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DECEMBER 18 - 24, 2017 | FREE
Did You Know? Simeon Booker
Black journalists across the nation should bow their heads and pay heavy respects to the life and career of Simeon Booker this week. The pioneering newsman passed away this past Sunday at the age of 99, but his contributions to journalism will live on forever. Booker was born August 27, 1918 in Baltimore, Maryland and raised primarily in Youngstown, Ohio. He developed an interest in the news through his parents and their friendship with Carl Murphy, the owner and operator of the Afro American Newspaper. After leaving Virginia Union University, Booker began working for the Afro American before earning a Neiman Foundation fellowship at Harvard University in 1951 Upon leaving Harvard, Booker took a job with The Washington Post, becoming its first full-time Black reporter. He then began working with Jet magazine. Booker’s coverage of the murder of Emmett Till and the related trial put him on the news map. Booker’s steady coverage of civil rights led to his five-decades-plus career with Jet as its Washington bureau chief.
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In 1982, Booker was named the National Press Club’s first AfricanAmerican winner of its Fourth Estate Award. In 2013, Booker was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists’ Hall of Fame. And in 2015, he was awarded the George Polk Career Award. As an author, Booker published three books: 1964’s Black Man’s America, 1969’s Susie King Taylor, Civil War Nurse, and 2013’s Shocking The Conscience: A Reporter’s Account of the Civil Rights Movement. According to his wife of over four decades, Carol, Booker passed at an assistedliving community in Southern Maryland due to complications from pneumonia. The couple had one son, Terry. Booker was 99.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Kristen Gilbrand
“Keep your hands off our backs and our goddamn bodies.” - Maxine Waters
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Editorial & Opinion
10-Year Old Hangs Herself in Closet, Stage for Tragedy-Social Media Straight No CHaser By: Arielle Johnson
Clearly it is time to take a stand together against the role social media plays in cyberbullying and put a stop to it. Last week, 10-year old Ashawnty Davis died after being kept on life support following a suicide attempt. The fifth grader confronted another student outside of school who had been bullying her and later found out the encounter was posted on Musical.ly. It was this discovery that made life unbearable for her. Overwhelmed by the embarrassment of the fight
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being exposed to a much wider group of people than the group of her peers who recorded the incident, little Ashawnty decided to hang herself in her family's closet.
There are no rules when it comes to social media. If you are out doing something another individual believes they can use to garner likes, you can very easily be exposed on social media and in most cases, completely blind to the fact you are floating around in cyberspace. The only way to put a stop to this is to demand some limits be set for posting of people's images
Ashawnty Davis Between 2007 and 2014, the number of suicides among children between the ages of 10 and 14 has doubled. And without even searching for numbers to see what we are looking at for 2017, I know these numbers have increased. Unfortunately, there has not been very much research performed on this particular group, because most of the research has been older teens. I am amazed at how much the world has changed since I was a child. When I was a child, I recall having a fight with my best friend. We were 9 years old and planned to take a walk as far away from our homes as possible, to have privacy while scrapping at the playground. On top of that, only a few select people who we believed we could trust were allowed to tag along. There weren't any camera phones or video cameras. Just two little girls who had had their fill of each other. However, if the fight were recorded with me losing, then posted on an app which grew increasingly popular by the minute, I would have been devastated.
without their consent. We've all seen the copyright infringement quote under individuals' images on the internet which goes something like, "You cannot use my image without my express authorization," however, this crime is committed everyday with zero repercussions. What will it take for us to enforce it? Here's my plan to stop online bullying among school aged children: 1) Because school is an institution of learning, cell phones are prohibited in school and within a certain number of feet of the school grounds. 2) Violation of rule number one will mean automatic suspension. 3) If rule number one has been violated AND a recording or image has been circulated on social media displaying abuse of a fellow student, it will result in permanent suspension from the school. Continue reading online www.aframnews.com
Texas • December 18 - 24, 2017
Black Lives Matter
The Standard View Billy “Hollywood” Groves
When you hear or see people talking about Black Lives Matter these days, it’s usually in reference to some controversial racial situation. The term Black Lives Matter and the movement behind it has been seen in a negative tone by some people who have a problem with it. Most people who oppose the Black Lives Matter seem to think that black lives are being prioritized over other human lives in America, when the facts are actually the opposite. Black lives are being taken away at an alarming rate in devastating ways, unlike any other race in America. In truth, there is nothing more American than to have the right to expression by peaceful demonstrations designed to let the nation know what is happening to American citizens. In my mind the purpose of the Black Lives Matter movement is to enlighten and make the world aware of how injustices are being carried out against Black men in America. Everyone is aware of what’s happening to African Americans in the American judicial system which has more Black people in prison than any other U.S. racial group (in many cases due to inadequate legal representation resulting in egregiously disproportionate sentencing as well as false arrest and imprisonment). With this going on every day in America, along with systemic
racism, institutionalized at every level of society, what should be the response of Black people in America? What do parents of young sons do when it comes to telling their children about what’s going on? We live in a modern, high technology world where young people, “tomorrow’s leaders,” are watching these tragedies. What type of rational explanation do we give them? “A picture is worth a thousand words” as the old saying goes. The devastating murders of Black people are taking place in front of cameras that show the whole disastrous, inhumane, incivility to the world through mass media. Tina Charles who plays basketball in the WNBA along with three WNBA teams in New York, Phoenix and Indiana were fined for wearing black warmup suits, before a game. The ladies were supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and the WNBA which is 70% African American and has a female black commissioner decided to level fines on the players. Award winning actor Jesse Williams recently spoke at the BET Awards very brilliantly about systemic racism against African Americans and the struggles for freedom. Currently, many black professional football players are also courageously acknowledging the Black Lives Matter Movement, as are many intelligent, righteous people of all races across America. Undeniably, Black Lives Matter does not mean white lives, brown lives, yellow lives, red lives or any other human lives don’t matter; all lives matter in our nation, throughout the world and under God’s law. Continue reading online www.aframnews.com
Texas • December 18 - 24, 2017
The Overflow By Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed
I want you to close your eyes and think about the life you have now. Now open them. Close them again, and now think about a life where freedom is non-existent. You are now a slave who is being sold to someone else for labor. You have tried to pay your way to freedom, but your debt is to great to pay. This is your new life. This is what is now going on in Libya. According to CNN, they went undercover and revealed people being sold at auctions in nine different locations and possibly even more. This is not only sad, but it is sickening as well. It hurts to know that we have people out there who are trying to capitalize off of people’s naivety, their vulnerability, and their desire to want a better life. Many people in Libya are trying to find a better life, but end up in the wrong hands. So if the life you once knew vanished before you, what would you do? How would you feel, and most of all, who will save you? The 13th amendment of the United States Constitution states, “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." This was passed by Congress on January 31st, 1865, and was validated by the states on December 6th, 1865. That was only 152 years ago. A part of me knows that slavery still exists in some areas of the world, but seeing the events captured and revealed really confirmed the evils of this world. As I pondered more about the situation,
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SOLD!
