December 19, 2021
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
There can be no democracy where racism and the big lie exists.
“Addressing Current & Historical Realties Affecting Our Community”
- Roy Douglas Malonson
HBCU Alumni giving BLACK!
By: Roy Douglas Malonson
White Institutions), our schools are strugIt’s no secret that gling in the area of when it comes to finances, which imfunding, HBCUs are pacts our students and given the short end of quality of education. the stick. From federal While systemic inpolicies and campaign equality plays a signifpromises that hardly icant role in the state ever come through, of Black universities, to stark differences in it is important to recstate funding between ognize that donations HBCUs (Histori- from alumni are the cally Black Colleges lifeline of any college and Universities) and or university, and that PWIs (Predominately the absence of giving
from Black alumni can be felt across many HBCU campuses. According to Forbes, the average rate of alumni donations at HBCUs is nearly 10% and the rate has remained constant over the last few decades. This is nowhere near the hundreds of thousands spent during the homecoming season. Only four HBCUs have an alumni giving
Vol. 26, Issue 48
rate exceeding 30%: Claflin University (47%), Spelman College, Bennett College, and Lane College (all exceeding 35%). Two HBCUs had the lowest giving rate of 2%. So why aren’t our alumni giving back? It’s not that we don’t value and appreciate the education and life lessons gained from
HBCU cont’d page 4
Thee Stallion graduates
By: N.L. Preston
Her lyrics are bold, racy and often controversial, but like it or not, Houston’s own Megan Thee Stallion has proven that she has what it takes to keep rising to the top. The artist, born Megan Pete, grew up right here in Houston and gives credit to her success to her dearly departed mother and grandmother, whom she credits as the strong women who molded and motivated her. And when it comes to determination, “Thee Stallion” showed that she could balance it all – becoming a global icon, a TikTok sensation, covering Times, Sports Illustrated and People Magazine, all while striving for her bachelor of science degree in health administration, right on the campus at Texas Southern University. And TSU pulled out all the TSU cont’d stops when Ms. Pete (Mepage 4 gan) graduated with more
2 AFRAMNEWS.COM
December 19, 2021
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.
Scorched Earth Politics The GOP is practicing a dangerous ungodly hostile political takeover game of scorched earth politics that has American democracy in turmoil. The lack of political civility and moral decency in our politics has American society in free-fall decline. Russia played an external militaristic scorched earth war game policy against Germany to save a nation. Christian Right Evangelicals, the GOP and White Nationalist Groups are using a political scorched earth take over policy in order to destroy democracy for White Privilege Autocracy. White Privilege oriented individuals are seeking to limit the Voting Rights, Civil Rights, and Economic Power of Blacks, and other Minorities who think antithetically to their evil doctrine of “White Privilege”: something for noth-
ing. All great nations have fallen/declined, because they refuse to work for their own socio-economic benefit and only seek to use others as chattel labor. God mandated that all individuals work by the sweat of their brow. Unfortunately, America is on the same flawed political pathway seeking to institutionalize White Privilege based upon autocracy: political and physical violence. America, it is easy to devilishly destroy a nation, but more godly to build a nation. The GOP’s scorched earth policy is spiritually and physically destined to end as a catastrophic disaster, because all individuals are subject to God’s spiritual judgment principle: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” Law Enforcement Constabularies and White Privilege Groups you cannot kill all NonWhite-Americans as the Germans sought to exterminate the Jewish people. NonWhites, just in case you see cattle-cars in your neighborhoods
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
EDITORIAL
do not call 911, but alert everyone you can by any means necessary. Too many Whites have become radicalized behind skin-tone. Christian Right Evangelicals, The GOP and White Nationalist Groups who told you that skin-color gives you the power and privilege of ruler ship over other human beings? It was not God; therefore, it must have been the devil, because God has warned us: Do Not Partake Of Sin! America, life is too short to become stupid. God created all nations out of one blood, and death and life are in the power of the tongue. Thus, a scorched earth policy can be a blessing or a curse depending on the objective (s): “Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse, a blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day, and a curse if you will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God.” The power to live a godly life comes from within (God); not the external power to destroy.
