Issuu

February 2, 2020

AFRICAN HERITAGE & HEALTH EDITION African-American News&Issues

KOBE BRYANT

Vol. 25, Issue 2 BLACK HISTORY MONTH HIGHLIGHT

WABC TROOP 242

CALABASAS, CA – The Earth seemingly stopped rotating on the morning of Jan. 26 as we all learned that retired LA Lakers star, Kobe Bryant, was killed in a helicopter crash. And as updates started to pour in that his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna aka “GiGi,” perished alongside her dad, hearts broke for the Bryant family and the families of the seven other people who were also killed. It was a day many of us will never forget. Bryant, 41, and eight others were traveling on his private helicopter, a Sikorsky S-76, to a basketball tournament at Mamba Academy,, a school in Thousand Oaks Bryant co-founded. Authorities confirmed the weather that morning – thick with fog -was not ideal for flying. The Los Angeles Police Department said the visibility was so poor, it decided to ground its fleet of helicopters. B r y a n t ’s pilot, Ara Zobayan, had

Life Cut Short

THE MEASURE OF A MAN ON PAGE 2

more than 20 years of flight experience and expert knowledge of flying in inclement weather, but sometime after the last contact with air traffic controllers at 9:45 a.m., the aircraft slammed into a hillside at 1,085 feet, killing everyone on board. Among the dead were John Altobelli, a University of Houston graduate and current head coach of the Orange Coast College Pirates, his wife, Keri, and youngest daughter, Alyssa. Payton Chester, 13; her mother, Sarah, and Christina Glauser, the Mamba’s coach, also died. Federal officials are not expected to determine the exact cause of the accident for months. A TRUE LEGEND. Bryant was born in Philadelphia, Pa. He is the youngest of three children and the only son of former NBA player Joe Bryant and Pamela Cox Bryant. The “Black Mamba,” as he is called, earned national recognition during a spectacular high school career at Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pa. Bryant received several awards for his outstanding performance during his senior year including, Naismith High School Player of the Year, Gatorade Men’s National Basketball Player of the Year, a McDonald’s All-American, first-team Parade All-American and a USA Today All-USA First Team player.

Kobe Bryant 1978-2020

COVER CONT’D ON PAGE 3 BLACK HOLLYWOOD REACTS ON PAGE 2

Photo courtesy of AFRAMNEWS

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

HOUSTON’S FIRST BLACK Eagle Scout Clarence Miller (top center) pictured with members and scout master of the WABC Troop 242 in July 1967.

HOUSTON – In 1965, Reverend Bill Lawson of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church (WABC) and his wife, Audrey, started Boy Scout Troop 242 as a valuable structure that offered a path for young men to achieve milestones in their communities. The WABC Troop 242 has been one of the leading troops in the Sam Houston Area Houston Council. By producing 10 Silver Beaver Awardees, which is the highest award giving to an adult volunteer by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Troop 242 leads the nation in producing African-American Eagle Scouts. The first-ever WABC Avenue Eagle Scout was Clarence Miller, who obtained the honor in 1967 at the age of 15. His family was amongst the first members of the now historic church in Third Ward, Houston. TROOP 242 CONT’D ON PAGE 5 BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS

PROTECT YOURSELF

By Isaiah Robinson

HOUSTON – Our parents would tell us when we were younger to be careful who we “engage” with, and that same person who looks so good to us, could bring us much destruction. It seems like the same talks we received when we were teens need to be stressed now more than ever. In honor of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), which is Feb. 7, we want to educate you on the importance of protecting yourself. BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS CONT’D ON PAGE 3

FOOD FOR THE SOUL ON PAGE 7

2 AFRAMNEWS.COM Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman/Publisher Shirley Ann Malonson, President/CEO/Publisher NL Preston: Managing Editor Todd Rogers: Layout Designer Isaiah Robinson: Contributing Writer General: news@aframnews.com Ads: sales@aframnews.com Website: aframnews.com Artwork: prod@aframnews.com

FEBRUARY 2, 2020

OPINION & EDITORIAL

BLACK MAMBA: THE ‘MEASURE OF A MAN’

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Partin’ the Waters By Omawale Luthuli-Allen

