®
Vol. 18 Issue 9
Pastor D.Z. Cofield/ Good Hope Profile p.10
w w w. a f r a m n e w s . c o m
March 25-31, 2013 | FREE
Not Your Average Clean-Up Man
Mr. Charles Dawson
See CLEAN-UP on p. 4
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African
American News&Issues
Texas • March 25-31, 2013
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Edit rial & Opini n
Is Jeb Bush running for president?
the Bushes to suspect that Jeb is the one who had the real desire to be president — though he was usurped by his less Joy-Ann competent, less articulate, more suggestReid ible older brother. Of course, the neocons turned Editor of George W’s presidency into an Iraq The Reid piñata. And his two terms were bookReport ended by the Supreme Court’s election meddling, a disappearing surplus, “Bin Laden determined to attack inside The newest parlor game in the United States,” Hurricane Katrina Washington media and political circles and the biggest financial crash since is called: “What’s Jeb Up To?” The sud- Hoovervilles. So it would seem all but den rash of TV appearances, the new impossible that a third Bush could have book, and most notably, the about-face a shot at the White House. on immigration reform — all raise the And yet, a Jeb Bush campaign-inirresistible proposition that John Ellis waiting seems to make perfect sense. Bush is running for president. The Republican Party veered so far to Jeb has long worn his ambitions on the right in response to Barack Obama’s his sleeve. You needn’t have75 read the AANI Color ad - OCT-3 x 5_Layout 1emergence 10/17/12 they 11:21 AM no Page 1 keep could longer Kitty Kelly unauthorized biography of their rape pregnancy theorists and
birther kooks quiet. Crazy became so much the currency of the party, the confusion coughed up the worst of all worlds: Willard Mitt Romney. Jeb could simply swoop in and save the GOP from itself. He was a popular governor (except among those who oppose education by test, or thought affirmative action was a good idea). He knows how to handle a hurricane (sorry, George.) And he is a Spanishspeaker with a wife born in Mexico and an actual relationship with Black and Brown people in politics. But then, the media and the politicos got distracted by a shiny penny, partly of Jeb’s minting: Marco Rubio. And the obsession with the Cuban-American Ronald Reagan who could somehow save the party with mostly non-CubanAmerican Latinos was in full bloom. Far be it from Jeb to cede the stage to his junior partner, so out comes his book, Immigration Wars, co-authored with Clint Bolick, a Phoenix-based attorney and supporter of Jeb’s pet cause: channeling federal tax dollars to private schools through vouchers, and pushing “school choice” referenda to benefit charter schools.
The book veered away from the Bush brothers’ longstanding embrace of comprehensive immigration reform, John “Jeb” Bush reversing Jeb’s support for a path to citizenship for illegal migrants. The shift flummoxed Washington. It put him at odds with the GOP senators, Rubio included, who are crafting a bill designed to get the issue off the table before 2016. Not to mention Jeb’s onetime political fixer, Al Cardenas, who heads the American Conservative Union, which puts on the right-wing pageant known as CPAC — where both Jeb and Rubio will be speaking. It all seems like a terribly confusing way to kick off a presidential campaign. However, it’s easy to “misunderestimate” Dubya’s baby brother, and to forget that he is one of the savviest political operators to emerge from the fever swamps of Florida politics.
After all, it was Jeb who discovered Rubio. Jeb, who encouraged Rubio to try for the U.S. Senate, driving Bush’s successor, then-governor Charlie Crist, out of the party. It was Jeb who early on, spoke out against Arizona’s “papers, please” law, prompting Rubio to liken it to a “police state.” And then, when Rubio switched to being in favor of the law, presumably out of political expediency (just as candidate Rubio opposed the Supreme Court nomination of Sonia Sotomayor, who Jeb’s father first nominated to the federal bench), Jeb remained firm, preserving his viability as the kind of Republican Hispanic voters could do business with. Now, he appears to be turning on them. In doing so, he positions himself for a 2016 primary in which it can be assumed that most of the voters staunchly oppose any form of legalization. And Jeb’s newfound immigration dexterity leaves Rubio, who drew the suspicions of tea party types before, when he was Florida House speaker, on something of a limb with the far right, should the young protégé decide to take on his mentor in a presidential primary — something I suspect he won’t do.
Black Men: Here’s your wake-up call By: Anton J. Gunn
Have you received a wake-up call yet? For too many of us, it takes a sudden wake-up call — in the form of a major or minor health crisis — to make us realize that we’re not invincible. And tragically, for some, that call comes too late. As Black men, we often don’t talk about our health or seek help until something goes wrong. We may exercise and eat right. We may know how our habits today affect how we feel. But what about tomorrow? Are we making the right choices to stay healthy as we grow older? Most importantly, are we having the right conversations about health and well-being with our sons and our fathers, with our brothers, our colleagues, our neighbors, and our friends? According to the Office of Minority Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Black men are 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease and 60 percent more likely to die from a stroke than White men. And unfortunately, the list goes on — Black men still suffer from higher rates of disease and chronic illness such as prostate cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Unless we act now, these disparities will continue to affect generations to come. Their existence should be a wake-up call for all Black men. It’s time to invest not only in our own health, but in the health of our communities. The health care law signed by President Obama in 2010 is removing many of the obstacles to health care we’ve faced in the past. It provides access to preventive services – like screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes – at no cost to us.
