FREE APRIL 9 - 15, 2018
Did You Know?
After Yates High School relocated from 2610 Elgin to 3703 Sampson in 1958, Ryan Colored Junior High School opened in its former location. Ryan was named after the first principal of Yates High, some older maps referred to the school as Yates Junior High School.
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Dr. Grenita Lathan
Allan Turner of the Houston Chronicle said the building served as an "educational anchor" for the Third Ward as many professionals in the community such as educators, ministers and lawyers received an education there. Since Ryan's beginning, Turner said, the school's fortunes had risen and fallen as time passed. The HISD school board forced Yates principal William S. Holland to stay at Ryan Middle School instead of moving to the new Yates, and a petition did not succeed in changing this. The school opened for AfricanAmericans; was desegregated by 1970. In 1988, Chase Enterprises subsidiary Rangers Insurance Co. assigned employees to tutor Ryan students, funded school supplies and computers. The company deposited $150,000 annually to provide vocational training and/or university education to alumni who abstained from drugs, did not get into legal trouble, and graduated from high school. This benefitted 166 eligible alumi from 1992 - 1996. A 2008 Houston Chronicle article considered Ryan to be among the lowest performing campuses in Houston ISD. HISD staff stated that the district needed signing bonuses in order to convince employees to take positions at Ryan Middle School. Continue @wikipedia.com
See Pg 4 Photo Credit: Thomas Carter | African-American Photographers
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Editorial & Opinion
Many White Democrats Would Rather Lose Elections Than Share Power With Blacks Attorney At Law By: Oscar H. Blayton
The path to victories for white Democrats is clear - share power with the people that can put them in office. This holds true for both state and federal elections. History has shown that while white candidates make pilgrimages to Black churches each election year like clockwork, they seldom cross the thresholds of those churches at any other time. We also know that white Democratic politicians hire smatterings of Black campaign workers for the
sake of optics and to help with corralling Black support and enthusiasm. After their elections, these same politicians assign their Black campaign staffers to mostly ineffectual positions and hire precious few other people of color.
Despite our power to put Democratic candidates into office, Black folks often are no more than pawns on the political chessboard for many white Democrats. Anyone who doubts this needs to ask himself why African-Americans don't show up in the administrations of newly elected Democrats in the same proportion that we showed up for those Democrats at the polls. Hillary Clinton was astonishingly tone deaf in her belief that she could muster Black support in
a presidential election at the same levels enjoyed by Barack Obama. Claiming to carry hot sauce in her purse (a nod to a popular song by Beyoncé at the time) and doing the "nae nae" on national TV to show she had a bond with a homogeneous Black electorate was insulting to many Black voters. Too many folks remembered her once referring to Black youth as "predators." Too many people observed her campaign and saw no indication that there would be a significant improvement in the lives of African-Americans under a Clinton presidency. While Clinton stumbled badly with Black folks (after all, she lost to the horror that was the Trump candidacy), Bernie Sanders fared no better. Sanders’ white campaign
Remembering a King Roy Douglas Malonson
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The Overflow By Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed
People all over the world have been celebrating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. There have been many different conversations about him and the civil rights movement, and it just leaves me asking the question, “What would Dr. King think of our current society, the plight of the African American race, and our youth?” In today’s society, some believe we have made it and that Dr. King would be satisfied with our progression in the world. As a nation, I think we have come a long way in some aspects, especially with the 2008 presidential election that elected our first African American president. Even though that was a historically exciting moment,
I can’t help but think about the current state of our society with our new president, and the issues we have as far as racism and division are concerned.
