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January 9-15, 2008 ™ Vol. 12 Issue 49

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Happy Birthday: Bud Johnson Sheila Jackson Lee Roy D. Malonson

Disquieting Desperation Why aren’t bipolar Black men mass killers?

BUD JOHNSON

African-American News&Issues

Don’t forget D.A.’s history PAGE 2

2009 District 2 race in San Antonio proves interesting MARIO SALAS

African-American News&Issues

SAN ANTONIO- Will Byron Miller run again for City Council District 2? Does he live in the District? Will David Arevelo run over and over again?

Why did Arevelo support the circus moving to the Alamo Dome parking lot? Did he sell out as claimed by several community organizations at a public meeting?

What about Ron Wright?

How about the host of other gadflies out there? There is a rumor that someone named Ivy Taylor, a person without a political name, or much of a community background is planning on running. Who is Ivy Taylor?

What about James Howard, the current San Antonio Independent Schoold District (SAISD) Board Vice-President? Will Howard mend political fences? Many are saying that if Howard runs he would be the winner since some of the other candidates have no community track record, have been associated See DISTRICT 2 page 6

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Quote of the Week

“If you cannot find peace within yourself, you will never find it anywhere else.”

-Marvin Gaye

Psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder tend to reflect the extreme mood state at the time. For example, delusions of grandiosity, such as believing one is the President or has special powers or wealth, may occur during mania; delusions of guilt or worthlessness, such as believing that one is ruined and penniless or has committed some terrible crime, may appear during depression. People with bipolar disorder who have these symptoms are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as having schizophrenia, another severe mental illness. It may be helpful to think of the various mood states in bipolar disorder as a spectrum or continuous range.

At one end is severe depression, above which is moderate depression and then mild low mood, which many people call “the blues” when it is short-lived but is termed “dysthy-

mia” when it is chronic. Then there is normal or balanced mood, above which comes hypomania (mild to moderate mania), and then severe mania. Inasmuch as the foregoing text is from an official study by the National Institute of Mental Health, one shouldn’t have to stretch his or her imagination very much to conclude that today’s troubled times could, indeed, provoke one (living in quiet depression) to commit the kind of disquieting acts of desperation that shocked the world in 2007.

Lest we forget, on April 16, 2007 Seung-Hui Cho killed 32 fellow students and faculty members before killing himself on the Virginia Tech University’s campus.

After the deadliest shooting in modern U.S. history, it was determined that Cho had long suffered from deep depression that’s clinically defined as 1: a loss of hope and surrender to misery or dread 2: a state of hopelessness leading to extreme recklessness. Apparently, Cho who had delusions of

Cho Sung Huo exposed USA’s disquieting desperation worldwide. being an avenger, had every intention of going out in a “blaze of glory,” the same as the 19-year-old who became The Grinch Who Stole Christmas in Omaha, Nebraska.

Even so, the backgrounds of Cho and the Omaha assassin (Robert Hawkins) greatly differed. Hawkins,

however, came closest to affirming the theory espoused by social scientists that believes that poverty and despair engenders criminal behavior. In fact, that premise has been used to explain why a disproportionate number of Black males

See DESPERATION page 3

Interrogation issue a matter of honesty and decency MARIO SALAS

African-American News&Issues

It should sicken most of us when we hear that the U.S. is torturing people, no matter what they have done. It is even more sickening to hear it when it is being done to “suspects” and we hear those on the right of the political spectrum trying to excuse it. It is depraved and evil and will come back to haunt us for sure.

There has never been a war where the enemy that we were fighting followed the Geneva Convention.

Certainly, most of the adversaries the U.S. has fought have been notorious violators of human rights in their treatment of prisoners, much less paying any attention to the laws enacted by the international community. This is why there is no excuse for torture at any time.

“The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hand will stop, late or early; so now is the only time to live, love, work, and do it with a will. Place no faith in tomorrow, for the clock of life may then be still.” The foregoing wisdom was especially ironic insofar as the long and wonderful life of Willie Mae (Broussard) Johnson’s was celebrated 95 years and one day after she was born, in the first week of a New Year.

Thus, it’s apropos to refresh her precious memories that still sustain her family and love ones who bid her farewell on Jan. 6, 2007 at Springhill Community Chapel, 3505 Rebecca. Rev. S. J. Williams officiated a brief order of service and active pallbearers were: Wendell Williams, Carl Kerr Jr., Robert Broussard, Frank Green and Bobby Broussard.

Quincy, Sidney, Anthony and Arthur Lee Broussard were honorary pallbearers for Willie Mae, who was born on January 5, 1920 to Joe and Florence Broussard in Alexandria, Louisiana, a small

We must be decent even when others are not, or we cannot claim the right to responsible leadership.

An examination of the issue must be conducted not as a liberal versus conservative argument, but a question of simple human decency. The George Bush administration has lost sight of the word honesty and decency. The Bush neo-cons have completely thrown out truth and have reduced our foreign policy to that of imperial ambitions.

There is no longer a higher standard that our government holds itself to. There is only hypocritical bombast from the White House. All of this hit the fan when it was revealed that the Bush White House and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) destroyed tapes of its employees torturing suspects that were being held as prisoners in the current fiasco we find ourselves in.

According to media reporting

WILLIE MAE JOHNSON

January 5, 1920-December 28, 2006 parish located along the Red River, was originally home to a community supporting activities of the adjacent Spanish outpost of Post du Rapides. The area developed as a vibrant, yet sometimes debaucherous, assemblage of traders and merchants in the agricultural lands bordering the mostly unsettled areas to the north, and providing a link from the south to the El Camino Real and then larger settlement of Natchitoches. Alexander Fulton, a Pennsylvania busi-

agencies, the CIA destroyed at least two videotapes recording the interrogations of suspected Al Qaeda prisoners being held in confinement in 2005. Astoundingly, the CIA took this action in the midst of congressional and legal investigations about the CIA’s brutal clandestine detention program. The videotapes apparently displayed agency artisans subjecting terror suspects to brutal interrogation procedures.

According to news reports, they were destroyed because CIA directors were fearful that these revealing tapes, documenting savage and brutal grilling methods, could endanger agency hacks to greater risk of legal proceedings.

In other words, they were engaging in torture, which is a crime against humanity and punishable under law. They were trying to save

See INTERROGATION page 3

nessman, received a land grant from Spain in 1785, and the first organized settlement was made at that time. In 1805, Fulton and business partner Thomas Harris Maddox laid out the town plan.

They named the town after Fulton’s infant daughter who died around that time. It was first incorporated as a town in 1818 and received a city charter in 1882. Settled by northerners and having little culturally in common with the majority of the Old South, Alexandria found itself in a quandary during the American Civil War. Regardless of political inclinations or loyalties to North or South, its location on the Red River made the city a major strategic target. In the spring of 1863, a Union fleet under Admiral David D. Porter, operating on the Red River, cooperated with land forces under General Nathaniel Prentice Banks in pushing the Confederates westward. Alexandria was occupied on May 7, 1863, but the troops were soon withdrawn for the Port Hudson attack. On March 19, 1864, it was again occu-

Porter “Bigfoot Torture Boy” Goss, when queried by the media, declined to comment on the destruction of the taped evidence. pied by the Union forces.

Alexandria was again vacated on May 12-13, 1864 when the city was almost entirely burned, leaving only a few homes, owned by friends of Union General Sherman, and the city’s cathedral, which had been defended from fire squads by a shotgun-wielding bishop at its front door. History notwithstanding, Willie Mae grew up and married Clarence Donowy, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by both parents; three brothers: Joseph, Willie, and Marvin; and four sisters: Pearlie Mae, Mary, Lillie Mae, and Evalee Broussard.

Willie Mae Broussard Johnson was called home on Dec. 28, 2006 and left to cherish her memories: two daughters, Yolanda and Samantha Gibson; two grandchildren. Christopher and Sharon Gibson; best friend and confidante, Mrs. Hannah; four brothers, Quincy, Sidney, Arthur Lee, and John Henry Broussard; three sisters, Ruthie Mae Cloud, Jackie Green and Theresa Kerr; and a host of other relatives and friends.

TX-1

VIEWPOINTS & OPINIONS

2 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • January 9-15, 2008 Si 19 nce 94

EDITORIAL

“Our country must abandon all of the habits of racism, because we cannot carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time.”

President George Walker Bush

WE MUST UNDERSTAND: 2007 is 2008’s History

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PUBLISHER’S NEWS ANALYSIS Don’t Forget D.A’s History Roy Douglas Malonson

I

t didn’t take long for my phone to start ringing after Michael Harris, as usual, opened his Person-to-Person call-in talk show on KCOH (1430 AM) radio by reading the hottest article in the Houston Chronicle’s Dec. 27, 2007 edition. The article supposedly was an expose about District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal’s alleged proclivity to woo and reward his love interest. Other than the fact that Rosenthal was dumb enough to romance a female like a love struck teenager who reveals secrets of his heart in an e-mail, I found nothing truly newsworthy about the (real, or imagined) media revelation that was meant to be a political bombshell.