I thought about the different forms of slavery, and how important it is to educate our youth. We must educate them about the past, but we also must instill in them not to be naive and think that the world has moved on from the horrors of slavery as I believe that ignorance can be an easy way to enter into the realms of any form of slavery. According to End Slavery Now, there is an estimate of “20.9 million people trapped in some form of slavery today,” which can be looked upon as “modern day slavery” or human trafficking. The different forms of slavery that occur in our society is known to be domestic servitude, sex trafficking, forced labor, bonded labor, child labor, and even forced marriage. Domestic servitude is when people are employed by private homes and they have been forced to work thinking that there isn’t another option for them. Sex trafficking occurs when people are forced into sexual activity and given no other choice but to endure the abuse. Forced labor is when people are forced to do work, are constantly motivated through violence and are given no pay for their labor. Bonded labors are forced to work in order to pay back a debt that they owe, and are held against their will until this debt is paid. Bonded labor was also noted to be the “most common form of enslavement in the world.” Child labor is a combination of the previous forms of enslavement but only directed towards children. Last but not least, forced marriage is when people are forced into a marriage against their consent. You’ve probably have heard of some of these forms of enslavement, or maybe you did not know that some of these even existed.
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No Means No!
Recently, many women have been at the forefront of mainstream women sharing the various encounters of sexual harassment and misconduct imposed on them, by men of power. The mindset that has been at the center of disrespecting women in this country, by many men with power is nothing new. The only thing that has changed is that, women have decided not to remain silent about being victims of abuse anymore. For ages, men in power have harassed, abused, mistreated, fondled, raped and done all manner of things to women. Most of the times, it is the way that victims are treated when they do make an outcry that makes them hold their abuse in. Bullying at its best is what I have labeled what the American people are witnessing at the hands of men who believe that their behavior is simply a norm within society. The way that many men treat women has been accepted within our culture. Hence, they feel that nothing is wrong with it, because they have gotten away with it since forever. It is something about the word “no” in this equation that is being misunderstood. All I can say is that, “no” meant “no” during the days of oppression of Black folks and it still means “no” today. We MUST Understand that the reason so many different shades of Black and Brown people exist today, is because many White men failed to adhere to the term “no”. As it is, America is a melting pot, combined with scores of mixed breeds. I can attest to this factor, because my Creole heritage makes me a prime example. During the days of slavery they just went from
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house to house, screwing anybody that they wanted to. The difference today versus years ago is that the women that are coming forth with their confessions today didn’t have to endure the hideous rapes that many of our ancestors experienced. But if something is not done about these indiscretions that continues to plague America, it is very likely that they will continue and ultimately, rape and abuse your daughters. In the latest reported abuse scandal, we find the leader of the nation Donald Trump. America can clearly see that he is a bully meddling around in everybody’s business, except for the “Russian business” and his own business. Business that should clearly be first amongst his list of priorities, yet, he chooses to divert the nation’s attention to keep people’s minds’ on foolishness on a daily basis. Trump feels that he is justified in whatever he does because, he feels that the people knew who he was when they elected him. Therefore, we can only assume that he will never take other’s thoughts, feelings, situations or circumstances into consideration, because he is suggesting that the American people knew he was this way. It is a sad reality that too many men with some form of power, believe that they can manipulate the system and do what they want to do. But, no still means no and women need to rally together to let the world know it. In last week’s edition, as well as this one, I chose to deal with a two-part series expressing to women the power that they have. It is not something that should be taken lightly either. To
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We MUST Understand By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman
that regard, I often express to our readers that as Africans living in America, you have two of the most powerful tools that any person can have. Those tools are, “your money” and “your vote”, therefore, you should be careful who you give them to. The same can easily be translated to fit women. Society has created a myth amongst women, by suggesting that the only way to the top and ahead in life is to sex your way there. But this is not the case. You have “your vote” and “your body”. You can use both of these tools to your advantage and empower whomever you believe is worthy of it. Women have the power to shut down a lot of the plagues that ail you, but you have to realize the power that you possess. For decades, strong and powerful women knew this and fought to ensure that you have equal rights in this nation. Concluding I would like to state the words of the late Maya Angelou. She said, “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.” To our women I would like to encourage you to remember this thought and heed it. Do not just allow people to mistreat you and remain silent about it. You have power and you must utilize. The power to speak out and the power to vote was just recently witnessed in the Alabama election. That should be enough to speak volumes to let you know that “no” still means “no”; and if you raise enough noise about men that have taken advantage of you, someone will listen and actions will be taken.
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African American News&Issues Women from pg. 1
women
Texas•• August December 12-18, 18 - 24,2013 2017 Texas
Part 2 Women: The Producers of Life
Women’s Liberation March, NYC 1970.
