FREE • April 30 - May 6, 2018
www.aframnews.com
Vol. 23, Issue 15
Turning Life Around
Alvin David Byrd, Jr. By Rebecca S.Jones Photos courtesy of Alvin Byrd, Jr.
The late Malcolm X once said, “There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance next time.” This is evidenced by Mr. Alvin David Byrd, Jr., his story consistent with one who has overcome Afram News
much. Though some of it self-inflicted, over time he learned to embrace being blessed with having “another chance” as opposed to “a second chance.”
Finding Identity
Alvin David Byrd, Jr. made his debut when many African-Americans were still searching to find their identity. He was raised in a single-parent home by his father in Fifth Ward and never met his biological
mother, but was nurtured through the community environment. At an early age, he learned the true meaning of the old proverb, “It takes a village.” “I was the only child in the beginning and before I could go to the store for my father, I had to knock on all of the senior citizen’s doors and see what they needed from the store. But that gesture was reciprocated, because I was one of the original latchkey kids. When my father had to work, I couldn’t go home until I went by Mrs. Florence Brown’s house, my adolescent caretaker. I would have to stay there until my father got home. So, I was blessed to grow up in a time when everybody looked out for one another.” Byrd attended Crawford and Dogan Elementaries and E.O. Smith Jr. High School. His true personality began to emerge in high school. Around the eighth grade, he and some of his classmates formed a singing group. After realizing his presence on stage excited the young ladies, he sought to become an entertainer. “I could be riding on the bus and if my ego or
African-American News and Issues Newspaper
self-centeredness told me, ‘this is a nice audience,’ I would jump up and start singing because I liked the attention,” he recalled. “Back in the day, Fifth Ward was like Harlem in New York – with all the hustlers, prostitutes and fast-living.” Although equipped with the “perfect role model at home,” Alvin David Byrd, Sr., he quickly became fascinated with the street life. Attracted by the lifestyle of his peers, he started smoking cigarettes, drinking, skipping school and indulging in troublesome behavior. Reflectively he shared, “When I was trying to be hip, slick and cool, I noticed that I didn’t drink and party like everybody else – I did it to the extreme. So, early on in my life, I began to have internal struggles about how my social behavior was. I wanted the attention but, because I couldn’t control my drinking and drug usage, I sometimes got negative attention.”
Did You Know? Read the fascinating story of one of the greatest Black hunters, pg. 8
Justin Henry, District 9 DISD School Board Trustee Candidate, pg. 9
Kendall L. Bates, local TSU student, balances college life and entrepreneurship, pgs. 6 - 7
Embracing HOPE
Despite his engagement in such activities, he was surrounded by positive inContinued on Page 4
Afram News
Pastor Terrance Hall at Kingdom Builder’s Cathedral 1st Pastoral Anniversary, pg. 8
2 • African-American News and Issues WE ENCOURAGE YOUR OPINION
Please be advised copy allows an approximate word count up to 350 words and will be edited for content to fit. Please send to news@ aframnews.com.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
We welcome all original responses to content found in African-American News & Issues from our readers. Letters may be sent via email to news@aframnews.com, or mailed to 6130 Wheatley Street, Houston, Texas 77091. Please type your letters if you choose to mail them. We do not accept handwritten letters. Please keep all letters under 300 words. Be sure to include the name and residence. All letters may be verified before publication and are subject to editing for space. Thank you in advance of your submission.
Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman/Publisher Shirley Ann Malonson, President/CEO/Publisher Erick Kline, Copy Editor Rebecca Jones, Senior Writer Fred Smith: Sales General: news@aframnews.com Ads: sales@aframnews.com Website: aframnews.com Artwork: prod@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, 9 am. to 5 p.m. 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 express 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.
I
We Need Respect
see the current disrespect towards African-Americans, and while I know there is disrespect for brown people, poor whites, women, immigrants and non-traditional Americans, it is clear no other group has been as disrespected as us. Our many accomplishments have made this country great, but instead, we continually hear negative reports. Former NAACP President Ben Jealous, currently running for Governor of Maryland, recently said on television, “There were more Black people incarcerated in prison in America, than any other place on this earth.” Some took this as most African-Americans are criminals, instead of questioning the large number of incarcerations as it was intended. Lack of respect in the judicial system is definitely a serious problem. If you think I am saying Black people do not crimes, then you are misinterpreting my statements. What I am saying is our whole race is labeled as criminals and outcasts. I applaud former President Barack Obama for decreasing the U.S. prison population during his two terms. I know many of our Black leaders are trying hard to help. However, it’s going to take dedicated persons of all races to give the disrespected respect. There is no way anyone can truthfully say the millions of Black people in prison, on probation and parole were fairly put there, nor is this is a good look for our
Texas • April 30 - May 6, 2018
The Standard View
By Billy “Hollywood” Groves
nation’s image. Even the pay rate for Black people has always been very low, compared to the so called respected Americans. Putting pressure on others to respect Black people’s civil rights is a difficult task because we don’t have enough speaking out about it. It is of the upmost importance we communicate this message. This is something we as Black people can now safely do these days, that we were not able to do previously. While on the subject, another seriously disrespectful set of actions are the murders of Black people, especially Black men by police and law enforcement. At times, it seems like the people who are against respecting us feel threatened, that if they give us respect, they will lose some of their own power. It is a sad thing that currently, there is disrespect coming from the current White House, which makes it seem acceptable. Trump is trying to push his false narrative to his loyal supporters, who then try to legitimize it to the public. “We the People” know that people need to be respected so they can develop positively. We cannot let anyone disrespect our American citizens on any level! We will survive and prosper as a nation if we respect each other as equals. God bless America! - AANI