I think this past election has truly shown us that we can take several steps in the right direction only to get knocked back down. Dr. King stood for love, peace, and equality. Hatred is what he tried to drown out of our society. I think we have lost that vision he had. We have lost compassion for others. It seems everyone is about themselves, and love and unity seems too uncommon. We have come far, but if we are not careful, history will repeat itself again. In some ways, it already has. For the plight of African Americans. I don’t think King would be satisfied. During the civil rights movement, Blacks only had each other to lean on in order to make it through. It was the harsh conditions they endured that
workers were breathtakingly tone deaf. The "Bernie Bros" acted as if they only had to say that Bernie marched with Dr. Martin Luther King 50 years earlier in order to gain Black support. Bernie's campaign operatives in many Southern states ignored the Black political infrastructures that were already in place, thinking that white youth from out of state could parachute in and tell Black folks what to do. Never mind that local Black political activists had been working and managing local campaigns for decades. It is a sad fact for Black folks that Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders were the best that the Democratic party had to offer us in 2016. This same old sad song of white Democrats failing to truly embrace inclusiveness continues to
Texas • April 9 - 15, 2018
hit a sour note with Black voters. This off-key tune has a long history and continues to this day. In November 2017, Democrats in Virginia celebrated the victory of Justin Fairfax, the AfricanAmerican attorney who won that state's lieutenant governor’s seat. But the support he received from the Democratic Party during his campaign was shamefully, but typically, meager. Three decades earlier, when L. Douglas Wilder announced that he would run for lieutenant governor of Virginia, top state Democrats, fearful of having a Black candidate on the statewide ticket, met secretly to try to figure out what to do about the “Wilder problem.” Fortunately, they could not stop Wilder. He went on to become lieutenant governor and, four years later, became the state’s first Black governor. Continue @ aframnews.com
brought and kept them together. They sang together, worked together, cried together, suffered together, and had the backs of one another. Today, not only racism and division, but among African Americans as well. For whatever reason, it’s hard for Blacks to unite. I can’t say this for all, but from what I’ve witnessed in my life thus far, there is jealousy, hatred, Black on Black crime and so much more. African Americans race have been through a lot, and once we truly realize we are better together, then the plight of our people will continue to escalate. Just think about this, Dr. King wouldn’t have accomplished all he did without the support of his people ready to weather the storm. Why can’t we do the same? On another note, as an educator I am always talking with my students about historic and current events. I believe it’s important for them to talk about them, to express themselves, as well as staying informed on what’s going on around them. They need to know
about events and people like Dr. King so they won’t think things have always been the way they are today. As we discussed the life and legacy of Dr. King, they had some intriguing things to say that resonated with me. They discussed they appreciated and respected what he did, however, they feel as if the civil rights movement and doesn’t affect them because they didn’t live through it. But if our youth will truly study our history and be informed about the past, they will see they are living through some of the same events that took place back then. I feel as if our youth are blinded by things that should be relevant to our society. Now I will say some of our youth are standing up for what they believe in and speaking out about things that aren’t right, but we need more of that. In addition, it takes a lot of people to support a movement and it takes consistency in order to make changes. Dr. King and his people didn’t march one time. Continue @ aframnews.com
Texas • April 9 - 15, 2018
Editorial & Opinion
Make New Friends But Keep The Old Ones The Standard View Billy “Hollywood” Groves
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here’s an old saying that says “Make new friends but keep the old, one is Silver and the other is Gold.” In other words that means old and new friends are both equally important to us. While this may not be true now, this is the mentality modern day African Americans must have if we intend to be successful and survive as a people going into the future.
Friendship must allow all of the different age generations of our people to bond. Whether you are with the baby boomers, the generation X or any other age, you must reach outside the comfort zone of your age group to extend your friendship zone. I can assure you, it is not an act of disrespect toward yourself or your friends when you choose to widen your scope to include people of another age group. The significance and positive advantages of all the different age groups being “together friends”, definitely makes us stronger and as a people. Remember, that in a lot of ways we are still living under modern day “Jim Crow Laws” that require and force us as black people to get together. Although new friends and age differences do present serious disconnection for old friends; we must emphasize to all our friends the value and importance each of them bring to the relationship. The wisdom, experience and knowledge of old friends combined
with the strength, energy and optimism of new friends makes us all stronger. All of us have heard through the years the importance of having “wisemen” in a society, and it is true. The wisemen are the veterans, the men and women who have been around a longtime and truly understand how to effectively function within the world they live in. We can’t accept this false narrative of believing that “your only real friends are your old friends,” and it is alright to stay stuck in your age group. I know it’s not going to be easy to make new friends and keep the old ones, because many of our veteran friends feel like younger people don’t respect the “best parts of their lives”; an era of the past when the younger friends were not even born. I truly understand how our older generation feels, but I would have to slightly disagree with this mindset held by most of our “wisemen” because I feel a lot of our young people, as they have grown and learned, are really impressed with the great accomplishments made by the older generation of black people that came before them. Once again I say, we can’t afford to let generational gaps divide us and keep us from our rightful place in America. There is so much going on that will require all our combined strength and wisdom to survive in the future. Our success will depend on our ability to “Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold.” Gold Bess America! - AANI
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Just Keep it Real