Since the creation of humanity, the female species has always been the producer of life in every way. No person that exists today would be here, if it wasn’t for a woman. Continuing from our last week’s edition, most women do not fully understand the power that they possess because they have been made to feel inferior by society. Thus, creating the need to take a backseat and relinquish their power; because it has been suggested that this is the woman’s place. Women please understand that you are the most precious jewels of the world. Regardless of what you are told, you are the rarest commodity of nature. To that regard, every single woman birthed is equipped with that power, whether you have children or not. TX- 4
Women have the Power to Change the World
I believe that it is vital for me to stress emphasis on one main factor, as it relates to the power that women possess. If a woman has the power to produce life, then certainly she can change it. Referring back to last week’s preview of 101, I would like to reference the 1961 ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court. In Hoyt v. Florida, the courts upheld rules adopted by the state of Florida that made it far less likely for women than men to be called for jury service on the grounds that a “woman is still regarded as the center of home and family life.” A woman will forever and always be the center of home and family life – that is power all by itself. In most instances, a child’s first teacher is his or her mother.
Mothers are responsible for training and programming the minds of the world. Before a child ever enters school, they are taught by the interaction of the first nurturers that they are exposed to, which typically is a mother or a woman. I understand that times have changed and now there are fathers who fulfill this road. But even with that, the minds of those fathers were likely to have been programmed or trained by a mother, in their fundamental years of rearing. So there still is no way around it. Mothers and women have a great responsibility of determining, how the future will evolve. Therefore, you should be mindful how you challenge your daughters, and stop punking out your sons. This is an element that presents harm toward you and eventually society. Some of our mothers
pacify their sons and inflict the greater challenge on their daughters. And then when these young boys grow up and suppress you, it is only then that you realize you have created a problem. But if some of you knock them upside the head and challenge him the way you challenge your daughters then things just might turn out a bit more favorable to you and society. I felt the need to address this issue, because for generations we have seen how some mothers are harder on their daughters, than they are on their sons. So I’m hoping to empower women and mothers to understand, that you have a major contributing role to changing the world and it starts at home.
Respect should be a Requirement, not an Option
If anyone has a right to encourage women in today’s society, then certainly former First Lady Michelle Obama fits the role. She once said, “Do not bring people in your life who weigh you down. And trust your instincts… good relationships feel good. They feel right. They don’t hurt. They are not painful. That’s not just with somebody you want to marry, but it’s with the friends that you choose. It’s with the people you surround yourselves with.” In this society, even our young girls have the power to change the future. Starting from as early as primary years, even on up through adulthood, girls and women have the power to demand respect from boys and men. Regardless if young girls are at school, on the streets, at social gatherings or just in general passing, when you encounter a young man who is trying to get your attention, demand respect! Our young women have the power to create a clean male appearance in the young men of today. When these boys come to you with sagging pants and disrupt communication, all you got to do is tell them, ‘to get the hell out of your face!’ Let them know if they want your attention to pull up their pants. Make them address and speak to you in a courteous and respectful tone. You have to understand that respect should be a requirement and not an option. If you don’t require a person to respect you, many times they won’t. Sadly, this culture is all about perception and however, you as a woman perceive yourself, most likely, that is how others will perceive you.
It’s All About Perception: Men only bring ONE SHOT to the table and that’s it. But, it is the woman that has to carry the Women See Page 5
Texas • December 18 - 24, 2017
Women from pg. 4
power
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In 1969, Black Panthers from Sacramento attend a Free Huey Rally in Oakland, Calif., in a scene from the documentary "The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution." (Courtesy of Pirkle Jones and Ruth-Marion)
burden of life. Realistically, a married woman is entitled to half of everything that her husband has and in some instances, even more than that. That factor alone is powerful and a reason to create fear. It has been said that behind every great man is a great woman. The hint to that notion is that the woman helps to make the man great. But, once again, it’s all about perception. As it is, it is the things we as humans have the most power over, somehow appear to be the things that overpower us. With that being stated, although women have the ability to empower a man and make him great; oftentimes a man proves to be a woman’s greatest weakness. There are women that will allow a man to come into their life, knowing he’s sorry and all he have is a little suitcase to bring to the table. Some women will take him and his suitcase and just fall all over him, not realizing that he will be her greatest downfall. It is something about a man and sex
that makes, some of our women a complete fool. Trust me, I know that sex is important in a relationship, but it shouldn’t mess your head up so bad that you can’t think straight. So all I’m trying to convey is that, it all has to be about perception. Because, if a man know that he can rule and ruin you with his little power and you let him, then it’s your fault. Last week, I referenced several struggles that women have had to overcome and are still in the process of trying to hurdle. So every time a modern woman makes a decision to diminish her power, she is slapping the face of all the women throughout the ages of time who sacrificed to achieve equal rights for women. Long gone are the days that all women are good for is being barefoot, pregnant and cleaning the house. That’s one of the thoughts that was widely displayed during the American wars in past history. The government would allow women to work
in the military when there was no manpower available. But the moment men started returning home, women were sent back home to be treated as a piece of meat. So I am hoping to relay the mindset to women of today, that prices were paid to combat this mentality and you have to perceive your true power and apply it.
You are Greater than You Know Women are intellectual, compassionate beings. Though the physical strength of a woman can never compare to a man’s, the mental capacity of a woman should not be taken for granted. Spirits of great women, past and present such as: Eleanor Roosevelt, Fannie Lou Hamer, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Kristen Gilbrand and Whoopi Goldberg and countless of others should serve as an even greater source of empowerment for women.