A
XES
word so taboo you dare not say it around any priest or Black parents who grew up in the south. I guess God sent more spirit babies in our grandparents’ generation because no one ever talks about how, when, why and where grandma had ten plus chillum, and nobody had a daddy around! Yet, we praise and revere her sensibility and wisdom without questioning her maturity. Age does not automatically breed wisdom or knowledge. You dare not even say this word out loud in the Black Christian community. Dang alright SEX! There I said it. Sex, booty, and a big ol wee wee. Gasp! “Ooo, he going to hell!” Why is sex and sexuality so taboo within the Black church and family? We raise our young boys so cynically, subject to how their mothers and grandmothers were conditioned around other Black men. Seems like male attraction is always on edge. And when you think about it, The Color Purple didn’t really place your average Black male in a decent light. So of course your daughter is intrigued by the drug dealer who beats her, then buys her flowers, instead of the postman or milk boy. For decades we fussed at our little sisters about saving their innocence, reminding them at the same time how fine they are subconsciously. Now I describe the “subconscious” as a mental, emotional and physical routine positive or detrimental in outcome
Speaking to Dysfunction By Sir Christopher Wayne
without actively being aware it is being done. Example: we tell little Black girls not to have sex, and because they’re so curvy they must cover their bodies at church and throughout our community. I guess the natural attraction they give off offends some older people. We’ve done this for centuries without even realizing it. So instead of governing the jealous spirit of not being “youthful and beautiful anymore” via our older women in charge, or the immature male attraction to feminine beauty, we victimize, shame and fail to teach and guide. And, beyond the mumbo jumbo, we tell our young sistas – the same lil prize we told y’all to guide and cherish – to use it as a tool of getting what they want if money’s involved. AKA a woman should never be broke with a good sexual baby making apparatus between her legs! Now everybody confused, whoring, pimping and gay. Got pastors, momma, daddy, and grandma wondering why the youth are so lost, not realizing they’re just depicting learned conditioned behavior from the old heads. We kill the hetero human attraction and wonder why there is a disconnect between the brothers and sisters from the top on down. - AANI
Texas • April 30 - May 6, 2018
T
“Changes”
hey say (whoever they are) one must either change or die. This country is changing right now, begun the moment we were brought here kicking and screaming from the Motherland; followed by the struggles between slavery and Reconstruction; precipitated by the Civil Rights Movement; and currently entered into a new phase. Change is never easy, particularly for those who know their days are numbered. We see it in certain people’s bizarre, insane lengths to hold on to something slipping from their fingers. But don’t get it twisted. Pay attention to the side show, no matter how ridiculous, because the outcome will affect you, even if you think the possibility is too remote to consider. Change is also for the better, especially when we learn to look past ourselves. Black folk cover an immense spectrum in between Spike Lee and Tyler Perry. Black Panther and Get Out’s successes only prove my point. “I want you to know,” Bob Marley sang, “I’m a rainbow too.” Truer words were never spoken. We love comic books and horror movies, horses, skateboarding, gardening, tennis, cooking, NASCAR, cosplaying - we are so much more than the sum of our parts. We’re artists, poets, bus drivers, police officers, lawyers, preachers; we’re Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist; gay and transgendered. And there’s nothing wrong with any of it. It’s time to get over any
African-American News and Issues • 3
Opening Minds By Erick Kline, Copy Editor
prejudices and realize these are facts, not fake news. We must not only embrace our diversity, we must celebrate it. The FILL IN THE BLANK you think is going to hell may be the very one to save your life or help you out of a similarly unpleasant situation. Be like Mike, look in the mirror and make that change. At this juncture, a united front is critical. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. A Sankofa proverb translates as, “It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.” We must take the good from the past and bring it into the present to make positive progress through knowledge. Learning to understand one another leads to greater solidarity. Move past stereotypes. We shouldn’t give society the satisfaction of treating each other the same way. Change also takes effort and can’t happen without participation. Get up, get out and do something. Work a poll (you see what I did there); volunteer, visit a museum - expand your comfort zone. It’s amazing what you’ll find out about yourself and the world around you. Knowledge is power, and you can start a revolution. Great beginnings have started with less. Every adventure requires a first step. Let this be yours. - AANI
Taxation Without Representation
or years, I have been FMUST telling folks that We let our voices be
heard. I have adamantly expressed the importance of being involved in the decisions that affect us, our communities and most importantly our future, which is our children. Anyone who is familiar with me knows that I often place emphasis on “our money” and “our vote.” Because they are two of the most powerful tools we have, we should be careful who we give them to. I am glad on one hand, to know that there are members from our community who have and are willing to take a stand and allow their voices to be heard by any means necessary. However, I am equally dissatisfied with what recently transpired at the Houston Independent School District board meeting. Just to recap, there was a board meeting held within HISD to discuss the fate of ten schools which have been deemed as “improvement required.” Tensions rose as parents and attendees became dismayed about a vote that would allow the district to surrender those schools to Energized for Excellence Academy. The academy is a charter school operator and would run those ten improvement required schools for