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Texas • March 25-31, 2013
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“Our paper will keep dealing with Injustice until it is Balanced.”
People are Just People!
M
uhammad Ali once stated that, “Hating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn’t matter which color does the hating. It’s just plain wrong.” I couldn’t agree with the former Heavyweight Boxing Champion more. Recently, the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development held its Monthly Business Networking Luncheon. There, the Chairman of the Houston chapter of the National Black United Front, Bro. Kofi Taharka was the keynote speaker. He addressed a variety of issues that have invaded and plagued our communities. As such, I was reminded of one simple thought, “People are Just People”!
Oftentimes, we get excited of the idea of being around dignitaries and those who society has labeled as, “the elite”. But at the end of the day people are just people. After Bro. Kofi’s delivery I reminded the attendees of the luncheon of how there remains a grave indifference of division amongst our communities, schools, churches and more importantly our nation. This division creates strife and animosity within our youth, adults and seniors. An excerpt from Kathryn Stockett’s poem The Help reveals the following: “Once upon a time they was two girls,” I say. “One girl had Black skin, one girl had White.” Mae Mobley look up at me. She listening. “Little Colored girl say to little
- Mr. Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher, African-American News&Issues
White girl, ‘How come your skin be so pale?’ White girl say, ‘I don’t know. How come your skin be so Black? What you think that mean?’ “But neither one a them little girls knew. So little white girl say, ‘Well, let’s see. You got hair, I got hair.’”I gives Mae Mobley a little tousle on her head. “Little Colored girl say ‘I got a nose, you got a nose.’”I gives her little snout a tweak. She got to reach up and do the same to me. “Little White girl say, ‘I got toes, you got toes.’ And I do the little thing with her toes, but she can’t get to mine cause I got my white work shoes on. “’So we’s the same. Just a different color’, say that little Colored girl. The little White girl she agreed and they was friends. The End.” I included this poem in this editorial because although simple in words the meaning has a profound
effect. Addressing our loyal and faithful readers of AfricanAmerican News & Issues I would just like to propose a question. In the event, that a serious lifethreatening illness was to come upon you and you were in dire need of an organ; would you ask of the race, nationality, origin, denomination of faith or sexual preference of a donor, before you received it? Considering that this would be a life or death situation, I would assume not. Therefore, I can only hope that we will soon wake up and see that life is about more than titles, denominations, race, gender, sexual orientation, status and such. However, if everyone were to pull together to work toward one common goal, we could really move forward and accomplish a lot. Continuing, I would just like to
3 We MUST Understand By Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher
reference the words of Bro. Kofi Annan who relayed the thought that, “Ignorance and prejudice are the handmaidens of propaganda. Our mission, therefore, is to confront ignorance with knowledge, bigotry with tolerance, and isolation with the outstretched hand of generosity. Racism can, will, and must be defeated.” We MUST Understand that, one fact remains true and that is at the end of the day; no matter how light or dark you are, if you are cut red blood will bleed just as the next man. Because at the end of the day people are just people and that will not change.
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African
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Texas • March 25-31, 2013
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C mmunity
By: Rebecca S. Jones African-American News&Issues
CLEAN-UP from p. 1
Dawson Chemical & Janitorial Supplies at 6010 Irvington; U.S. Metro Chemical & Janitorial Supply at 4308 Kelley St.; Citywide Chemical Janitorial & Commercial Pest Control Supply Co. at 3521 Jensen Dr. Photos by: Rebecca S. Jones
HOUSTON-– Mr. Charles Dawson has become the successful owner of the largest minority owned janitorial and chemical supply company in the state ofTexas. However, this entitlement did not come easy. It was achieved through a strong desire and determined volition to go into business for himself. Dawson was born in Houston,Texas. He graduated from B.C. Elmore High School in 1972. He became a very talented and admirableAll-American track athlete that excelled throughout his enrollment at B.C. Elmore High School. Immediately following high school, he enrolled atTexasA&M College in College Station.There, he graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and BusinessAdministration. Dawson is known around Houston for the exceptional athletic abilities demonstrated during his high school and college years. He was a world-class sprinter and Champion of the Southwest Conference in theTrack Division. During his collegiate experience, he took an interest in Chemistry and excelled in several courses throughout his studies. Equipped with his strong faith, the knowledge learned in school, great public speaking skills and a determined spirit he sought to become a business owner. In October of 1977, approximately eight months after graduating fromTexasA&M, Dawson opened his first business venture (Dawson Chemical and Janitorial Supplies located at 6010 Irvington, 77009).When asked, Dawson revealed that he was overcome with joy after making his dream a reality.Thus, he continually researched new and innovative ways to expand his business and clientele. In 1982, Dawson premiered his second establishment U.S. Metro Chemical located at: 4308 Kelley St. 77026.Through his company’s continued success and achievement, he was able to open his most recent location in 1992, Citywide Chemical Janitorial & Commercial Pest Control Supply Co. which occupies the space at 3521 Jensen, 77026. Dawson Chemical, U.S. Metro Chemical and Citywide Chemical and Janitorial Supplies sells all types of pest control, chemicals and janitorial supplies. Mr. Dawson has built a large clientele throughout the years. He has acquired contracts with restaurants across the Houston and surrounding areas. Dawson has also secured contracts with the Houston, Humble andAldine Independent School Districts. His companies provide supplies and services to individuals, homeowners, businesses, churches, schools and many other entities to state the least. Although Dawson has become a prosperous business owner he is never satisfied with mediocrity.As such, he continually pursues avenues to advance