n 12 Keys to Success for Misfits, Weirdos & Introverts: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Understanding Your Place in the World, Tiffany L. Jackson wrote, “The truer you are to yourself, the greater your gifts will manifest themselves.” I have to agree because it is important a person remains true to who they are. Pretending and playing make believe just to appease people will get you nowhere fast. As members of the Black community, we have seen many of those that were raised in the same neighborhoods as us; however, once they get to a certain point where they feel that they have arrived, it is as if they are too good to embrace where they came from. We MUST Understand that if a person cannot identify with folks that look like them and be proud of where they came from, then it does not say much for the future they intend to embark on – because they are still trying to find themselves. We MUST Understand we live in a society where it is popular to put on the faces and personalities of others at an attempt to fit in and feel accepted or to attain a certain level of status. We are surrounded by generations who do not understand the need to be true to themselves, until they get into a predicament and have no choice but to understand who they are and where they came from. They are reminded they don’t look like others or come from the same background. I thought about this in regards to many of our Brown brothers and sisters. I have a serious problem with some in the Hispanic American community who play the minority card until they get what they want. Once that is achieved, then they revert back to being White. But it would be nice if our fellow Hispanic-Americans could
remember that they come from a similar place in American history as African-Americans. As minorities we could really get ahead if we just kept it real with one another and worked together. It is no secret America is a melting pot country full of individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds. If the numbers were ever really considered for what they actually are, we would find minorities actually possess the power of majority, if we would only sit down at the table and work
Ming-Dao Deng with one another. After all, the truth is that many of the same discriminations African-Americans face is very much similar to that of HispanicAmericans. Just like most Blacks, Hispanics were not born with a silver spoon in their mouth. Despite other cultural differences, both groups have always maintained a very dominant work ethic and a tendency to do the jobs everyone else overlooked or considered beneath them. Furthermore, it has been noted Hispanic-Americans have fallen victims to the same mass incarceration AfricanAmericans face. Other varying similarities exist between both cultures and races. Nonetheless, I think it is important for me to point out that Blacks and Hispanics are the two most largest,
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We MUST Understand Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher
powerful groups within the nation. But those who do not look like us do not want these truths revealed. As I always say and write about, we have access to two of the most powerful tools anyone can have, “our money” and “our vote” and we should be careful who we give them to. Hence, if minority groups would keep it real and understand they have more power than what they are given credit for, this nation could be completely turned around. Yet, there is a notion we have been forced to contend with; because we the minority population, we don’t have as much power as those who in the majority. But this theory couldn’t be further from the truth. In concludion, I would like to echo the words of Ming-Dao Deng: “The moon does not fight. It attacks no one. It does not worry. It does not try to crush others. It keeps to its course, but by its very nature, it gently influences. What other body could pull an entire ocean from shore to shore? The moon is faithful to its nature and its power is never diminished.” My purpose in sharing this statement is so our audience will recognize and understand that as long as a person is keeping it real and being true to one’s self, the sky is the limit to what they can accomplish. But when a person is running around pretending to be someone that they are not, it knocks that person back a couple of steps. They just don’t realize it, but all we have to do is just keep it real with one another and that will definitely level the playing field. - AANI TX-3
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LATHAN from pg. 1
Dr. Grenita Lathan
was able to lead and motivate. Her involvement in various extra-curricular activities stemmed from her belief that “a teacher should do everything you can to connect with the children, inside and outside of the classroom.” Her personality and kind spirit was not only limited to African-American students. During her tenure, she was known as, “the teacher that stood outside of her classroom and greeted every student, whether they were her student or not.”
By: Rebecca Jones
HOUSTON - Ralph Ellison delivered a lecture in 1963 entitled, “What These Children Are Like”. He said, “Let’s not play these kids cheap; let’s find out what they have. What do they have that is a strength? What do they have that you can approach and build a bridge upon? Education is all a matter of building bridges, it seems to me. Environment is bouncing everything off everybody in this country… The question is how can you relate the environment to yourself?” Certainly the concept he expressed over five decades ago still remains valid today in educators like Dr. Grenita Lathan. From her humble beginnings in Georgia, she has built a legacy of reaching the unreachable and helping to provide a quality education to students that others labeled a lost cause. Her impressive resume transformed educational goals in school districts throughout several states including North Carolina, Illinois, California and most recently, Texas. On April 1, this distinguished educator became interim superintendent of Texas’ largest school district. The appointment came after the Houston Independent School District Board of Education unanimously voted to name the Chief Academic Officer interim superintendent. Her role establishes her as the first African-American female to fill such a position within HISD. African-American News&Issues received the opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with the accomplished Superintendent, and here is what that entailed…. Grenita Lathan was born and raised in Jackson, Georgia. When she was 13, her family relocated to Ashville, North Carolina. Her modest upbringing left an everlasting impact on her which she remembers to this day. Her mother, a teenage mom, reared her in a village complete with a nurturing grandmother, supportive educators and encouraging Sunday school teachers and church TX- 4
Texas • April 12-18, 9 - 15, 2013 2018 Texas • August
Climbing the Educational Ladder to Success
Dr. Grenita Lathan
members. At an early age, she developed a desire to emulate the powerful teachers and leaders that assisted with laying her primary educational groundwork.