two years. The proposal did not sit well with many, which showed as they voiced their concerns. As things escalated, President Rhonda Skillern-Jones closed the meeting to the public due to multiple outbursts from the audience. But when some of the attendees refused to leave, they were forcibly removed. In the midst of an already chaotic scene, two parents were arrested. Of what transpired, this is what made my blood boil. I took a moment to put myself in the shoes of those parents who were arrested. How in the hell can you arrest me for criminal trespassing and I’m a taxpayer with partial ownership of the property? As a matter of fact, all of y’all are on my payroll, including the ones who arrested me! The way I see it, the staff, administrators, trustees and public servants are supposed to work for me because I help pay their bills. We MUST Understand, regardless of where you go in this city, if you pay taxes then you are part owner of the public facilities. So, once again how in the hell can you arrest somebody in they own shit for showing discontent behind a proposal? This entire ordeal needs to be investigated, because it just wasn’t right. The way this scene unfolded suggests that we are living in a city which adheres to
We MUST Understand By Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher
taxation without representation when it comes to our school system. So now I’m wondering, “Should we form a Negro or African-American Tea Party of some sort?” Since everybody else got one, maybe we should consider it, because we are definitely not being represented well. Don’t get me wrong, I understand what the president was doing by trying to deescalate the situation. But we have to consider it is hard enough to get parents to come out and get involved in these meetings. Therefore, when they and community members show up, they deserve to have their voices heard; or don’t they? One of the parents arrested, Kandice Webber, went on record pleading her case. She said, “We refuse to allow partnerships or charters in our Black and Brown neighborhoods.” I think she has a good point! HISD and the District Attorney’s Office have confirmed that the charges against the parents have been dropped. But in my opinion, there should have never been any charges to drop to begin with. - AANI
4 • African-American News and Issues
Continued from Page 1
fluences like his father and principal, Ira Scott, Nelly Joyce Punch and Purdis Cartwright who encouraged him against wasting
his potential. Therefore, when HOPE Development came to Fifth Ward, Byrd did not think twice about getting involved. He took a break from his recreation-
Alvin Byrd, Jr. and wife, Sandra Martin Polk.
Alvin Byrd, Jr. featured with Ray Andrews and Carl Davis at Houston City Hall.
Alvin Byrd, Jr. and Brian Stoker at the American Leadership Forum graduation, receiving certificates from completion of a Community Development Class.
Texas • April 30 - May 6, 2018
al activities and began to learn more about himself. As it was, being a mulatto in the Hood created an identity crisis for him. Yet, HOPE educated him on his cultural history, established him with a sense of pride and guided him with some direction in life. He embraced HOPE’s principles, which educated him on Black history and the Civil Rights Movement, insomuch he developed a militant personality. Consequently, he became one of the founding members and president of the Houston High Schools Alliance for Black Student Unions. In this role, he often published articles in The Voice of Hope, the organization’s weekly newspaper. The alliance was a collective union amongst schools Phillis Wheatley, Jack Yates, Booker T. Washington and Kashmere High Schools. During his involvement at HOPE Development with Earl Allen, he learned of local leaders throughout the city like Gene Locke, Omowale Lithuli Allen, Aubrey Harold Pierre and Deloyd Parker. He was already familiar with the late Congressman Mickey Leland because he was from the community. However, once coming into the knowledge of what was really happening, he developed a different outlook on the work Leland was doing within the community and throughout the city. He understood Leland was training people to make a difference. Therefore, whenever the opportunity presented itself and he was in Leland’s
company, he made sure to make himself known. From this experience, when Leland helped create one of the first free health clinics in Fifth Ward, he allowed Byrd to serve as a security detail for the facility. He affirmed, “Mickey gave me a role; he was a guy that would lift you up to see over the fence, so that you could recognize there was something better or different.”
Chancing Life
By the time Byrd arrived at Phillis Wheatley High School, he sensed a disillusionment with the Civil Rights Movement. He said, “It seemed like when Dr. King died, the movement in my era died.” Hence, he traded in his dashiki for Iceberg pimping clothes. Even though he continued living the street life, internally he knew that he didn’t have the heart of a hustler. He was often reminded of this by elders who knew him. “I knew Mrs. Beulah Shepard through one of my stepmothers, Jimmy Lee Gregory, who was from Acres Home. Back then when I got in trouble in Fifth Ward, they would ship me to Acres Home. I always remembered Mrs. Shepard asking me, ‘What you want to be? Because wanna-bees don’t make honey, work-a-bees make honey.’” After graduating from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1971, he enrolled at Texas Southern University. As a freshman, he worked with Mrs. Ruby Mosley in the Model Cities Program at Cuney Homes. The program was de-
signed to improve coordination of existing urban programs and provide additional funds for local plans. He believes this was God’s way of positioning him around people who would help change his outlook on life. Nonetheless, there was an underlying growing substance abuse issue and unable to maintain a steady job. He would either quit or get fired. Eventually, he joined the United States Navy and became a shipbuilder by trade. Serving in the Navy afforded him the opportunity to gain exposure to a variety of things, places and people and more importantly, he learned discipline. During his tenure, he helped build the USS Comfort and the USS Mercy, two super tankers converted into floating hospital ships. He was also a loyal member of Iron Workers Union and the Pipefitters Union through National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego, CA, where he worked on many navy ships and submarines. Byrd dedicated ten years to the Navy and made remarkable strides during his stint. However, the substance abuse issue still haunted him. As he reminisced over his life he concluded, “There were good times and then bad times.” He continued, “Within those bad times, folks were giving me another chance. I had been married three times, and the single most reason for my failure was drug abuse.” After being discharged from the Navy,
Texas • April 30 - May 6, 2018
he initiated a career with the City of Houston in the Solid Waste Management Department.
