September 17, 2023
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
African-American News&Issues
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
Vol. 28, Issue 35
FREE
If you don’t know your history, you don’t know who you are. - Roy Douglas Malonson
Minor Paul “Buster” Malonson
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Minor Paul “Buster” Malonson, 74, of Houston, TX passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2023 in Houston, TX. He was born on February 10, 1949 to John Curley, Sr. and Viola Syon Malonson at Jefferson Davis Hospital in Houston, TX. Paul graduated from G.W. Carver High School in 1967 where he excelled as a student and an athlete. He went on to play football at Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern University (“TSU”). Paul graduated from TSU in 1972 with a Bachelor’s Paul on pg. 3 Degree in Business Administration.
By: Jazz Paz
Suicides surpass homicides in this country.. The United States is seriously struggling emotionally. The Centers for Disease Control reports that in the U.S. suicides were committed at an all-time high last year and for every suicide death, there are 25 more suicide attempts Nearly 1 in 5 adults have been professionally diagnosed with depression. Over 90 percent of persons who commit suicide have diagnosable, treatable psychiatric illness at the time of death which is why every September mental health organizations and individuals across the United States work to raise awareness of suicide prevention. People of all genders, ages, ethnicities, and occupations can be at risk of suicide, but those with military service, LGBT+ youth, and victims of violence are all associated with a significantly increased risk for suicide.
Suicide is preventable. Knowing the warning sign and knowing how to access helpful resources can save lives. Abrupt, intense alterations in mood, or a rapid emotional relief after a long period of despair sometimes indicate that someone is contemplating ending their own life. Sudden, excessive drug or alcohol use, despair over a loss or the inability to overcome a trauma are suggestive of suicidal thoughts. Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, but especially expressing the idea of being a liability to loved ones are often strong predictors of suicidal behavior; such language should always be taken seriously. Having attempted suicide in the past, giving away possessions or “saying goodbye” are also signs of potential suicidality that should be urgently addressed.
Suicide on pg. 4
Christiana Melancon Chaisson
LAFAYETTE ~ Christiana Melancon Chaisson, 85, native and lifelong resident of Lafayette, LA passed away on Monday, September 11, 2023, at her home. A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (914 Saint John Street, Lafayette, LA).
Christiana on pg. 3