Building Scholars, One Student at a Time After graduating high school in Ashville, North Carolina, Lathan enrolled at North Carolina A & T State University in Greensboro, NC. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education, after which she became a high school business education teacher at Morehead High School in Eden, N.C. She served as one out of two African-American teachers in a school with nearly 100 White educators, and was often the “go to” instructor for African-American students. As a result, the responsibility fell on her to assume the role
of mentor, role model and counselor to the African-American students on campus. In addition to being the prom sponsor and varsity cheerleading club sponsor, Lathan also became the African-American history club sponsor. She said, “I taught from 1991 to 1997, and you just didn’t see a lot about African-Americans and their contributions, so this was a place where students were able to do that.” She continued, “I felt that the students needed an association or group, where they could talk about the struggles that they encountered in their class and also learn Black history.” Annually, the organization would put on a Black history program and perform as a gospel choir. Lathan expressed that she truly believes the African-American history club made a difference in the children’s lives she
While exercising her gift as an educator, Lathan matriculated at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. There she obtained her Master’s degree in Business Education. Afterwards, she decided to advance her studies even further and pursued a doctorate degree. However, she found that her limited financial means as a teacher were not adequate enough to pay her tuition alone. Ironically, one of her former professors from A&T had become a professor at Southern Illinois Air Force Base, and recommended her for a graduate assistantship. Accordingly, Lathan took a sabbatical from teaching and attended Southern Illinois University. Determined to get back to work, she completed her coursework within a year and a half and achieved a doctoral degree in Workforce Education and Development. Lathan returned to North Carolina as an assistant principal. Shortly thereafter, she was recruited to go back to Illinois, where she served as assistant principal in an alternative school for students labeled with behavioral disorders. She was later promoted to principal. She and her staff worked with children (K-12) who needed the most extreme, restricted environment. She shared, “We had an opportunity which was exciting… To take children that nobody wanted in their home school and give them a second chance and a quality education. So I am very proud of what we accomplished as a team there.” Continue @ aframnews.com
Texas • April 9 - 15, 2018
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The Union Lives! 50 Years after the Sacrifice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. By: Claude Cummings, Jr.
Claude Cummings, Jr. As we approach the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s’ assassination, it is important to reflect on his immense sacrifice to support the 1968 labor movement of the Sanitation Workers in Memphis, Tennessee, a movement wculminated in the tragic death. The events leading to his death will stand as an indelible moment in history. I remember the story vividly, although I was a young boy at the time. I’ll never forget the night we heard of the assassination because it was the first time I saw my father cry openly. The assassination crippled Black American communities across the country. It was an event of the very worst nature. Our parents knew the impetus was racism, which they had also experienced. We shouldn’t forget that millions of Black Americans across the country had encountered racism; government-sponsored systemic discrimination, whether it is in our communities or in the workplace. The great divide between White and Black Americans remained prevalent for decades. Much of the fight for equal rights was brilliantly led by Dr. King. His work motivated, energized, and organized Black Americans to join the fight for equal rights throughout the country. While the focus was on equality in matters of civil liberties for Black Americans; Black workers stood alone in their suffering for equal rights in the workplace, until the Memphis Sanitation Workers Organizing Campaign. In fact, one of the clearest moments of that era is when the labor movement faced its own internal struggles around race and working-class values. If we are to be completely honest, it is uncertain at times if we’re going to pass the test.
Black Sanitation Workers in Memphis withstood incomprehensibly dangerous working conditions, lower pay than their White counterparts and malfunctioning, outdated equipment. In days of rain, Black workers were sent home without pay while White workers were paid. Furthermore, the workers were not provided benefits, vacations, or pensions. These indignities continued until the deplorable working conditions took the lives of two Sanitation Workers. Echol Cole and Robert Walker were crushed to death by a malfunctioning garbage truck on February 1, 1968. On February 13, twelve days after the tragic deaths of Cole and Walker, the Sanitation Workers unionized. Under the leadership of union organizer, T.O. Jones (a garbage collector) 1300 Black men (workers from the City of Memphis), went on strike to fight for safe working conditions, better wages, and recognition of their union. The strike and union were formed and supported by, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union (AFSCME). Despite the great numbers of men striking, they were met with tremendous opposition from the City of Memphis, in particular from its Mayor Henry Loeb. The City of Memphis refused to recognize the Union. One of our historic Black leaders, Frederick Douglass once said. “Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is in an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob, and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.” The Sanitation Workers in Memphis were clearly denied justice, oppressed, and degraded. Despite the injustices, the Sanitation Workers persisted in their quest for action by calling on the religious leaders of the community to plan non-violent protests until the City of Memphis accepted their demands. During the time religious leaders met to plan the protests, Dr. King was in Atlanta anticipating the call for a date to march in Memphis. Dr. King worked tirelessly against injustices for all people during the Memphis Crisis. In fact, he was also working on “The Poor People’s Campaign”, which was initially started by King and The Southern Christian Leadership Conference to ad-
dress economic housing, voting, and human rights for all poor people regardless of racial background. On March 28, Dr. King went to Memphis and led a march from the Clayborn Temple Church. The march was interrupted by a window breaking and mayhem ensued. Police killed a 16-year-old boy, hundreds were arrested, and about 60 people were injured. The city was placed on curfew to quiet the disruption. Dr. King, leaders of the movement, and the Sanitation Workers were undeterred. A few days later on March 29, as the ASHP/CML reported, 300 Sanitation Workers and ministers, marched peacefully and silently from Clayborn Temple Church to Memphis City Hall. On April 3rd, Dr. King returned to Memphis and addressed the rally with his famed speech “I’ve Been To The Mountaintop”, in which the audience was riveted by his poignant remarks. The speech is still stirring today. He spoke of the unity
and determination of all on behalf of the Sanitation Workers. His own reflection during his famed speech resembled that of epithets of a man who knew his plight. Dr. King’s word on that day are what we now know to be his last speech. As a union leader, with the Communications Workers of America, the fight for equal rights in labor continues today, and we have to continue to challenge ourselves within our union ranks to be intentional about creating the very diversity that is reflected in our membership. It is Dr. King’s ultimate sacrifice and that of a unified Black community in Memphis that continues to inspire labor leaders to support equality for all workers. Dr. King worked tirelessly to secure basic rights for the Sanitation Workers in Memphis, which included the right to form and join a labor union, to collectively negotiate for the rights of workers. The loss of life in fighting for labor rights is not a “bargain.” Continue @ aframnews.com
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
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New Candidate Meets The Community
Texas • April 9 - 15, 2018
Fifth-Generation Fort Worthian the Chamber’s executive vice president of Economic Development. “He and his wife run their own small business, which has provided him key insights into the challenges and concerns that business owners face.”