and promote his establishments.Additionally, he owns commercial properties and real estate throughout the Greater Houston area. Dawson Chemical offers services that no other janitorial companies offers: same-day free delivery on all orders and specializes in serving top of the line chemicals for over 36 years. Mr. Charles Dawson rents and repairs equipment ranging from: buffers, vacuums, shampooers, commercial equipment, rug and steam cleaners and various other commercial machines. Over the years, Dawson has received numerous honors and acknowledgements. In the early 2000’s he was honored as one of six, North Forest Independent School District DistinguishedAlumni for the remarkable talents that he has exemplified in Business. When asked of his greatest joy of being a business owner, he conveyed that, “It is a privilege to be a service to people”. “I have long gotten over the thrill of making money; after being in business over 36 years I have learned to appreciate interacting and assisting our customers with problems.” He continued, “It is a terrible feeling to have to suffer from roaches, rats, bugs and not have a clue of what to do; that’s where I come in at, I get a pleasure from assisting customers with these problems”. Dawson accredits his success first to God for enabling him the knowledge and ability to be able to run and operate his businesses for the last 36 years. He is also thankful for dedicated employees who have worked for him for a significant amount of time. Finally, Mr. Charles Dawson stated that, “We as Blacks need to learn to support our own.” “I am not telling you something that I have not did”. “When my car needs servicing or fixing I go to a Black mechanic, I advertise in Black newspapers, it is important to circulate our money within our own communities” added Dawson. Concluding, Mr. Charles Dawson admonishes aspiring entrepreneurs to, “Follow your dreams and be assertive if you intend to become a business owner”. He further advised that if one plans to go into business for themselves they must first get a plan and stick with it. Much research and a thorough background of the industry is required to truly be successful. “You have to know your business and you must know it well”. “I didn’t just decide to go into the chemical industry, I first prepared myself by taking several classes and ensuring that I had the knowledge that I needed to open up my first business.” He further added that owning a business has no set hours. Mr. Dawson takes pride in the fact that after being in business for nearly four decades, he has never missed a single day from work. Dawson Chemical, U.S. Metro Chemical and Citywide Chemical & Janitorial Supplies all subscribe to the motto: “Best service, best product and best price!” For all of your janitorial needs and supplies we encourage our faithful readers ofAfrican-American News & Issues to support and patronage Mr. Charles Dawson. For more information and or details, you may visit one of the three locations within the Houston area: Dawson Chemical & Janitorial Supplies, 6010 Irvington Blvd., 77009; (713) 697-7137, U.S. Metro Chemicals & Janitorial Supply, 4308 Kelley St. 77026; (713) 633-9019; or Citywide Chemical Janitorial & Commercial Pest Control Supply Co., 3521 Jensen Dr. 77026 (713) 227-4808.
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Texas • March 25-31, 2013
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Politics
Promoting Standards of Excellence By: Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
AUSTIN- One of the most relevant communication organizations in our country is the National Newspaper Publishers Association, which represents the nation’s nearly two hundred African American newspaper owners. Located in Washington, D.C. and managed by Mr. William Tompkins, the NNPA provides professionally written relevant news stories and editorials to its member papers. Some of its weekly columnists include George Curry, the former editor of Emerge Magazine, Marian Wright Edelman of the Children’s Defense Fund, Marc Morial, former New Orleans Mayor and CEO of the National Urban League and Lee Daniels, an award winning writer who worked with the New York Times and Washington Post
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Newspapers. This year the organization is celebrating its 73rd anniversary. I was honored by the group at a recent event held in Washington, D.C. as NNPA publishers presented me with the Torch Award for Political Achievement. This was a humbling experience since I find it an honor and a privilege to work tirelessly for the improvement of our communities and our country. Throughout the history of this country the Black Press has been a crucial crucible for the delivery of information to people of color when no other news organizations thought it necessary to cover events of relevance to minorities and progressive thinking people. The achievements of the Tuskegee Airman during the Second World War were slightly acknowledged in the white press. The remarkable baseball feats of the men
and women who played in the Negro Baseball Leagues only received coverage in papers such as the Pittsburg Congresswoman Eddie Courier and the AfroBernice Johnson American Newspaper, both members of the NNPA. Editorial giants such as John H. Sengstacke, the publisher of the Chicago Defender and Daisy Bates, the founder of the Arkansas State Press helped to shape the social fabric of America during the 20th century. They and so many other NNPA publishers provided the news sources for the messages of social activists such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, legal scholars such as Justice Thurgood Marshall and elected officials such as Congresswoman Barbara Jordan. During my tenure as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus I recognized
the NNPA for its exemplary work and its standards of excellence that continue until this very day. A 2012 study by NNPA and Nielsen, a global consumer research organization, projected a $1.1 trillion buying power presence by African Americans in the year 2015. The study suggested that NNPA news outlets are a preferable way for marketers to reach consumers. The Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and NNPA have been partners in improving the American economic and political climate for all of our citizens. It is a vital partnership that will continue, I believe, for years to come. Congresswoman Johnson is widely recognized as one of the most effective legislators in Congress. She is credited with originally authoring and co-authoring more than 150 bills that were passed by the House and Senate and signed into law. She also has a longstanding reputation for providing excellent constituent services. Her district office in downtown Dallas specializes in working with all federal departments and agencies to assist constituents in solving a wide range of individual problems.