For more visit aframnews.com
Partin’ the Waters By Omowale Luthuli-Allen
Congresswoman Jackson-Lee and Congressman Al Green will survive Constituents of two communities of Interest, District 9 –Rep. Al Green and District 18-Rep. Shelia Jackson-Lee can stop sweating bullets now that the redistricting fight has subsided. Testimonies were received from the public and the integrity of their districts have been preserved. The official date for filing has just passed and both representatives will be re-elected. It is not only important that we have fair elections, but also equally important that the process of redistricting is fair and equitable. After every 10-year census new districts must be drawn for the House of Representatives in every state. In Harris County, Chris Hollis spooked the Republican Party by expanding the voter participation process in 2000. As
a result, Republicans decided to enact a process whereby politicians from the kakistocracy (incompetent and corrupt governing class) would choose voters rather than have voters to choose politicians. This 2021 version of redistricting aims to protect the party in power and shield the incumbents from challengers. The problem that they have is that every citizen that is snoring is not sleeping. When the maps were being constructed to deconstruct Rep. Lee and Rep. Green’s districts and produce a collision between these titans, a free press sounded the alert and patriots mobilized to contest crooked minds and crooked hands that are predetermining electoral outcomes. Civic education must become paramount because redistricting can determine whether your tax dollars are distributed equitably. If your district has been engineered without regard to people who have common interests, you will probably end up living closer to environmental toxins that produce cancer clusters. For more visit aframnews.com
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
December 19, 2021
AFRAMNEWS.COM 3
I’m a mom first. I may be Dr. Nina Ford-Johnson a pediatrician, but I’m a mom first. My babies are my top priority, always. With this Delta variant going around affecting Black kids at a higher rate, I’m telling any parent with children 5 and older to get the COVID vaccine.
Find vaccines near you at vaccines.gov
4 AFRAMNEWS.COM
December 19, 2021
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
TSU cont’d than 800 other students last week as part of the Winter Commencement. Showing that she was just another one of the students, Megan walked with her class – with no presence of bodyguards – and did what all other college students do when they cross the stage – smile big, hug and cheer. The commencement included graduates with 595 with undergraduate degrees, 187 with graduate
degrees, 16 with Doctor of Pharmacy degrees, and 45 with Juris Doctor degrees from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. TSU’s morning (9:30 a.m.) ceremony included graduates from the College of Education, School of Communication, Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, Jesse H. Jones School of Business, and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. The afternoon (12:30 p.m.) ceremony, in which
Megan participated in, included graduates from the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences, and the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. TSU President Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young, who recently completed her first 100 days in office, shared her dream for her first class of graduates– a dream inspired by Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
“As we celebrate their achievement, we also welcome them into Tiger Nation as alumni across the globe. I am confident that our graduates are prepared to transform the world through knowledge and experiences gained at TSU,” Dr. Crumpton-Young said. Afterward, a small party was held in Megan’s honor at the KTSU studios on campus. Adding to the hometown love, Megan earned the Congressional District
HBCU cont’d
ply haven’t been asked to donate. Why is it important to donate to HBCUs? There’s a common issue amongst HBCUs all over the nation (besides financial aid office mayhem), and that is lack of property and deteriorating infrastructure. Recently, Howard University, a wellknown private HBCU, made headlines after a monthlong protest from students over unfit living conditions such as black mold, dust, and flooding. If even our most popular HBCUs are struggling to provide safe and up-to-date living conditions for students, we can only imagine the conditions of our lesser-known and less funded Black universities.
With many of our HBCUs in inner-city areas, it is difficult and almost impossible for expansion to take place without adequate funding. Even Black
How do we increase the Black alumni giving rate at HBCUs? Education about philanthropy and the importance of supporting Black universities should begin while students are in school. If the importance of giving back as an alumni is fervently taught while our students are still enrolled in school, we can create a culture where financially supporting HBCUs is the norm and highly valued within our communities. Many Black alumni are under the impression that their monetary contributions matter less than the hefty donations given by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Tom Joyner, Denzel Washington, etc. This cannot be further than the
our coveted HBCUs. One known reason is the wealth disparity between Black professionals and families and our white counterparts. Giving back can be difficult, especially for young Black professionals working to solidify their careers and financial stability. The wealth disparity is also caused by the dramatic differences in student loan debt between Black students and their white counterparts. According to Education Data Initiative, the average Black student owes around $25,000 more than white students. Forty-eight percent of Black students owe 12.5% more than they borrowed, and Black student borrowers are most likely to struggle financially due to student loan debt, with 29% paying $350 or more in monthly payments. Other reasons include small fundraising infrastructures, miseducation about state funding for HBCUs, and many HBCU graduates saying they sim-
universities with more than enough surrounding space to build Black college towns, like Prairie View A&M University, do not have the funding to do so.
