October 31, 2021
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Vol. 26, Issue 41
YOUR VOICE
MATTERS
VOTE
“Addressing Current & Historical Realties Affecting Our Community”
Kareem Atkins
FALLEN HERO
By: N.L. Preston
TEXAS PROPOSITION 3 AND THE BLACK CHURCH By: Roy Douglas Malonson
The COVID-19 / coronavirus pandemic still has people trying to figure out how to protect ourselves and our loved ones, whether we dine in or dine out at restaurants, and what buildings should remain open or closed. Texas Governor Greg Abbott became the center
of scrutiny at the start of the schoolyear after mandating that students and staff NOT wear masks, and now, on the Nov. 2 ballot is Texas Proposition 3, which decides what rights houses of worships have. Do you know what Texas Proposition 3 is? Not many do, but you should.
If voted into the Texas constitution, it will forbid state and local governments from limiting in-person gatherings regardless of threats to overall public health. This proposed constitutional amendment, if passed, would protect churches and places of worship, as well as religious or-
ganizations, from being shut down by the government like they were when the pandemic first struck. “I am in support of protections of our religious freedom,” said Rev. T. Leon Preston II, Yale Street Baptist Church. “Religious leaders should have
Prop 3 cont’d page 3
Harris County Precinct 4 Deputy Kareem Atkins, who was killed two weekends ago in an ambush shooting that wounded two other deputies, was laid to rest this week. The funeral service was held at Champions Forest Baptist Church located on Stuebner Airline Rd, and he was buried at Klein Memorial Park in Tomball afterward. Words used to describe Atkins during the service included loving, loyal, dedicated and fun, with many echoing sentiments of him being a true leader who was friendly, had integrity and mentored many others. “It was something he always wanted to do since he was a kid,” his wife, Nadia Aweineh, said. “That’s all I ever heard about -- that he couldn’t wait and that he’d do anything to get there. He made it.” Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo declared Oct. 25 as “Kareem Atkins Day” during the service. On October 16, Deputy Atkins, Deputy Juqaim Barthen and Deputy Darrell Garret were working an extra shift at a north Houston bar when they encountered a robbery suspect. While they were focused on the suspect, a gunman armed with an AR-15 Hero cont’d rifle opened fire on them. page 4
“YOUR VOTE AND YOUR MONEY ARE THE TWO MOST POWERFUL THINGS YOU HAVE. BE CAREFUL WHO YOU GIVE THEM TO.” - ROY DOUGLAS MALONSON
2 AFRAMNEWS.COM
October 31, 2021
EDITORIAL
President/Chief Editor
Tristar
Griselda Ramirez: Production
News:
A Revival of God
Consciousness Bobby E. Mills, PhD
Office: (713) 692-1892 Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
The System Question: is something better than nothing? Compared to what is the question of questions? The system works for the system, and the system is influenced by White Privilege on both sides of the isle. The only way the federal government can effectively work for all Americans is that all Americans are included regardless of race, creed or religion. Racism is a spiritual sickness. It exits on both sides of the political aisle, and penicillin is not the cure. The USA needs a ”come to Jesus moment”, because: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.” Only GOD can save US from US! Unfortunately, there was no penalty exacted upon The Southern Confederacy for
withdrawing from the Union, and this why we have had a perpetual Civil War resulting in the events of January 6th, 2021. Sadly, once again we had American Trumpism (The Big Lie) fighting against American Democracy. America, we need a “National Reconciliation Spiritual Moment” that is grounded in democracy, because: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” To say and do nothing is evil, because: “The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.” Sadly, it is this same Dixiecrat Mentality which caused Southern States to withdraw from the Union and is currently creating governance confusion in America’s socio-economic-political structure (Democracy). America, know this: “There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.” President Lincoln knew that “A nation divided against itself cannot stand”; even though, Vice President Johnson was a Southern Dix-
iecrat he believed in the Lincoln Doctrine. Christian Right Evangelicals, The GOP and White Nationalists Groups and many Democrat Sympathizers take heed: “Righteousness exaltheth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” White Privilege oriented Whites (military-industrial-international-complex) are willing to spend trillions of dollars on warfare (killing), but not willing to spend a similar amount helping American families live a decent quality of life. Enslave oneself to unrighteousness, and God will turn you over to a reprobate mind. All Americans know, because the Civil War tells US so: “The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.” (Proverbs 14: 11). Lest we forget, God judges the righteous and God is anger with the wicked every day. Compromise in some instances can be the work of the devil, but not always. Compromise should be about truth, justice and righteousness, not selfishness.