Accepting Change
He was involved in an accident while working in sanitation and, moved to another department, used that time to resort to drugs. He noticeably missed too many days from work and his superiors, aware of his circumstances said if he didn’t seek treatment, he would lose his job. He began treatment and has been sober since October 9, 1996. “Through the process of my recovery, I found self-awareness and did a moral inventory. I found a way to live life on life’s terms - one day at a time and I’ve doing it ever since. I have been blessed to live two lives in one lifetime; the way I used to live, and the way I live now. But, I give all praise and credit to God. Since then, I have been able to give back to my community. In the same community that I did all of those negative things in, I have been able to go back and serve. The same people that saw me abusing and misusing my potential are the same ones that nurtured and took care of me; so that now I am able to utilize it in a positive way.“
Making a Difference
Since that time, he has been heavily involved with the political arena in Houston. He has served as Chief of Staff for two Houston City Council Members the Honorable Richard Nguyen of District F and the
African-American News and Issues • 5
Honorable Jarvis Johnson representing District B, which includes Fifth Ward. He later became interested in becoming a public servant and was elected the first President of the Greater Fifth Ward Super Neighborhood Council. Over the years, he has held numerous positions and has been a member of various organizations. He was a former member of the Northeast Branch of the American Red Cross serving Fifth Ward, Kashmere Gardens, Pleasantville and Acres Homes and an active member of Mickey Leland College Prepratory. He has served as Chair of the Fifth
Council but was unable to complete the process due to becoming ill. Nonetheless, many people within District B have asked him to seriously consider running for city council again. Based on the overwhelming demand and support of District B residents, he has decided to pursue the seat of candidacy for City Councilman within the district in the upcoming November, 2018 elections. Byrd strongly believes, “you can’t lead, if you haven’t served.” Thus, considering the wealth of service that he has rendered to his community; one can only surmise that, it’s hard to
Ward Weed and Seed Initiative Steering Committee; Vice-Chair of the Fifth Ward Resource Collaborative and selected as Vice Chair of then Mayor Lee Brown’s Commission for People with Disabilities. Additionally, he is grateful to have worked for Pastor Rudy Rasmus of St. John Methodist Church through Bread of Life, Inc.; CEO Vernice Swisher, Career and Recovery Resources, Inc.; Deloyd Parker, S.H.A.P.E. Community Center and Star of Hope Women and Families Shelter, Extended AfterCare Recovery Center for Men and Houston Recovery Campus at Barbara Jordan Health Center.
beat tried and proven experience. Byrd remains grateful to his wife of 15 years, Mrs. Sandra Polk, who he describes as, “beautiful, intelligent, committed, family-oriented and very supportive.” He says, “Lessons learned from our children and grandchildren have taught him many things about the millennials and new-aged children. So, I am keeping my finger to the pulse of the community through many different aspects of our family and community life.” While he attributes his great success to God; he holds all respect, admiration and honor for the person most responsible for who he is today, his father Alvin David Byrd, Sr. - AANI
Alvin Byrd, Jr. standing at the podium accompanied by Senator John Whitmire at the Acres Home MultiService Center auditorium. Byrd served as Master of Ceremonies for the dedication program in honor of Mrs. Ruby Mosley.
“I found a way to live life on life’s terms - one day at a time and I’ve doing it ever since.
Leading Through Service
In 2010, he ran for City
Mayor Sylvester Turner, Anita James and Alvin Byrd, Jr.
$45-$100 (per story)
WRITERS WANTED
Must be knowledgable of the African-American Communities. For more info call or send resume to sales@aframnews.com
6 • African-American News and Issues
Texas • April 30 - May 6, 2018
Struggle as an Adventure… By Rebecca S.Jones Photos courtesy of Lamack Bates
Growing up, Lamack Bates never set his mind on any particular profession, but he always desired to travel abroad. Some two decades later, his journey swiftly manifested. From crossing several state lines to serving in Iraq, Bates sums his experience thus far as an “adventurous struggle.” After overcoming adversity, he has evolved into a three-time entrepreneur and an upcoming scholar graduate from Texas Southern University.
The Beginning of an Adventure
Lamack Bates, a Sacramento, California native was born to McKinley and Charlene Bates, his primary education completed in the Sacramento City Unified School District, until his family moved to San Antonio. Upon relocating to Ferriday, Louisiana, he graduated from Vidalia High School, where he stood out as a star athlete in football. At his father’s recommendation, one of his greatest inspirations, he enlisted in the United States Army in May, 2009. “I have always looked at
anything that came out of my Dad’s mouth as an order. It was always about discipline and the way he molded me. So when he recommended th e military, I didn’t second-guess it – I took off with it.” After basic training boot camp, he completed job training where he trained as a cable installer and worked with fiber optics, converting copper to copper wire. Stationed afterwards at Fort Hood then deployed to Iraq in 2011, he returned to Texas after his tour ended and continued his job until being honorably discharged in the summer of 2013. He remained in Texas due to its military-friendly atmosphere and his interest in the real estate market. He relocated to Houston and
utilized the skills he developed in the Army.
The Start of Struggle
Transitioning from soldier to civilian presented several obstacles for him. His military status provided him battle combat skills; however, he realized he needed to mentally prepare himself to compete in the professional workforce. He decided to pursue a degree in Business at Texas Southern University in 2014. “During that time, I came to a place where I was limited on support. A lot of what I went through was self-inflicted, because, I could always go back to my dad or my cousin in the city. Sometimes I did, but, I’ve always been a go-getter and never asked for nothing. If I couldn’t get
it on my own, I would just hold off until I could make ends meet. Even though I had family all over, my willpower wouldn’t let me go to this place or that place, because I knew that I could do it on my own by the grace of God. Besides, I look at struggle as an adventure. It’s just like going camping - most people go when they are limited on resources. Yet, they get a kick out of going, because it’s fuel power.” For a time, Bates was homeless. He would sleep in his truck in between studying and waiting on his next class to start. Nevertheless, he remained focused on his education and a music venture he pioneered with co-owner, Don Linen. In 2013, he began operating under AMIL – (All Money is Legal/All My Individuals Legit).