Are you still wiping the tears from your eyes? I

am, and so are tens of millions sobbing for a man who defined a generation. Presidential candidate Marianne Williamson said that there will be no more great performances. We have just witnessed a magnificent performance that now belongs to the ages. His competitors on the hardwood labeled him the “Black Mamba” because he would finish an opponent. His game was total, long-range, midrange and short-range with equal mastery. He entered the NBA as a teenager and he quickly honed his talent to an elite level. He wrote the book on how to go from good to great. Do we measure Kobe on five NBA championships and MVP status? Do we measure Kobe on his creative genius in the motion picture studio? Do we marvel because of the Oscar that he received from his animated masterwork? Or do we measure him on the smile that could slay

a child in buttermilk bottom or an adult in the suites or streets? Horace Mann said that all of us should be afraid to die until we have won some victory for humanity. Kobe will approach the bar and account for how he spent his time and how the world is improved by his performance. The curtain came down in a crushing manner, but none of us know the day nor hour we are called home. None of us know the circumstances of how we will b e come a shooting star. Kobe perished with his 13-year-old daughter while traveling to a basketball event. His greatest performance will be measured by the contributions that he made to his family and, secondly, his community. After a youthful misstep, he focused his eye on the prize and recreated himself. He built a new Kobe Bryant. When Kobe harnessed his passion and disciplined himself, he inspired greatness to return to his team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Yes, he was already good, but good is the enemy of the great. Collins explains in his book that some or-

ganizations make the leap from good to great. Building a team around Kobe meant that management had to get the right people on the bus, the wrong people off and the right people in the right seats. Greatness married hard work and a winner was produced. Kobe embraced the responsibility of helping those in need. He made generous contributions to the Make a Wish Foundation and tasked himself to help provide supportive housing to homeless kids. He epitomized the phrase, “make money, but don’t let money make you.” On the granite wall at the Smithsonian National African American History Museum is a plaque with a list of contributors. Prominent is the name of Kobe Bryant who donated $1 million or more. He donated without fanfare or braggadocio. Think of all the people that he has silently helped. You can’t help but love this man. Kobe, keep smiling from above. If you had been a shoeshine boy, your smile would have made you rich and successful. Love him because he fought for girls and

equality in sports. Love him for his composure and dignity. Love him for having a yardstick of trying not to do things that stole dignity from himself, his family and community. Love him for an overcoming spirit, owning his shortcomings and propelling through real and imaginary monsters. Love him for making a muse dance inside your heart and head when he smiled. Love him for thinking and living on his feet, rather than on his knees. Love him for resisting the influences that would have him wear an ankle monitor. Love him for being a daddy and husband. Love his father, Jellybean Joe Bryant, for cultivating his gifts Kobe won a victory for humanity. There is no shame in his game. We are better and the world is better because one solitary man rode into hell and snatched victory from the foul jaws of defeat. We are better due to a silkysmooth brother becoming a role model that was not incarcerated, not unemployed, not poor. We love him for his sweet inspiration. Kobe says to all the young black brothers and sisters, you have a shot to make it in life and America. All you have to do is believe, prepare and work your behind off.

GREATER HOUSTON AREA

Hollywood Reacts DEATH OF KOBE BRYANT “To be honest with you, we’re all feeling crazy sadness right now. Because…Los Angeles, America and the whole wide world lost a hero. We’re literally standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built.” – Alicia Keys

“Still doesn’t feel real. Still can’t ﬁnd the right words. We miss you man!” – Rihanna

“This honestly doesn’t make sense...I just saw you man. This hurts my heart. God please place your hands on his family and help guide them [through] this unbearable time. We love you forever man...Legends never die!!!!” – Kevin Hart

“Kobe, We love you brother. We’re praying for your family and appreciate the life you’ve lived and all the inspiration you gave.” – Kanye West

“We lost a King. 824.” – Lil Wayne

“It can’t be.” – Drake

“DEVASTATED” – Chris Brown

“RIP Kobe, hero to many including my grandson, extraordinary athlete and always kind to me & my family.” – Whoopi Goldberg

“Life is so fragile. This is the kind of loss that makes you deeply reﬂective. My prayers to Vanessa, her children and all of those who love Kobe and Gigi.” – Jada Pinkett Smith

“Jesus this is heartbreaking,” – Jimmy Kimmel

Photo courtesy of AFRAMNEWS

GiGi was a basketball enthusiast and was being groomed by her dad, and had impressive moves for a girl her age. Basketball was embedded in her DNA. Videos spread with GiGi blocking and scoring on her dad, in addition to a multitude of photos of the two of them at arenas enjoying basketball games together.

