Measure Sponsored by the Top Ladies of Distinction - Sugar valley Chapter Sugar Valley Chapter of Top Teens of America ~ Photo Credit: Provost & Associates
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Claudette Colvin (1939-present) Several months before Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat on a bus, Colvin was the first person arrested for resisting bus segregation in Montgomery, Alabama, at the age of 15. She also served as one of four plaintiffs in the case of Browder v. Gayle, which ruled that Montgomery’s segregated bus system was unconstitutional. CONT.
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African
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American News&Issues
BLACK QUEEN FROM PAGE 1
Editorial & Opinion
Let’s not forget about these trailblazing women this Black History Month
Black history lessons in classrooms shouldn’t be limited to the names of men and only a few women, especially when there are countless women who’ve made enormous strides for the black community. The revolutionary words Angela Davis spoke, the record-breaking feats of Wilma Rudolph and the glass ceiling-shattering efforts of Shirley Chisolm paved the way for black women and girls across the country to dream big and act courageously.
Septima Poinsette Clark (1898–1987)
Clark was an educator and civil rights activist who established citizenship schools that helped many African Americans register to vote. Regarded as a pioneer in grassroots citizenship education, she was active with the NAACP in getting more black teachers hired in the South.
Roy Douglas Malonson Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson President/C.E.O. Chandra Jarmon
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Mark Spivey
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This women’s suffrage activist and journalist was the first president of the National Association of Colored Women and a charter member of the NAACP. She was also one of the first African-American women to be awarded a college degree.
General: news@aframnews.com Ads: sales@aframnews.com Website: www.aframnews.com African-American News&Issues is published by African-American News & Issues, Inc., 6130 Wheatley Street, Houston, Texas 77091, (713) 692-1892. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm. The entire contents of the paper are copyrighted by African-American News & Issues, Inc. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. African-American News&Issues is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the publisher. African-American News&Issues assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other material, unless accompanied by a self-address stamped envelope.
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e welcome all original responses from our readers to content found in the African-American News&Issues. Letters to the Publisher may be sent via e-mail to news@aframnews.com. Please keep all letters under 300 words. Be sure to include the author’s name, area of residence. All letters and articles may be verified before they are published. All letters are subjected to editing or being cut for spacing purposes. Thank you in advance for your submission.
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Audre Lorde (1934-1992)
This CaribbeanAmerican writer and activist was a self-described “black, lesbian, mother, warrior and poet.” She empowered her readers with her moving poetry often tackling the injustices of racism, sexism and homophobia. She’s known for her poetry and memoirs such as, From a Land Where Other People Live, The Black Unicorn and A Burst of Light.
“I Never Knew the Declaration of Independence Had an Expiration Date…” Before I Lay it Down...
I Mary Church Terrell (1863–1954)
Flo Kennedy (1916-2000)
Kennedy was a founding member of the National Organization of Women and one of the first black female lawyers to graduate from Columbia Law School. She helped found the Feminist Party in 1971, which later nominated Representative Shirley Chisholm for president.
By: Taryn Finley | For more phenomenal women everyone should acquaint themselves with this Black History Month, visit Source: HuffingtonPost.com
Texas • February 27 - March 5, 2017
By “Coach” Mark Spivey,
’ve been gone a while from the editorial landscape; still smoldering from the election results of November 2016. I must admit that I was very surprised by the outcome just like millions of “real” Americans everywhere. “Real” Americans as in those of us who believe in the “intended” true meaning of the Declaration of Independence where it states: “We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”. I never knew that this proclamation came with an expiration date.