District Attorney Kim Ogg; Missouri City Councilman Jeffrey Boney; US Senate Candidate for Texas Beto O’Rourke; Texas State Representatives Ron Reynolds; Texas State Representatives Jarvis Johnson
Dr. John Stanford; Judy Foston Stanford;US Congressman Joseph Patrick Kennedy, III;
Houston--On a cloudy day, with thunderstorms threatening, US Senate Candidate for Texas Beto O’Rourke met with African American media, press and elected officials. The event was held on Wednesday, March 28th at Carl Walker Community Center. The weather was incidental to the audience as Beto O’Rourke discussed his platforms and listened to the concerns of the African American community in Houston Texas. Claude Cummings, Jr., Communications Workers of America Regional Vice President, hosted the meeting. To the surprise and delight of attendees, O’Rourke invited Massachusetts US Congressman Joseph Patrick Kennedy, III. is also a candidate for the US Senate. Both O’Rourke HOU - 6
Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee; US Senate Candidate for Texas Beto O’Rourke
and Kennedy share similar viewpoints, in particular, the mission of accountability and responsiveness in public service. Kennedy spoke of the resilience and perseverance of O’Rourke and why it’s time to unseat O’Rourke’s opponent, Senator Ted Cruz. A native of El Paso Texas, Beto O’Rouke, has served his district as Congressman since 2012. He has met his constituents where they live to better understand their needs and take those needs to the US Congress. His campaign is centered on meeting all Texans across the state. Event host, Claude Cummings, Jr. says, “Beto O’Rourke is set to serve all Texans.” Elected Officials in attendance were
Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee, Texas State Representatives Ron Reynolds and Jarvis Johnson, Houston Council Members Jerry Davis and Amanda Edwards along with Missouri City Councilman Jeffrey Boney and Houston District Attorney Kim Ogg. Each spoke of Candidate O’Rourke’ work in the US House of Representatives and the need for his leadership in the US Senate. The event went on for several hours. Beto O’Rourke answered every question with enthusiasm and his message was centered on resolving issues in each community. plans to continue travel across Texas. Currently, he has traveled to more than 216 Texas counties meeting the citizens of the state.
Jarred Howard
FORT WORTH – Fort Worth native Jarred Howard, an executive with more than 20 years of economic development, marketing and banking experience, will join the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce staff April 3 as senior vice president of Small Business and Entrepreneur Support, leading one of four pillars of the Chamber’s new strategic plan, Fortify. Howard is presently Regional Leader of Economic Development for the Southeastern United States at BNSF Railway, the nation’s largest railroad and the largest subsidiary in the Berkshire Hathaway family of brands. “Jarred is extremely passionate about helping small business across the Fort Worth area, and brings a wealth of economic development experience to this pillar of our strategic plan,” said Brandom Gengelbach,
As head of Small Business and Entrepreneur Support, Howard’s goals will include developing free entrepreneur and small business support services; helping establish a Start-Up Fort Worth Foundation; and working with the City of Fort Worth to implement incubators and innovation labs around target and emerging industries. Currently, 87 percent of the Chamber’s members are small businesses with fewer than 150 employees. "As a fifth generation native of Fort Worth, the opportunity to contribute to the continued evolution of the city is more than professional, it's personal, said Howard. “"It’s not enough for Fort Worth to be great; we have to make people around the world aware of it! Joining the Chamber team is an incredible honor and I can't wait to get started." Howard attended Fort Worth schools and graduated from O.D. Wyatt High School. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration
degree from the University of North Texas and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Dallas Baptist University. He launched his career at JP Morgan-Chase where he held roles in their Consumer Products and Commercial Lending units. He later spent six years at DaimlerChrysler Financial Services, where he worked in commercial lending and led a remarketing group. “Jarred is the ideal person to help bring our community together to strengthen our entrepreneur ecosystem, to drive the entrepreneurial strategy for Fort Worth and help align services for local entrepreneurs,” said Gengelbach. The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, with 2,000 member businesses, is one of the largest in North Texas. Through its core functions of business attraction and retention, talent development, small business and entrepreneur support, and government advocacy, the Chamber’s mission is to bring the Fort Worth region together to identify issues, solve problems and help align resources resulting in a stronger business climate and greater economic prosperity for all.