COVER STORY photos of the two of them at arenas enjoying basketball games together. “The Black Mamba” proudly named GiGi his “Mambacita.” President Barack Obama tweeted, “Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.”

A FAMILY MAN. The beloved athlete was a loving husband and doting father of four girls. He regularly attended games courtside with his family. Bryant’s family included his wife of nineteen years Vanessa and their four daughters: Natalia (b. 2003), Gianna (b. 2006, Bianka (b. 2013) and Capri (b. 2019).

Bryant was soaring in his post-basketball life. In addition to coaching his daughter’s team, he won an Oscar as a producer, launched a media company and wrote several books. His first book was a basketball memoir called “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play,” which entered the USA TODAY Best-Selling Books list at No. 8 and ranked in the top 150 for eight weeks. He also recently started a Young Adult book series, called “The Wizenard Series,” in collaboration with author Wesley King. “I was fortunate to retire from the game and find something I love to do and that is the art of storytelling. There is nothing like having a blank page and outlining a story, a world, a character,” Bryant told Forbes. “What is it going to look like, how does that come together? There is nothing more fun to me than doing this.” A champion, a philanthropist and a true icon in his own right. Kobe Bryant, African-American News&Issues salutes you.

AFRAMNEWS.COM 3

TROOP 242 CONT’D FROM COVER

Since its charter in May of 1968, Wheeler Avenue Troop 242 continues to break Eagle Scout records. In recent years, participation in scouting has regularly declined with the number of Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts falling below 8 percent between 2012 and 2017. Only 4 percent of Boy Scouts achieve Eagle Scout ranking. However, the WABC troop has had more than 170 Eagle Scouts in its history. This is one of the largest groups of African-American scouts to achieve this recognition at one time. The structure of the Scouts is beneficial to many young men. Many young scouts earn the opportunity to learn about the outdoors, gain leadership and teamwork skills, while also reaching personal milestones along the way. To reach Eagle Scout ranking, the scouts must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges. Since its inception, WABC Troop 242 has diversified, as troops should have when Rev. Lawson wanted to join as a young boy. Non-Black scouts have been submitted to join the Third Ward troop. The historic African-American troop continues to flourish in Third Ward. The Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Scouts meeting Tuesdays at 7:00 pm and the Cub Scouts meet Saturdays at 10:00 am.

Photo courtesy of AFRAMNEWS

KOBE BRYANT CONT’D FROM COVER Bryant was selected 13th overall in the NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets but was traded to the Lakers where he spent his entire 20-year basketball career. Bryant is a 5-time NBA Champion, 2-time NBA Finals MVP, NBA Most Valuable Player, 2-time scoring champion, 18-time NBA All-Star, 4-time NBA All-Star MVP, 15-time All-NBA team, 12-time All-Defensive team, and 2-time Best ESPY NBA Player Award. Bryant also became the first basketball player to win an NBA title and an Academy Award. THE ‘DOTING DAD’ IN HIS ‘SECOND ACT’ OF LIFE. No matter how you felt about Bryant’s on-the-court demeanor, it was indisputable that he was one heck of a father. The ‘doting dad” was the proud father of four girls; Gianna, Natalia, Bianca, and newborn Capri, whom he shared with his loving wife, Vanessa. It was the special relationship he shared with his “chip off the old block” GiGi that had recently captured headlines before their untimely deaths. GiGi was a basketball enthusiast and was being groomed by her dad, and had impressive moves for a girl her age. Basketball was embedded in her DNA and many speculated she was well on her way to play in the WNBA when she got older. Viral videos spread with GiGi blocking and scoring on her dad, in addition to a multitude of

FEBRUARY 2, 2020

Photo courtesy of AFRAMNEWS

GREATER HOUSTON AREA

The story of WABC Troop 242 has become the inspiration for filmmaker, Tyrone Dixon. Dixon is a professor at Texas Southern University, where he has employed students to participate in his short film, “Scouts,” set to debut this year. “Scouts” will be a coming-of-age film about a delinquent who joins the troop to escape juvenile detention and ends up becoming a valued team player.

BLACK HIV/AIDS CONT’D FROM COVER

As much as social media and our television screens glorify sex, kids of today’s generation are more exposed and interested in sexual intercourse without the complete knowledge of it and how to stay protected from those with their own agendas. African-Americans, more than any other racial or ethnic group, continue to be disproportionately affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

BLACK HIV/AIDS CONT’D ON PAGE 6

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BLACK HIV/AIDS CONT’D FROM PAGE 3

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GREATER HOUSTON AREA As much as we want to add that one person under our belt, we don’t know what diseases some people are carrying and some folks, unfortunately, aren’t informed about the other’s illness until after they get in bed with them. Rest assured, no one wants to be on the receiving end of finding out the person they had sexual intercourse with was knowingly infected with HIV, and as hard as it is to believe, there are people who intentionally transmit the disease to their unsuspecting partners. Many news headlines have highlighted these occurrences. African-Americans account for a higher proportion of new (HIV) diagnoses and people living with HIV, compared to other races. In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 73% of adult and adolescent African-Americans who received an HIV diagnosis were men and 26% were women. Among the 60% of Black gay and bisexual men who received an HIV diagnosis, 41% were of the 25 to 34 age group. According to CBS News, Texas ranked 13th in the nation with 10.7 HIV/AIDS diagnoses per 100,000 population in 2019. In terms of total STD cases (including HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea only) the Innerbody found that Houston, Texas ranked third with 36,710 cases. So, ladies, be careful of who you allow in your temple and fellas, be cautious of the shrines you do choose to explore. Protect yourself.

GREATER HOUSTON AREA

HEALTH

FEBRUARY 2, 2020

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AFRICAN HERITAGE & HEALTH

FOOD FOR THE SOUL

HOUSTON – The smell of cornbread and macaroni and cheese in the oven, collard greens marinating with turkey legs in the pot, the chitlins’ – that most will just look at and won’t eat -- on the burner, a sweet potato pie cooling off on the counter and chicken being fried on the stove is a combination that will send any hungry black family to the kitchen with their paper plates, until someone

figure out ways to supplement their diet by fishing, foraging, hunting, gardening (some transplanted vegetables from Africa like okra) and raising livestock with farming knowledge passed down from the Motherland. They also made their own seasonings with altered recipes from their original homes. Decades after the Civil War, the pre-slavery patterns evolved into traditions we still practice today.

s ardd C it te y ed ep-wa CrAcc y-a La

Church and community gatherings were the most frequent and vital to the black community and they served celebratory foods like fried chicken, fried fish, cakes, sweet potato pies and watermelon. It’s nothing to hold your heads down about, it’s something you own, and adjust based off your needs in these times. Now, African-Americans have become aware of the health risks associated with some soul food (just like any other rich foods), which can lead to ailments including hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. No need to panic, however, we can still enjoy our favorites with portion control, and there are other options.Some chefs have even opened up “vegan” soul food restaurants. So, as much as we love those beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes, lamb, rams and hog maws--YOU NAME IT-- we have to watch out for what it’s doing to our health. Don’t cut cold turkey but take heed and eat in moderation.

by Thomas Blackshear

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FINGER LICKING GOOD screams out, “let the kids eat first!” “Soul Food” has been a part of the traditional African-American diet for generations. The Southern-style cuisine is a lightning rod in our culture, bringing a sense of love, togetherness and happiness to a family gathering, no matter what conflict or division that any household is enduring because, after all, “food is love.” These dishes celebrate a heritage of culinary genius, community-building and resourcefulness. However, there are those who believe and criticize that soul food is unhealthy or “slave food” that is unworthy of celebration. Its creation is proudly rooted in our history as a means of survival and turning scraps into delicacies. During slavery, our ancestors created meals from the herbs and plants they grew, and meats from slaughtered animals the slave owners disposed of or did not want to eat. The enslaved Africans had to

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