I’ve noticed in many publications that the words “Creator”, “Rights”, “Life”, “Liberty”, and the “Pursuit of Happiness” are all capitalized. They all look out of place of sorts, especially if you are an English major or English teacher. Why would Thomas Jefferson choose those words to highlight? They tend to “pop-out” at you as if they were begging for attention; but they’re not like hidden messages from the Da Vinci Codes nor are they succinct and polarizing. In actuality, these words tend to resonate with power paid for with blood, sweat, tears, and death. How inappropriate would it be for any administration of the people, for the people, and by the people to TRUMP over the advancements of this document propelling it back to the Middle Ages. We are witnessing American Absolutism at its finest right now. Unlike the European Absolutism of
the 16th and 17th centuries, there are no invasions of foreign countries (not yet anyway) and bankrupt economies, but there are however, visions of one-man rule and king-like qualities that another document in American history vehemently denies, that being the United States Constitution. At the core of this “new” Absolutism is the 21st Century’s version of Louis XIV. Arrogant, cocky, misogynistic, and rich are the calling cards that have exalted him beyond the grasp of democratic sensibilities into a makeshift world of political trial and error. Reminiscent of Don Quixote, “45” does not see the world and how it really is; a bastion of colors, ethnicities, cultures, races and hope. Instead, he paints a picture of gloom, disgust, sorrow, and prejudice. Also reminiscent of Quixote, this president will more than likely end up ostracized and politically censured ala Senator Joseph McCarthy of the “Red Scare” fame. But, by that time the Declaration of Independence would have truly expired. The funny thing about expiration dates is the criteria used to determine its meaning. Gallons of milk used to have the words “best if used by” a certain date. Other foods have “use by” a certain date. There is a difference, you know? I argue with my wife all the time about disposing of milk that we have in the fridge after its expiration date. “It’s still good, honey”, I say. But, I found out the hard way that the longer you wait to get rid of milk way past its standard time of consumption, the worse off are the consequences of you ingesting it. Just pour that damn milk out… The Declaration of Independence is expiring right before our eyes. Words are being quickly eradicated from its meaning. Continue reading “Before I Lay it Down” online @ www.aframnews.com
TEXAS • FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5, 2017
Editorial & Opinion
Trump Should Reflect On Race And His Legacy After Museum Visit
One way or another, Donald Trump will be etched into America’s racial history. He must now consider how he wants to be remembered.
Rev. Al Sharpton President, National Action Network
Recently, President Trump toured the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, where he was shown everything from slavery to the present day depicting both the ugliness in our past and the progress that we have achieved. As one who has toured the museum (and even has two or three photos in it), I have taken great pride in attending events there and showing people various parts of this unusually important institution. My immediate reaction to Trump’s visit was cynical; that it’s just a photo op, and it’s a way for him to get by some of his policies that are clearly bigoted and exclusionary. But on the other side, it is good that he went and at least saw some of the history that makes many of us look at him through the eyes of people that have felt trumped all of their lives and the lives of their forefathers. The real question now is, how will the Trump era be viewed in that museum? We are a little over a month into Trump’s Presidency, and there are many unanswered questions as to how he will proceed when it comes to issues impacting our communities. As the president immediately following Barack Obama, the first African American president, will Trump want to be in that museum as the one who reversed progress like unemployment being cut in half for Blacks, or implementation of the Affordable Care Act that disproportionately helped Blacks? Will he want to be the one who turns back from an emphasis on criminal justice reform, including
police reform and Obama’s commutations of low-level offenders more than the last 11 presidents combined? Does he want to be remembered as the President that removed protection of voting rights and instead tried to reverse it with more suppression tactics like voter ID laws?
“
...the corridor of history is longer than an election cycle.”
President Trump should keep in mind today and going forward that he will be in that museum one day alongside others. He can go down surprising everyone by continuing to ensure that the arc is bent towards justice, or he can be another one who tried to bend the arc back in the wrong direction. Will he be the first President in modern history that didn’t meet with the Congressional Black Caucus, or heads of major civil rights organizations (even though they may be critical of some of some of his policies)? He should reflect on the Museum of African American History and Culture and realize that the corridor of history is longer than an election cycle. Black history is American history. Trump should realize that he cannot only look at black history, but that he will be in it. Question is, what will the exhibit say? Neither he nor I will live to be around years from now to call a critical appraisal of fake news. What Trump should do is use this visit to reverse fear and change historic profile for the better.