Eleanor Roosevelt secured a place in American history which has regarded her as, “the object of almost universal respect.” She was the first U.S. presidential spouse to hold regular press conferences, write a daily newspaper column and monthly magazine columns, host a weekly radio show and speak at a national party convention. She was a strong advocate for the underserved, insomuch, that she expanded roles for women in the workforce and fought for the civil liberties of AfricanAmericans and Asian-Americans. Her humanitarian spirit paved the way for many rights for women and minority groups throughout the nation. Another powerful woman was Fannie Lou Hamer, a Black organizer and civil rights activist in Mississippi. Hamer fought vigorously for the right to vote and remained committed to her cause even in the face of being threatened and tortured. She is known for saying, “I’m sick and tired of being
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sick and tired,” and “Nobody’s free, until everybody’s free.” Congresswoman Maxine Waters is another brave and courageous woman of modern times, who has refused to remain silent in the face of injustice. Not too long ago, she spoke out against Donald Trump at a Women’s Convention in Detroit. She said, “Donald Trump is the most dishonorable and despicable human being to ever serve in the office of the president.” Continuing she expressed, “This is a man with no good values, no good intentions and no good respect… That’s why I know we must keep fighting and that women must lead this resistance. We cannot afford to be shut down or shut up by any man, particularly not one as indecent and deplorable as Donald Trump.” In that same delivery she announced a clear and concise warning to men, “keep your hands off our backs and our goddamn bodies.” The Congresswoman does not stand alone in her outspoken views of POTUS. Whoopi Goldberg is another who has fervently spoke out against him, on several occasions. She has used her role as moderator of, “The View” to get her point across. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is also another who has taken a stand to request the resignation of Donald Trump. She is adamant about the credible allegations of misconduct and criminal activity he has demonstrated against women. Concluding, I chose to identify a few of these personalities to allow women to see and know that you are greater than what you know. You have power and it is up to you to use it. Finally, I would just like to once again echo the words of Mae Jemison. “Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imaginations; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.” By: Roy Douglas Malonson TX- 5
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Texas • December 18 - 24, 2017
Contemporary Gospel from A True Saint Named ‘A Saint’
A Saint,’ Brock Jones I met ‘A Saint,’ Brock Jones and his lovely wife, Dominique, in the Summer of 2012, at an outdoor gospel jazz festival. I was introduced to them, by one of my former ministry partners, named Phea Kennedy. She could not have picked a more embarrassing time to introduce me to them, as I found myself hurrying to swallow a piece of chicken I had in my mouth, as well as hide a greasy fried chicken drumstick I had in my hand. The best thing I could think of at the time was to spin around briefly, to toss the chicken, and use the side of my dress to smear chicken oil on it, then do an about face to extend a clean hand as a welcoming gesture. I could tell from their welcoming smiles, my lack of preparedness had been forgiven, by their willingness to engage in conversation with me. Grace was with me on this day. Brother A Saint had already ministered through Holy Hip-Hop on stage when we were introduced to each other. I must confess, I have witnessed different styles of Holy Hip-Hop for years, but nothing as fervent, and mesmerizing
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as what I saw and heard on this particular day. A Saint had the type of energy capable of igniting the slightest flicker of a flame into a full fledged inferno. I felt it, and everyone else around me felt it as well. No one was forced to stay in their lawn chair or stand directly in front of the stage when A Saint hit the stage, but I guarantee you, if you were concentrating on adding a dollop of anything to your plate at the picnic table when A Saint got on the mic, you simply stopped as your attention was drawn to the stage. His words and message were clear, and he just exuded what life is like when you Love God and his Son, and realize you have a calling on your life to spread his word. If there was no sound, and your attention was on A Saint as he ministered, spiritually, you would have felt the sincerity and the love through his facial expressions, and hand and body gestures. Let’s fast forward five years later, with your old friend here deciding to finally post to Instagram regularly, as a way of keeping in touch with my favorite artists. Well...one day, as I am looking at the responses to the likes I received from a picture I took of myself outside of the church (notice, I said outside the church, and not of me at the altar or making a donation) I noticed I had received a like from A Saint @ASaintmusic on Instagram. Right away, I thought to myself, let me do a little snooping around to see what is going on with my brother. What I discovered is not only has the music grown, but he has added a sort of soul funk flava to it. Also, Brother A Saint is playing the guitar now, and he and his wife Dominique have formed a 501c-3 ministry called TransformUs, Inc.
TransformUs, Inc. was officially developed through incorporation in 2016, however, the idea was born from the idea to bridge the gaps between racially different Christian communities and the community of people surrounding the structures we call churches. Brother A Saint figured he would use his music as a stepping stone to carry out the mission of the TransformUs movement, since he was already using it to verbally express the mission of TransformUs. Since its inception, TransformUs has been able to make sizeable contributions to the Honduras, Philippines, the Garland/Rowlett Tornado Relief fund and many other communities here and abroad. As I watched the footage from the organization’s trip to the Honduras, on the ASaintmusic.com site and witnessed them building a house for future residents who had not yet been selected, tears started to form in the corner of my eyes. There may have been a slight language barrier and cultural differences, but as A Saint states, “TransformUs works hard to mirror many of the passages in Romans 12 – i.e. ‘Be transformed by the renewing of your minds, contribute to the needs of the saints, extend hospitality to strangers.’ ’’
Recently, A Saint’s non-profit, Transform Us, held a fundraiser entitled, “Dance for Freedom.” A group of men and women gathered at the Duncanville Recreation Center and participated in a dance party with a number of different dance formats which included Reggae, Salsa, Reggaeton and Techno music. The funds from this event have been contributed to the foundations project which involves building an Aquaponics Greenhouse in the Duncanville community. The biggest benefit
A Saint,’ Brock Jones playing the guitar
of the greenhouse is that it will contribute towards building a sustainable community with healthy organic produce. Also, it will open up conversations about how the cultivation of plants without the use of harsh chemicals. The entire community will be able to see what the produce looks like before it is plucked from the garden. A Saint’s latest album release is entitled, ‘Freedom’. You can check it out at cdbaby. com and listen to the samples. The tracks from ‘Freedom’ and the album are available for purchase on this site, as well as iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, ASaintmusic.com and wherever else digital music is streamed or sold. If after listening to the man’s music you wish to see him live, you are very lucky if you live in the Dallas area, because he is out here performing at least once or twice every week. Sometimes, believe it or not, at local bars...yes, everyone needs salvation, so please don’t judge. If you are outside of Dallas, or even the U.S., please check the calendar, because he maybe showing up in your city or country very soon. His event calendar is posted on ASaintmusic.com Additional Links for A Saint: Youtube – View A Saint in action and subscribe to the A Saint Music Channel Facebook – www.facebook.com/ASaintmusic Facebook Non-Profit Page – www.facebook. com/TransformUsMovement Twitter - @_ASaint_
BY: ARIELLE JOHNSON
Texas • December 18 - 24, 2017
There is a unique educational program going down at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in Dallas every Saturday from 12-2 pm, for children of all ages called, "Knowledge Saturdays." Warren Thornton, is the Founder of this program and says he modeled his program after the program which was created by The Black Panther Party. His program teaches children about Black Inventors, and provides them with an opportunity to discuss current issues. And like the Black Panther Party did decades ago, he too makes sure the children have a healthy meal before they go back home. At each Knowledge Saturdays session, before any lessons are taught, all of the children stand and chant in unison, "I Love Myself and Black is Beautiful".