On the other hand, since I know “poli-tricks,” a red flag went up.

Maybe I’m paranoid when it comes to “power politics” (that concede nothing without a struggle), but my suspicions about how Houston/Harris County’s movers and shakers were going to keep former HPD chief Clarence O. Bradford from becoming the first African-American District Attorney became clear when I read: “Rosenthal, who is married, on Wednesday called the disclosure of the personal e-mails ‘bare knuckle politics’ engineered by Lloyd Kelley, the lawyer for the brothers. Kelley is a friend of former HPD Chief C.O. Bradford, who is Rosenthal’s opponent in his bid next year for re-election. Bradford and Kelley were law partners in the 1990s, Kelley said.

Bradford could not be reached for comment.

“Kelley is a former Houston city controller and lost a previous bid for district attorney against Rosenthal in 2000. Kelley denied that TX-2

subpoenaing the e-mails — which were sent and received on county computers and e-mail accounts — was politically motivated.” Bradford was, indeed, reached by the media and empathically denied being in collusion with Kelley. If historyconscious, politically-astute, Black leaders remember Kelley’s history they won’t let the media go there.

After all, Kelley once ran for D. A. as a Republican and Bradford is a Black Democrat. He also challenged Judson Robinson III for his Position 5 City Council seat. What I’m saying is, only dirty people play “dirty tricks” political games, therefore Bradford’s association with Kelly could be used to tarnish his image.

I suspect that the media has targeted Bradford’s professional integrity and good character to negate his voter appeal. Surely, Brad’s untarnished image (of a straight shooter who has an open mind) will make it hard for any citizen of good conscience, who really and truly wants a good D.A., not to vote for him. If you remember I said as much years ago. I even accused Rosenthal and racist cops of conspiring to criminalize Bradford.

It’s not surprising the “Good Ol’ Boys” dumped Chuck who later announced his retirement, although he had brazenly refused to step aside after apologizing for his past transgressions that he rationalized as “a wake up call” that will inspire him to become an even better D.A. Now that Rosenthal has become a moot point, the plot against Bradford thickens. Let’s not forget that Rosenthal got “a wake up call” in 2004 when the Chronicle endorsed Atty. Reginald McKamie.

And he got 44.9% of the vote,

lthough African-American News&Issue’s editorial staff was tempted to imitate other media’s tradition of reviewing a year’s end, as a New Year begins, we must remain true to our mission (to be a different kind of newspaper so that we can make a difference in the way news is reported and perceived), because we can’t be different unless we be different.

Double talk notwithstanding, our original intent wasn’t to be an alternate Black newspaper. Instead, we dedicated this publication to preserve the historical prime directive established by the Freedom Journal, the first Black newspaper published by Rev. Sam Cornish and John Russrum in 1827 New York.

We Must Understand, if America’s existing newspapers had objectively reported all news without fear or favor, a Black newspaper (“To plead our own cause”), wouldn’t have been needed.

Accordingly, it should be untenable for today’s Black publishers to adopt the same styles, protocols and content as White publishers. We say this because it’s self destructive for descendants of slaves to depend on descendants of slave owners’ media for intelligence. In fact, America’s newspaper industry asserts: “A newspaper is a regularly published print product containing information vital to the function of the market it serves.

Definitions become more important as traditional newspaper companies move from single-product management (newspapers) to multi-product management - often under the company’s brand, typically the title of the newspaper.

“What newspaper companies are learning is that the value of what they produce is not the ink

on paper, but the content, depth, segmentation choices, credibility, and emotional attributes that are delivered in any distribution channel they choose.” And the operative words here are “vital to the function of the market it serves.” Need we explain why daily newspapers report news about the majority population differently from the way they report the minority community’s news? If not, you should also grasp the common sense concept of supporting Black newspapers, which is the only media we can control. Even so, one must be careful about supporting political correct Black newspapers that fail to challenge misinformation and invalid data propagated by the mainstream media. Lest we forget, that’s where Black newspaper’s prime directive was coming from.

We Must Understand, conscious citizens are fully aware of the role a bias media plays to perpetrate institutionalized racism. Race card notwithstanding, the bottom line Black newspapers often become intellectual Trojan horses that divide and confuse our people.

Accordingly, Media Coursework reports: “It is generally believed that the purpose of a newspaper is to state the facts about what is going on in the world around us.

However, media has long been a way of manipulating the minds of the greater population into holding certain values and opinions.

Propaganda is used frequently in everyday life to manipulate our thoughts, and despite what the majority of us think, it does affect our opinions. In general, we believe that what is portrayed as ‘News’ is fact, but often the facts are twisted to support the political views of the Newspaper or journalist.”

Consequently, although we can’t

rebut the major media that heralded: “Goodbye to a trying year: Despite a few highlights, there wasn’t much to cheer about.” But we can declare, from a Black perspective, that 2007 was a pivotal year for made in America Africans that repeated their mistakes because they forgot their history.

Hopefully, as we press toward the mark (of equal justice), in 2008, we will remember the mistakes we made in 2007. Self aggrandizement aside, apparently AAN&I’s Black perspectives began to make sense (to a sick and tired of being sick and tired Black community), that found themselves fighting media anointed Black leaders that allow the mainstream media to think for them. And that reality was intensely demonstrated when HISD’s $805 million bond divide and confused the Black community.

Not to mention the schism in Black America that Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaigns have caused. Not only were citizens divided and confused, but so were politicians and publishers of Black newspapers.

Thus, Black America must seize that pivotal moment in 2007’s history to realize that it’s time to separate Black leaders from politicos who happen to be Black. Especially Black publishers who think from a White perspective when it comes to the future of our children.

Ironically, the word “pivotal” isn’t as easy to define as one might think, inasmuch as Webster’s only definition for the adjective is: being of crucial importance. And we’re saying all of this, to say that it’s of crucial importance for Black America to review 2007’s history to make sure we don’t repeat the same mistakes in 2008.

fight to hold on to the ‘Free Speech Platform’ that KPFT was founded to be, must become ACTIVE member ($35 annually) and attend meetings (often online live) and support Bud Johnson: The Old African Warrior demands for ‘transparency and accountability’ of management oebeit folks think I’m posing as ‘Peace Advocates’ and and governance to adhere to the vindictive toward the lo- ‘Anti-War Activists’ all controlled Mission and Bylaws of The Pacical media, in general, and KCOH by the same forces who control AM fica Foundation, which are being Radio’s Michael Harris in particu- Reactionary Radio, and ‘Reverend eviscerated by Demo-Rat-Zionist- Fascist Agents, as they are dolar (that conspire to treat me like a Chick-in Bone!’ pariah, rather than an “old school” “White-folks are in deep doo- ing and have done in Washington journalist whose repute has earned doo, but as the old saying still holds D.C. to the Constitution of these him a place in history), but that’s b.s. true, ‘when White-folks have a United States.

“As to the magical thinking of Even so, instead of lamenting, I will cold, we got pneumonia’! KPFT defer Eyeview to a media watchman hosts the same type of Negro as has let’s have our own radio station on the wall who has fought Hous- historically been allowed access to a ‘we control’ ... we’ve been there, ton’s bias media much longer than mic, those with limited knowledge, and done that. Remember Skipper me. To wit: Emmit “Abata” Doe’s intellect, commitment and courage. Lee and Judson Robinson ‘forced slightly edited (for excessive crudity) The hosting (and full run of the shared ownership of KCOH, and text: Hi Bud: First, local leadership place) that’s Minister Robert Mu- Bernard (the milkman) Walker at exempted KTSU and all Adminis- hammad and his Connect The Dot’s KYOK, and Ernest Jackson at Magtrations at TSU (both Demo-rats & Program has, is mistakenly seen as ic 102 in its hey-day? All sold out for Republicans) of any accountability a sure sign of ‘things must be dif- 60 pieces of sliver! That didn’t just to the need for relevant info and ferent at KPFT.’ They got The Re- happen in Houston; they bought thoughtful programming in the gional Minister of The Nation of (n-words) all over the country who interest of ...the people made in Islam holding-forth with a weekly were all too eager to sell us out in America, on the stations airwaves. program, un-apologetically a Com- the name of ‘getting over’! The real “No need to invent the wheel manding Officer in the Army/ question should be have we let the again, just put the wheel of KTSU Service of Louis Farrakhan. The mother (bleep) win again, at the on a different axle and we could Nation of Islam, and Marginal La- expense of our short and long-term save very precious time. The fight tinos both have their own agendas best interest? Survey says ...HELL for KTSU would flush all the rats, and only use the people made in YES! ...made in America, I’m Emand roaches out in the light. Most America, as props to advance their mett ‘Abati’ Doe.“ Hey, I don’t agree with, or give a of our problems Bud, are self-in- own goals and objectives. flicted owning to short-sighted, “Both groups have been used to damn about everything Abati says. self-interest of people who look like justify closing the door on real issues Yet, since African-American News us. Having said that, KPFT unfortu- of need and concerns of our peo- &Issues is Black America’s strongest nately is the only game in town. In- ple and communities gasping for editorial voice, I’m duty bound to ternet radio is much too little, and breath! Truth be told, the Nation give him a forum to say it. I wonder MUCH too late! White people are fills the vacuum of pretend, created if anybody knows where I’m comas (bleep)-up as ever, they were in- by the lack of other men willing (or ing from? filtrated by the Demo-Rat-Zionist- being allowed) to stand-up and ofTo contact Bud Johnson, Fascist Agents, and they (the good fer real viable alternatives to the please call 281- 847-9929 guys) like Cindy Sheehan have been rhetoric of confrontation. As the (8-5- Wednesday -Thursday) marginalized and betrayed! KPFT only game in town (for the foreor via e-mail at is now a nest of reactionary agents seeable future) people willing to Africanwarrior@aol.com