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African
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Education/Youth
Congratulations Eisenhower H.S. Eagles
LSC-Houston North “A New College Concept”
By: Chelsea Davis-Bibbs
Back row left: 21 Sam Schrader, 10 Charyles Bell, 20 Faybeyon Shelton, 22 Nederious Vining, 11 Matthew Barber, 0 Patrick Punch Front row left: Coach James Johnson, 1 Derrick Vining, 5 Korey McQueen, 2 Ja’Mere Redus, 12 Jordan Stubblefield, 3 Ja’Mare Redus, Coach Chris Packer
The Eisenhower Eagles basketball team had an outstanding season, as they advanced to the Class 6A Region II Tournament. Along the way, the Eagles won 30 games and three playoff games before their season ended in the Region II semifinals. Congratulations to head coach James Johnson and his team on a stellar season.
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Texas • April 9 - 15, 2018
Lone Star College is one of the fastest growing community colleges in the nation. The Lone Star College System has several campuses that are currently serving many students in the Houston area and in surrounding cities. Lone Star College is also proud of the new LSC-East Aldine Center location, scheduled to open in Fall 2019. One major change Lone Star is proud to announce is the new LSC-Houston North, which will encompass the current LSCFairbanks Center, LSC-Greenspoint Center, and LSC-Victory Center. The new LSC-East Aldine Center location will also fall under the LSC-Houston North umbrella. The reason for this “new college concept” is to service area penetration, enrollment, support, student success, and student graduation. According to Lone Star, there has been a 6% decrease in enrollment, and a 34% decrease for face-to-face enrollment. Currently, the Victory, Fairbanks, and Greenspoint Center combined has a total enrollment of approximately 5,867 students. The projected enrollment of students for the new LSC-Aldine Center is 1,400 plus students, and 8,200 students is the projected enrollment for LSC-Houston North by 2021. For LSC-Houston North, Lone Star College has come up with several proposed initiatives to better serve their students and community. Some of these include academic support considerations such as block schedules, shorter classes (8-week schedule), smaller class sizes, and expanded workforce options. Another initiative is nonacademic support considerations such as childcare options, food pantry, and even transportation options just to name a few. Lone Star College has many plans they
would like to put in action, but since takes great pride in the communities it serves, it wanted input from the community. On March 21st, a “Conversation with the Community” took place at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center in order to explain this “new college concept” as well as receive their feedback about their proposed initiatives. The meeting started off with a meet and greet, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Alton Smith, a short presentation by Dr. Quentin Wright, and ended with Dr. Sheldon Moss leading an open discussion. There were three questions that were asked of the community. The first: what services would you like to see at LSCHouston North? Some responses included internships, summer enrichment programs for K-12, financial counseling, student life programs, and more cultural activities that don’t just occur on special historic occasions. The second: what programs would you like to see at LSC-Houston North? The responses included sports, international studies, money management classes, parenting academy, and a stronger emphasis on two-year degrees since many students end up transferring to other schools. The last: how can LSC keep you informed about LSC Houston-North. Responses included social media, phone blasts, talk shows, and even more meetings within the community. The event was well attended, and the community was not afraid to shed their thoughts about the next endeavor for Lone Star College. As for Lone Star, they truly care about the needs of their students, and want to continue to expand for the greater good of the community. Dr. Wright stated, “We react to the needs of our students. We feel like we can restructure, reorganize, and service the needs of the students.”
Texas • April 9 - 15, 2018
Business
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Houston Black Real Estate Association 50th Anniversary of Fair Housing Act
HOUSTON - The Houston Black Real Estate Association, (HBREA) a local chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the country’s oldest, minority real estate trade association, is planning a week-long series of events, April 14 - 21, 2018 in observance of the trade association’s dedication to increasing Black wealth through home ownership. This year, the association celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Join the Houston Black Real Estate Association at a Community Day Housing Expo, Saturday, April 21st, 10am to 4pm at the Community of Faith Church. Participants can learn how to pay less to own a home than rent. In 1968, NAREB was the catalyst in bringing forward the ultimate lawsuit against the United States government that resulted in legislation of the Fair Housing Act. Without this Legislation hundreds of Black families would still face racism and discrimination. For the 50th Anniversary, Realtists will meet with policymakers and elected officials to ensure that affordable and sustainable home ownership is supported legislatively, through regulatory or other city planning means. HBREA chapter president Kimberley Barnes-Henson says, “Our efforts will seek to educate and inspire the public about the never-ending struggle for equality, Democracy in Housing, and NAREB/ HBREA role in the landmark effort. We fully understand de-facto desegregation and institutional racism remains a pervasive problem throughout the United States. Thus, as we illuminate the accomplishments of the last 50th years, we ask everyone to join in our current efforts to increase Black homeownership, and improve social and economic conditions for all disenfranchised people.” Homeownership for Black Americans has been on a steady decline since 2004, when it reached its peak of nearly 50%. As of the fourth quarter ending 2017 as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Black homeownership rate hovered nationally at 42.1% compared to the non-Hispanic White homeownership rate of just above 72.7%”.