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African American News&Issues
Knowledge is Power Saturdays for Kids
The Afram News had an opportunity to sneak in on two Knowledge Saturdays sessions, to be able to provide readers Mr. Warren Thorton is pictured here in a hat and shorts, mentoring young black with the details, about what their child will be experiencing with their parents' permispriced higher than comparable items on the before she started to draw, and in a matter sion to attend. The first order of business market and stuck to her guns. of minutes, she presented two inventions to is to fill the writing board with a list of us. One of the inventions was a candy bar The second visit with 'Knowledge Black inventors, such as Lewis Latimore, she named SnickMarshmallows, which she Saturdays' took place at Highland Hills Garrett Morgan, Benjamin Banneker described as being a Snicker candy bar, with Library in Dallas, Texas. This group had a and Madame C.J. Walker just to name a a marshmallow twist. Her invention even had wider age range of participants, and was split few, and then Mr. Thornton goes around a specially designed wrapper, which featured into a team of boys and girls. The challenge the room, asking the children to tell the a picture of a bunny rabbit in the shape of was broad, and the only guidance given to participants in the room what invention a bunny. Our young inventor told us the them was to invent something which would each inventor created. Once they have gone wrapper and the shape would attract lots of be useful to everyone. Each team huddled down the list and identified each one of the young customers. When it came down to the together and came up with their own inveninventors, or are reminded of who they are, pricing, Emorie had some very interesting tion, after a brief review of inventors names, the children are presented with the chalnumbers, which would probably chase off which were written on the board. The girls lenge of creating their own invention. Mr. the average would be buyer, but her reasoninvented an underground food delivery Thornton provides the rules, and ideas for ing behind her pricing was, she was going to tunnel and the boys created a Hydro/Solar guidance, then the children either get in front make a lot of money from sales, and be rich. powered mobile phone which had speakers of the board and create their ideas as they As a spectator, you could tell Emorie built into it. Both ideas were quite innovaare drawing, or they split up into groups as tive, but the boys won. Everyone loved the enjoyed the activity. It provided her with teams, to compete against each other, to see idea of being able to charge their phones by an opportunity to create something right in which team fulfilled the requirements of the dropping them in water. front of our eyes, and later make a presentachallenge. tion to the class about her invention. You The Highland Hills group had a median The first time we attended one of the could hear the conviction in her voice, as she age of approximately 12. Therefore a second Knowledge Saturdays' sessions held at the provided an explanation to us about why she activity was added, and involved having Martin Luther King Library, there was was marketing the invention at the price she the children fill out a budget for their future a little 6 year-old girl there by the name of mentioned. It was not easy to convince her college expenses. It was interesting to see Emorie Tillman-Ambroise, who volunto consider reducing the price to sell more of what sort of numbers they came up with for teered to approach the board to participate her item, which was something we all smiled savings and rent, which was somewhat of in the activity challenge, proposed by Mr. about and admired her for, because we realan indication of this particular group being Thornton. He asked her to invent something ized even though she received a little critithe perfect age, to start learning about the to help kids, such as a toy or candy. The cism, instead of backing down and lowering importance of budgeting, and coming up young girl stood there for a few moments her price, she explained why her product was
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with more realistic numbers of what young college students are paying right now for essential school items as well as personal items. After the numbers were called out across the room, Mr. Thornton, who happens to be a business analyst, discussed the reason why some of the numbers given were unrealistic. Immediately after taking a few suggestions from Warren, modifications were made to the numbers, and the children started to modify their numbers to reflect current expenses of the today's college kids, whether they were living on or off campus. Before closing out the session, we had an open discussion about the use of the 'N' word. Mr. Thornton asked the children if there was an appropriate time to use it. The class was split and the parents were too. But for the most part, the children stated it depends upon the context in which it is used, and whether or not the person using the word has been accepted by the group or individual he or she is addressing. This is a very deep topic and it was very interesting to see that even before any of the parents started to make comments about its use, the children had already decided it was okay if it is being used among friends. When we asked Mr. Thornton if there were any other influences besides the legacy of the Black Panther Party, which helped him come up with the idea of putting together a program called 'Knowledge Saturdays', he said, "We are just making sure our great future leaders know about their amazing black history." Thank you Mr. Warren Thornton for creating the Knowledge Saturdays program. Parents, please get your children down to the MLK Library in Dallas which is located at 2922 Martin Luther King Blvd. The group meets from 12 pm to 2 pm. Sometimes the group travels to different locations and public libraries, as they did a couple of weekends ago, therefore, because meeting times and locations are subject to change, be sure to communicate directly with Mr. Thornton at knowledgesaturdays@gmail.com and on Instagram @knowledgesaturdays to find out where and when the knowledge is going to be dropped.