To watch videos online visit Source: HuffingtonPost.com
African
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OK PRESIDENT TRUMP! BLAME IT ON ME!!!
“The garden was blessed by the Gods of me and you… We headed west for to find ourselves some truth, What you waiting for, What you waiting for… We counted all our reasons, excuses that we made… We found ourselves some treasure, and threw it all away... What you waiting for, No, What you waiting for, What you waiting for, No, What you waiting for… When I dance alone, and the sun’s beating down… Blame it on me… When I lose control and the veil’s overused… Blame it on me…?” These are lyrics from George Ezra’s, Blame it on Me. The words to this song came to mind in regards to the current President.
Now, Donald Trump is saying that he has inherited a mess and is trying to blame everything on former President Barack Obama. But, what he does not seem to understand is that he needs to hold himself accountable! The way I see it, if anybody inherited a mess it was actually our former President. There is a really big difference in the structure of the country now, versus a little over eight years ago, when former President George Bush was in office. The country knew, as well as former President Obama, that he had a task before him when he first took office. However, there was not a lot of rhetoric coming from President Obama as far as bashing and constantly trying to degrade President Bush. With a smooth transition, President Obama stepped up to the plate and immediately began restoring and directing the nation’s attention to things that really mattered. To that regard, I hear President Trump consistently referring to the “mess” that he has “inherited”; but you really don’t hear too many accolades coming from him as far as the things that President Obama really did do
that were vital to the nation. I can think of tons of things that he did to help enhance the country. First on the list… Has everyone forgotten that we were seriously headed back to another Great Depression? It was policies set in place by his administration that prevented a severe economic depression. Furthermore, the housing dilemma was totally a disaster; through various measures implemented by the Obama administration, it is nowhere near what it was over eight years ago. Then, the health care crisis that affected a massive number of people from our communities was a serious problem. Today, many people are covered by affordable health insurance and we know that, that was just not the case when President Obama first took office. One of my favorites is the fact that one of the main transgressors of the September 11, 2001 (911) attack is dead. During a time when most Americans had forgotten about the man who orchestrated the plan that resulted in nearly 3,000 American lives and injuring over 6,000; it was announced that Osama bin Laden, was dead. He was killed at the hands of former President Barack Obama. Our paper does not contain the space to reveal all of the accomplishment of the former President, but there were many. Moving forward, I have really been trying and doing my best to honor this president, but I’m having a hard time doing so. I have even written to our readers to accept the fact that this is our President and attempt to make the best out of what we have. I have seriously tried to remain objective and optimistic in this regard; but it is beyond me why the President won’t just simply be the President! From the very beginning, I had a problem with him trying to ridicule former President Obama.
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We MUST Understand By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman
He would not stop with all of his allegations that Obama was not a true American, due to the birth certificate issue. It just appears that he goes from one extreme to the next. Now he is dead set on wiping out the legacy that the Obama administration has set in place. Simply put, this guy just really needs to hold himself accountable. We MUST Understand these days it is just the way of the world to play the “BLAME GAME”! Everybody blames someone else for everything that is going wrong in his or her life. Playing the “BLAME GAME”, in my opinion is the coward’s way out! Because, back in the day when I was growing up, it would have been considered childish to blame somebody else for your failures. But, nowadays it is just the thing to do. Sad! With that being stated, elements such as these continue to hurt our nation and our communities. The last place we should have to witness childlike behavior (The BLAME GAME), is in the highest seat in the country that anyone can occupy. We Africans living in America, just as every other American, have a right to have a certain expectation from our own President! And I will admit that first and foremost importantly should be that the Chief is held accountable by the people and by himself, to state the least! But, OK PRESIDENT TRUMP, just BLAME IT ON ME! While it may be true that a person seeking any type of office is not aware of the entire road that lies ahead for them, the reality is Read More columns online @ AframNews.com! TX-3
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African
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BLACKOUT FROM PAGE 1