Inspiration of AMIL (All Money is Legal - All My Individuals Legit)
Lamack Bates poses for a quick shot in between classes on campus.
Display of the AMIL Apparel brand.
In a society where being illegal has become popular and legal unpopular, Bates chose to utilize his platform to inspire positivity through representation of the AMIL brand. He says, “AMIL can translate many ways – people always wanting a million; but I’ve never really been money-driven. I’ve based my moves off of what I feel the market wants and needs.” He partnered with Don Linen on his first tier of AMIL and they experienced success with their
Texas • April 30 - May 6, 2018
hit, “Leanin’â€?. He shared, “The Lord has blessed us to produce videos and material and we’ve gotten something like two million streams on our ďŹ rst recording. We have even rubbed shoulders and worked with some great people and had a deal with Russell Simmons on our ďŹ rst project.â€? Later, he expanded his reach to include AMIL Transport, LLC, a trucking company, with his brother and business partner, Demack Bates. Together, they recycle the wealth within the Black community by employing minorities. AMIL Transport is a national logistics company which transports to various oil ďŹ elds within the industry. Most recently, he has included AMIL Apparel under the umbrella. The latest venture has become a fresh and innovative clothing line, which has attracted the attention of people from around the world. Bates revealed, “In three hours of posting the ďŹ rst ad of my clothing line on Instagram, I had clicks from Germany, Australia and other countries.â€? Aside from international support, Bates’ social media sites show supporters from states around the country repping the latest trend. Find him on Facebook, Lamack Amil Bates and Instagram, lamack_amil Tentatively, he is hoping to expand and market the AMIL Apparel line through major retailers globally. He has also been exploring additional investment opportunities.
African-American News and Issues • 7
From One Adventure to the Next
On April 5, Bates was recognized at TSU as an Honors Day Convocation honoree. During his time as a student, he has maintained a 3.0 GPA. On May 12, he will receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. In regard to his efforts and accomplishments, he revealed the following. “Over the years, my perception about school changed, to where I know if I don’t do this or that – I won’t get credit for it. Once I started to focus, I realized the mental potential I had all along; but, I had to apply myself, ďŹ rst.â€? Continuing, he shared his mother was incarcerated when he graduated high school and one of his greatest motivations has been for her to witness another one.
Advice to the Black Community
“You ain’t got to lie to kick it,� is Bates’s advice to the Black community. “In every strand, clique or group, there is a place for everybody. We need a carpenter, computer guy and people with other trades. There needs to be a variety, so, everybody can have a part. Everybody don’t have to be no gangsta or killer.�
Texas Southern University honor student Lamack Bates kneeling with the TSU tiger mascot.
ce Sin 94 19
Ava il N o wa ble !
Inspirations and Mentors
“Overa ll, I thank God for my parents who have always supported me and taught me to lean and depend on Him for everything,� he says. “Everybody is not fortunate to have a strong supportive system.� - AANI
Bra nd New !
| We appreciate o ur customers!
8 • African-American News and Issues
Texas • April 30 - May 6, 2018
Kingdom Builders Cathedral 1st Pastoral Anniversary
Jeremiah 3:15 – And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Recently, local pastors, ministers, leaders of the city, residents, members and guests united to celebrate the 1st Pastoral Appreciation for Pastor Terrance and Lady Tamara Hall. Pastor Hall has be-
come a well known leader within the community. Following the unction of the Holy Spirit, he and Lady Hall began serving at Kingdom Builders Cathedral. Pastor Hall says, “God
Pastor Terrance and Lady Tamara Hall
has blessed us to complete one year in leadership at Kingdom Builders and we count it all joy. Some people don’t make it that long… But, it has been an exciting and rewarding spiritual journey and my wife and me are excited about where the Lord is leading us in Him and we give Him all the praise.” Pastor Dr. Joe Samuel Ratliff of Brentwood Baptist Church concluded the final services for the grand occasion. Kingdom Builders Cathedral is located at 817 Herkimer, 77007. For more information and/or details regarding worship service, times and events contact, (832) 860-9666. - AANI
Local pastors, ministers and distinguished leaders from the community gather to celebrate the 1st Pastoral Appreciation of Pastor Terrance Hall of Kingdom Builders Cathedral. All photos courtesy of Pastor Terrance Hall
A happy hunting party somewhere in New England, with dinner in hand! Photo credit: Okinawa Soba (Rob) from Pinterest
Master hunter and guide Prince Alston was one of four Negro hunters writer and poet Archibald Rutledge held in highest regard as a woodsman. Like many post-Civil War Negroes, the Alston family stayed where they had been all their lives - on the Hampton Plantation of South Carolina. Born in 1883, Prince was Archibald’s lifelong friend until his death in 1927. It was Prince who taught Archibald much about hunting, the outdoors, and how to read the signs of the woods. It was often Prince who guided hunts on the plantation for both guests and full-time residents. Prince was said to be a fearless and skillful horseback rider and a peerless woodsman. Archibald had this to say about him: “We were of the same age, and for a generation we were inseparable, enjoying a woodland fellowship that brought us very close together. As boys, we shared a thousand adventures in the deep plantation woods, the wide plantation fields, the deep and strange plantation waters. I developed into an amateur naturalist,
