June 7, 2024
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION African-American News&Issues
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
Vol. 29, Issue 21
FREE
We the People We need to start holding each other accountable. - Roy Douglas Malonson
AN AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADER IN SCIENCE By: Sharon Jenkins
The journey to leadership can often be an unexpected path, filled with pivotal moments and experiences that shape an individual’s role and contributions to their community. For many, the title of “leader” is not something sought after but rather something that comes as a byproduct of passion, hard work, and dedication. This has certainly been the case for Michael Thomas, an African American scientist in Houston, whose story illustrates how perseverance, excellence in one’s field, and a commitment to giving back can pave the way for significant community impact.
A Journey Rooted in Science From a young age, the subject of science captivated Michael. It all began with a simple childhood curiosity about the natural world. A small shack behind his house became his first laboratory, where he explored and experimented with whatever he could get his hands on. This fascination with discovery and learning about the unknown set the foundation for a lifelong passion for science. A pivotal moment came when he conducted a groundbreaking Leader on pg. 3
THE LIFE OF HORACE MALONSON By: Malonson Family
Born on March 27, 1928, in the serene town of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Horace Malonson’s early life was marked by both joy and sorrow. He was the youngest son of Josiane Norman and John Oneal Melancon (aka Malonson), following his older brothers, John Curley and Andrew Malonson. Tragically, when Horace was just two years old, his mother passed away. In the years that followed, his father remarried, bringing a new sibling into Horace’s life—a half-sister named Mary Lucille Melanson (Nicholas). Horace on pg. 5