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Killing Ethnic Studies?
Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, has filed Senate Bill 1128 that would change the way Texas public college students learn their history. It would Senator amend the state’s Dan Patrick education code, requiring students to complete 6 credits of comprehensive survey classes in American history, in order to graduate. However, Partick says, “The reason I filed this bill is because last year the National Academy of Scholars wrote that both UT & A&M are not teaching a broad history of our nation, but rather singular topics on race, gender, and topics like the Culture of Alcohol and Drugs, the History of Popular Music, or even a narrow topic like the history of Sea Power.” If passed, Ethnic Studies will no longer be taught.
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American News&Issues
Texas • March 25-31, 2013
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Market Place Accountants
CHEMICAL
ATTORNEYS SYLVESTER TURNER Attorney At Law
ELECTRONIC FILING Member AICPA
MICHAEL LOVE, CPA
Email: mlovecpa@yahoo.com www.michaellovecpa.net 2626 South Loop W, #420 Houston, TX 77054 713-666-2900 Office 713-666-2932 Fax
RodRIck doW, Pc ceRTIfIed PublIc AccounTAnT Services include: Income Tax Preparation IRS Problems and more
Citywide Chemical Janitorial & Commercial Pest Control Company 3521 Jensen St. Houston, TX 77026
713/227-4808 or 4809 Janitorial Supplies
Barnes & Turner
Sales-Service-Supplies Wholesale-Retail
Attorneys At Law
440 Louisiana Street 1880 Lyric Centre’ Houston, Texas 77002 (713) 650-3688/ office (713) 650-0308/fax bbarnes@ barnesturner.com
black Chamber Come join the Acres Homes Chamber for Business and Economic Development, Inc. Monthly Business Networking Luncheon Thursday, April 4, 2013 11am-12:30pm
713-862-4332
824 West 27th St. Houston, TX 77008
We repair buffers, vacuum, shampooers and all other machines.
Charles SAME DAY FREE DELIVERY Dawson US METRO Dawson Chemical Chemical & Janitorial Supply Company
& Janitorial Supply Company 6010 Irvington -Hou.,TX 77009 4308 Kelley St. • Hou., TX 77026
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Funeral Homes
LOCKWOOD Funeral Home, Inc
9402 Lockwood Dr. Houston, Texas 77016 713.633.1492
"Committed to the Future"
MABRIE Memorial Mortuary
Help Wanted
Full-Time Office Assistant Needed for Acres Homes Chamber for Business & Economic Development Must have strong computer skills, able to work with databases, compose letters, have great people skills and phone etiquette. For more information call 713-692-7161 or send resume to info@acreshomecenter.org
The LaCroix Law Firm, P.C.
416 Westheimer Rd. Houston, Texas 77006 713-429-1546/Office 713-429-1561/Fax Services Offered:
Real Estate Personal Injury Wills
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Help Wanted Heading Title Career/Job SkillsBglam Salon (in the Parkway For more information, call Contact Information Full/Part tiMe Plaza Shopping Center) 713-692-7161 Full/Part tiMe Name: Damian E. LaCroix NewsPaPer 4653 South Main Company: The LaCroix Law NewsPaPer Firm, P.C. Career/Job Skills ProductioNAD COSTStafford, TX 77477 Phone: 713-429-1546 naturalkreations@ymail.com ow! ProductioN N e S/J Construction l Fax: 713-429-1561 assistaNt For b a Size: 1 col. x 1.5 Company Address Training Center assistaNt For Avail for tearsheets: Photography aFricaN-aMericaN Full Time or Part Time 1.5” ad 4 weeks=$150 1415 North Loop West, 416 Westheimer Rd. aFricaN-aMericaN Full Time or Part Time Suite 1012 News&issues position? Creative Colours +$25 set-up fee Houston, Houston, TX 77008Texas 77006
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No. of runs = 4 Classes for Project Manager/Estimator Outdoor Portraits Must have basic Subtotal = $175.00 will begin Monday, May 6th. AD COST Commercial Weddings Must have basic computer skills, Enrollment: Monday, March Size:11th2”- ad=$1,040.00 Fashion-Advertising computer skills, Friday, April 26th. editing, proofing and By RJ
(for 52 weekediting, run) proofing and 713-734-1442 internet Contact Information +$25 one-time set-up feeknowledge. internet knowledge. 4925 Name: Sabra Richardson For more information Subtotal = $1,065.00 For more information Company: S/J Construction Company Richfield call 713-692-1892 Sabra Richardson, Lane Training Center callsend 713-692-1892 download application or resume to at CEO **You may payor1/2 now Houston, Tx Phone: 832-322-2187 or send resume to 832-322-2187 and 1/2 at a later www.aframnews.com sales@aframnews.com Fax: 77048 date.** sales@aframnews.com Address for tearsheets:
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Shoe Repair Mighty Fine Shoe Repair
Screen Printing/ T-Shirts T-shirts, cups, pens, etc. Screen printing, embroidery & PHOTO T’s, Names, Numbers, etc. 10% disc. on T-Shirts 24+ Cultural Concepts 4913 Griggs St. www.culturalconcepts.net 713-747-0021
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281-448-9255 mfshoes@aol.com 1400 South Victory Houston, TX 77088 Major Credit Cards ACCEPTED
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Name: Stephanie Thompson Support Company: Cultural Concepts Black-Owned Phone: 713-747-0021 Fax: Businesses! Address for tearsheets:
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Houston, Texas
Free Wills For Low Income Seniors
Contact Information Name: Phone: Fax: and **All changes were made per your request HOUSTON -- The Houston Bar Association’s Elder Address for Tearsheet/Copies: based upon the information you Will Host Law Committee willprovided. sponsor a “Will-A-Thon” to provide
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simple wills and basic medical directives, free of charge, for elderly citizens who meet the income guidelines. To apply for assistance through the Will-A-Thon, senior citizens must call 713-228-0735 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., by April 8, 2013, to complete a AD COST screening application over the phone. To qualify, applicants Net Rate: $90x 2.6=$234.00 must be Harris County residents 60 years of age or older and meet the Houston Volunteer Lawyers’ low-income -%who Discount (per week) ran: guidelines. Those qualify will be given an appointment Total price for two week run: to meet with a volunteer attorney on Tuesday, April 16th, at the Third Ward Multi-Purpose Center, 3611 Ennis, Suite 118. The documents will be completed on May 2, 2013 at the Third Ward Multi-Purpose Center.
Karen D. Johnson
Photo Credit: Rebecca S. Jones
HOUSTON- African-American News&Issues presents Mrs. Karen D. Johnson. Born the youngest of 7 children, Karen is a native Houstonian who was reared in the Acres Homes Community. Her father, Melvin Buckner Sr. was a Limited Space Only local business owner, while her mother, Mildred Berryman worked for the Aldine Independent School District for To RSVP contact the over 18 years. Acres Home Chamber on or before She is a graduate of Aldine Senior High School. For over 20 years she has been married to Dr. Arnold Johnson, March 26, 2013 via fax at 713-691-7131, owner of Johnson’s Auto Repair Shop located on West Montgomery in the heart of Acres Homes. Being a loving and via email at info@acreshomecenter.org or call the Chamber at 713-692-7161 devoted mother, Karen chose to dedicate her life to raising her children and taking care of her home. After raising her children and assisting with the upbringing of her grandchildren she sought to pursue her career goals by enrolling and acquiring a college degree. Accordingly, she attended Lone Star Community College and received an Associates degree in Business Administration. As a child, Karen watched her mother cook and prepare succulent dishes and always wanted to continue that talent. With a desire and intent of becoming a successful business owner, Karen did just that. Thus, she premiered her first venture as It’s All Good Foods in November of 2012. In the same community that she has grown to love, she opened her food truck which is stationed on the corner of West Montgomery Road and Hampton. It’s All Good Food serves a delicious Please–sign for approval and faxisback to 713-692-1183 AUSTIN A+Federal Credit Union (A+FCU), proud to Date array of seafood, chicken, burgers and much more. the promotion of O.J. before Gilder as its Vice-President of 2 NOON announce Wednesday the week Monday publication or the ad will not run. Karen is thankful to the Acres Homes Community and the Greater Houston area for their continued love and support Information Technology. Mr. Gilder started his career with A+ in in helping her dream become a true reality. She looks forward to servicing the community in many years to come. ApAugust 1998 as a Teller. After working in various positions for preciative of her family, who has always supported her in her decision-making; she has two sons: Michael and Marlon A+ and obtaining his degrees, he was selected to be the VP of Johnson, 5 grandchildren, 1 daughter-in-law and one soon to be daughter-in-law. Date in Katy, TX) IT at Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union (located To date, Mrs. Johnson continues her studies at Texas Southern University where she is pursuing a Bachelor of r in February 2009. He returned to A+FCU in July 2011 as the Science degree in Sociology. She has proven to be a true woman of God and subscribes to the motto that, “As long as I Programming Manager. With this promotion, his responsibilities continue to ask God for guidance I will never go wrong”. Stop by It’s All Good Foods located at the corner of West Montinclude all aspects of I.T. including network administration and gomery Rd. and Hampton or phone ahead your order at (832) 712-4624, Email: karen8942@sbcglobal.net. programming. Gilder, who holds a BBA in Management Information Systems from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from HOUSTON – The first Black Social Media Summit will be April 13, 2013 in Austin, TX at the Texas State University, has over 14 years of credit union I.T. Oasis on Lake Travis, located at 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732. O.J. Gilder experience. Kerry Parker, CEO states “OJ has really grown up The Black Social Media Summit is a one-day social media and blog conference filled with expertwith A+ and we are proud to have been part of his career path. It guided workshops, panels and networking opportunities. An extension of the annual Blogging While is wonderful to watch someone with his talent be successful and have him fill this strategic manageBrown Conference, the Black Social Media Summit is designed to provide an affordable social media ment role.” conference experience that strengthens local and regional Black blogging and social media communiA+ Federal Credit Union was founded in 1949 by a group of 50 teachers during a picnic meeting ties. Workshops will include: WordPress vs Blogger vs Squarespace; The Gatekeepers Are Gone?; at Zilker Park in Austin. These foresighted individuals liked the idea of having a not-for-profit, finanGoogle Plus and Facebook; Linkedin & Email Marketing; Social Media Superstars: Texas Brands cial cooperative that would be built on a philosophy of people helping people. Owned and operated Edition; State of Black Social Media and many more. Regular registration is $75 per person and late by our members, the Credit Union provides a safe place to invest money and a fair place to borrow. registration will be $130 per person. For more information, visit www.BloggingWhileBrown.com. Today, A+ have over 90,000 members and are one of the largest Credit Unions in Texas.
Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 promoted to Information by 5Gilder p.m. Wednesday forVice-President publication orof the ad will not run.
Technology at A+ Federal Credit Union
Black Social Media Summit: Texas Edition
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Texas • March 25-31, 2013
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Community
“STOP THE HATE” Stage Play
Ian Haywood and James Allen acting out a scene.
Anita B. and Rhonda Tucker
Sister Mama Sonia TX-8
Director Jimmy Jacob and Philllip Spiller
Felicia Samuel
Vanessa Stuckey-Harris
HOUSTON– “How do you stop the hate? …. With LOVE, of course”! This is the message that was delivered recently as Mr. Jimmie Jacob of Jacob Productions, Inc. presented his powerful and moving theatrical rendition of Stop the Hate. The play was performed at Column A, Downtown Houston located at 521 Austin Street, 77002. The explosive production was portrayed in two acts and eleven scenes ranging from: “Drugs, Drugs, Everywhere”, “We’ve Got Work to Do”, “The Damn Drug Demons”, “Why I Need an Education”, “The Old Wise Ones”, “Trouble at the Do-Rights’ House”, “Do –Rights’ Troubles Continue”, “We the Drugs”, “Bag Lady & Rasta Man”, “Lord I Pray” and “Willie Payback – Bam Bam”. Singers, actors, musicians and choreographers all came together to display a variety of talents to make Stop the Hate a success. Stop the Hate served as a message to this unkind world that will live on for many years to come. Director Jimmie Jacob is an extremely talented and motivated resident of the Acres Homes community who has traveled around the world delivering his harmonic messages of peace and love.
Larry and Terry Baker
Gwen Kimble
Elvin Stewart, Brianna Martin, Keandra Bronson and Tierra Bronson
Texas • March 25-31, 2013
HBCU Corner Spring into Wellness Health Fair
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AUSTIN– You’re invited to attend the Spring into Wellness Health Fair scheduled on Tuesday, April 9th from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Davage-Durden Student Union. The event will feature health screenings, physical and mental health care providers, health education organizations, disability services agencies, nutrition and fitness experts, community organizations related to volunteer opportunities, and more. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, 512-505-3044.
Paul Quinn College Earns Place on National Honor Roll for Community Services
HAWKINS– Paul Quinn College was named as a finalist on the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. This designation is the highest honor a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement. Paul Quinn is the only Dallas-Fort Worth four-year institution and one of two historically Black colleges to earn a place among the top colleges and universities. ”Being recognized by President Obama and his administration for our work in combating the food desert conditions of our community is both humbling and surreal,” said Michael Sorrell, president of Paul Quinn College. “This award is further proof that Paul Quinn College matters nationally and that we have established ourselves as a significant voice on the issue of food access. However, we know that there is still much work to do. We have no intentions of resting until we have secured a quality grocery store for this neighborhood.” The nationally acclaimed WE Over Me Farm was the focus of the College’s proposal. Serving as Paul Quinn’s signature servant leadership initiative, the farm addresses the food desert that exists in the Highland Hills area of South Dallas. Fresh organic produce from the WE Over Me Farm is sold to residents of the area as well as Dallas-area chefs. The produce is also used in the College’s dining hall and ten per cent is donated to the community via the North Texas Food Bank. The annual fundraiser for the farm, A Community Cooks, will be held on Thursday, April 11th, 6-8 p.m. on Paul Quinn’s campus. More information about the WE Over Me Farm is available at www.weovermefarm.com. “Congratulations to Paul Quinn College, its faculty and students for its commitment to service, both in and out of the classroom,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of CNCS. “Through its work, institutions of higher education are helping improve their local communities and create a new generation of leaders by challenging students to go beyond the traditional college experience and solve local challenges.” More information about the Paul Quinn College community service efforts can be found at www.PQC.edu. More information on eligibility and the full list of Honor Roll awardees, can be found at www.nationalservice.gov.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program at St. Phillip’s College
SAN ANTONIO– The Business Information Solutions department at St. Philip’s College is pleased to announce free Income Tax Preparation services. Our Volunteer Income Tax (VITA) Program has been a successful tax preparation site for 21 years, averaging 3,581 income tax returns for students and community members annually. Assistance can be found at the St. Phillip’s College MLK Campus-Bowden Building, Room 110, 1801 Martin Luther King Drive. Client services include free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program classroom instruction from volunteer tax preparers, and free asset- and wealth-building education services. The program is open Mondays and Wednesdays - 2-8 p.m.; Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays - 1-7 p.m. and Saturdays - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Monday, April 15th. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program at St. Philip’s College offers assistance to individuals and families who earn up to $55,000 or less annually. For more information, call 210-486-7000.