BY: ARIELLE JOHNSON DFW - 7
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Community
Texas • December 18 - 24, 2017
About the Panther Players
G. W. Carver Magnet theatre department#6753 also known as the “Panther Players”, is under the direction of Ms. Roshunda Jones and Mr. Jabari Collins. The Panther Players have several district, area, region & state accolades with UIL OAP including numerous best actor and actress awards. The troupe has garnered over 65 Tommy Tune Nominations winning multiple times. The panthers were the first African American company in the Houston area to be nominated for best musical in the Tommy Tune Awards for their Texas high school premiere production of The Color Purple in 2013. The troupe is active with Texas Thespians having several students qualify for nationals each year and in 2015 performed Memphis the musical with Memorial HS for the State convention. The troupe actively gives back to the community performing for Freedom over Texas, city events, local churches, parks, community centers, etc. The group has had the privilege of performing for Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee, Senator Al Green and many prestigious leaders. The troupe has also had the honor of being showcased on several news and radio stations within the greater Houston area and we are honored to perform for you today. Now the Troupe is set to make history again, in their ground breaking production of Jelly’s Last Jam based on the life of famed Jazz Musician Jelly Roll Morton. The panthers will revived the classical and impactful sounds of Jazz, Blues, and ragtime set against the backdrop of iconic dance styles such as Tap, the Charleston, and Swing. The Panthers will be the first high school company in the state to ever embark upon the journey of producing this often forgotten about Broadway Classic music by Jelly Roll Morton & Luther Henderson, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, and book by George C. Wolfe
Panther Players Legacy The Carver Panther Players have been around for over 10 years, and we are better than ever. During this time, the Panther Players have been to the Regional UIL One
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Act Play competition 5 Times, Area UIL One Act Play competition 8 times, and recognized as a state UIL alternate 3 times, winning numerous best actor and actress awards along the way. In the Tommy Tune Awards, the Panthers have received nominations in all categories, totaling 65 nominations, 4 of which were for best musical and 7 wins. In 2014, Nyles Washington won the best actor, and represented the company at the Jimmy Awards that summer in New York. The troupe has had 144 national qualifying students since it began its participation in The Texas Thespian Festival, qualifying in all categories and
earning main stage finalist numerous times, along with performing on the Main Stage with Texas’ amateur premiere of Memphis and in the play Marathons. The Panthers have received a number of superior ratings at the National Thespian Festival, receiving the max rating in group musical in 2011 and then performed in the national main stage showcase as a result. The Troupe has had a number of students involved in the past two All State Shows Corem Boy and Big Fish; both of these productions went onto perform as main stage production at the national festival. The
Troupe were also invited to perform at the American High School Theatre Festival in Scotland. They have earned their status as a city, state and nationally recognized organization. The troupe actively gives back to the community, performing for local churches, parks, community centers, malls, restaurants, etc. on a regular basis. The group also has had the honor of performing for organizations such as the Drifters, AKA’ sorority, featured on the City of Houston’s Fourth of July Celebration. We have shared our talents with prestigious individuals such as Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee and Senator Al Green, along with Roy and Shirley Malonson- just to name a few, and the troupe has been interviewed and showcased on all main stage news channels within the greater Houston area. The troupe is under the direction of Ms. Roshunda Jones and Mr. Jabari Collins, and has produced many notable shows including, but not limited to, The Wiz, Ruined, Sweet Charity, Dark of the Moon, Dream Girls, The Color Purple, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, In The Heights, Porgy, Memphis the Musical, Ghost the Musical, The Raft of the Medusa, Once on this Island, and Jelly’s Last Jam.
Our students and Alumni have performed and continued their theatre training from notable programs such as DePaul The Theatre School, University of Texas, Howard University, and the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, etc. Alumni of our program have created a theatre company named the Bayou Theatre Company, which has produced ground breaking productions in the Houston area. In fact, a former Senior Choir and Theatre student named Amber Nicole was chosen by Christina Aguilera to compete against her fellow celebrities on NBC’s hit program, “The Voice”. The Panther Players Troupe #6753 has achieved, and will continue to achieve, many great things that benefit their entire community.
Vanessa Zuniga After losing their cars during Hurricane Harvey and overcoming daily transportation challenges, Harris County Department of Education Head Start employee Bahiyyah Rashed and parent Vanessa Zuniga receive rehabbed cars from Bates Collision Centers for their responsible parenting. In its 19th year, HCDE Head Start’s partnership with Bates Collision Centers is gifting cars number 33 and 34 to two deserving parents. Owners Lee and Leila Bates have been dedicated to the cause because they know about the sacrifices of being responsible parents. The year, model and make of the two cars remain a surprise, which will be revealed through the unveiling and gifting of the cars. Bates employees donate time to work on the cars and help fill them with gifts. Community businesses/members donate gas, insurance and materials needed to rehab the cars. Bahiyyah Rashed is a valued teacher at Tidwell Head Start, single mother of two sons Deon, 10 and Daveon, 9, and guardian to niece Kelsi, 7. Since losing her vehicle during Hurricane Harvey, Rashed has been sharing a vehicle with her mother. While the car has been a blessing, it has occasional mechanical issues and can be unreliable while trying to attend school, work and many extracurricular activities.
Texas • December 18 - 24, 2017
youth/Education
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$550,000 City of Houston investment in CASE for Kids City Connections
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Citizens in 11 Houston City Council districts benefit for a fourth consecutive year from a $550,000 program funded by the City of Houston and administered by Harris County Department of Education’s Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment for Kids called CASE for Kids City Connections. Nonprofit organizations in each of the council districts receive $45,000 in funding ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for programs for children in grades K-12. Funding began Oct. 23 and continues through April 27. The city and CASE for Kids allowed school districts, charter schools, faith-based organizations or civic groups to apply through a request for proposal. “City Connections promotes crime prevention, child safety, career exploration, enrichment activities and social and emotional learning for Houston children during a time of great need in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey,” said Lisa ThompsonCaruthers, director of CASE for Kids. “A recent survey shows a significant number of afterschool programs were affected by Harvey, yet many kept their doors open in those Houston communities.” As an afterschool intermediary, CASE for Kids provides resources, trainings and funding for students in grades pre-k through 12 in afterschool programs in schools, child care facilities and community centers. As a branch
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of Harris County Department of Education, the division was founded in 1999 with a goal to keep kids safe, help working families and improve academic achievement. According to HCDE Superintendent James Colbert, Jr., CASE for Kids City Connections is critically needed as Houston families continue to rebuild from Harvey. “We are thankful the city continues to invest in our children and their families, especially as afterschool funding is being cut from other state and federal budgets,” Colbert said. “Afterschool programs are important as they keep children in our city safe and provide enrichment.” Council members are invited on Dec. 5 and 6 to meet the recipients of the funding which is awarded through a request for proposal via CASE for Kids. CASE for Kids will provide photos and networking between the council members and the nonprofit organizations. Several council districts are opting to increase funding for City Connections from their own council district service funds. Many are located in areas hard-hit by Harvey. To find programs funded in each of the council districts, access http://goo. gl/YfuAUw or learn more about City Connections at www.afterschoolzone.org .
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Texas • December 18 - 24, 2017
Galilee MBC Pays off 1.5 Million Note and Celebrates 30 Years of Pastoral Service
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Pastor Davis and First Lady Charlotte Davis.
We all owe someone! Many people and businesses spend a lot of their lives trying to pay off debts that they have accumulated over the years. Some do well and pay it off eventually; others foreclose, file for bankruptcy, or even try to refinance to reduce their payments. Whatever the case may be, it isn’t fun being in any kind of debt. However, this is not the case for Galilee Missionary Baptist Church as they have paid off their 1.5-million-dollar church mortgage in only 13 years. This is such a huge accomplishment and milestone not only for the people of Galilee, but for the Acres homes community as well. Rev. Dr. Edwin A. Davis, Pastor of Galilee also celebrated 30 years of service on the same day. In a Q & A with Pastor Davis, he expressed many things that came with this great achievement.
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Q: How does it feel to pay off a 1.5-million-dollar church mortgage?
A: “It is a feeling of great excitement and jubilation, and also a feeling of peace, and a sense of completion.” Q: What inspired you to take on the task of building a new church especially one that was
worth 1.5 million dollars?
A: “Initially, I wasn’t looking at the cost…the sanctuary was always a vision of mine because my belief is that the Lord’s House should be just as nice as our houses. And so, the vision that I had was to see a beautiful edifice erected in the Acres Homes area. The Lord revealed that vision to me and I was determined to fulfill that vision and get it done.” Q: What challenges have you faced from the beginning, middle and towards end of this process?
A: “In the beginning I faced several challenges due to some of the membership who had never dealt with that magnitude of financing needed to complete the construction…so first off and foremost, I had to convince them that it could be done. That with the lord all things can be done. Unfortunately, there were still a few who were skeptical and apprehensive of the fact that eventually I wouldn’t be able to pay it off, or that I would bail out and leave them to pay for it. Secondly, meetings were an issue trying to meet with the architecture, the builders, the Deacons & Trustee’s and members, trying to get everyone on the same page. Galilee see pg. 11
Texas • December 18 - 24, 2017
Religion
Galilee from pg. 10
Pastor Davis is surrounded by deacons and trustees as he burns the church mortgage.
Also, trying to get the entire membership to buy into what I was trying to show them what God had revealed to me…Another big challenge and people don’t realize that, was the way the sanctuary is, it was supposed to be configured in another way where the pulpit was facing in the opposite direction. Towards the duration of the project it was then a challenge to each of us to keep the note paid…but praise God we never missed a note and we were never late. Now presently, the challenge is for the membership not to get stagnant in their giving, because we still have the upkeep of the building and repairs that need to be made.”
care of the financing and construction of the building. You must trust in God and not in people. It was a lesson in how to completely trust in God and not people. Another lesson was; “if God gives you something, go with what He gives you and get out there and He’ll show you every aspect of the way.” Every meeting we had, the Lord showed me something else that we had missed. “It was also a lesson in humility and following the instructions that God gives you exactly how He gives it to you.” And finally, “waiting on the Lord and letting Him guide and direct you.”
Q: What lessons have you learned so throughout this entire process?
A: “Right now I want to focus on some house keeping things and repairs that need to be made that we let go because we were trying to pay the Sanctuary off. We need to construct some gates on the parking lot because there is a lot of criminal activity going on at night. We need some stucco repaired on the church, and we need
A: “The first lesson I learned is that you must trust totally in the Lord.” For people who started out with us, who said they would help us build, some of them simply walked away, and they left the rest of us to take
Q: So, what is next for Galilee?
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Galilee members engage in worship.
some of the face boards on the fellowship hall repaired as well. Also, we have a proposed multiservice center that we want to construct up that would have a basketball court, a senior facility, a workout room, a larger industrial kitchen area that’s already been drawn up. Now whether the Lord allows me to do it…we will have to take it day-by-day. I’m going to listen to the Lord, and follow His directions and if it’s His Will then it will be built!”
them that honor?
A: “It was just ironic. It wasn’t anything planned. When I saw that the note was about to be paid in full, I said let’s do it on the same day so that both events would be a memorable and historic occasion.”
Q: What advice do you have for Pastors who are trying to do something that you did such as pay off a church, have a vision, or maybe they are just getting started?
Q: Was it planned to burn the mortgage on your 30th year anniversary as Pastor of Galilee or was it ironic?
Q: Mr. and Mrs. Malonson received honorary membership of the church on that day. What proposed you to award
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A: “It was simply a conferred recognition of the outstanding job and leadership that Mr. & Mrs. Malonson have provided to the Acres Homes community. They have been an integral part of being the forerunners of economic development, empowerment, and the formation of the Acres Homes Chamber of Business and Economic Development. The Chamber had it’s first luncheon at Galilee some 30 years ago and the recognition would make them more affiliated with Galilee as well as recognize their contributions to the community.”