As a result of these staggering “Realtist“ Week was created to combat the differences. President Barnes-Henson further says, “Realists” Week events and activities raise awareness that Black homeownership not only strengthens the economic fabric of our city, but also increases the desirability of Houston’s many neighborhoods”.
For more information regarding sponsorship and participation, contact HBREA, 713-551-2092. For media inquiry and to set-up interviews, contact Foston International, 866-922-2544 or jfoston@ fostoninternational.com. About NAREB The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) was formed in 1947 to secure the right to equal housing opportunities for all regardless of race, creed, or color. NAREB has 90 chapters located nationwide and publishes annually The State of Housing in Black America (SHIBA) Report. Visit www.nareb.com for more information. ABOUT HBREA: The Houston Real Estate Association, Inc., DBA; The Houston Black Real Estate Association is a local chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), which is the oldest and largest minority trade association in America. HBREA supports various agencies in Houston while maintaining an active role in the community by offering scholarships, training, home ownership assistance and counseling to low-to-moderate income individuals. About The Name “Realtist” A Realtist is an individual who joined NAREB, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc., when nonwhite realtors could not join a REALTOR Organization. In 1939, Black real estate professionals became “Realtists” because they were prohibited from joining NAR, GAR, etc. In 1947, “Realists” became members of NAREB, formed to provide a national source of information and collective talents among Black Real Estate professionals. TX - 9
10
African
American News&Issues
Houston Seahawks
Education/Youth
Texas • April 9 - 15, 2018
Davis High Volleyball Player Signs With Cisco College
The Houston Seahawks Superbowl Champions
The Houston Seahawks--Houston's own Super Bowl champions. What a way to kick off the Super Bowl. The Houston Seahawks was founded by Al Black, Joe Stephens and Lincoln Morris. Al Black started off by coaching the Cypress Longhorns, while Lincoln Morris and partner Joe Stephens coached the Cy Creek Cowboys. Both teams had achieved success. The Longhorns won a Super Bowl Grid Iron League, while the Cowboys won a Super Bowl in the Tyfa League. Although both teams had great success, they decided to part ways with the teams due to no recognition of the players. That was when the coaches decided to come together and form one group, known as The Houston Seahawks, to instant success. Al Black as the athletic director, Joe Stephens as the general manager and Lincoln Morris as the head coach and president. They have combined their skills to help keep the team motivated, build character and establish leadership skills in each player. They have instilled a no pass no play rule with the team. They also provide tutoring and life skills classe, joint effort along with the parents. Those who are teachers provide tutoring; those who are counselors provide the life skill classes.All of the parents and the kids both buy into the program and that's what makes them so successful. They also do football camps currently running now at Kahla Middle School. This is a TX - 10
team effort however, Lincoln expressed a great deal of enthusiasm when he spoke. Bright, whose father, George Bright is Davis High School senior volleyball player Avionna Washom, front row, center, recently an assistant coach and also played college signed a national letter of intent with Cisco College. Pictured with her were, front row, (l-r): football for Oklahoma State where he Kamren Washom, Ka’lyn Washom and Latrice Washom. Back row, (l-r): Davis High played linebacker. He also praised Chase head volleyball coach Starla Jones, Aldine ISD’s Director of Athletic Services Sandra Jenkins and Chase Farrell. Both are Mader, Davis High School Head Football Coach and Campus Athletic Coordinator James running backs who are great players and Showers, Cisco College volleyball coach Susan Moore and Davis High School Assistant also great teammates on and off the field Principal Timothy Price. he said, "They're real stand up guys." The Seahawks have won Super Bowls with every team, all levels from flag to varsity. The varsity team has won back to back state and national championships. They won a state championship in the Snoop Dogg league and this year in the Tyfa league. So, I was wondering, with all the success does it make the kids bored? No because they also have an off-season basketball program the kids participate in. In the off season even though the basketball team has not been as successful as football, it keeps them active. Their goals for the future are to continue to win, gain success, Achievement Through Leadership Foundation (ATLF) is pleased to announce and help these kids who need it and whatits largest number of scholarships and the highest dollar amount of awards ofever else to help them get ready for high fered in its 12-year history. Please share the information below with Houstonschool. I would like to congratulate the area graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students who need Houston Seahawks on all of their wins and assistance with college tuition and other higher education-related expenses. success. Take a bow, you guys earned it! Completed applications must be submitted via U.S. mail and postmarked by
Achievement Through Leadership Foundation offers Scholarships to High School Seniors & Undergraduate Students in Greater Houston
The Sports Corner! Jay the Barber
Saturday, April 27, 2018. Best wishes to all applicants.