BUD’S EYEVIEW

On: Media Madness

W

because Rosenthal was only supported at the behest of John Holmes. So I hope that Black leaders aren’t naïve enough to believe that the crooked power brokers,

who control Harris County and the Greater Houston area, want an honorably man like Bradford to be their district attorney. Space negates an explanation here, but

we’ll discuss this many times in the future. So, suffice it to say, that a district attorney is the most power politician in local government.

see ANALYSIS page 3

COMMUNITY & PEOPLE DESPERATION -from Page 1 are in prison.

That theory certainly isn’t new, inasmuch as the French poet, playwright, novelist, essayist, visual artist, statesman, human rights campaigner Victor-Marie Hugo (1802 1885 ) penned: “There exists, at the bottom of all abasement and misfortune, a last extreme which rebels and joins battle with the forces of law and respectability in a desperate struggle, waged partly by cunning and partly by violence, at once sick and ferocious, in which it attacks the prevailing social order with the pin-pricks of vice and the hammer-blows of crime.” Nevertheless, a recent article (Depression Higher for Blacks), gave African- American News&Issues cause to pause and ponder why the most abused people in the land of the free seldom, if ever, become mass killers and/or randomly slaughter innocent people?

If you failed to read the article (FYI: Black Americans are more likely than Whites to suffer severe, untreated and disabling depression.

Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health analyzed data on 6,082 people who took part in a national survey conducted between 2001 and 2003. Among those who

reported depression at some point in their lives, rates of depression in the 12 months before they were surveyed were 56.5 percent for Blacks of African descent; 56 percent for Caribbean Blacks; and 38.6 percent for Whites.-General Psychiatry, March 2007.)

The report, however, failed to explain why descendants of slaves handled their depression better although about 57 percent of white Americans with major depression received treatment, when about 45 percent fewer of the African-Americans received any form of major depressive disorder therapy.

Ironically, from a Black perspective, the article concluded with the answer: “Future research should explore the extent to which social support systems, including religious participation and psychological resources, such as high levels of self-esteem, can provide some protection to the Black population from exposure to adverse social conditions,” the study authors wrote. Perhaps, the authors don’t know where Rev. Jesse Jackson is coming from when he cajoles Black America to “keep hope alive”? Accordingly, AAN&I will continuously encourage Black America to Keep The Faith In 2008!

84th birthday celebration HOUSTON- A birthday celebration was recently held for Callie L. Price Hector, a long-time resident of the Acres Homes community. Callie “Doll” was surrounded by many family and friends as she enjoyed the celebration. She has been a resident of Acres Homes for more than 55 years.

This great affair was held at the Pricent 4, Doss Park on Frick Road. Mrs. Hector is the mother of 6 children: Turner Hector, Jr. (Mary); Dorothy L. Hall (Mason, Jr.); Robert L. Hector; Harold Hector; all residing in Houston; Rosie H. McGhee (Larry, Jr.), residing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Wendell (deceased).

She has 14 grand children and 12 great-grand children. The program opened with prayer by Rev. D’Andre Manning, followed by the occasion by grand daughter Shenedria Whorton. Dinner was served as tributes were shared by Turner Hector, Jr. representing the children, Janika Hector representing the grandchildren, and Imani Jackson representing the great-grand children.

A time of expressions was extended to family members, church family and friends. Many

Roy Douglas Malonson-Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson-Pres./CEO Bud Johnson-Mgr. Editor Emeritus Marvin D. Cloud-Production Mgr. Lisa Smith - Production Assistant Jesse Simon - Photojournalist Mario Salas-Cont. Writer Oswald J. Scott -Cont. Writer Roger Jackson-Photographer Fred Smith-Advertising/Sales James Johnson-Distribution Allen Carlton-Distribution David Johnson-Distribution • Advertising: 713-692-1178 • Houston: 713-692-1892 • Fax Line: 713-692-1183 • General: news@aframnews.com • Ads: sales@aframnews.com • Web: www.aframnews.com

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Letters to the editor should include name, address and daytime phone number (name & city will be printed).

Callie L. Price Hector spoke on Mrs. Hector’s behalf, testifying of her giving, sharing, and caring for the sick and the shut-in and those who are in need. Also, reflections were exhibited through a special PowerPoint presentation.

The luncheon was catered by Pappa’s Bar-b-que.

Mrs. Hector is a member of the Galilee Baptist Church, where she is active on the Usher Board, Sunday school teacher, Mission, and a member of the Women’s choir.

She has been a member of Galilee for 55 years. She is a faithful member under the leadership of her pastor, Rev. Dr. Edwin A. Davis.

Mrs. Hector enjoyed her birthday celebration immensely and is looking forward to God blessing her with many, many more wonderful years of life. She is full of energy and very active in the community. Congratulations to Mrs. Callie “Doll” Hector on her 84th birthday!

ANALYSIS -from Page 2

That’s why Texan’s haven’t elected a Black district attorney in the state’s 162 year history.

Yet, that history was barely noted when Craig Watkins was sworn in as Dallas County’s first Black D. A. on January 1, 2007. For some strange reason Black people don’t seem to realize the enormous (life and death) power that a district attorney has. I say this because Black voters failed to read the handwriting on the wall and seize an opportunity to “chuck” Chuck from office in 2004

We welcome your original responses to content found in the African American News&Issues.

Letters to the editor about local issues in this paper’s coverage area

African-American News&Issues • Texas • January 9-15, 2008 • 3 INTERROGATION -from Page 1

those criminal employees engaged in such activity!

The CIA professed that the resolution to destroy the tapes was “to protect the safety of undercover officers,” and because these prisoners no longer had information that was useful. All of this transpired when Porter J. Goss headed the agency. Mr. “Bigfoot Torture Boy” Goss, when queried by the media, declined to comment on the destruction of the taped evidence.

This may be one of the biggest scandals for the Bush Administration and the CIA to date, because the 911 Commission and lawyers for terror suspects specifically requisitioned such evidence and the CIA denied they had any such information. The recordings were not given to a federal court that was hearing the case of a terror suspect or to the 911 commission, which had made official petitions to the CIA for records and other documentation taken from interrogations of imprisoned suspects.

CIA lawyers advised governmental prosecutors in 2005 that the CIA did not have recordings of grilling sought by a federal judge in one of

the terrorist cases being heard.

It is against U.S. and international law to torture prisoners. There is no doubt about that despite the fact that the Bush administration has tried to justify it by renaming the word torture. The current U.S. law on torture reflects that of the Geneva Convention prohibits this type of extreme measures that were used on perhaps hundreds of detainees.

The biggest joke out there is the question of whether or not “water boarding” is torture. It is torture no matters how you look at it. The Bush boys have come up with other interesting terminology for torture.

Torture is being called “stress techniques,” and this isn’t really torture because it doesn’t leave “marks” on the prisoner.

All of the torture is now being called “special interrogation techniques,” which is code words for the brutal and criminal psychotic torturing of people. This coded language might work on conservatives like Rush Limbaugh, but aside from the terms used, these actions are still in violation of the Geneva Convention and consequently American law. The extreme right

Rep. Turner Files for Re-Election

HOUSTON- St. Representative Sylvester Turner recently filed for re-election to represent District 139 in northwest Houston in the Texas Legislature. “This coming year will mark my 20th year in the Texas House of Representatives,” Turner said. “I look forward to serving my constituents into the 81st legislative session beginning in January 2009.”