Prince became a peerless woodsman. He brought to his understanding of birds and animals, wild and tame, a certain occult comprehension that no White man ever attains. He appeared to regard all beasts and birds as his younger brothers and sisters and he spoke to them and of them as if he shared all their hopes and fears.” It was Prince who saved Archibald from a rattlesnake bite one twilight night as he stopped Archibald in his tracks. “Wait Cap’n, I smell a rattlesnake,” he told Archibald. Probing around in the bushes with a stick, there lay the snake five feet in front of where Archibald was standing. During a time where Blacks were often seen as second class citizens and rarely given credit for their accomplishments, Prince Alston and his feats as a master woodsman, hunter, and guide cannot be forgotten. Although dead for more than 90 years and forgotten by history books, Prince Alston’s skills serve as inspiration to hunters today in 2018. - AANI
Texas • April 30 - May 6, 2018
African-American News and Issues • 9
The Race is On for Dallas DISD Trustee, Especially for District 9
By Arielle Johnson Photos by Arielle Johnson
Saturday, April 21 the Community Affairs Department of the People’s Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, held an Education Forum luncheon, featuring several candidates running for District 9 DISD School Board Trustee. Incumbent, Bernadette Nutall participated, but asked not to be recorded by our camera or photographed; candidates Ed Turner and Justin Henry were willing participants in the discussion and were not opposed to the free publicity for their campaign. Attendees were mostly members of District 9 and/or the church. There was no fee to attend; however, event organizers recommended those interested RSVP ahead of time. Attendees were escorted to open seats and given an index card to write down questions they wanted to ask the individual candidates or the entire panel. Judge Cheryl Lee Shannon of the 305th Juvenile District Court moderated the panel. With early elections beginning Monday, April 23, literally right around the corner from the Education Forum, tensions ran high as each candidate did their best to make sure they stood out among the others. At the beginning, incumbent Bernadette Nutall told the room she felt as if the forum, although held at a church, was created to address “Bernadette Nu-
tall” and not the students. Candidate Ed Turner told attendees there is leadership now threatening to sue him and local leaders bullying him. After these two awkward announcements, and an apology given to Bernadette Nutall by Ed Turner for which he apologized if she felt bullied, Judge Shannon asked the candidates to please focus on the questions, not bring chaos to the event. This seemed to be the “no nonsense” type of tone the candidates needed to hear, as there were no more outbursts. By observing how the candidates responded to the questions, those attending would agree they were very passionate about the importance of our children excelling in the DISD system. And while they all presented different platforms, Ed Turner and Justin Henry seem to believe very radical changes need to be implemented within the DISD School Board for the students to succeed. In fact, Justin Henry mentioned he attended an event recently with Ed Turner, where they sat on a panel before approximately 200 students who presented their own concerns about what DISD could do to set them on the path to an excellent future. Mr. Henry recalled one student telling him how he, as a student, told a college recruiter, “Don’t just come to my school and talk to me about college because I meet your criteria. I think you need to talk to all the students, because they all need to know what college
is like.” On the other hand, Bernadette Nutall appeared to have faith in the system as it is now and went on to state, “Joyce and I agitate, then we negotiate,” as a way of meeting the students in District 9’s needs, which are extremely different from other districts, where the per capita income is classified as middle and upper middle class. Both Ed Turner and Justin Henry agree there needs to be a tax increase from 4 cents to 13 cents to get our students valuable resources. In August of last year, Bernadette Nutall voted against a special tax proposal which would have allowed the voters to decide whether or not our public schools got more funding. As much as $55 million dollars would have been on the table for public schools, particularly in District 9 and other districts where many families are living below the poverty line. Ed Turner simply stated, “Two cents and 4 cents does not go far,” and has suggested a tax increase of as much as 13 cents. Justin Henry believes we are failing the students if we don’t fight to get them the resources they need to be successful. He too believes increasing the tax to 13 cents would be helpful, but spent more time voicing his opinion about the need for policy changes. Mr. Henry said, “I want policies in place that Minneapolis has, that St. Louis has. We need policies in place that demand that the Board puts racial equity
Judge Cheryl Lee Shannon, 305th Juvenile District and Damarcus Offord, Manager of Community Affairs Department at People’s Missionary Baptist Church in South Dallas.
Justin Henry, Attorney at Law and Candidate for District 9 DISD School Board Trustee
demands in every decision they make.” Until that happens, it’s always going to be whoever has the loudest voice gets the money. Candidate Ed Turner gave just as good an applause-worthy speech about breaking the school to prison pipeline we are inevitably creating when we do not provide other avenues for our students to pursue when they leave high school. “Every student is not going to go to college,” he said. “I have friends and family members right now that you see up and down these streets. They weren’t bad, they were actually good kids. What happens is we
don’t have career paths for them. They go out into the community and start selling drugs, and before you know it, they get caught up in a trap house, now they got a felony. And guess what?! Now their life is messed up. If we had a plan in place, they wouldn’t be out there hustling.” Indeed, the race is on for District 9 DISD School Board Trustee. Good luck to all of the candidates. It is our hope and prayer that the best candidate wins. Election day is on Thursday, May 5. Early voting has already started and is taking place now. Please get out and exercise your right to vote. - AANI
10 • African-American News and Issues
Flowers
Funerals * Hospitals * Sympathy * Birthdays * Anniversaries * Weddings * Valentine * Women’s Day * Easter * Mother’s Day * Father’s Day * Schools & More
ards C t i d e Cr cepted Ac
WE R! DELIVE
Call or Co m Llamar o e In! Entren!
Flowe Mothe rs for r’s Da y!