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Religi n
(l-r) Sorors Kathryn Reed, Joyce Thornton, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, and Soror Gwendolyn Burns Carter
PRAIRIE VIEW- At the 55th session of the Annual Minister’s Conference, there was lots of prophesying among the various preachers to the crowds and the Deltas delight. All Faiths Chapel on the campus of Prairie View was home to the annual conference for the 55th time, but what made this conference so special for the Deltas was their own Soror, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie spoke at one of the sessions. Bishop Vashti McKenzie is the granddaughter of one of the Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Soror Vashti Turley Murphy. Later, the Delta members met with Bishop Vashti McKenzie at Hope AME Church located in Prairie View, Texas.
Easter Drama Series and Worship Service at Sweet Homes Baptist Church
ROUND ROCK- Who is Jesus The Christ? How did He live? Did He really achieve victory over death? How does His unconditional love matter to us? Sweet Home Baptist Church of Round Rock presents “Love Scandal,” a unique and original drama series, on Resurrection Sunday, March 31st. Experience the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion from a new and enlightened perspective, as we celebrate the redemptive Download a act of God’s love through Christ’s death, burial, QR Reader and scan and resurrection. This exciting drama series will our code below to conclude on Easter Sunday, as Pastor Wright visit our website! presents the final sermon in his current series. Join us for one of our two services that day, either at 9:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m., for the powerful message, “A Love That Erases Our Scandal” and the final episode of “Love Scandal.” Sweet Home is located at 3200 Sunrise Road in Round Rock. The Senior Pastor is Dante D. Wright I. For more information or directions to the church, call (512) 823-2888. TX-10
Church Profile: Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church Photo Credit: Rebecca S. Jones
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority-Prairie View Alumnae Chapter at Minister’s Conference
Texas • March 25-31, 2013
HOUSTON- Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1872 in Houston, Texas. The church was established under the leadership of Reverend Samuel Grantham, known as Father Grantham. The fragile structure, called a “brush arbor,” that housed the first membership was located on Valentine Street, formerly known as Sherman Road in the Freedman’s Town area in Fourth Ward. The church eventually moved to a larger facility on the comer of Wilson and Saulnier Streets. Father Grantham passed away in 1891. Reverend Charles H. Hunt became the second pastor in 1893. Under his leadership the Sunday School, BYPU and church choir developed. The church experienced continued progress under Reverend Hunt’s pastorate until his death in 1921. The third pastor, Rev. Henry C. Cashaw, was elected in 1922. During his pastorate the church building was badly damaged by fire and had to temporarily worship at the nearby Gregory School building. In 1933, Rev. Cashaw led the congregation into the first modern structure of Good Hope. He remained an outstanding preacher and leader until his death in 1934. Rev. Albert Lucas became the fourth pastor in 1935. He was a dynamic, spirit-filled preacher, teacher, national leader and Civil Rights Activist. In 1939, he led the congregation into a new sanctuary, which was erected adjacent to the existing structure. Through his work with the NAACP, the church was brought to the forefront of the political battle in 1944 with the “Smith vs. Albright” case. Voting rights in the primary election for minorities in Texas were secured due to his efforts. Rev. Lucas pastorate ended with his death in the pulpit in 1963. Rev. Crawford W. Kimble was elected as the fifth pastor in 1964. It was Rev. Kimble’s dream to build a new church in a central location to better serve the needs of the membership. Through perseverance and inspired leadership the “dream” was fulfilled as the church moved to its current location on March 22, 1981. Rev. Kimble ended his pastorate in January 1994 as the only pastor to retire. Dr. D.Z. Cofield became the sixth pastor elected by the church on March 28, 1994. He is a native of Brooklyn, New York, having received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Swarthmore College, a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Faith Evangelical Lutheran Seminary. Dr. Cofield is the founder and Chairman of the Board of Hope for Families, Inc. a non-profit organization designed to impact the needs of the community. Under his administration, The Center for Hope Community Life Facility began activities September 2005, including the Barbara Jordan Child Development Center along with many other helpful and innovative programs for spiritual growth and life enrichment. In 2009 members and friends re-entered a completely renovated sanctuary after much hard work. Additionally, the church was able to expand its territory by purchasing the Bayou Landing Apts. Located at 3101 N. MacGregor Way. The additional 5.3 acres of land doubled the size of the church’s campus and parking capacity. On August 24, 2009, Hope Academy, a coeducational HISD Charter High School opened its doors in the Center for Hope. Hope Academy targets young people grades 9-12 who are experiencing academic difficulty, behavioral challenges and other issues that have not allowed them to be successful in the traditional school setting. Currently, the church has an active membership of more than 3,000. Dr. Cofield continues to receive awards and accolades for his community service as he facilitates the goal of the church to “Take Hope to the World”. Fellowship with the Good Hope family located at 3015 N. MacGregor Way, 77004, to contact the church call (713) 524-6578.