Turner is currently Speaker Pro Tem of the House and has entered the race for Speaker in the next session. He serves on the Appropriations and Calendars Committees, is chair of Budget and Oversight for the Regulated Industries Committee and serves on the committee that oversees operation and management of the Texas Youth Commission. Turner was also appointed to the Legislative Budget Board in 2006.

In the legislative session held earlier this year, Turner fought hard

by electing McKamie.

Fortunately, our uncompromised Black perspectives allow us to (not only read the handwriting on the wall), but to prepare for war in the time of peace. And, trust me, when I say that our research files are fully loaded with historical stuff that we intend to use judiciously, so that Brad’s opposition can’t formulate a strategy to ambush him like they did Rep. Sylvester Turner when he ran for mayor. Meanwhile, please note how cleverly the Chronicle reported Rosenthal’s crawfiishing.

“The GOP winner will face former Houston Police Chief C.O. Bradford, a Democrat, in November.

Bradford has been a law partner of former City Controller Lloyd Kelley, who filed the federal court lawsuit that led to the disclosure of the e-mails and who ran against Rosenthal in the 2000 GOP primary.”…

This is serious.

From my Black perspective, Bradford doesn’t fit the image of a “safe Negro,” therefore you can expect the rich and powerful (e.g., racist cop unions and bias media) to play a whole lot of “poli-tricks” before the Nov. 4, 2008 elections.

Read us online at www.aframnews.com

may be sent by e-mail to the address news@aframnews.com.

Letters to the editor about national issues must be focused on issues that effect our readership.

They must include the author’s name, area of residence and telephone number for verification only.

and successfully for House Bill 109, which so far has added an additional 130,000 children to the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

For this one bill, Turner was honored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians with its Presidential Award of Merit; by the Texas Pediatric Society with its 2007 Child Advocacy Award; and will receive the “Champion of Children” award early next year from the AMERIGROUP Foundation.

Turner also won approval for assistance for poor Texans to help pay their electric bills.

Turner was named one of the Ten Best Legislators of the 80th session by Texas Monthly Magazine.

Since the session, Turner has worked hard here in Houston to ensure that the Houston Independent School District provides only the best in education for all our children.

can argue that the Geneva Convention is absurdly outdated in its reasoning and unschooled about the abhorrence of war and the dilemma of the present times.

They will debate that the U.S. is only one of a few countries that tries to behave in accordance with international law, but unless the law is amended or changed, those authorized to conduct the interrogations are war criminals and should be subject to prosecution immediately. Despite the hysterics of Limbaugh and from the politically empty-headed, one should investigate the problem of torture not as a partisan issue, but as question of simple human decency. Facing the real issue of savage torture opens a gapping hole in the morality of the Bush White House.

If those tapes were destroyed, then we are faced with an inhuman brutal regime that resides in Washington. The techniques used on these jailed suspects were apparently authorized at the top level. The idea that these officials will walk away from this criminal activity is disturbing. What sort of regime have we let loose upon the world and ourselves?

Peaceful Vocations in MLK parade FT. WORTH- The Martin Luther King Jr. Parade will be held in Fort Worth on Monday, January 21, 2008 starting at 11 a.m., on the East side of the Fort Worth Convention Center, Main Street and 9th or 10th Street, or Jones, Throckmorton, Houston. All of which intersect with 9th, 10th, & 12th Streets.

Peaceful Vocations, a countermilitary recruitment group, will march in the parade and will convey Dr. King’s message of non-violence. They are advocating a military free zone, and the ceasing of militarism of our schools. They will be carrying signs and banners and invite the public to join them.

For more intormation call (817)800-4249.

Senator Royce West praises plan to help drivers get rid of older vehicles DALLAS- State Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) says the implementation of a plan to remove older, polluting automobiles from Texas roads comes just in time for the holiday season. The accelerated vehicle replacement plan will pay up to $3,500 to auto owners in various parts of the state as part of an overall plan to improve air quality, particularly in Texas’ urban centers.

Senator West said, “While the assistance program is not available to everyone, it’s a great opportunity that amounts to a substantial down payment on a new or late model car that lower-income Texans should hurry to take advantage of.” The program is part of a six-year-old emissions plan by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality administered by the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Single auto owners who live in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and their surrounding counties who earn up All letters and articles will be verified before they are published in the African American News&Issues.

All correspondence will be edited for length, grammar and accuracy.

To report corrections and /or clarifications, email us at news@aframnews.com.

to $30,630 are eligible to apply for assistance.

For a family of four, the figure is $61,950. Other requirements include that the vehicle must have been registered within a participating county for the previous 12 months and have passed inspection within the past 15 months.

The car or truck must be at least 10 years old. Officials say the program may remove as many as 40,000 older vehicles from the road.

“During the 2007 legislative session, more funds were approved for the vehicle emissions-auto replacement program,” said Senator West. “When added to existing funds, about $100 million is now available to Texans to help buy new cars and clean up our air,” said Senator West. “It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

Brochures on the vehicle replacement program can be found at authorized vehicle inspection locations. Money is also available for minor vehicle repairs if a car fails inspection. If eligible, a voucher of up to $3,000 for gasoline-powered vehicles and $3,500 for hybrids will be issued and can be redeemed by participating auto dealers. The payments can go toward the purchase of a new car or truck, or a one to a two-year-old vehicle worth up to $25,000. Applications may be obtained online at www. driveacleanmachine.org.

TX-3

Name: Billie Burns Phone: 713-522-9821 Fax: 713-520-5247

TEXAS MARKETPLACE

4 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • January 9-15, 2008 ACCOUNTANTS MICHAEL LOVE, CPA ELECTRONIC FILING Member AICPA

713-666-2900 Off 713-666-2932 Fax Email: mlovecpa@yahoo.com www.michaellovecpa.net 2626 South Loop W, #420 Houston, TX 77054 Michael Love specializes in tax planning and return filing for individuals; taxes and bookkeeping for small businesses and corporate tax returns. Education courses offered by local chapters of national associations keep the firm on the leading edge of ever-changing tax laws and accounting methods. Computerized offices and internet access ensures clients accurate, efficient, state-of-the-art service at a competitive price.

Increase your business with an ad in our Texas Marketplace Contact:

713-692-1892 THIS AD COULD BE YOURS and ... potential customers would be reading it instead of this

APARTMENTS Tidwell Estates Aparments 2303 West Tidwell Houston 77091 713.688.5125

ATTORNEYS SYLVESTER TURNER Attorney At Law

ATTORNEYS NEED A WILL? QUESTIONS ON PROBATE? FOR FREE INFORMATION Contact Attorney Oswald J. Scott, Sr.

713/227-8060

texasprobateandwills.com Not certified by theTexas Board of Legal specialization

BARBER COLLEGE Acres Homes Barber College 2306 Ferguson Way Houston 77088 281.931.5591

BARBER/BEAUTY Elliott Community Shop 13030 Woodforest Suite G Houston 77075 713-455-2321 Hair Design by Antoinette 163 Greens Rd. Houston 77060 281.875.4993 Rogers Barbershop 2113 West Little York Houston 77091 713.680.8827 Tracy’s Beautiful Braids and Beyond 8222 Antoine Dr. Suite 101 Houston 77088 832.888.3906

Spoil & Pamper Me Day Spa & Salon The Unique Salon for “The Phenomenal Woman” We offer: Complete Healthy Hair Care for All Type Hair Free Hair Analysis Precision Cuts, Relaxers, Styles, Perms Texturizers, Hair Extentions Hair Protein Infusions Hours:

Tues-Fri 10am-7pm Sat 7am-4pm

(Mon. Appointments Only)

Masseur & Reflexologist on Staff

Black TAAACC Members Acres Home Citizens Chamber of Commerce 6130 Wheatley St. Houston, TX 77091 (713) 692-7003 Houston Citizen Chamber of Commerce, Inc 2808 Wheeler St. Houston, TX 77004 (713) 522-9745

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Make some history of your own with the LUNCH BUNCH

at the African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston’s

Business Networking Luncheon Thursday, January 10, 2008 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Keynote Speaker: Kirbyjon Caldwell Senior Pastor, Windsor Village UMC Members: with lunch :$20 without lunch: $10 Non-Members: with lunch: $25 without lunch: $15 RSVP by January 8, 2008 You can register & pay online.

Beulah Ann Shepard Bld. 6112 Wheatley St. Houston, TX 77091

713-692-7003

Email: webmaster@aaccgh.org Website: www.aaccgh.org

(713) 650-3688/office (713) 650-0308/fax bbarnes@barnesturner.com www.barnesturner.com

(commission or booth rental) Ask for Natasha or Jacquie

BLACK ART-GIFTS since 1994

FAMILY LAW *Child Support *Adoptions *Modifications *Custody *Name Change *All Areas

the price and size of the Ad to run in - ACCIDENTS reater CRIMINAL Houston Edition May 16-22, 2007.