Winners are expected to attend the annual scholarship dinner on Sunday, May 20, 2018 in Houston, TX.
Community
Texas • April 9 - 15, 2018
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Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW) and Phenomenal Partners
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SUGAR LAND: Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW) and Phenomenal Partners recently held their 29th annual Service and Academic Excellence Luncheon honoring 2018 Scholarship Recipients
OLUWATOBI ELIZABETH AYORINDE - Travis High School in Fort Bend ISD; College: Undecided * Major: Biology FORCHE ELISE BRIDGES - Hightower High School FBISD; College: Baylor; * Major: Film & Digital Media PEACE YINGILAYEOFORI JAJA - Hightower High School * FBISD; College: University of North Texas; * Major: Public Health TYRA LA TRICE JAMES - Austin High School in Fort Bend ISD; College: Xavier University ;* Major: Biology Pre – Med WILLIAM EDMON JOHNSON -Hightower High School in Fort Bend ISD; College: Baylor or UNT or UT Dallas; *Major: Biology Pre Med; ZARIA NA’SHAE LADDIE -Hightower High School; College: Sam Houston Univ.; Major: Mass Communications / Film and Broadcasting; CHIAMAKO STEPHANIE NWOSU-Hightower High School; College: University of Texas at Dallas; *Major: Healthcare Studies OJIUGO CHELSEA OPARA -Hightower High School; College: University of Texas at Dallas; *Major: Healthcare Studies; KEVIN KYLE TAYLOR – JARRELL,II – Stafford High School in Stafford Municipal School District; College: Hampton University or Southern University; *Major: Finance * Minor: Accounting; KAHLEAB ALEXANDER HILL- Stafford High School; Stafford MSD College: University of Southern Mississippi ;* Major: Marketing
William Johnson
Zaria N. Laddie
Tyra James
Peace Jaja
Chimaka Nwosu
Forche Bridges
Ojiugo C. Opara
Oluwatobi Ayorinde
Kahleab Alexander Hill
Kevin K. Taylor-Jarrell II
A LIMITED NUMBER of annual and competitive scholarships are awarded in March and July based on SSLW community service, academic excellence, leadership, and funds raised. Requirements are listed on website. The program was engaging and fun! Mose Austin was the “ keep it moving” master of ceremony. He also designed and printed the exquisite trifold programs. Marvelyn Harris, Scholarships’ Chair, welcomed and introduced recipients, their families, and partners. Mable Scott Austin shared the history, purpose, mission, programs / projects. Elise Leaks Harmon reviewed the scholarships’ process and updates and distributed hard copies of the required bursar’s form. Mable Scott Austin shared two specific partnerships opportunities: 1. distribution of Partner Commitment Form. This form is also online; and 2. Distribution of an informative and empowering three minute CD video created and updated annually by Joel C. Harmon, member and Diamond partner. June Peggs donated beautiful, 8 x 10, framed, scholarship certificates.
Mose Austin and Marvelyn Harris presented each recipient a framed scholarship certificate and tote. Totes contents varied - flash drives, pens, pencils, highlighters, notebooks, post it notes, paper clips, rubber bands, mini flash lights, tooth brushes, tooth paste, soap, lotions; shampoo, conditioners, first aid kits, sewing kits; sanitizers; rulers, daily devotionals, laminated keys, college success pamphlets, and a thank you card to be US mailed in thirty days. Tote bags contents were generously donated by Amazing Smiles, Dr. Margaret J. Allen and Belinda Allen – Joel & Elise Harmon, and Mose & Mable Austin. Recipients on time attendance and appropriate attire are mandatory. Recipients must submit three official documents with a U.S. Mailed postmark on or before July 15: 1. University acceptance letter; 2. University class schedule; and 3.SSLW, typed, accurate, and complete bursar’s form signed by students/parents/guardians. Failure to complete any part of the scholarship process forfeits the scholarship for this year
only. Recipients may apply for continuing scholarship future years. 2018 Phenomenal Partners To Date: Margaret J. Allen, D.D.S. and Belinda Allen – Clark, Office Manager, Amazing Smiles; Dr. Moses & Susan Wilcox; Joel & Elise Harmon; Albert Glover, Jr.; A Concerned Citizens Group; Barry & Maria Navoy; Winston & Marie Williams; Deloris Scott Mills; Dr. Thomas & Rubye Randle, Supt., Lamar Consolidated ISD; Lawrence & Marsha Eckermann; Dr. Johnny & Annie Johnson; James Rice of Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc.; Walter Veterinary Services; Fort Bend Publishing Group; Jerry & Errol Chenier; Raymond & Shirley Sewell; Dr. Robert & Ellen Bostic, Supt., Stafford Municipal SD; Milton & Dr. Rose Austin; George & Marvelyn Harris; Acres Home Chamber for Business & Economic Development, Inc.. Commissioner Grady & Fheryl Prestage. Continue @ aframnews.com TX -11