April 17, 2026
AframNews.com
Vol.31, Issue 11
FREE
African-American News&Issues
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
CHARLES WALTER HOBLEY 1938–2026 By: Hobley Family
BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP HOW FAR COULD IT REALLY GO? By: Roy Douglas Malonson
What begins as a political talking point has the potential to reshape the foundation of American identity itself. Birthright citizenship—guaranteed under the 14th Amendment—was not created by accident. It was written into the Constitution in 1868 to ensure that formerly enslaved Black Americans would be recognized as full citizens after centuries of exclusion. Today, that same protection is once again being debated, and the implications are raising serious concern across Black, Hispanic, and minority communities nationwide. President Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that birthright citizenship should be ended or restricted, particularly for children born to undocumented
immigrants. While supporters say this is about border control, the numbers tell a broader story. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 4.4 million U.S.-born children have at least one undocumented parent. These children are citizens under current law. Any major reinterpretation of birthright citizenship would directly impact millions of families—many of whom are Latino—and could create long-term ripple effects across generations. But the concern does not stop there. The United States has a long history of redefining who qualifies as “American,” often with devastating consequences. The 1857 Supreme Court decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford ruled that Citizenship on pg. 3
Charles Walter Hobley Gamble, born on December 23, 1938, to Keary Hobley, Sr and Pearl Ponder Hobley. Charles was the youngest of five children in the family. He was educated in the Aldine Independent School District. He stood out as a student at G. W. Carver High school and excelled in athletics. Charles Walter Hobley served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, holding the rank of Private Second Class (PV2). Charles showed an early passion for electronics and eventually transitioned this interest into a technology career. Charles worked in education as Automotive Trade Instructor for the Aldine and Klein Independent School Districts. He loved technology and was always on the cutting edge of new advancements in the field. He retired as a supervisor for Harris County at the LBJ Medical Center. Charles Hobley married Cornelia Hunter in December 1959. They were married for fifty-eight years. Charles departed this life on April 7, 2026. Also preceding him in death are his parents, Keary Hobley, Sr and Pearl Ponder Hobley; brothers, Keary Hobley, Jr., Rev. Robert McGowen Hobley and sister, Jessie Lee Hobley Phlegm; Charles, Roderick and Leslie Kay (Gregory); grandchildren; great grandchildren and one sister, Alpha Mae Gamble and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. AA