1314 Texas, Ste. 701, Houston, TX 77002 Not certified by Texas Board of Legal specialization

HOUSTON MINORITY BUSINESS COUNCIL

Three Riverway, Suite 555 Houston, Texas 77056 713-271-7805 | www.hmbc.org

CHEMICALS

Citywide Chemical Heading: New Releases Marketplace !!!

Janitorial & Commercial Pest AttorneyControl Company 3521 Jensen St. Houston, TX 77026

IMMIGRATION DEPORTATION

713/227-4808 or 4809 Janitorial Supplies Sales-Service-Supplies Wholesale-Retail

F orester Law Firm

We repair buffers, vacuum, shampooers Charles Dawson and all other machines.

Since 1974

713-528-4668 www.visa2us.us

National Black United Front Houston Chapter

Chairman Kofi Taharka Houston Chapter

Meetings Monday @ 7:00pm 2428 Southmore Houston, 77004

713-942-0365 or www.nbufhouston.org

Support our advertisers.

THEY SUPPORT YOUR BLACK NEWSPAPER!

SAME DAY FREE DELIVERY

US METRO Chemical

Dawson Chemical

713/633-9019

713/697-7137

& Janitorial Supply Company & Janitorial Supply Company 4308 Kelly St. • Hou., TX 77026 6010 Irvington -Hou.,TX 77009

Citywide Chemical, founded in 1977, is the largest minority-owned chemical company in the southwest. They pride themselves on being customer-oriented offering same day, free delivering, free installation of dispensers and free training on all equipment, rented or bought.

HELP WANTED WANTED- Class A and B CDL Drivers - Local Haul You must be 21 years old, have six months experience, a clean driving record and be able to pass a DOT physical and drug test.

APPLY at 430A Airtex, Houston, TX 77073 Williams Brothers Construction Co. Inc. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 281-209-1811

HEARING AIDS

You can get this AD COST Hearing Aids of Houston 2x2” ad for 52 weeks=$2,080 1.5” ad for Sandi Coe, M.A., CCC-A CLINICAL AUDIOLOGIST +one time set-up fee=25.00 REGISTERED DISPENSER $ 52.50 per week!

OF HEARING AIDS Total cost to run ad for 52 weeks= Contact: (713) 692-EARS(3277) $2,105 FAX (713) 697-9410

1” Ad For 4 Weeks= $100.00 Paul B. Love +One Time- MSW,J.D. Set-up Attorney At Law Fee= $25.00 Total Net Amount: $125.00 Former Felony Prosecutor • Criminal Defense • Juvenile Law • Personal Injury 4001 N. Shepherd Dr., Ste. 223 Houston, Texas 77018 – 713-696-9500 www.plovelaw.com

TX-4

Come in or Call for more information

713-692-1195

6130 Wheatley Street Houston, Texas 77091

REGULAR STORE HOURS:

Thursday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday: 11 a.m to 7 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We accept: American Express, MasterCard, Discover, Visa, ATM/ Debit, Cash, Checks and Lay-A-Way

100% Black Owned We Appreciate Our Customers

...see more on PAGE 2

LL&S &S Small World Academy Small World Academy “Learning to Compete”

• LICENSED BY THE STATE • NEWBORN- 13 Years • LEARNING ENVIROMENT • QUALITY CHILD CARE • TRANSPORTATION • DROP-INS WELCOME 24- Hour DAY CARE SERVICE

(713)L&S 697-7879

401 West Donovan Houston, 77091 (Between N. Shepard & Yale)

or

adv@aframnews.com

Me n t i o n t h i s AD Ge t $ 5 0 t o $ 5 0 0 o ff

INSURANCE

Houston 77091 713.682.5809

Signature FINANCIAL

Auto - Life Home - Health Business

Date Ph:281-447-3448 Fax:281-447-8822 11005 North Fwy#A Houston, TX 77037

America can depend on Farmers

IRS PROBLEMS & Income Tax Preparation Do not talk to the IRS without Representation!!!

www.georgelunnon.com A sign of a good insurance agent that will care about you is one that cares about the community. George W. Lunnon, Jr. is that kind of agent. Among his activities, he is active in Greenspoint Mng. District, Greenspoint Chamber, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and is a charter member & president of 100 Black Men.

Let me handle your IRS Issue and Problems. Generally you will never have to speak with or meet with the IRS if I am your representative.

Rodrick Dow, PC

Borris L. Miles

713-862-4332 Ask for Rodrick

Supporting The Community

FUNERAL HOMES

Auto • Home • Life Disability • Annuity Commercial Health Insurance

Certified Public Accountant

746 West 22nd Street Houston, Texas 77008 713.869.4529

Hunters Insurance Agency Scott Hunter, Agent

Auto Home Life Flood

Bus. 713-355-8331 Fax: 713-355-8318 Pgr. 713-406-1088

832-778-8194 “For All Your Insurance Needs” 2656 S. Loop West # 340 Houston, TX 77054

5302 Almeda Rd. Hou. TX 77004 email:bmiles@bmilesinsurance.com

scott@huntersinsuranceagency.com

"Committed to the Future"

MABRIE Memorial Mortuary

5000 Almeda Rd. Houston Texas 77004 713-942-7673

Morgan Harris Funeral Home 8011 West Montgomery Houston Texas 77088 281.820.2391 O.W. Wiley Mortuary, Inc. 1290 Pinemont Dr. Houston, Texas 77018 713.681.7475

HELP WANTED

Bryant Hunter started the agency in 1993 with the vision of helping people protect their most valuable assets. Scott joined the family business in 1997 and has continued the tradition of helping people protect their homes, autos, RVs, businesses and most importantly, their families.

Advertise Your Business In Our Texas Marketplace

INVESTMENTS

Retiring, Changing Jobs or Laid Off? Don’t Leave Your Money With Your Former Employer Let me assist you with your Retirement Plan Options!!

• 401(k), • 403(b), • Pension

• Profit Sharing • ESOP • Other

NO COST CONSULTATION! Other Services Include:

Income Tax Preparation IRS Problems

Rate and size of ad to run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition.

“Jack” o run in AAN&I’sPublication Houston/Galveston edition.

5 ” tall Date: November 28- December 4, 2007 Available Now !!!

CHILDCARE DATE: VOLUME 12 Issue 13, 2007 5/ 8

713-692-1892

PARKWAY TOWERS 150 W. PARKER ROAD, SUITE 506 HOUSTON, TX. 77076

Please sign for approval and fax backGEORGE to 713-692-11 W. BORRIS L. MILES LUNNON, JR. ELECTRICAL Ad must be approved and payment received by 12 NOON Tues Insurance Agency Agent Aus-Tex Electric before Wednesday publication or the ad will not ru 1525 Wilburforce

Funeral Homes, Inc

Law Offices of James & Stagg 713-223-5811 Se habla Espanol

CIVIL RIGHTS ORG.

Carl Barnes

BEAUTY ORG. Professional Hair Designers of TX 10767 Eastex Freeway Houston 77093 713.691-0868

CHILDCARE The Learning Garden 6672 Antoine Houston 77091 (713) 682.0601

Boyd Funeral Home 7411 Wheatley St. Houston Texas 77088 281.445.0971

Hiring Hairstylists & Nail Techs

Attorneys At Law 440 Louisiana Street 1880 Lyric Centre' Houston, Texas 77022

Email: bburns@wbctx.com

You can get a 4-line ad like this for only $17.50 per week.

For more information,call (713)692-1892.

16630 Imperial Valley #242 Houston, Texas 77060 281-591-0152

Barnes & Turner

Help

Certified Public Accountant

713-862-4332

* Rodrick Dow, CPA, MBA Registered Representative, Securities offered through H. D. Vest Investment ServicesSM, Member SIPC, Advisory Services offered through H. D. Vest Advisory ServicesSM, Non-bank subsidiaries of Wells Fargo & Company, 6333 North State Highway 161, 4th Floor, Irving, Texas 75038 (972) 870-6000

Title: Part TimeHeading Day Care Cleaning Person needed Please read us online at in Houston area. www.aframnews.com Please call: 713-692-1100 Contact Information Name: Mr. Robert Leday Company: L&S Small World Academy Media Partnership Phone: (832) 338-4766Purchase or (713) 249-9337 an ad in our publication and we will do a profile Part Time on your business that will be in the newspaper. Plus we will Cleaning Person needed help publicise your events, milestones, activity, new prodin Hempstead area. ucts, etc. We will be the media partner that helps you with publicity and marketing. Contact the advertising staff for Please call: more info and to find out about our Media Partnership that 713-692-1100 offer for even more benefits.