For more visit aframnews.com
Partin’ the Waters By Omowale Luthuli-Allen
It’s too early to unconditionally forgive Did you pay attention to the supremacy sneer of the face of Derrick Chauvin as he suffocated the life out of George Floyd? It was a domination mug shot. It was a mug shot of resident evil where evil powers and principalities dwelled, rather a body that had been possessed and evil powers found a home. We should not unconditionally give Chauvin forgiveness although the Almighty can grant forgiveness. Chauvin represents the same old gang of thugs that open the released door for Barnabus and built the gallows for Jesus. We often try to temporarily exonerate resident evil, by saying “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Our shining prince, Malcolm was on target to say, “No, they know exactly what they are doing.” History is replete with hor-
ror stories of this mob in action. The spirit of Derrick Chauvin was the spirit of Adolf Eichmann and Dylan Roof. Eichmann was instrumental in 11 million being killed and Roof was the sick young white Neo-Nazi man who coldly executed nine at Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston, South Carolina. All were sick white supremacists that were under the control of the great adversary. All have expressed NO REMORSE, totally unapologetic. He partook of the Sunday School lesson with the pilgrims and then sent them to glory. Remorse is a part of redemption and forgiveness. Have you heard that Eichmann, Chauvin or Roof went to the mercy seat and prayed the Sinners Prayer? Have they sent messages of regard to the victims’ families? Quit giving this gang a pass. The Jews never forget. Though a war criminal is 100 years old and hiding in South America, soldiers and litigators gather and prosecute him for crimes against humanity in the interest of justice and peace. For more visit aframnews.com
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION Prop 3 cont’d the freedom of choice to determine whether we would shut down, based upon all knowledge and wisdom we gain from the medical experts. Leave that choice in our hands. “ Steven T. Collis, founding director of Texas’ Law and Religion Clinic, says Proposition 3 is designed to ensure states can’t close or limit churches the way many governing bodies did at the start of the pandemic to combat the spread of COVID-19. “There are almost no circumstances where government should be able to order the closing of a church, but a truly deadly pandemic would be one of them. The new statutory and constitutional language would remove any flexibility for government to close churches even if it did have a compelling interest, even if we faced a pandemic far deadlier than COVID,” Collis said. “If people don’t think through the consequences at all, I suspect most church-going people will vote in favor of it,” Collis says. But what are the consequences? And for the Black community, how could it affect us? In early 2020, at the very start of the pandemic, COVID-19 left communities of faith reeling, not only from the shift to virtual ser-
vices, but also from the deaths of so many leaders across denominations. “Pandemic – A Nation Divided” was ABC News’ special coverage of the heightened racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In that report, ABC News identified at least 33 African American bishops, reverends and pastors who led various denominations around the country who died from the coronavirus. In 2020, the Church of God in Christ, the country’s biggest African American Pentecostal denomination, took a deep and painful leadership hit with reports of at least a dozen to up to 30 bishops and prominent clergy dying of COVID-19. Among those who died were: First Assistant Presiding Bishop Phillip A. Brooks, a legendary preacher and leader from Detroit; Bishop Timothy Scott, a leader for nearly 50 years of the denomination in Mississippi; and two Michigan bishops, Robert E. Smith Sr. and Robert L. Harris. “It’s sorrowful to lose one of our leaders,” 79-year-old Charles E. Blake, the presiding bishop of the COGIC, which is based in Los Angeles, California, told ABC News. “One bishop lost to this disease is one bishop too
October 31, 2021 many... the sorrow you can never get use to, the loss you can never get accustomed to that, but not being able to mourn and to even celebrate the lives of those who I’ve known and loved that is difficult also.” Across Texas, many leaders from various faiths – and of various races -- passed away. Pastor Rick Cortez of ACTS Christian Church and Pastor Darrell Boone of Life Pointe Church in Hitchcock died after contracting COVID-19. Irvin Baxter, the founder of Endtime Ministries, succumbed to symptoms linked to COVID-19, Houston’s beloved “Shepherd” Manson Johnson of the historic Holman Street Baptist Church died from COVID complications, and many others. During the pandemic, public health officials repeatedly advised against large social gatherings to slow