Anywhere But Fort Worth Boycott Rages & Points to Black Economic Struggle and Battle for Fairness, Equality and Respect If we accept and acquiesce in the face of discrimination, we accept the responsibility ourselves. We should, therefore, protest openly everything ... that smacks of discrimination or slander. -Mary Mcleod Bethune FORT WORTH - Like Rosa Parks, Blacks in Fort Worth are sick and tired of decades of the same old practices of the “Fort Worth Way”. The Black Out Fort Worth Movement is a serious and organized protest whose roots spring from the actions of Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama. “We are here to express our dissatisfaction for the way the thing are,” said Rev. Wm T. Glynn, president of the Faith and Community Leaders United of Fort Worth and pastor of the Mount Olive Baptist Church. “Things are not right here in Fort Worth and we can no longer wait on other folk to do things for us. We must stand up and be heard.” ROSA PARKS BOLD ACTION The Montgomery City Code required that all public transportation be segregated and that bus drivers had the “powers of a police officer of the city while in actual charge of any bus for the purposes of carrying out the provisions” of the code. Civil rights activist Parks was heard round the world after she refused to surrender her seat to a white passenger on a public bus Montgomery, Alabama. It spurred on a citywide boycott and helped launch nationwide efforts to end segregation of public facilities. Even though she was arrested and later released, her sacrifice sparked a boycott that brought the city transportation system to its knees and set off a national movement that ended segregation. FORT WORTH BOILING Like Montgomery, the Black community in Fort Worth has reached its own boiling point and the action now has turned into a long drawn out struggle directed by Faith and Community Leaders United Fort Worth – a group of Black ministers and community activists, citizens of all races who want to send a strong message to Mayor Betsy Price, Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald, the Fort Worth City Council and the downtown business community that police brutality, ignoring the economic fairness and justice concerns of the community will no longer be
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Cover Story
TEXAS • FEBRUARY - MARCH 5, 2017 Texas •27 August 12-18, 2013
tolerated. Lead by Glynn, the movement has taken on a Montgomerystyle flair and promises Montgomery Rosa Parks results. “This is a Godly coalition being built to point out systematic racism that is in this city,” he said. “We do not seek to use riots or burn buildings, but are the new voices of consciousness and righteousness that are fighting for real changes in our community and for our community.” He is leading the charge for prayer and peaceful and nonviolent approach to marches and protests rooted in the Church in an attempt to create and accomplish similar economic and civil rights goal successfully achieved by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and others in the early fight and struggle for rights and equality. CATALYST FOR NEW MOVEMENT It has been more than 60 days since the mom, Jacqueline Craig, called police for help for an incident involving her 7-year old son and a White neighbor. The result of the call was instead of justice and service, Craig and teen members of her family were disrespected and arrested by white police officer. For his role in the incident, the White Fort Worth officer who was shown on video bullying the black mom and earned a 10-day suspension. That sparked the community to organize Blacks and Browns and hit the streets of downtown Fort Worth with chants of “enough is enough”. - Only this time the outrage has awakened a sleeping giant and the new Civil Rights movement has begun and is set to last much longer than a three-day news cycle and has goals for real changes. It is a movement that is being led and directed by the local church leaders and community activists who have joined forces in an unprecedented unity that has not been witnessed in the history of the city. Mayor Price has called the incident, “a clear breach of trust with the community”, but has fallen short of condemning the incident and has not revealed any definitive planned changes. She only has met in meetings and talked with Black folks and the Black community in what she once characterized as “bitch sessions”. THE CALL TO “BLACK OUT” FORT WORTH Fort Worth native Attorney Leon Reed, Jr., Chairman of #BlackOutFortWorth, also urged community activism at the Fort Worth March for Justice and let downtown know that this is only the beginning. Reed Jr is one of the community leaders calling for the
“Blackout!” and Economic boycott of Ft. Worth until the city gets serious about justice. Not for some, but for all of its citizens. “Shop anywhere but Fort Worth,” Reed said. “It’s time to shake it up and use economics to get their attention. We are asking Black and Brown people not to come here, not stay here or spend money in downtown. Black Out Fort Worth now.” According to city statistics, close to 8.8 million people come downtown annually via tourism, conferences, conventions and community and city events. “As in the days of Martin Luther King – from the Montgomery bus boycott to the strike by the Memphis garbage workers in 1968 – it has been understood that the best way to communicate with the establishment is talking to it, not through its heart or its ears, but through its pocketbook.,” he said. Others supporting the movement include pastors, the Rev. Dr. Michael Bell, the Rev. Kenneth Jones and the Rev. Kyev Tatum and a host of other Fort Worth community activists. The Montgomery Bus Boycott lasted 361 days and after 60-plus days and this united group gathered on the steps of county justice in solidarity to voice its displeasure and called for collective community action that includes a protracted protests, marches and a full boycott of downtown Fort Worth and all of its events.