BUSINESS and COMMUNITY

African-American News&Issues • Texas • January 9-15, 2008 • 5

and size MEDICAL of Ad to runJosie’s in Place AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition.

SERVICE STATION/AUTO REPAIR Volunteers needed for 7473 N. Shepherd Dr. Houston 77091 Publication Date: December 19-25, 6960 2007 TC Jester @ Little York (713) 695-7711 parade and youth festival RAPID LUBE Acres Home Auto Repair Ad to run in AAN&I’s Marketplace SARTINS SEAFOOD HOUSTON- The Young Mac Youth Foundation is seekTune-Ups OF NASSAU BAY 12-18, 2007 Heading Title: ing volunteers for the MLK Youth Parade, held on Saturday, nning Edition Date: December Brakes Full Service 99 Restaurant PEST CONTROL Your BUGS are our Problem!

RAYCO

Pest Control

GUARANTEED!

281-444-3525

www.raycopest.com Rayco will get rid of or prevent, pest problems, inside and out at your residence or business. Rayco can help with mice, ants, wasps, roaches, spiders, bees, silverfish, termites, fleas, earwigs and much more.

Rayco uses microencapsulated products for a more effective treatment.

PHOTOGRAPHY

19

$

Front End Work Tires - Batteries Alignments Up to 5 qts. + EPA + tax Heading: A/C Work Check Engine Pest Control Contact InformationLights StateName: Inspections Kim Vawter CV Joints - Axles Company: of Nassau Bay Original Owner isSartins Back! Seafood Engine Diagnostics CONTACT INFORMATION Oil Change

713-956-2500

Phone: 281-333-4040 No Credit Check Financing for Repairs ALL YOU CAN EAT Fax: 281-333-2132 Name: Raynard Jones- Rayco Pest Control PLATTER SERVICE! Address for tearsheets: Including: BBQ crabs, fried shrimp, 18023 Upper Bar Drive fried fish, crab balls, French fries, Phone: 281-444-3525 hushpuppies and salad bar Houston, Texas 77058

January 19, 2008, 1:00 p.m. in Downtown Houston. In addiition to the parade, volunteers are needed for the Youth Battle of the Bands and Youth Festival, also held on Saturday, January 19, 2008, at 4:00 p.m., at Jones-Cowart Stadium (Smiley High School).

Be sure to support your local African American Chamber of Commerce !

$23.99 ADULTS Fax: 281-999-0161 $11.99 CHILDREN (under 10) Bring this ad on Monday – Thursday and receive $5 off adult platter and $3 off children’s platter.

Photo from left: (Sitting;) Roy Smith, Brenda Watson, Bobby Caldwell, bobbie Young, and Penny Carrington. (Standing:) Mrs. Roy Smith, Richard Watson, Verron Benton, Cathy Tarte, Charlotte Burton, James Tillis, Shirley Watts, Shirley Jones, Ida Harris, Ken Young and Gerald Carrington.

AD COST

18023 Upper 1.5’ Bay Road ad for 52 weeks - $780.00 281-333-4040

TOTAL COST TO RUN AD: $780.00

SCHOOL/CLASSES On Point Music & Dance 8222 Antoine Dr. Suite #250 Houston 77088 (281)447-3517

Creative Colours By RJ to run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition.

Outdoor PortraitsCommercial Weddings Fashion-Advertising 28- December 4, 2007 Date: November 713/734-1442

4925 Richfield LL&S & SLane Houston, TX 77048 Small Academy SmallWorld World Academy

Photo by Harold Simmons

FREE

High School Diploma Morning, Evening & Weekend Classes in English & Spanish Heading Title:

Child Care Second Chance o run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition.

Technology Edge Roger Jackson, Photogra pher “Learning to Compete” Washington/ cation Date: January832-519-0727 9, 2008 or • LICENSED

BY THE STATE 713-706-3093 NOTICES/BIDS Lincoln Alumni • NEWBORN- 13 Years ask for Juan, Xavier or Litisha Contact Information • LEARNING ENVIROMENT • QUALITY CHILD CARE Notice of Public Hearing Association of Dallas Name: Mr. Robert Leday SHOECompany: REPAIR Heading Title:World Academy • TRANSPORTATION L&S Small • DROP-INS WELCOME KEW, Inc. will hold a public Bids and Notices hosts annual party Phone: (832) 338-4766 or (713) 249-9337 MIGHTY FINE meeting to solicit comments re24- Hour DAY CARE SERVICE garding its intent to apply for a Generation 14 Open-Enrollment (713)L&S 697-7879 Charter School.

The KEW-Science, Technology, 401 West Donovan Engineering, and Math (STEM) Houston, 77091 Academy to serve grades& Yale) PK4(Between N. Shepard 8th grade.

The public hearing will be head at St. Marks Baptist Church, 5306 Lyons Ave., Houston, Texas 77020, Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 11am. For more information, please call (713)657-5093.

SHOE REPAIR

Men & Ladies - Boots & Shoes Shined, Waxed, Glazed, Dyed & Repaired

all that’s missing is you.

DALLAS/HOUSTONThe Washington/LinPlease sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 coln Alumni Association of Dallas, (WLAA) 281-448-9255 Contact Information Inc., Houston Chapter heldad its annual NOON Friday before for Wednesday publication or the willChristnot run.

Name: Marcus Brewer mas party at the Riverside Cafe on Riverside Pager 713-687-8592 • mfshoe@aol.com

Drive.edition.

It gave the organization an opportunio run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston Company: KEW STEM Acadty Learning to kick off its 2008 membership drive and emy raise funds for a needy family. The organizaYOUTH SPORTS cation January 9,back 2008 sign forDate: approval and fax toDate 713-692-1183 Phone: 281-455-1176 tion is composed of graduates of Washington 1400 South Victory Houston, TX 77088 P.O.#: Major Credit Cards ACCEPTED

Fax: and Lincoln High Schools of Dallas, Texas and L & S Address Youth Sports roved and payment received by 12 NOON theofweek for tearsheets: P.O.Friday Box 15418 Some their supporters. the group’s activities Basketball League Houston, TX 77220 include providing scholarships for students of Calco Contracting is soliciting e Wednesday publication or ad will not run.as well as schools in the HousHeading Title: MBE SUBCONTRACTORS Boysthe & Girls those schools and/or suppliers for a City of Houston project that we are bidding. The project is “42 Water Line Hiram Clarke to Candleshade.” Your quotation must be in our office no later than January 16, 2008. Please fax your quotation to: 281-4489237.

Plans can be ascertained at City of Houston, 611 Walker, 1st Floor, Houston, Tx 77002 or they can be “reviewed” at the offices of the Houston Contractors Assoc., their phone number is 713-956-0100 (Plan Room).

PLEASE READ SPECIFICATION CAREFULLY - You will have to abide by the City of Houston Specs., which include bonding, all insurances, etc.

ton Independent School District. WLAA is Ages 9 thruBids 18 and Notices

attempting to locate graduates of Lincoln and For more information call Washington High Schools and any interested (832) 338-4766 or AD COST individuals who would like to reconnect with Date(713)249-9337 Net Rate: $35 xformer 2”= $70.00 schoolmates to assist the group in supENROLL NOW !!

Contact Information Design Fee: $25.00their mission. Meetings are held on porting Name: Salch All games will beTrent played atto run the third Saturday of each month, September Total cost ad: $95.00 HarvestP.O.#: Time Community through May at 5p.m. at 2206 Dowling Street.

Company: Center- 17770 ImperialCalco ValleyContracting For more information, call (713)668-3476.

Phone: 281-303-7430 Fax: Address for tearsheets:

Port of Houston Authority Office of Small Business Development

HOUSTONThe Port of Houston Authority Office of Small Business DevelAd to run in AAN&I’s Texas Marketplace. opment will hold a discussion of 2008 capital improvement projects and opportunities for small business owners.

AD COSTThe discussion will be held on Wednesday, January 9-15, 2008 & January 16-22, January 9, 2008, from 4:302008 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Port of Houston Executive

Net Rate: $90 x 3”= $270.00 Building, 1st floor, 111 East Loop North.

Total cost to run ad: $270.00 You will also learn how your company may become a registered small business vendor with the Port Authority; hear about current and upcoming projects at the Port; interact with Port Authority staff; and network with prime contractors, subcontractors, and other small business owners.