the spread of the virus, and leaders struggled to adjust. When the stay-athome and social distancing orders were first issued, it caught “many traditional Black churches” offguard because they were “technically challenged” or did not have a “digital footprint.” Churches were left struggling to pay the bills, at first, from decreased participation, and many worshippers were expressing sadness of not being able to be with the congregations in person. Many felt lost without the physical presence of their trusted leaders. But like many other issues Blacks face, we proved to be resilient. To survive during the pandemic, church services, funerals and other events were moved from inperson spaces to live streaming services like Zoom, Skype or Facebook Live. Those
AFRAMNEWS.COM 3 who were not accustomed to the virtual world, learned a new skill and the churches who were behind in technical advancements, adapted to the innovative ways many say they will continue to use going forward, even though the “doors of the church” are back open. So, is this amendment still needed? If Proposition 3 stands up to constitutional challenges, Collis says it will make it more difficult to stop religious gatherings in response to a deadly pandemic, possibly one worse than COVID-19, and whether this will result in a net positive or negative over time is difficult to say. The question is – will Black communities, which are already disproportionately affected by COVID-19, suffer further if this proposition takes place? Or have we – or those we trust to lead us – learned enough
to protect ourselves? Texas Proposition 3 Overview: • Prohibits government agencies and officials from issuing orders that close or have the effect of closing “churches, congregations, and places of worship” in Texas. • Further secures the Texas Freedom to Worship Act, passed during the 87th Regular Session, by preserving it in the Texas Constitution. • “Place of worship” is defined in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 110 to include non-church buildings or grounds where religious activities are conducted. “If we don’t protect us, who’s going to protect us? We have the right and the freedom to make a choice,” Rev. Preston said. Continue to educate yourselves on what’s on the ballot and VOTE to take more control of your futures. - AANI
4 AFRAMNEWS.COM
October 31, 2021
IN MEMORIAM
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
CDC SAYS FOURTH COVID-19 SHOT MAY BE NEEDED FOR IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PEOPLE
By: Nevaeh Richardson
We are making many strides in the fight against coronavirus, but as much uncertainty as there is from the public on whether or not to get the shot, experts say they are certain that things are moving in the right direction. When determining the efficacy of the vaccines, experts say boosters and additional shots may be needed. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, severely immunocompromised people may require a fourth mRNA coronavirus shot. Though the CDC hasn’t officially recommended the fourth shot in its updated guidelines, the agency did say that people should talk to their doctors to see if the
fourth shot is necessary. According to the CDC, studies have shown that fully-vaccinated immunocompromised people make up 44% of the cases that led to hospitalization. A study from John Hopkins University found that fully vaccinated immunocompromised
people are 485 times more likely than most vaccinated people to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19. Moderately to severely immunocompromised people include those who are being treated for can-
cers of the blood or for tumors, certain organ transplant and stem cell recipients, people with advanced or untreated HIV, and those who take highdose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress their immune systems, according to the CDC.
Roughly nine million Americans, or 2% of the population, fall into the moderate to severe immunocompromised categories. The CDC recommends people with conditions that compromise their immune systems should still
try to avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces and should wear a mask in indoor public spaces. - AANI
All three of f icers, who were considered best friends, were shot. Barthen, 26, and Garrett, 28, were wounded in the shooting. Garrett was shot in the back multiple times and underwent
surgery at Memorial Hermann in downtown Houston. Both his kidneys and his gallbladder were removed, and one bullet struck his spine. Barthen joined Precinct 4 in September 2019. Garrett joined
in March 2018. Atkins, who was 30 years old, had been working with Precinct 4 since January 2019. He had recently returned to duty from paternity leave. The couple had planned to take their
children to Disney World in Florida the weekend he was killed. “I mean the fact he died the night before we were supposed to leave for Florida to take our kids to Disneyworld says everything,” Aweineh said.