To Continue Reading on AframNews.com
Story By: Darwin Campbell Photo By: Donald Mooney ` see More Photos on Pg. 11
Texas • February 27 - March 5, 2017 Photo Credit: TS One Media
Politics
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African
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Entertainment
TEXAS • FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5, 2017
From Acres Homes to Hollywood
creating stories that really speak to us. Not only as individuals but also as African Americans and who we are to society today,” he expressed.
Black Kollectibles & F lowers
There are so many things that Akens enjoy when it comes to acting, but there is one particular thing that stands out to him. “One thing I love about acting is the story telling element. I love telling stories through other people’s point of view…through all of the characters you play in acting; it all comes done to the same thing. We all share the same characteristics; we all want to be loved, we all have been hurt before, we’re all human beings…even though I play different characters, I feel they all are the same as far as what they want out of life.”
Thomas Blackshear
Celebrating Women’s History Month
“
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Availab!l Now
Christopher Lee Akens
Los Angeles - Colin Powell said it best when he stated,
A dream doesn’t become a reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.”
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For Christopher Lee Akens, he knows that he has what it takes to make his dreams come true.
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Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Chris has always had a strong love and passion for film and theater. He grew up in Acres Homes and graduated from Carver High School. After graduation, he then attended Sam Houston State University where he received a bachelors degree in Theater in August 2015. Akens has been acting since his early childhood years, and as he grew older, he made up his mind that one day, he was going to move to Los Angeles.
In addition, his favorite filmmaker is Spike Lee because of his passion and tenacity. He admires his hard work when it comes to writing his own films, getting them funded, and how he has created opportunities for African Americans. He loves how Spike Lee made stories that African Americans could not only act in, but also collectively, they could relate to them as well. “Growing up, I didn’t see a lot of people that looked like me in film...so I really appreciate what he has done.” Furthermore, his favorite actor is Denzel Washington. “I look up to him because he is so human in my eyes.” Akens commends Denzel for his faith in God and his ability to pick out his roles.
Recently graduated from New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, he wrote and just produced his first short film called Too Late, which is focused around “Lyons King of the Jungle”- Fences Black lives in America. The short film is about a girl who is in need of money for tuition. In order to help, her significant Also, Akens spoke about an interview that he saw Denzel do, and how he declined a role because he other turns back to his old ways in order to try and make some fast cash. He wins a lot of money, but he didn’t support what the film stood for. In spite of the then gives it back because he doesn’t want to end up money that he was going to receive from it, Denzel did not accept the role. back in jail. Shortly after, the police show up, and things turn for the worse. “I really get happy about
Cont. reading online @aframnews.com ~ By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed.
EDITION DATE: February 27 - March 5, 2016 (Vol. 22 Issue 6) Heading Title: Public Notice
What’s Happenin’
TEXAS • FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5, 2017
PUBLIC NOTICE ATTENTION - Private Nonprofit Schools and Neglected & Delinquent Facilities in Houston, Texas and the Surrounding Areas Action Required Private Nonprofit Schools and Neglected & Delinquent Facilities with students enrolled who reside within Houston ISD attendance zone boundaries and/ or whose physical location is within Houston ISD attendance zone boundaries may be eligible to receive equitable services from specific federal Title programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act for: Title I, Part A – Title I, Part A, Subpart D – Title I, Part C – Title II, Part A – Title III, Part A. This notice applies to the 2017-2018 school year. Contact Houston ISD for more details by Monday, March 6, 2017. Title I, Part A – Title I, Part A, Subpart D and Title II, Part A – 713-556-6928 Title I, Part C and Title III, Part A – 713-556-6961
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TOP TEENS FROM PAGE 1
Education/Youth
Texas • February 27 - March 5, 2017
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Sugar Valley Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.