Please RSVP by no later than Tuesday, January 8, 2008 by clicking on the link below or call the PHA Small Business Office at 713-670-2588.

for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 TCCD (Downtown Campus) Sprayed-Fiber Insulation publication or the ad will not run. ore for Wednesday Pre-Bid: Jan. 22, 2008 at 10:00 AM Bid: Jan. 29, 2008 at 2:00 PM 401 N. Main St. Fort Worth, TX 76106 Contact: 817-332-2077 Robert Date

or approval and fax back toOSHA 713-692-1183 Safety Seminar RADIO ore for Wednesday publication or the ad will not run.

Contact Information

small businesses

for

HCC places more students into jobs, helps increase their earning potential by $5,000 per year and transfers more students to the university of their choice. With a wide range of classes to choose from, a quality college education costs under $800 for a full time semester.

MIN.SpicerROBERTProject MUHAMMAD Name: Robert Engineer HOUSTON- The City of Houston’s Mayor’s Office of Affirmative Action and Company: Austin Commercial Contract Compliance, OSHA, and Houston Business Development, Inc. are coConnect the Dots Phone: 817-332-2077 sponsoring the OSHA Safety Seminar. The seminar will be held on January 16, Date 10:30- 11.30 a.m. Wed Fax: 817-332-2068 2008, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Topics covered in this two-hour class include: 90.1 FM an introduction to OSHA, the business case for safety, and the elements of an Address for KPFT tearsheets/copies of publication: effective safety program. Additionally, the construction “focus four” hazards 401 N. Main St. (struck by, caught between, falls, and electrical) will be discussed. A representaREAL ESTATE Fort Worth, Texas 76106 tive from OSHA will conduct this class.

HUD/RESALE AND NEW HOME SALES The seminar will be held at ther Business and Technology Center (Palm CenCall Your Hometown Realtor Now! ter), 5330 Griggs.

Ad Cost Frances Campbell 281-414-2211 For more information, to register for the class, or if you are a person with a disTotal Column Inches x $69 CCD Ventures, Realtors or approval and fax back toand713-692-1183 ability need a reasonable accommodation, please call the City of Houston’s 1” ad x $69= $69.00 Mayor’s Office of Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance at (713) 837RESTAURANTS ore forCOST Wednesday publication or1.800.735.2989 the ad will 9043 (Relay Texas or 711).not run.

TOTAL TOFamous RUN ADBurgers FOR 2 WEEKS: Leonard’s You may e-mail your registration by sending your name, company name, $138.00 1913 W. Little York Rd. address, telephone number, and the name of the class to Juan Padilla at juan.

Houston 77091 padilla@cityofhouston.net.

(713) 686-3555

Date

Please visit our website at www.aframnews.com

register today Spring classes start January 12 713.718.2000 hccs.edu

TX-5

EDUCATION/COMMUNITY

6 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • January 9-15, 2008 DISTRICT 2-from Page 1 with selling out, have major marital issues, or having drug problems.

Whatever happens in 2009 we can be sure that understanding the definition of politician will be important. The definition of a politician is not an easy one. If one accepts the premise that every thing you do is political, then even going to H-EB for groceries is political. Human beings are political animals. They make simple and complex agendas, as simple as going to kill something, and bringing it home to eat is a political act, especially if you are going to decide who gets the best cuts of meat, or as complicated as the election for governor.

But let’s look at some formal definitions and then play around in the real world. According to MerriamWebster, and online dictionaries, a politician is “a person experienced in the art or science of government ... a person engaged in party politics as a profession,” or a “person primarily interested in political office for selfish or other narrow usually short-sighted reasons.” These formal definitions only hint at the broadest sense of the term, since group-decision makers are people that are actively involved in setting agendas and manipulating the outcome of desired action.

Manipulation, or orchestration, may be good or evil, but it is still manipulation for a desired outcome. We will need to watch out for the manipulation of District 2 in 2009. All of us have engaged in some level of manipulation, but at the same time many people have poor opinions of politicians and political manipulations in general.

There is the manipulation of votes

and the charges of bribery that tend to give politics an aura of negativity. Some are guilty of these offenses, but not all politicians unjustly manipulate votes, or, are even guilty just because some charges have been leveled.

Historically, politicians have mainly been White, educated, wealthy men. The more education one has the more likely one will vote. The poor rarely vote because they often believe that their situation is hopeless. Lobbyists and political action committees (PACs) spend tons of money trying to influence public policy and the setting of the agenda.

Their reasons may be political or economic, but the result is still political. Lobbying is not always a bad thing, but even with constraints placed on lobbyists, corruption still takes place, and sometimes politically motivated charges are filed in an attempt to change the political dynamics of a society. Before African-Americans could vote, there was more than enough law breaking going on by the elite.

However, law enforcement officials have often used their power to unjustly target, or file charges against African-American political office holders in order to disrupt their influence. One could say that the government has used the law to hold some individuals more accountable than others. In this case, the application of the law has been political.

Going after African-American politicians has been a favorite tactic of government agencies over the course of years, especially under the corrupt regime of George Bush.

Many feel that was the case in the

arrest of Mayor Marion Berry in Washington, DC, and some of the City Council members in San Antonio a few years back. Politicians can base their use of power on several theories.

They can listen to the majority of the people, or the most organized portion of that majority, and use it to decide public policy. They can take an elitist position by becoming well-positioned, thinking mostly about themselves, and manipulate political outcomes and the political process. This is a charge that some of the candidates listed above can expect.

This is often done at City Hall, where because of term limits, politicians are seeking political friendships that will get them a promise of economic advancement after they are out of office. They usually get little or nothing if they are minorities and as soon as they are gone, the lobbyists won’t even return their phone calls. Politicians can also be administrators like public school principals, or city managers that seek to drive agendas.

An organized society must have leaders, but knowing what motivates them is important. Just because a politician says they are motivated by helping people doesn’t make it true. Their actions in public are important, but it is more important to know what their actions are when no one is looking.

This is why it is important to look at campaign contributions, check out their financial backers, and how they have operated in the community in the past. The City Council race of 2009 may be the most heated race in years, especially if the slate involves those mentioned.

Everyday People with Jesse Simon

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The Prince Complex, founded by Rap-A-Lot owner James Prince at 3000 Jensen, serves a myriad of functions for the community including serving as a gathering place for special events and programs including Cocaine Anonymous, HIV/AIDS awareness meetings, etc. In addition to some of these regular community gatherings, the complex also host several important annual events. These events are very important to the community as evidenced by the large turnout each year of more than 3,000 residents. Since 2001, Prince Complex has given away toys to needy families in the 5th Ward community during its Christmas Toy Give-A-Way which also allows children ages 5-14 years-old to take pictures with Santa as well as the opportunity to meet various guest speakers.

Photo by Roger Jackson

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Chair of the Congressional Children’s Caucus, was delighted to welcome in the holiday spirit by hosting her 13th annual “Toys for the Kids 2007” Christmas party. More than 3,000 schoolaged children from community centers throughout the 18th Congressional District of Texas participated in the holiday extravaganza held at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center.

“This holiday season every child, no matter what their economic status, should have the opportunity to fully celebrate the holidays. This year, I am on a mission to make sure that children in the Houston/Harris County area celebrate the holidays filled with love, joy and happiness,” stated Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. The event, which brings hundreds of Houston residents to the Convention Center is considered by many to be the premier Christmas event of the year. On hand to celebrate this event was Houston’s Mayor Bill White, Police Chief Harold Hurtt, NASA astronauts Lee Morin, George Zamka, Stephanie Wilson, Jim Dutton and surprise guests. Additionally, there was a heart warming presentation honoring Texas’ Iraqi and Afghanistan Military service man and women along with their families.

TX-6

Photos by Roger Jackson

State Rep. Harold Dutton, along with staff, volunteers and many sponsors, manipulated the multitude of children, from toddlers to 16-year-olds, with the sophistication of a game show host, at the Julia C. Hester, 2020 Solo Street Houston, Texas, in the heart of Fifth Ward (The Nickel), as he gave out laptop computers, bicycles, play stations, Ipods, and DVD players.

All did not get the big-ticket items but there were gifts and food for every kid present. Photos from the left: 1. Santa spreading Christmas joy. 2. Dutton and the children. 3. Children of all races enjoying the festivities.

CHURCH & COMMUNITY CHURCH ADS and LISTINGS

Baptist

Blessed Hope MBC 3741 Colvin Houston 77013 (713) 673-6309 Cliffdale BC 854 Enterprise Houston 77088 (281) 447-8850

FIDELITY CHURCH OF CHRIST “The Church That Cares” Sunday

Morning Bible Class 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:45 a.m.

Evening Bible Class 5:00 p.m.

Evening Worship 6:00 p.m.

Chorus Group Rehearsal 7:30 p.m.

8 AM and 11 AM BIBLE STUDIES Wednesday 7:30PM Leonard N. Barksdale, Pastor

Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church 4300 Noble Street, Houston TX 77020 Ph: 713/675-5111 • Fx: 713/675-1522

Website: www.fwmbc.org

Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church members will endeavor to provide a strong foundation of love; we will stand on Biblical Truths; and we will equip one another to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our community and in our world.