Cliffdale B.C. to host 18th Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt
HOUSTON - Family, friends and residents of the Acres Homes community and Houston area, the hunt is on!!! You are invited to attend Cliffdale Baptist Church 18th Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt. The festivities will commence at 12 noon on Friday, March 29th. Cliffdale Baptist Church greatly appreciates all Acres Homes participation. Please join Pastor Fred Sanders III and the Cliffdale Baptist Church family located at 854 Enterprise St. 77088. There will be plenty of fun, games and food for all. For additional information, please contact the church at (281) 447-8850.
Send your church announcements and event photos to news@aframnews.com
African
Texas • March 25-31, 2013
Educati n/Y uth
HISD’s New Parent Book Club Strengthens Parent-Child Relationship while Promoting Literacy
HOUSTON-In an effort to promote the importance of parental involvement and literacy simultaneously, the HISD Parent Engagement Department has launched a new Parent Book Club. Nearly 30 parents attended the club’s first meeting at Roosevelt Elementary eager to discuss the first chapters of the book How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk and participate in the group exercises. “The book they chose for the club is easy to read and provides them many useful exercises and tips they can use at home to help their children at school,” said Maria Santos, HISD’s Parent Engagement specialist. “The goal of this book club is to get parents to start talking and sharing what has worked for them at home with their kids.” Many of the parents at the meeting said they’ve already put to practice what they have learned from the book and are already seeing positive results in their children. “The book has helped better understand my daughter and being able to look at issues at school from her perspective,” said Minerva Salazar, whose daughter attends Roosevelt Elementary. “I’ve also learned tips to help her deal with test anxiety and be better prepared for school.” Many of the parents also brought their children to the book club meeting so that they could see their parents reading and follow in their footsteps. “The parents need to be role models for their children and exhibit the behavior they want to see from them in school,” said Santos. “Parents are our students’ first teacher at home and if they see them read, they’ll be more motivated to read in class too.” Many of the parents are already seeing positive results and have noticed their children mimicking their reading habits. “I’ve been seeing results already,” said Maria Salazar who has been reading with her child every evening at home. “She’s excited to sit with me and listen to me read every night.” So far this is the first book club at HISD but the response has been so great from parents that HISD’s Parent Engagement department is looking to expand it to other schools in the near future. If any parents are interested in starting their own parent book club at their child’s school, they can contact HISD’s Parent Engagement Department at 713-556-7290 for more details.
Lancaster ISD Child Nutrition Department Continues to Provide Service After School Day Ends LANSCASTER, TX-Providing services beyond the school day to the students of Lancaster ISD has regularly been a common practice. Whether it’s through tutorials, student organizations, college awareness activities or athletics. “Now, we are currently serving approximately 500 snacks a day,” Director of Child Nutrition Cheryl Richardson said. Previously, snacks were only offered to children in tutorial and enrichment programs. Eligible after- school programs now include the following: Programs which provide educational or enrichment activities in an organized, structured and supervised environment after the end of the school day, on weekends, or on holidays during the school year. Programs designed to meet special needs of enrolled children, such as programs for children with learning disabilities or children who are academically gifted, may also be eligible to participate; programs that include supervised athletics or clubs; and after-school snacks must meet regulations and must contain at least two different components of the following four: a serving of fluid milk; a serving of meat or meat alternate; a serving of vegetables or fruits or full strength vegetable or fruit juice; a serving of whole grain or enriched bread or cereal. For more information, call 972-218-1433.
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NFL Mothers tackle Alief ISD’s Smith Elementary with Read Across America
HOUSTON- Members of the Professional Football Players Mothers’ Association and linebacker Brian Orakpo of the Washington Redskins celebrated Read Across America Day by reading to Smith Elementary second graders. Smith was the only Texas school the group visited for this celebration. Orakpo and his mother, the association’s South Central Regional Coordinator Gloria Felicia Young reading to a class at Smith Elementary. Orakpo, were joined by Dorothy Okung (Russell Okung’s mother), Terlisha Cockrell (Thurman Thomas, Jr.’s mother), Felicia Young (Vince Young’s mother), Penny and Michael Bennett (mother and father of Michael and Martellus Bennett) for the event. The distinguished guests read to the students and answered their questions. The event aims to create a community of readers across the country by showing students the joy of reading.
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