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Teen Sharea Washington, 1st Runner-up Miss Top Teen with her father
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(l-r) Lady Marie Bass, Blue & Silver Ball Chair, Lady Gwen Moon, TTA Advisor, Alon Moon, Miss Top Teen Sugar Valley Chapter, Eric A. Sims, Mr. Top Teen Sugar valley Chapter, Lady Linda Wooten, President TLOD, Lady Janice Scimmons, National Top Teens of America Director
TEXAS • FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5, 2017
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TEXAS • FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5, 2017
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Oral History Project Could Hold Key to Healing The Generational Impacts of Racial Wounds
that hold onto to HOUSTON the soul and keep She is a 19-year Black people old college Black from looking up, woman who never looking forward understood why and discovering the she lives with the real person inside idea and always with great talents felt like she did not and skills to offer measure up and had the community and little to no confiworld. dence in herself. Despite being THE a good student in PROBLEM high school, she endured abusive Smith said harsh words, submarching and rallyliminal messages ing is what people and blatant put Steve Miller welcomes those ready to tell their story to the Oral History Project ~ Photo by Jonauan Miller of color know to be downs about Blacks the United States Department of Justice’s “the” way to participate in the struggle and that has since dogged everything she mobilization through healing by sharCommunity Services Division, primarily, for civil rights, they often shy away from ing stories of discrimination to promote has done and kept her from believing within the Texas educational system. our own healing and validation without participating and thus the results are that in setting goals, dreaming and realizing His work has brought increased being told “to get over it,” Miller said. African-Americans have lost personal the winning feelings that come with equity to hiring processes, enlarged “The genesis of this project is what I agency and belief they can affect change. achievement. job opportunities, and fostered greater noticed in my eight-year career of workIt wasn’t until she came and shared understanding of institutional partiality ing in human rights—and that is people “This has resulted in black immobiher story at the HBCU Truth and through education. repeated stories of discrimination over lization and losses in civil rights gains Reconciliation Oral History Project held He also has coordinated and won leand over again when recounting them earned during the King years… and this at Texas State University Law Center gal actions at the Federal court level and to people who could help them. We even immobilization extends to almost every that for the first time in her life she began has been the stimulus of rewrites of disdiscovered that, many times, the telling area of black life,” he added. “Since to talk about her struggle and understand cipline policies, whose ends resulted in of the story was more important than the people of color, in many instances, fear that the negative words, teasing and bulfewer loved ones of color being exposed getting involved in the struggle, we offer lying by White students and White teach- solution, which led us to determine that to and caught in the educational system’s storytelling as a low cost, easy, and people needed healing from experiences ers from a predominantly White school disciplinary apparatus, which correlates of discrimination in ways that didn’t ineffective form of participation, which, we district and community near Houston highly with elevated juvenile justice and volve directly solving the problem—they hope, will eventually lead to other more left her with low self esteem, feeling mass incarceration rates. just wanted to talk and get their story robust forms of civic participation… and undervalued and powerless to make any He is dedicated to achieving racial out.” are hoping that as people heal they will changes in her life. equality through spreading the love of According to Smith, the project’s act (again).” For generations, the African Christ and building relationships across strategy is to capture stories of the American community has been in a ethnic lines in order to promote more ordinary person of color’s encounter Depressed people keep themselves struggle to overcome hundreds of years lasting and authentic spiritual and social with racism and frame those stories locked up, in the dark, and refuse to of inequality and in a fight to save the change. in academic research in order to heal, move. As they become less depressed community suffering from self