GREATER FRIENDSHIP MBC Rev. Johnny L. Goff, Sr.,

14055 Dublin

Houston, TX. 77085

Office: 713-728-9503 Study: 713-728-4428

www.gfmbc.com Experience the Friendship! Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is a church with a mission- “Let Each One, Reach One!” They have been committed to following the Lord’s command to reach out to the lost (Matt. 28: 18-20) since their founding in 1987.

Greater Progressive MBC 840 Ringold Houston 77088 (281) 445-8603 Greater True Vine MBC 3010 Fontinot Houston 77026 713) 672-9086 Green Meadow MBC 777 Green Meadow Lane Houston 77091 (713) 694-7624 Hope in Christ Church 10310 Antoine Drive Suite A Houston 77091 (832) 882-7925 Jerusalem MBC 2835 Fidelity Rd. Houston 77029 (713) 674-3794 Mt. Ararat Baptist Church 5801 W. Montgomery Houston 77073 (713) 692-9954 Mt. Ararat Community BC 9313 Lockwood Houston 77016 (713)858-9801 Progressive MBC 944 Reverend B.J. Lewis Dr. Houston 77088 (281) 447-2342 New Pleasant Grove MBC 3221 Bain St. Houston 77021 (713) 672-7419 Olivet MBC 3115 Lyons Ave. Houston 77020 (713) 224-1515 Starlight MBC 9202 Willow St. Houston 77088 (281) 447-8788

Catholic St. Monica Catholic Church 8421 West Montgomery Rd. Houston 77088 (281) 447-5837

Church of Christ

East Houston Church of Christ 7515 E. Houston Houston 77028 (713) 631-7435

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African-American News&Issues

Wednesday

SUNDAY SERVICE

Minister Elmo Adams Jr. honored in roast & toast JESSE SIMON

MINISTER: Mid-Week Bible Class Theaster Maloy, Sr. 7:00 p.m.

Ebenezer MBC 1814 Jensen Houston 77026 (713) 222-0838

African-American News&Issues • Texas • January 9-15, 2008 • 7

OFFICE: 713/674-5131

140 Fidelity Rd. Houston Tx 77029 FIFTH WARD CHURCH OF CHRIST SUNDAY 8:00 a.m. Worship 10:00 a.m. Bible Class 11:15 a.m. Worship 6:00 p.m. Worship MONDAY 10:00 a.m.

Gary Smith Ladies Bible Class Minister WEDNESDAY 7:30 p.m. Bible Class for all

Website

www.fthwardcoc.org “GIVING, GROWING, & GAINING” 4308 Stonewall St. Hou. Tx 77020

713-672-2654

In addition to their other activities, the Fifth Ward COC also holds a Bible Class for non-members on Thursday nights at 7:30 PM. For more information on the various special events or activities you really should visit their website, it is very well done, informative and worth a visit even if you have another church home.

Homestead Rd. Church of Christ 7211 Homestead Rd. Houston 77028 (713) 633-1540

SHADY ACRES

CHURCH OF CHRIST 730 West 26th St, Houston, TX 77008

713/861-6625

Sunday

Early Worship 6 am Minister Frank Melton Jr. Sunday School 9:30 am Regular Worship Res.713/733-0868 10:30 am Off. 713/861-9249 Evening Worship 6 pm FX 713/861-2744 Wednesday Assoc. Minister General Song Practice Glen Burgess, Sr. 7:00 pm Bible Study 7:30 pm Res.713/734-8983

Church of God in Christ DUNCAN MEMORIAL

CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST Pastor Elder Supt Ohmas Edwards (713) 674-5466

2222 Lockwood Dr. Houston, Tx 77020 SUNDAY Morning Prayer: 9:15 am Sunday School: 9:30 am Church Services: 11 am “Preaching The Gospel Is More Important Than Philosophizing.

Soul Winning Is More Important Than Building Membership .”

If you are looking for a church home, you might want to come fellowship with these folks. Besides Sunday, they meet for prayer on Tuesday morning at 11 am, and on Friday the Bible Band Mission meets from 12 to 1 pm and a Bible Study Friday evenings at 7:30.

Lutheran Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church 1055 W. Tidwell Rd. Houston 77091 (713) 680-1419

United Methodist

Wesley UMC 7225 Homestead Houston 77028 (713)635- 3191

ATTENTION CHURCHES!!

AAN&I wants to be your media partner!

Call 713-692-1892

Receive additional exposure with the purchase of any 26-week ad.

Support your local Historical African- American Churches!

HOUSTON- A surprise appreciation program and dinner was given in honor of Elmo Adams Jr., Minister of Crestmont Park Church of Christ, (5907 Selinsky) and his wife, Libery Ann Adams at The Pearland Community Center, 3523 Liberty Drive, Pearland, Texas.

The program consisted of Master of Ceremonies, Howard Watson; Invocation, Frank Melton, Jr.,; Welcome, Bro. Roosevelt Leonard; Proclamations and Special Presentations, State Rep. #131 Alma Allen, Musical Tribute “Eternal Life,” Etherlene Burns, along with “The Junioraires,” Crestmont Park’s singing group.

In addition Prayer & Blessings, Wadell Nixon; Remarks, Charles Leonard and Woodie McClennon; Introduction of Guest Speaker, John Robinson, Speaker Theaster Maloy Sr. After remarks by the guest of honor, the Benediction was given by Johnny Crawford.

Photos from the left: 1. Elmo Adams, Jr., State Rep. Alma Allen and Howard Watson 2. Woodie McClennon, Libery Ann Adams and Charles Leonard 3. Wadell Nixon and Theaster Maloy, Sr. 4.

Robert Ravenell, Frank & Kathryn Melton, Jr.

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2008 Cedar Walton Jazz Piano Competition DALLAS- The Cedar Walton Jazz Piano Competition 2008 will be held January 23-26, 2008 The mission of the Cedar Walton Jazz Piano Competition is to educate musicians in the art of jazz.

The Cedar Walton Jazz Piano Competition seeks to promote jazz as an art form Cedar Walton by enterPhoto by John Abbott taining the public with inspired jazz piano performances and awarding the most fluent performers with opportunities to pursue professional careers in jazz performance and education.

First Rounds and Workshop will be held at Cedar Valley College, Lancaster, Texas and the Grand Performance will be held at the Meyerson Symphony Center. The Youth Division of the Cedar Walton Competition allows participants 21 years of age or younger (as of the date of the first round of competition) to compete for National Recognition as a Finalist: First Prize - $1,000.00 scholarship award. Second Prize $500.00 scholarship award. Third Prize - $250.00 scholarship award.

The Open Division of the Cedar Walton Competition allows participants who are at least 21 years of age (as of the date of the first round of competition) to compete for National Recognition as a Finalist: and First Prize - Ten Hours of Recording Studio Time and Ten Hours of Mixing/Editing at Maximedia Recording Studio, Dallas, Texas.

The recording shall be engineered by renowned recording engineer Hal Fitzgerald (Erykah Bhadu, Lauryn Hill and others); Performance at Grand Concert; Performance on Cedar Walton Jazz Piano Competition CD; Second Prize - Perfor-

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mance on Cedar Walton Jazz Piano Competition CD; Third Prize - Performance on Cedar Walton Jazz Piano Competition CD. Deadline for submissions – January 18, 2008. Walton grew up in Dallas, Texas, also home to jazz luminaries such as Charlie Christian and Red Garland. After attending the University of Denver, Walton moved to New York in 1955.

After a two year stint in the army in which he performed in a jazz ensemble, he joined Kenny Dorham’s band. By the late 1950s Walton was playing with J. J. Johnson, the Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet, and Gigi Gryce, and by 1959 he recorded on John Coltrane’s seminal album Giant Steps.

In the early 1960s, he joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers as a pia-

nist-arranger for three years, where he played with Wayne Shorter and Freddie Hubbard. He left the Messengers in 1964 and by the late 1960s was part of the house rhythm section at Prestige Records, where in addition to releasing his own recordings, he recorded with Sonny Criss, Pat Martino, Eric Kloss, and Charles McPherson.

During the mid-1970s, Walton led the funk group Mobius. He has also recorded with Abbey Lincoln, Lee Morgan, and led the band Eastern Rebellion. He continues to lead his own groups and freelance through the present.

For more information, please email at info@cedarwaltonjazzpianocompetition.com or visit the Web site at cedarwaltonjazzpianocompetition.com.

Read us online at www.aframnews.com.

To get FREE coverage of your community events, news and announcements, please send items to news@aframnews.com.

TX-7

8 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • January 9-15, 2008

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