Mixed Arrangement of Live Flowers
Flowers for All Occasions
|
www.shirleyannflowershop.com
email: contact@shirleyannflowershop.com We Appreciate Our Customers
Texas • April 30 - May 6, 2018
Black Men and Healthcare – A Broken Relationship
By Abdris Elba
Source: BlackDoctor.org
There’s a naivety that comes with being young, a Black man or both. It’s almost a feeling of invincibility – a false sense of healthiness that’s based off an unprofessional self-assessment consisting of an “I’m okay. I feel good.â€? If there’s no sharp pain or glaring signs of a problem then there’s no need to go to the doctor. “I know my bodyâ€? is often our sole justiďŹ cation. Obviously, this is a dangerous way of thinking that positions us to be reactive rather than proactive. With youth and/or being a Black man also comes the blissfulness of ignorance. Being unaware of your current state of health is more soothing than ďŹ nding out something may actually be wrong. Living in the unknown doesn’t force us to face past actions that may have triggered health issues: whether its sexual activity, substance abuse, diet, etc. Here is when you realize how much we believe in the age-old axiom, “out of sight, out of mind.â€? Black men’s subscriptions to awed notions of masculinity only compound the issue. Our deďŹ nitions of what it means to be a “realâ€? man are generally shaped by societal and traditional masculine
norms, which condition us to be self-reliant and conceal any sort of weakness. Revealing health issues to our closest friends and families puts us in a vulnerable state that jeopardizes our “manhood.â€? In a sense, Black men feel there’s a stigma and embarrassment associated with sickness when in actuality it’s just being human in its most rudimentary form. Another layer we must analyze is Black men’s mistrust of the healthcare system, rooted in racial and prejudice undertones. The relationship between patient and physician is just that – a relationship – and the foundation of trust is broken within the Black community. One must look at the historical contexts of Blacks and the health care system to truly understand. Historically, Black bodies have been the victim of forced medical and surgical experiments only to have the results used as justiďŹ cation of their oppression and exploitation. Dr. J. Corey Williams explained, “In the Antebellum period, Blacks were forced to participate in dissections and medical examinations. The psychiatric diagnosis of drapetomania, or “runaway slave syndrome,â€? was created to diagnose and pathologize African slaves who ed their vicious slave owners. To run away from slavery was considered a disease. The treatment was often amputation of extremities.â€? He continued, “Later during Reconstruction
Era, white American doctors argued that former slaves would not thrive in a free society because their minds could not cope psychologically with freedom. In the Civil Rights era, psychiatrists used the concept of schizophrenia to portray Black activists as violent, hostile and paranoid because they threatened the racist status quo.� The infamous Tuskegee Experiment entailed the purposeful injection of hundreds of Black men with syphilis and denial of treatment in order to study how the disease affected the human body. With these daunting events in mind, it’s easy to see how the mistrust of the healthcare system was inherited. Though today’s world is much better, racial prejudice still plays a role in the treatment of Blacks in contemporary medicine and public health. Black men are sometimes treated with different medication compared to whites with the same condition. Older medications with worse side effects are prescribed to Black men over newer medications with fewer side effects. Stereotypes of Black men lead to longer wait times and doctors’ mistrust of their described symptoms as well. It’s been noted that physicians spend less time with Black men as well. Again, the relationship between doctor and patient lacks the empathy needed for a patient to feel a particular treatment and prescription is the true solution to a health issue. - AANI
Texas • April 30 - May 6, 2018
PUBLIC NOTICES Notice to Proposers Sealed electronic qualifications will be received by Lone Star College for: • RFQ#579 – Program Management Services, Indefinite Delivery-Indefinite Quantity. Electronic bids due by 11:00 am, Thursday, 05/24/2018. Mandatory Pre Qualifications Meeting, Thursday, 05/10/2018 at 9:00 am at the LSC-University Park Campus, The Governor’s Room, 20515 State Highway 249, Houston, Texas 77070. RFQ Contact: kimberly.a.burnaman@lonestar.edu Must have a LSC Registration to Submit a Response: http:// wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/supplier. htm. If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the LSC on-line registration process, contact michael. loudis@lonestar.edu or 832-813-6532. Houston Community College Invitation for Bid (IFB) SALE OF APPROXIMATELY 23.402 ACRES OF LAND (WESTHEIMER) Project No. 18-19 Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Wednesday May 30, 2018. Documents can be obtained at: www. hccs.edu/procurement.
Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) Energy Procurement Services RFP NO.: 18-29 Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Thursday, February 22, 2018. Documents can be obtained at: www. hccs.edu/procurement.
THURSDAY, MAY 3 Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development, Inc. Cordially invites you to attend the May Monthly Business Networking Luncheon 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Acres Home Chamber 6112 Wheatley Street (Beulah Ann Shepard Building) Houston, Texas 77091
African-American News and Issues•11
SATURDAY, MAY 5
10th Anniversary Celebration Dinner 5 a.m. -7 p.m. at The Dock You are cordially invited to special evening commemorating The Dock Bookshop 10 Years of Business & Service. The evening will include Dinner, Live Entertainment, Special Guests and more. Cost $10 per person. Children 12 and under $5. Attire: Dashiki/ African Attire
SATURDAY, MAY 5
Women Cultivating Greatness Luncheon Celebrating Women of Excellence A luncheon celebrating the great achievements of local non-profit organizations Syan Rhodes, Channel 2 News, Mistress of Ceremonies 11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The Power Center 12401 S. Post Oak Road Houston, TX 77045 To reserve your seat or make a donation, visit us at www.womencultivatinggreatness.com
SATURDAY, MAY 5
Guest Speaker Linda Head, Associate Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Corporate Partnerships UPDATED TICKET PRICES Member Price $30.00 Non Member Price $45.00 For more information contact 713-692-7161
Go to www.aframnews.com
to find out where to pick up our newspaper
A Day of Empowerment St. Philip’s College is the site of the seventh Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence conference in the Heritage Room of the Campus Center building, 1801 Martin Luther King Drive in the Denver Heights neighborhood. The day consists of scholarship presentations, a panel presentation, breakout sessions and a keynote address from a guest speaker. . Online registration is required to attend the sessions on minority male empowerment and positive self-image for students of all ages. For assistance, contact Dr. Debbie Hamilton at dhamilton@alamo.edu.