esteem Smith holds a B.S. in Political create legitimacy, improve relationships, they are encouraged to move out and be and self identity issues since the advent Science from Texas A&M University; develop compassion, and to encourage a part of society. of slavery. a B.S. in Finance from the University legislative, ecclesiastic, and practical The project is needed because people This one story by this college student of Houston; a Master’s in Commercial action. throughout this country need healing and is one of many told and collected by Real Estate Development through The primary aim of the project is for an advancement of equality in a more the HBCU Truth & Reconciliation the Graduate School of Finance at people to share their stories and then lasting and relational way. Oral History Project. The project is Mays Business School, Texas A&M release them so they can begin the healAccording to Smith, while working the brainchild of Founder and United University; and a Master’s of Divinity as community organizers, it was noticed States Christian Leadership Organization ing process. from Austin Presbyterian Theological that people repeated the same stories of Director Rev. Steve Miller. Wiley Seminary in Austin, TX. BACKGROUND experiences with racial discrimination College of Marshall, TX also helped His revelation has resulted in a new over and over and seemed to be more sponsor the event. way and effort to reach out with a new Miller is a humanitarian working in interested in telling their story than ad“The mission of the HBCU Truth & way to deal with the perils and drawhuman rights in the State of Texas and dressing a course of action. Reconciliation Oral History Project is to backs and challenges of racism and work beyond for over eight years with his offer storytelling as a legitimate form of to heal the inner Black man and Black work resulting in Federal civil rights To continue reading visit us online participation in the struggle as a means woman by providing a way to free the @ aframnews.com to reverse immobilization and encourage investigations by the Department of By: Darwin Campbell mind and release those “demons” Education’s Office of Civil Rights and TX - 10
TEXAS • FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5, 2017
Religion
Religion Profile: Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church Baptist Church continues to grow spiritually, financially and numerically. The services’ crowds were always phenomenal. In 1921, the old church came down and the new facility was built at Clark and Conti Street, where it is still standing.
Being led by the Holy Spirit, the church selected in 1945 Reverend Aaron A. McCardell, Sr. as Pastor, who served for 21 years. After Reverend McCardell became pastor of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, he initiated on January 1, 1948 the Prayer Bowls. It is a time when people came from all over the world to experience “prayers, praises and testimonies.” Pastors and members of other churches flocked to Pleasant Grove to hear the good news of Jesus Christ, to start their journey in the New Year.
Pastor Charles L Jackson
Pastor Sheldon Jackson
HOUSTON – African-American News & Issues presents, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church as our religion profile of the week. The history of this historical institution is revealed in the following. The journey for Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church began in 1872. The great 5th Ward was a very small community when Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church was founded by Reverend Stewart, who was pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. In a short time the church bought property at Opelousas and Clark Street and created a beautiful church building. Pleasant Grove was led by 15 Pastors between 1872 and 1945. Pleasant Grove Missionary
To properly describe the development of the church under this very young man one can only use the word-----Amazing. The spiritual fervor that gripped the church grasped all worshippers upon attendance to the worship service. The attendance grew from a mere sprinkling of the faithful members to capacity audiences for both services. God’s grace abode and His prerequisites prevailed because truly: “The Bible Way Is the Pleasant Grove Way.” No one knew to what great heights, the church would climb, but all could ascertain that the church growth was sure and steady. Today, God’s grace continues through the leadership and ministry of Pastor Charles L. Jackson, a man who believes that the effectual and fervent prayers of the righteous availeth much. As it stands now,
Pastor Charles L. Jackson has been the Pastor for over four decades, over the same church that his late Uncle, Pastor A.A. McCardell, Sr., previously led.
The Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church has also, been blessed with an added leadership of the dynamic Pastor Sheldon L. Jackson who is also serving. He is the son of Pastor Charles L. Jackson. Pastor Sheldon L. Jackson has demonstrated a unique love and commitment to this ministry. Under his leadership he has established the Family Night ministry, he serves at the second worship location on Walters Road, The Ministry of Inclusion and the ARK Ministry for the families of the church and community.These mighty men have endured because they founded themselves upon the rock of Christ Jesus, and no man or institution founded there, shall fail. Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church has not only seen the disparities of negatives, but there have been some gracious blessings from God. As servants, Pastor C. L. Jackson and Pastor Sheldon L. Jackson have allowed the Holy Spirit to use them to establish the A.A. McCardell Academy. It was an educational institution that allowed troubled teens and adults to enter the doors and leave with a testimony and their General Educational Development (GED) degree. Missionary Baptist Church is located at 2801 Conti Street, 77020. To find out more visit pleasantgroveway.wixsite.com/ pleasantgroveway
Happy Birthday Diane
Mothers are rare precious jewels loaned to us for guidance, love and support. Our beautiful mother did much more, her smile when she entered a room would brighten our rough days. With a pure loving heart of gold, will forever leave footprints in our hearts. No day goes by when we don't think of that love. Your love, dedication and tireless spirit reigns within us. Nobody but God could love us more. Rest in the arms of the Lord. Sending shouts to Heaven, Happy birthday my love 2-24-49 Your loving children, Shemica Perrino(Elder Thomas Perrino): Clayton Gainous aka JJ(Dena): JeCoby and Jecory Gainous. Grandkids LaPorsha Green(Jason): Nasia & Madison
African
American News&Issues
11
Second Chances Shine in Sunnyside
Helping Hands Outreach Ministries Offer Hand Up to Formerly grams holds regular second chance workshops every six months and has a continuous training and development program operating at the J.J. Robinson Family Life Center at 4810 Red Bud Street.
HOUSTON - There is a bright light shining in the Sunnyside community that offers those formerly incarcerated direction and a new pathway to success. The Helping Hands Outreach Ministries Second Chance Program, run by Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, targets Sunnyside, South Park and areas of Cullen Avenue in the city. “Our programs are an attempt to expose people to success,” said Rev. Dr. Max A. Miller Jr., Pastor of Mount Hebron MBC. “It is an opportunity for these men and women to see that someone cares and to help and provide an opportunity for a second chance to make a change.”
Most employers are looking for candidates with training, experience and who are intelligent about the employment and job search process. Many formerly incarcerated citizens who do their time come out with limited to no leads for employment and even fewer skills to help them land a job. “They are not getting this kind of training when incarcerated,” he said. “Without the skills, many have nowhere else to go but to turn back to crime.” Miller said he and volunteers in the program are trying to turn the tide on statistics often stacked against the formerly incarcerated. “It is important to give then a fair opportunity for employment,” Pastor Miller said. “Our goals are to train them and make sure that things are equal across the board in their preparation for work.”
GRIM REALITIES
HELPING HANDS TRAINING
Rev. Dr. Max A. Miller Jr.
The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports the following statistics on recidivism: • Within 1 year following placement in 2005 on community supervision, 18% of the federal offenders had been arrested at least once. At the end of the 5-year follow-up period, 43% had been arrested. • Among those conditionally released from federal prison, nearly half (47%) were arrested within 5 years, compared to more than three-quarters (77%) of state prisoners released on community supervision. • About 3 in 10 federal prisoners released to a term of community supervision returned to prison within 5 years, while nearly 6 in 10 state prisoners conditionally released returned in 5 years. According to Miller, the pro-
Some of the training at the life center provide includes improving job preparation skills by teaching individuals how to communicate, do job interviews and prepare resumes and how to prepare and dress for interviews. Other training involves getting some hands on practice and work in the center that helps trainees get needed experience that candidates can use when applying for jobs. Those skills involve learning lawn care, yard maintenance and landscaping and sharpening custodial, cleaning and customer service skills. The Second Chance program helps develop much needed domestic skills and social skills for dealing with women, workplace environments and independent living. To continue reading visit us online @ aframnews.com By: Darwin Campbell TX-11
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African
American News&Issues
TEXAS • FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5, 2017
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