“It says exactly who he was as a dad and what he wanted for his kids.” The shooting remains under investigation by the Houston Police Department. Anyone with information regarding the gunman
is urged to report it to the HPD Homicide Division at (713) 3083600 or Crime Stoppers of Houston at (713) 222-TIPS. RIP Deputy Atkins. Thank you for your service. - AANI
Hero cont’d
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
October 31, 2021
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October 31, 2021
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
KNOW YOUR HISTORY
HARRIS COUNTY POLITICAL LEADER RICHARD ALLEN
As we approach yet another round of voting, we want to highlight a little known politician who made major strides as an African American right here in Harris County. In this week’s “Know Your History,” we introduce you to political and civic leader Richard Allen. Allen was born a slave in Richmond, Virginia on June 10, 1830. He was brought to Texas in 1837 and ultimately to Harris County, where he was owned by J. J. Cain until emancipation in 1865. While a slave, he earned a reputation as a skilled carpenter and is credited with designing and building the mansion of Houston mayor Joseph R. Morris. After emancipation, Allen became a contractor and bridge builder and at times a commission agent and saloon owner. Although he was without a formal education, he became literate by 1870. Allen entered politics as a federal voter registrar in 1867. In 1868, he served as an agent of
the Freedmen’s Bureau and as the supervisor of voter registration for the Fourteenth District of Texas. He also participated in the organization of the Republican party in Harris County. After assuming an active role in the Radical Republican meeting that nominated Edmund J. Davis for governor in 1869, Allen was elected to the Twelfth Legislature that November and became one of the first and most active Black legislators. As a representative of the Fourteenth District, which included Harris and Montgomery counties, he advocated general measures for education, law enforcement, and civil rights. In 1870, he unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for United States Congress. In 1871, the Union League, which supported the Republican party, made him one of its vice presidents. Allen apparently was reelected to the legislature in 1873, but the House seated his
Democratic opponent, who contested the election. Allen remained a leader of the Republican party in Houston, at state conventions, and as a delegate to national conventions through 1896. He was elected street commissioner in Houston as an independent candidate in January 1878 and served for one term. Later that year, the conservative wing of the Republican party nominated him for lieutenant governor, thereby making him the first Black to seek statewide office in Texas. Allen served as quartermaster for the Black regiment of Texas militia in 1881–82, and from 1882 to 1885 he acted as storekeeper and then inspector and deputy collector of United States customs at Houston. As a political leader, Allen occasionally took unpopular positions. In 1879 he broke with most other Black leaders in Texas and became a spokesman for the short-lived Exodus
Movement, which told Blacks that they would never enjoy educational or economic opportunity in Texas and therefore should move to Kansas. As customs collector, Allen became involved in the labor dispute that occurred at the port of Houston in 1890. He defied White labor leaders but urged Black workers to remain peaceful during the protests. In 1872 and 1879 he served as a delegate to the National Colored Men’s Convention. He acted as a vice president in 1873 and as chairman in 1879 of Black state conventions that voiced African American concerns about civil rights, education, and economic issues. When the Prince Hall Masons organized in Texas, Allen presided over the meeting at Brenham in 1875. Two years later he became the state’s grand master.
In Houston, he led emancipation celebrations, promoted a park, and served as the superintendent of the Sunday school at Antioch Baptist Church. He also sat on the board of directors of Gregory Institute, Houston’s first Black secondary school. He
married a woman named Nancy soon after emancipation. They had one son and four daughters. Allen died on May 16, 1909 in Houston and was buried in the city cemetery. (Special thanks to the Texas State Historical Association for biography.) - AANI
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
October 31, 2021
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