Hero Award from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. In attendance were President CrumptonYoung, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Dean Rashid Mosavin and Exec. Dir. of Govt. Affairs Glenn Austin. You can Inspire others to pursue their dreams like Megan via TSU’s newlyestablished Thee Megan Fund: http://tsu.edu/megan #TSUProud - AANI
truth. Consistent donations from HBCU communities are crucial to the continued success and prosperity of Black universities and colleges. Even if payments are as little as $20 a month, every dollar plays a role in the growth of HBCUs. It’s time to challenge ourselves and our community members to support and nurture the institutions that have given so much to Black communities and Black culture. These universities provide a safe learning environment and life lessons that will follow Black students long after graduation. Investing in the future of the Black community as we pursue equity and racial progress in America starts by investing today in the institutions we hold near and dear to our hearts. Never underestimate the power of the Black dollar. Invest your money where it can benefit your community. Investing in our students IS investing in the future of Black America, as a whole. - AANI
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
December 19, 2021
AFRAMNEWS.COM 5
Moving forward together We’ve been through a lot together and have proved to be resilient. The approaching new year brings with it new possibilities to help our clients, communities and teammates move forward and prosper — safely. Using our industry-leading digital tools, like mobile check deposits, Erica,® CashPro® and access to Zelle,® individuals and businesses are finding it easier to do their everyday banking. Across the country, the expertise of our specialists and our teammates in financial centers is helping clients meet all their financial needs at every stage of their lives. In our communities, we continue to collaborate with local partners, business leaders, experts and academics across the public and private sectors to fuel job growth and financial stability. More than $400 million of our $1.25 billion commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity is already supporting diverse small businesses and partners, including many recipients here in Houston who provide job skilling and hiring programs. We’ve also increased resources to support our teammates’ emotional and financial well-being. Recently, we raised our minimum hourly wage for U.S. employees to $21 per hour, moving closer to our goal of $25 by 2025. My teammates and I look forward to growing existing partnerships and creating new ones as we work together to make a difference. Have a safe and happy holiday season. What would you like the power to do? ®
Hong Ogle President, Bank of America Houston
Learn more at bankofamerica.com/houston Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license. Bank of America, the Bank of America logo, Erica® and CashPro® are registered trademarks of the Bank of America Corporation. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender © 2021 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.
6 AFRAMNEWS.COM
December 19, 2021
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
MARKETPLACE arts, gifts
chemical
church
FLOWERS
MAILING
shoe repair
E-Z MAIL MANAGEMENT
OPEN
Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am – 4pm
OPEN Wed., Thurs., Fri. 6130 Wheatley St. Houston, Texas 77091
auto repair Foreign & Domestic
• Free Towing w/Job • Free Diagnostics • Allison Transmission Millitary & First Responders Discount Up to 3 Yrs. 30,000 Mi. • Warranty Avail.
713-236-1307
Willie Wright Jr Ministries, Inc.