A: “My advice to any Pastor would be to first, seek God, and make sure that God is telling you and leading you in that direction. Secondly, look out and
survey your membership and make the assessment of what I can do and cannot do based upon the membership. Thirdly, don’t jump out there and do it because someone else did it; every congregation is different… every church is different. As the Pastor, you must be a visionary and an administrator, but most of all you must know your congregation. It has been a long road for Galilee Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor Davis, but much has been achieved and will forever be historic. Pastor Davis is very proud of this great accomplishment and his great congregation. “It has been 30 great years at Galilee, all of my children have been baptized and raised here… I’ve watched a lot of young people grow up marry and now I’m christening their children. I’ve been truly blessed, and it’s been a very joyous occasion over these last years, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” By: Chelsea Davis-Bibbs TX -11
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African American News&Issues
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The South Dallas Cultural Center Why You Need to Make It a Destination
Texas • December 18 - 24, 2017
A Break for Grandmother Christmas Dinner
vision and imagination.” If you have not been to the South Dallas Cultural Center, now is the perfect time to go and take a tour of the facility. Recently, they had a theater production running called, “Re-tales - The Flyest Fairy Tales.” These are re-tellings of common fairy tales and nursery rhymes with an urban/r&b twist, one of which is an interpretation of of “Little Red Riding Hood” which is called “Little Red Rides the Hood.” These tales are presented by annually by the Soul Rep Theatre, the SDCC’s resident theater group.
It is hard to believe the South Dallas Cultural Center has been open for more than 20 years, and throughout this time period, has remained true to its main purpose, which is to enrich the lives of young AfricanAmerican children by connecting them with their history. There are many ways in which this objective can be reached, however, teaching through the use of the performing arts and fine arts, takes our history of pain and oppression during slavery and beyond, and molds it into positive lessons filled with many of the conversations which never take place in a public school setting. Over a period of time, these lessons help to further strengthen our children’s awareness of their own resilience. Two months ago, John Spriggins, joined the South Dallas Cultural Center as manager, and has been working on reviving some of the artistic programs that were once taught at the Center. At one time the Center could have very well created the next Spike Lee or Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis; they certainly have the space and equipment. Therefore careful thought and planning is being put into reestablishing these programs to create additional outlets for the community the Center serves. When speaking with Mr. Spriggins a few days ago he told us, “The focus in our schools has been on testing, and as a result the arts have been marginalized. In some cases, the arts have been completely removed from schools. Research proves however, that these programs are necessary, as they foster DFW - 12
SDCC is a cultural center, so there is literally a ton of artwork and sculptures up and down the hallways and on the walls to feast your eyes upon. One of the most striking images we found on the walls in the hallways was a collage timeline which spans from 1930 - 2007. It is a collage of real photos of some of the most prominent people in our Dallas Black History during these time periods. Make plans to go with your family and see if you can identify some of the people in the pictures without looking them up on your cellphone. Right now, through December, you will be able to enjoy the Journey Mercies the Master of Fine Arts Exhibition in the Arthello Beck Gallery. The exhibition is by Spencer Evans from the University of Texas at Arlington, and consists mostly of big colorful murals, but also includes one bronze bust of an African-American male. Saturdays at the South Dallas Cultural Center are a very special time for our children starting from 9:30 a.m. Some of the activities offered include Capoeira (Brazilian Martial Arts), African-American Storytelling, Vocal and Instrumental music, acting classes and even gardening. The best part about all of these activities, which have been coordinated by Education and Outreach Coordinator Marilyn Clark is that they are free thanks to the availability of City of Dallas grants. Mr. Spriggins has a Masters in Humanities and has taught college level literature, theater arts and film for several years. By: Arielle Johnson Continue Reading Online : www.aframnews.com
According to the U.S. Census, more than 2.7 million grandparents are raising their grandchildren. Out of this number, one-fifth are living below the poverty line. Last year on January 17, 2016, Arvella Warren, a local resident of Dallas, was reading the Dallas Morning News and came across an article entitled, “More grandparents are caring for young kids,” written by Alejandra Cancino. The article tells us a brief story about a Chicago grandmother named Debra Aldridge who at the time the article was written, had been her grandson's primary caregiver for 11 years. At the time, Ms. Aldridge decided to care for her grandson, she was only making $7.50/hr. Unless her finances have improved significantly, she is still living below the poverty line. Ms. Warren was overwhelmed by what she read that day and immediately sprang into action. She thought to herself, “Lord, what can I do to help? I only have a high school diploma.” But Ms. Warren had much more than a high school diploma; she had a church family and a network of friends, who were in a position to conduct the necessary research, to help her create a non-profit which would benefit hardworking Grandmothers. Through a conversation with her Pastor offering sage advice, she got a brief overview about the importance of setting up a non-profit, 501c3. However, it was the help she received from her circle of four friends which developed into a non-profit now known as “A Break for Grandmother”. They too sprang into action and started writing out Ms. Warren's vision as she helped them see the need for such an organization.
By the way, Ms. Warren mentioned to us, none of the members on the Board or herself have been faced with having to raise any of their grandchildren. Truly, their giving comes purely from the heart and being able to see outside of themselves. Every month, one special grandmother is selected and presented with gifts from the ‘A Break for Grandmother’ Board Members at the Golf Club of Dallas in Southern Dallas. Last weekend, Mrs. Vivian Coe was the honoree. It was her daughter who caught the attention of the Board with the letter she wrote to them, about how her mother has been successful at raising her two nieces. Leslie Shay Cooper, the oldest, majored in History at college and is an elementary school teacher in the Houston Independent School District. The youngest granddaughter, Kaylie Ann Cooper is a senior in high school and has already been accepted at the University of Houst on. Her plan is to major in Nursing and eventually work in the area of assisting with in home childbirths as a midwife. In front of all the guests who attended the special celebration of Grandmothers at the Golf Club of Dallas, Mrs. Coe was crowned with a tiara, then she was presented with flowers, $100, a mani and pedi gift certificate, a plaque and a resolution from Commission John Wiley Price which stated, “Be it resolved, that I Commissioner John Wiley Price, with great admiration joins “A Break for Grandmother” in celebration of Mrs. Vivian Coe.” By: Arielle Johnson Continue Reading Online : www.aframnews.com