THURSDAY, MAY 10
The Ensemble Theatre celebrates its 30-year revival of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, directed by Eileen J. Morris with Opening Night and Media Reception, 6:30 p.m. 3535 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. Previews: May 5, 6, and 9, Show Runs: May 10 – June 3, 2018 Performance Days and Times: Thursdays: 7:30 p.m; Fridays: 8:00 p.m; Saturdays: 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m; and Sundays: 3:00 p.m. Tickets Available Online: www.EnsembleHouston.com For Information Call: 713-520-0055 Ticket Prices: $23 - $50 August Wilson American Century Cycle Award Presentation, May 12, 2018
MONDAY, MAY 14
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Location: BlackHorse Country Club, 12205 Fry Rd., Cypress, TX 77433/ VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa, 12951 Barker Cypress Rd., Cypress, TX 77429 The annual scholarship fundraiser supports the MBE Executive Scholarship program. The proceeds from the event allows HMSDC, its MBE Development Partners and Sponsors to award scholarships, promote and conduct educational and developmental programs to further the professional acumen of MBEs.
African American News and Issues:
SUNDAY, MAY 20
Dedication Ceremony Rick Ogden Elementary School, 21919 Rayford Road, Humble, TX 77338 2 p.m. Reception
MONDAY, MAY 21
Glorious Inaugural Banquet honoring Bishop Johnny A. Tates, Prelate of Texas Greater Southeast First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction 7:00 p.m. Sheraton North Houston at George Bush Intercontentinental Airport, 15700 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Houston, TX 77032. Inaugural Speaker: Bishop Jerry Wayne Macklin, 2nd Assistant Presiding Bishop, Church of God in Christ, Inc. Black Tie Affair
If you live in or near Greater Third Ward and you have prediabetes, diabetes runs in your family, a BMI of 25 or higher or your Hemoglobin A1c is between 5.7% and 6.4%, you may qualify for this free diabetes prevention program. All who qualify and enroll receive 25 sessions with a healthy lifestyle coach and a FREE, one-year family membership to the YMCA! For more info about the program and to find out if you qualify, or information on how/where to get screened: Visit: https://touch.healthuh.com/dpp Email: diabetes.prevention@ymcahouston.org Call: 713.743.3021 TOUCH: @HRITOUCH | https://TOUCH.HEALTHuh.com HRI: @HEALTHuh | https://www.uh.edu/health-research
TREATING OBESITY IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES IN HOUSTON
AFRAMNEWS.COM African-American News & Issues
Texas • April 30 - May 6, 2018
12 • African-American News and Issues
®
®
7 in 5 items!
Get up to
$ 78
meal deal!
save more than
$
BUY
5
in
X FREE
items! with in-store coupons
Oscar Mayer Bacon 12 or 16 oz., and Kraft Shredded Cheese
7 - 8 oz., assorted varieties
including Expertly Paired
4
buy
Hospitality Cobbler Mix 7 oz.
That’s up to
$
H-E-B Coffee
11.5 - 13 oz. can assorted varieties
That’s up to
$
• Hill Country Fare Frozen Hash Browns 28 - 32 oz. assorted varieties
• H-E-B Ready to Heat Pre Cooked Tortillas 10 ct.
• H-E-B Thick N’ Chunky Salsa, 16 oz. assorted varieties
• Sunbeam Slotted Nylon Turner
1.19
free! buy
2.00
free! buy two (2)
Coffee-mate Refrigerated Creamers, 16 oz.
GET
free! with in-store coupon
Hill Country Fare Peaches or Fruit Cocktail 15 - 15 .25 oz. assorted varieties
GET Llévatelo
free! ¡gratis! with in-store coupon
H-E-B Chips Galore! Cookies
13.9 - 14.4 oz. assorted varieties
Llévatelo GET 3rd
¡gratis! free! with in-store coupon
That’s up to
$
1.98
free! buy
H-E-B Easy Melt 32 oz. loaf, assorted varieties
Llévatelo GET
¡gratis!
free! with in-store coupon
Red Gold Diced Tomatoes
63¢
free! buy
H-E-B Fully Cooked Seasoned Shredded Chicken, 12 oz.
Some items may not be available in all stores. Items not valid at Central Market. Due to the popularity of our Extra Low Prices Every Day, we reserve the right to limit quantities. Limit Rights Reserved. We Accept Lone Star Card, WIC And Manufacturers’ Coupons. ©2018 HEB, 18-0546 visit www.heb.com
with in-store coupons
assorted varieties (excludes Natural Bliss)
That’s up to
Prices Good Wednesday, May 2 Thru Tuesday, May 8, 2018 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.
FREE
10 oz. assorted varieties
Llévatelo GET
¡gratis!
free! with in-store coupon
Tortillas Aguilar® That’s up to
$
1.98
free!
20 ct.
Llévatelo
¡gratis!