A Ministry Committed to the Worth of the WORD and Energetic Evangelism “Christ-centered, Bible-based, and Prayer-minded”
www.williewrightjr.com
www.facebook.com/wwjrm
2810 Rosedale St. Houston, TX 77004
TERENCE J. REED, OWNER
Facebook: Go Vintage, LLC Instagram: govintagellc 713-489-8905/281-901-4966
Facebook: Go Vintage, LLC Instagram: govintagellc 713-489-8905/281-901-4966
t
OFFICE FURNITURE
RPC Printing
& Design, Inc. “For All Your Printing Needs”
mon–fri, 10a–4p 713.244.4067 713.857.0094
LOCAL
ranch
713.244.4067 LANDSCAPING
REAL ESTATE
Landscaping by the Jelks
vintage carriage
commercial and residential
company, llc
Services: Mowing, Landscape Renovation, Edging, General Lawn Clean Up, Shrub Trimming and Removal, Brush Clearing, Lawn Fertilization, Flower Bed Installations
terence j. reed, owner
facebook: go vintage, llc instagram: govintagellc
713.489.8905 281.901.4966
ezmailhou@aol.com
FOR SALE VINTAGE CARRIAGE COMPANY, LLC
TERENCE J. REED, OWNER
PRINTING
CALL US TODAY
soul food
Mrs. E’s kitchen
mon - sat 11am-6pm
soul food onl y sold on saturda y 2201 W. Little York Rd. Houston, TX 77091
(Located inside: Floyd’s Premier Service)
832.277.0563
tours
• Family Tours • School Tours • Church Tours • Nature Walks
Mon-Fri. 8-6pm Sat. 8-1pm
VINTAGE CARRIAGE COMPANY, LLC
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
301 Sampson
Carriage Ride
713-780-9804
church
ASTROS TRANSMISSION Bring ad to get $125 Off
6130 Wheatley St. Houston, Texas 77091
www.shirleyannflowershop.com
PLEASE WEAR MASKS
713.692.1195
713.692.1100
Services: Direct Mail Consulting, 1st Class Mail, Standard/NonProfit Mail, Mail Merge, Folding/ Tabbing/Inserting, Mailing Lists, Postcards, Political Mail, Bulk Mailing, Courier Services
PLEASE WEAR MASKS
10am – 4pm
WE OFFER QUALITY SERVICE AT A COMPETITIVE PRICE
Terrence Jelks
aframnews.com African-American News&Issues
6030 Pebble Ln., Houston, TX 77087
Cell:832.713.0102
jamesbond6030pebble@gmail.com
recy dunn
• Education Tours • Deer Breeding Tours • Trophy Deer Hunting • Cattle Roundups • Nature Photography • Camp Fire • Hayride • Kayak • Fishing • Day Camp • Overnight Camping • Outdoor BBQ • Ranch Breakfast
ADVERTISE ERTISE E ONLINE WITH US
askrecy@kwcommercial.com
• Mother’s/Father’s Day • Anniversaries • In Memory Of • Birthday • Graduations • Weddings etc.
C. 832.541.7466 O. 281.444.3900
For more information sales@aframnews.com
Broker Associate Director of Commercial
www.homesdunnright.com
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
ENTERTAINMENT
December 19, 2021
Human remains found of former O’ Jays guitarist
AFRAMNEWS.COM 7
in o j e s a e l P
Gilbert Andrew Garcia
as Co-Grand Marshall at the
By: Nevaeh Richardson
Partial human remains found in a garbage bag nearly 40 years ago have been identified as belonging to Frank “Frankie” Little Jr, a member of the R&B band The O’Jays, according to police. The bones showed signs of blunt force trauma and police ruled the manner of death a homicide. It was also noted that the remains belonged to an African-American male, 20 to 35 years of age, approximately 5’6” tall, and that he may have had a curvature of the spine. But the identity of who the b o n e s be-
longed to remained a mystery for nearly 40 years until a partnership with the DNA Doe Project started in October. The organization provided names of potential relatives, who gave police Little’s name and a DNA sample. Police said that not much is known about Little’s disappearance and death. Little was raised in Cleveland and in the mid-’60s, he was a guitarist and songwriter for The O’Jays. But as he seemingly “disappeared into thin air,” it appears not
many realized his life had such a tragic ending. The band released a statement saying that he was part of the band in the early days and that they haven’t heard from him since. The band said Little came with them when they first ventured out of Cleveland and traveled to Los Angeles, but he also was in love with a woman in Cleveland that he missed so much that he soon returned back to Cleveland after a short amount of time. Police are continuing to investigate the case to determine what happened to Little. His remains will be given to relatives for burial. – AANI
44th Annual
Martin Luther King Jr. Parade January 17, 2022 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 1000 Lamar Street Houston, Texas 77002
a Tip from Gilbert Talk, Inspiration and Prayer Mondays 11:00 am to 11:45 am KWWJ 1360 AM/96.9 FM Call in at: 832-570-8075 www.atipfromgilbert.com Episodes are also streamed live on my facebook: www.facebook.com/gilbertandrewgarcia1
atipfromgilbert@gmail.com
8 AFRAMNEWS.COM
December 19, 2021
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION