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VOL. 21 ISSUE 23

The Honorable Derrick Mitchell

~Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

OBITUARY

In Loving Memory of Matthew Vallie, Jr.

December 15, 1947 - June 14, 2016 Place of Birth: Acres Home, TX Place of Death: Houston, TX

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Before I Lay it Down...

By “Coach” Mark Spivey, M.Ed

My mind’s telling me no, But my body, my body’s telling me yes.

Baby, I don’t want to hurt nobody, But, there is something that I must confess to you, I don’t see nothing wrong with a little bump and grind…

-R. Kelly I’ve written many articles over the past year and half dealing with relationships from an African-

Roy Douglas Malonson Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson President/C.E.O. Chandra Jarmon

Production/Editor

Tayler Copeland

Production Asst.

Kimberly Hatter

Content Editor

Rebecca S. Jones

Contributing Writer

Mark Spivey

Contributing Writer

Chelsea Davis-Bibb

Contributing Writer

Sandra Davis

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e welcome all original responses from our readers to content found in the African-American News&Issues. Letters to the Publisher may be sent via e-mail to news@aframnews. com. Please keep all letters under 300 words. Be sure to include the author’s name, area of residence. All letters and articles may be verified before they are published. All letters are subjected to editing or being cut for spacing purposes. Thank you in advance for your submission.

Edit rial & Opini n

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION:

“WHEN MR. WIGGLY DON’T WORK NO MO…” American male’s perspective, some of which you are quite familiar with: “If You Want Yo Husband To Act Like a Man, You Need To Treat Him Like A Man” discussed the expectations and roles of women in the lives of their men, while the ever so popular “Men’s Hygiene” issue instructed the fellers on how to keep those same women happy by making sure their toenails stayed trimmed and being mindful to scrub their asses on a regular basis. “How To Tell If Your Mate Is Still Turned On

By You” questioned the longevity of relationships defined by quality rather than perseverance.

Being dubbed “The Relationship Coach” by some of my colleagues suggests that I’m sort of an authority when it comes to addressing and/or discussing issues that commonly affect people who have managed to “hookup”. To be honest though, I’m just like everybody else when it comes to marriage, commitments, and coexistence in this thang called “Love”. I’ve had my share of ups and downs, too. However, being wed-locked for nearly 38 of my 57 years on this planet does qualify me to share a few tidbits of advice with couples who’d like to experience the “chaos of marriage” themselves. At times, marriage is a wonderful thing; other times it can be “purr deee” hell! I’ve often said that holy matrimony is not intended for punks, (I’m not talking about my gay friends, well, yes I am. Y’all get married, too), but, it’s for people who have audacity to hang in there and to make it work.

A major topic that keeps popping up (no pun intended) in the AfricanAmerican community is Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Now, before everybody starts vomiting or writing letters to my editor complaining about my choice of words in this Spiveytorial, I’d like to attach a disclaimer to what I’m about to say.

Here goes: “This is my own simple way in trying to make an uncomfortable topic comfortable to people who

aren’t afraid to be REAL and honest when it comes to medical conditions that affect a large number of Black men throughout America. If you don’t want to read it, just take yo ass on…”

Men, Erectile Dysfunction is a very serious issue, especially to your women. All of us experience some form of it from time to time.

If you are having problems getting or maintaining an erection, you may need to go and see a doctor. Don’t be sked. Some forms of ED can be easily corrected with the proper medical attention. It’s also important to take care of yourself health-wise in order to keep “Mr. Wiggly” working. If you drink heavily, do drugs, stop working out, have high blood pressure AND high cholesterol BEFORE you reach age 30, there’s a good chance you’re going to have Erectile Dysfunction. Throw in some diabetes and other “hidden” diseases you may not be aware of, yo ass is gonna be in a whole lot of sexual trouble. I’m just gonna be real honest with you.

Most women reach the height of their sexual arouse-ness in their 30s. They hormones be all over the place. The only thing better than a horny woman is two horny women.

But, that another Spiveytorial within itself. We’ll talk about that on a later date. Fellers, if you can’t keep yo woman “happy” in her 30s, you sho won’t be able to keep her happy in her 40s and 50s when all the kids are grown and gone. That opens up an entirely new can of “worms” if you know what I mean. Mr. Wiggly is not used to having company. So, take care of yo’self so you can keep yo women happy way into their 70s.

That’s all I have to say about that…

In closing, R. Kelly’s “Bump and Grind” was a part of his 1993 bestselling album titled “12 Play”.

“My minnnnnnnnnnndddddddd is telling me nooooo. But, my bodddddddddyyyyy is telling me yesssss.” Make sho yo body ain’t lying.

God bless, good night, and keep yo families together.

TEXAS • JUNE 27 - JULY 3, 2016

FROM SHIRLEY CHISHOLM TO HILLARY CLINTON Rev. Al Sharpton President, National Action Network

Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is on the verge of making history as the first female ever nominated by a major Party for President of the United States. This is no small feat. Rather, it is the culmination of decades of struggle for women’s rights - and civil rights. Just as we participated in an unprecedented election of the first African American President of the United States in 2008, we now have the opportunity to shatter a few more cracks in that highest glass ceiling (to steal a line from someone). This remarkable moment didn’t occur overnight or in a vacuum however, and we must recognize the work and sacrifice of those that came before Clinton. My mind instinctively goes back to 1972, when Shirley Chisholm became the first African American to run for President. I witnessed firsthand the sexism, racism and humiliation she endured from all angles, and I can say wholeheartedly that today the struggle for gender equality and racial equality must be married more than ever because the fight for justice and fairness most definitely continues.

In 1972, I was a 17-year-old youth coordinator for Shirley Chisholm’s campaign. I was extremely proud to be in charge of organizing young people in support of her presidential bid. She was a woman of many firsts; the first African American congresswoman, the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s Presidential nomination and the first African American woman to run for President. She once stated: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” Those are words that she not only lived by, but they also set an example for both women and African Americans at a time when we needed such a

fierce role model. Sadly, because she was such a trailblazer and ahead of her time, Chisholm faced extensive backlash - even from some African American leaders.

At the historic National Black Political Convention in Gary, Indiana that year (I was the youth on the Platform Committee), we could not get them to support Chisholm officially. It was an extraordinary gathering of black leaders and activists, and I was completely shocked that they would not endorse Chisholm.

She was a Black candidate with our agenda, in addition to a feminist agenda, but sexism prevented many from backing her, unfortunately. I watched the division and tensions during this time, and it was at that moment that I first realized racial equality and gender equality go hand-in-hand, and we cannot fight for one without fighting for the other.

As a civil rights leader, I cannot push for an end to racism without pushing for an end to misogyny.

Men must realize that an empowered woman only further empowers society. We can see that today in places like the workforce for example.

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TEXAS • JUNE 27 - JULY 3, 2016

Edit rial & Opini n

ORLANDO MASSACRE WON’T END THE NRA’S TERROR GRIP ON THE SENATE Earl Ofari Hutchinson Author & Political Analyst

The nation is mourning once again; senseless violence has again taken innocent lives, ripped families apart and left us with many unanswered questions. As we grieve and try to comprehend the incomprehensible, it is important that we remain united and not fall into the trap of division and hatred. Homophobia and Islamophobia are twin partners to terrorism. As information is slowly being revealed in Orlando, what we are witnessing is a blatant act of homophobia and evil in its worst form. But what is also transpiring in the aftermath of this tragedy is a knee-jerk reaction to blame Islam and Muslims.

This is precisely what terrorists, extremists and groups like ISIS want — division. We cannot succumb to such fear and disunity; we must remain vigilant in our will to stop any and all acts of terrorism, and denounce both homophobia and Islamophobia.

This is a moment where we are being tested, and we cannot fail by answering hate with more hatred.

The LGBTQ community has long suffered from attacks, discrimination and injustice in society. Despite progress on marriage equality, the community still faces prejudice and unfairness in housing, employment and elsewhere all throughout the country. In addition, the prevalence of open homophobic statements in our discourse should disturb everyone.

I myself have been in churches, or given lectures, or listened to guests/callers on my national radio show and been disappointed by people who otherwise consider themselves ministers, activists or social justice seekers express such homophobic views. I’ve

also been shocked at the vitriolic language used by some clergy members in public and in private.

Bigotry against the LGBTQ community lead to the spirit of this man’s horrendous hate crime in Orlando this past weekend. That is why homophobia in any form cannot be tolerated whether it’s overt biased laws that some try to implement, or subtle comments that others feel comfortable making. None of it is okay, ever.

As we take a stand against homophobia, it is simultaneously important that we do not blame Muslims or the religion of Islam. This was a horrific act committed by a person professing to follow Islam who clearly didn’t understand the religion, and who frankly could have been a member of any religion. Muslims did not perpetrate this massacre; a crazed homophobic monster did. Our response to this immense calamity cannot be Islamophobia — which I’ve also heard go unchecked. Some are sadly using this catastrophic incident to push more fear, more hatred and their own political agendas. Instead of blaming billions of people for the devastating actions of one individual, we must also stand with the Muslim community so that they are not scapegoated and subjected to hatred and bias attacks.

The goal of terrorism is to strike fear and terror into the hearts of people so that they feel unsafe to go about their daily lives. Another goal of terrorists and extremists is to create an environment where we are pitted against one another and where we answer hatred with more hatred.

President Obama said there is no known evidence yet that the Orlando shooting was directed by ISIS or part of a larger plot, but ISIS allegedly was so quick to claim the shooter as one of their own because this is what they want. We cannot allow the terrorists to win.

To continue reading online visit Source: Huffingtonpost.com

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WHEN WE LEARN TO RESPECT EACH OTHER AND WORK TOGETHER, THERE ARE UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES.

A SIN AND A SHAME:

FORGETTING WHERE YOU COME FROM

It never ceases to amaze me the amount of time, energy, effort, support and money that many members of our communities will utilize to support those who look like us; but absolutely do not have our best interest in heart or mind. Nowadays, people support everybody except those who do not support us. We MUST Understand the importance of supporting those who support us. Because people that support us and our community show that they have a mind to help our communities. In return helping to support our communities is helping to support the future of our communities.

There are tons of athletes who have the resources and capabilities to recycle the dollar within the very communities that they came from. And I mean the same communities and people that helped them to become what and who they are now. But many of them shun their own beginnings, their own families and their own race. This is a cycle that I see from all angles.

It makes me wonder sometimes.

I would like to say that individuals like these are at fault, but the more I think about I don’t know if the blame rests upon them or those who continue to support them knowing that they will not support their own kind.

There are members from our communities that will spend hundreds and thousands of dollars that they really cannot afford to spend to go support someone who will never even reach out to members of our community’s or them for that matter. The sad part is if you catch some of these athletes on the right day and ask for an autograph you can almost be arrested for even approaching them. It just makes no sense to me that our own people will go out of their way to spend their last on someone who could care

less about them. Don’t get me wrong… Nothing is wrong with enjoying sports and entertainment. But I just think that it’s necessary to ask, “Am I supporting the type of person that is really going to look out for my community?” Most of the times, people from the AfricanAmerican community don’t even think about these factors.

This does not just happen in the world of athleticism, but in nearly every arena there is. From politics to entertainment to prominent African-Americans throughout the nation. There are those who will use our community’s support to get ahead and make a name for themselves, but when the community needs them to give back they are nowhere to be found. In part, because many of them have rallied with other races to escape their own. This does not relate to every professional African-American, just some…

A prime example of what I am writing about here is the infamous O.J. Simpson. I was thinking on this subject the other day after reading an article in the Huffington Post by Maxwell Strachan. The title of the article was, “O.J. Simpson Didn’t Want to be Associated with Black America. Then He Came to Symbolize It.” It is a sad situation, but I had to agree with him. And I’m not just jumping on O.J.; I’m just stating it like it is. Because there are too many athletes and the likes thereof who demonstrate the same behavior. It is no secret that as long as Simpson had it going on, he could care less about people that looked like him. But when folks started screaming, “Bloody Murder”, he quickly found his nappy roots! It ought to be a sin and a shame!!

I try not to make a habit out of getting into hearsay but to

- Roy Douglas Malonson

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

further prove my point I would like to share an excerpt from Strachan’s article. “In 1969, back when he was just a few months removed from going first overall in the NFL Draft to the Buffalo Bills, O.J. Simpson told then New York Times journalist Robert Lipsyte a story. The two were with Howard Cosell at Joe Namath’s bar, Bachelors III, in New York when a youthful Simpson started describing a recent wedding he had attended where he sat at a table of mostly Black people. He overheard a White woman at the next table saying, ‘Look, there’s O.J. sitting with all those n****rs,’” Lipsyte told ESPN. “I remember in my naiveté, saying to O.J., ‘Gee, wow, that must have been terrible for you.’ And he said, ‘No, it was great. Don’t you understand? She knew that I wasn’t Black. She saw me as O.J.’” Now it’s a sad situation and whether or not it’s true in detail I can only assume that is. Why? Because of the example that O.J. portrayed long before he was ever accused of committing any crime. As long as it looked like things were on the up and up and he was accepted by all of his counterparts at their balls, gatherings and many functions then everything was a hay day for him. But when the tables turned he was right back to square one, counting on the very ones that looked like him that he overlooked and never gave back to. This is only one example of what I am referring to. And all I’m saying is that it ought to be a sin and shame, when you forget where you come from!

Read More We MUST Understand online Today! @ www.aframnews.com TX-3

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American News&Issues

MITCHELL FROM PG. 1

HOUSTON - From his humble and religious beginnings in Amarillo, Derrick Mitchell has evolved into an affluent and distinguished African-American force in the state of Texas.

His father and mother, instilled Christian values and morals in him at an early age. Although his parents did not attain a collegiate education, they equipped him with leadership capabilities that have allowed him to soar to great heights within Corporate America. Mitchell graduated from Borger High School in a small town near Amarillo. During high school he served on the Student Council and maintained a level of intelligence which yielded him an academic scholarship.

This accomplishment allowed him the opportunity to attend the University of Houston in 1990. While attending college in Houston, Mitchell instantly grew to love the city and eventually made it home. It was at the University of Houston that he recalls acquiring long-lasting friendships and relationships with, “positive, go-getters”. He expressed during an interview, that he was able to, “fall in line” with the likes of these individuals. Student government was a field that came second-nature to him early on. In the midst of attending the University of Houston he was elected as Senator for the College of Business, elected President of his fraternity,

Alpha Phi Alpha, voted Homecoming King in 1995 and also served as Speaker Pro Tem. Needless to state, he remained very involved in the student-life while attending the university.

In 1996, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance degree from the University of Houston. Three years after completing his undergraduate studies, he obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston Law Center. While in law school he served as President of the Black Law Students Association. After graduating, Mitchell began his law career at Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP (currently known as Norton Rose Fulbright) as an Associate. During his tenure at Fulbright he became the first African-American to work in the corporate section of the firm. With the transitioning of the market as a result of the events on “September 11, 2001”, he eventually changed his area of practice to Public Finance. He worked at Fulbright for a sum of six years and then moved to Winstead, PC, as a Shareholder.

In July of 2007, Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP (currently known as Bracewell LLP) invited Mitchell to join the firm as a Partner to build its public finance practice. So far, this field of law has proven to be his niche. Mitchell informed that this area in the industry of law suits his personality well. “I like politics and fortunately

Lone Star College-Victory Center Star Student of the Month Growing up in Acres Homes, James Jackson felt that the odds were against him. Although the neighborhood is a place where families go back generations and neighbors still know each other, the day-to-day challenges of life there had taken a toll on many of James’ friends.

But, at Lone Star College-Victory Center, located in the heart of Acres Homes, some of the most inspirational stories come from students such as James who have shown tremendous resilience in the face of overwhelming hardship.

James was determined to show the “naysayers” that he could in fact, overcome great obstacles to go to college and become the first in his family to graduate.

So, in 2013, James made the decision to start his own path to success, beginning with enrolling at LSC-Victory Center. “I was drawn to the LSC-Victory Center, not only for its convenient location, but for the possibilities of success that this center can produce for people like myself, who live in this community and call it home,” he said. “I’m proud to call Victory my home campus,” he added.

In addition to the support he received at college, James credits his involvement in the center’s Brother for Brother organization, which assists young, minority men with their academic, personal, and social development, with helping him reach his goals. James recently graduated with an Associate of Arts degree from LSCNorth Harris and will attend Sam Houston State University this fall and major in psychology.

Start Close. Go Far.

LSC-Victory Center Star Student James Jackson

TX- 4

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For more information about LSC-Victory Center, call 281.810.5602 or visit: LoneStar.edu/victory-center 6/15/16 3:36 PM

public finance involves lots of it,” he said. Today, he remains a Partner at Bracewell and serves on the firm’s Political Action Committee.

With nearly two decades in the field of law, Mitchell is equipped with a wide range of legal expertise. His resume lists his primary focus as, serving as bond counsel, disclosure counsel for tax exempt financings for cities, counties and state agencies. He is also armored with a background that includes corporate and business transactions with concentration on financings, business acquisitions and dispositions. To add to his repertoire he has also represented various national and regional investment banking firms as underwriter’s counsel in bond and interest rate swap transactions.

In 2015, a much accomplished Mitchell was appointed to the Texas Southern University Board of Regents by Governor Greg Abbott.

In his appointment at Texas Southern he expressed that it merely, “dovetails what he does from an educational stand point.” He remains thankful to his partners at Bracewell for supporting him in his endeavor of becoming Chairman at Texas Southern University. He expressed that, “My partners stepped up and have gone above and beyond in terms of being very supportive – We will be recruiting students from Thurgood Marshall in the Fall and their support means a lot to me!”

Mitchell reverences his parents for his solid upbringing in the church with Christian values. Seeing and living with leadership in his home definitely assisted Mitchell with the poise and “know-how” to lead and lead well.

Although, he remembers that he did not come from a wealthy family, he does recall his family having, “status”. This virtue was attributed to his father’s stewardship as a minister. He informed, “I didn’t realize we didn’t have any money because we had access to everything we needed.” Nevertheless, a humbled Mitchell remains grateful for his rearing and is one that has never forgotten from where he has come. He said, “Most organizations that I have been a part of, I was either president or in a leadership position. Bottom line… Leadership was in my nature, I think I get that from my parents.” With a mild mannered tone Mitchell declares that he never allows himself to get too high or low based on other’s opinion of him. He stated, “If I feel like what I’m doing is right and it’s the right thing morally, then I have to stand on my principles.

Even if I’m accused of things or attacked – I will withstand the heat.”

The Honorable Derrick Mitchell is happily married to Roslyn who is also an attorney and together they have a 5-year-old son, Derrick.

He is very grateful for the patience and diligence that his family has exemplified over the years in regards to his professional aspirations. He said, “My wife and son have been patient with me;

TEXAS • JUNE 27 - JULY 3, 2016 Texas • August 12-18, 2013

sometimes I wasn’t always at home because of my career. But they were very understanding.”

The esteemed Derrick Mitchell revealed the following in relation to advice to members of the Black community. “We have got to continue to protect our legacies. We must come together to figure out how to pass the knowledge and information that we have acquired throughout the years and share our struggle to those who are to come after us. It is important that we continue to try to build wealth. This is another one of the reasons that I believe Texas Southern University is so important in our community. We employ about 2,000 people, educate almost 10,000 and graduate nearly 2,000 students a year.

Therefore, we are actually helping to create the Black middle class. Supporting and protecting our HBCU’s assists with stabilizing the bridge to Black wealth.” Ultimately he adamantly feels that, “Education is the key!”

Throughout the years, Mitchell has received an array of awards, acknowledgments and honors. To that regard, he has served on numerous boards within the state of Texas. A few of his memberships include: President: Row House CDC, Chairman: Greater Houston Partnership Local Relations Committee, Board Member: Scenic Houston, Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Texas State Securities, Harris County Improvement District No. 8, Midtown Redevelopment Authority and Member: United Way - Alexis de Tocqueville, Gulf Coast Rail District, State Bar of Texas, Houston Bar Association, Houston Lawyers Association, 100 Black Men of America Metropolitan Houston Chapter, Inc., National Black MBA Association, Inc Houston Chapter and National Association of Bond Lawyers. He is also active in his church, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Undoubtedly, one can easily conclude that Mr. Mitchell is extremely passionate about education. Amongst all of his associations and memberships, he is particularly proud of his affiliation with Pro-Vision, Inc. Pro-Vision is a charter school that helps at-risk students, to ensure that they graduate high school and are equipped to attend a higher learning institution. He stated that his role in Pro-Vision, Inc., “affords him the opportunity to support positive change in the community in which he lives and in the lives of others.”

To continue reading visit us online @ aframnews.com Story by: Rebecca S. Jones

Texas • June 27 - July 3, 2016

Education/ Youth

Alternative Certification Teacher Named ‘Rookie Teacher of Year’

Faamao Ridgeway “Rookie Teacher of the Year” interacts with her students

HARRIS COUNTY - Rookie teacher Faamao Ridgeway spent her 34th birthday in her summer school classroom wearing a big smile and fielding questions about the storybook characters in the “big bad wolf.” The past month was a whirlwind in her banner school year.

The petite, soft-spoken woman from Samoa, an island in the South Pacific, is a first-year teacher who enrolled in the Harris County Department of Education Teacher Alternative Certification Program in 2014.

Last year she took evening and Saturday courses through classroom settings along with online courses.

Veteran educators who are experts in teaching pedagogy and curriculum provided training and mentoring.

A grant scholarship helped pay her tuition. She also observed other practicing classroom teachers before her own paid internship of teaching reading to second graders.

“I would say that teaching is not as easy as one believes,” Ridgeway said. “There’s a whole level of skills you need, but if you find the right program it can be rewarding.”

Ridgeway, a former diplomat who holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from her home country and a master’s in business administration, decided that teaching would be her new career when she

moved to the U.S. in 2013. She had married a Houstonian and they have a boy, now 4. Learning about child development, she said, would help her own parenting skills.

HCDE Teacher Alternative Certification director Lidia Zatopek says it has taken about 21 months for Ridgeway to complete the certification process. The process includes one full year of teaching as a teacher of record in the candidate’s certification field. A content exam is completed prior to being hired as a teacher intern. Passage of a pedagogy exam is required before a teacher is recommended for a standard teaching certificate.

Houston Independent School District’s Hilliard Elementary principal Mokysha Benford is proud of the progress of her teacher intern Ridgeway. The student population at the school is 95 percent economically disadvantaged and 80 percent at risk. At first she had her reservations about the soft-spoken Ridgeway, but that quickly changed after she saw her interaction with her students.

“We have a rough population,” said principal Benford. “But she has been excellent for our kids because she has a loving spirt about her.”

Ridgeway is patient and tender with her second graders. In return, they treat her with respect and show

off an amazing vocabulary they acquired this year. The eight-year olds talk about inferences, context clues and character traits, words they never came across before.

“Parents shouldn’t build a house out of straw or wood,” says an eager little girl named Brooklyn, clad in pigtails and summer shorts. “You need nails to hold the house down.”

Ridgeway smiles and congratulates Brooklyn for applying book knowledge to the “real world.”

Good news arrived last month, and the victory was no small feat.

Most of Ridgeway’s students had raised their reading levels significantly.

One student’s scores were raised 10 levels. More good news was delivered when her colleagues named her “Rookie Teacher of the Year” for her enthusiasm and perseverance.

The new teacher is most proud about building a kinship with her students who each day face issues like poverty, violence and sometimes prejudice. She is sharing a global prospective through the power of reading--and through her own experiences from an island 6,000 miles from America.

To attend an upcoming information meeting about joining the HCDE Teacher Alternative Certification program, email hcdeacp@hcdetexas.org or call 713-696-1348.

ABOUT HARRIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (HCDE): Serving students, teachers, schools and communities throughout Harris County, HCDE is a local governmental organization providing value for school districts while supporting educational opportunity.

Partnering with Harris County school districts, HCDE maximizes local resources and respond to the needs of locally elected school boards and education leaders. HCDE services include school-based therapy for students, afterschool programs, Head Start, educator training, adult education and programs to promote safe schools. To learn more about how your county department of education can help you: www.hcde-texas.org.

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Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Teacher

W

hen I decided to become a teacher, a career in education seemed very appealing. I joked that teachers were fortunate to only work approximately 36-40 weeks per year. Now I am fully aware that teachers need every single break given to them just to decompress.

Here are some things I wish I knew before I became a teacher.

1) A career in teaching is the only profession that requires its employees to sign a contract BEFORE they know their salaries (at least in my district).

Teacher contracts must be signed in April or May each year, yet salaries aren't disclosed until mid-August (after teachers have already returned to work for the fall). This leaves many teachers trapped due to the threat of losing their teaching certifications if they "break" their contracts and opt to leave for a better-paying position.

PROPOSED SOLUTION: Disclose to employees what they will earn before requiring them to sign a contract.

2) The cost of medical benefits is extremely high (as much as $1,200 monthly). Many teachers take home less than $1,600 monthly as a result of these costs.

PROPOSED SOLUTION: Contribute more to the employerpaid component of the health benefits package AND negotiate better rates for districts with thousands of employees.

3) Teacher attendance is abysmal, primarily due to apathy and/ or mental exhaustion (according to many of my colleagues). When a substitute isn't available, either a non-certified para-professional is assigned as a substitute or students are distributed to other classroom teachers. Neither of these options offers an optimal educational environment for students and teachers.

PROPOSED SOLUTION: Provide tangible incentives for teachers who consistently report to work.

5

4) Teachers report having an average of 18 minutes for "duty-free" lunch, because they are often required to deliver and retrieve their students from the cafeteria. Additionally, this is often their only opportunity during the day to go to the restroom.

PROPOSED SOLUTION: Adhere to federal and/or state law regarding lunch breaks.

5) Teachers are expected to come to work early and leave late for what is presented as "mandatory" duty. This time is often outside of contract hours, yet no additional compensation is provided.

PROPOSED SOLUTION: Adhere to federal and state law regarding contract hours.

6) Teachers are leaving the profession in droves. When asked why, teachers often express that they are "burned out." Reasons for this include: • lack of support from campus administrators • inconsistent and/or lastminute communication • competing deadlines • too many assessments • non-competitive salaries • high costs of benefits • increasing work demands • student behavior PROPOSED SOLUTION: Utilize teacher surveys, comments, concerns, and recommendations as a catalyst for positive cultural change.

On a positive note, I was fortunate to have some fantastic teachers. Their lessons continue to impact me daily. As such, the majority of my career as an educator has been rewarding in spite of the challenges mentioned above.

I have chosen to embrace every opportunity to cultivate young minds. Unfortunately, many educators do not share my passion and work ethic.

While some level of instructional training is required for every career, educators remain the most underpaid and under-

Continue reading online @ aframnews.comFrom the files of the “Anonymous Contributor”

TX- 5

EDITION DATE: June 27 - July 3, 2016 (Vol. 21 Issue 23) EDITION DATE: July 4 - 10, 2016 (Vol. 21 Issue 24) 6

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ACCOUNTANTS

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MICHAEL LOVE, CPA

Email: mlovecpa@yahoo.com www.michaellovecpa.net 713-666-2900 Office 713-666-2932 Fax 2626 South LoopW, #420 Houston,TX 77054

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) Structured Cabling Services Project No. RFP 16-16 Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.

Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/procurement.

Texas • June 27 - July 3, 2016

CityWorks Academy Seeks Marketplace Heading: Applications for 2016 Session

Notice Learn the A to Z of CityPublic Operations

Contact Information The City of Austin is Team members, Department accepting applications through andChiu staff who share Name:Directors Jennifer July 22 for its eighth an- Phone:information about the City’s op(713) 718-5138 nual CityWorks Academy,Fax: erations and discuss key issues 14 weekly sessions in whichEmail:facing the Austin community. hua.chiu@hccs.edu residents learn the “A to Z” of CityWorks Academy apAddress for Tearsheet/Copies: Funeral Home, Inc City operations. plications are available online at 3100 Main Street The academy is an www.austintexas.gov/cityworks 746 West 22nd Street Houston, Texas 77002 incredible opportunity for or at Austin City Hall, 301 Houston, Texas 77008 individuals to get involved in W. Second St., Third Floor 713-869-4529 AD COST local government and to learn Reception area.

PUBLIC NOTICE “Committed to the Future” first-hand from staff about the CityWorks Academy Marketplace Heading: Houston Community College vital programs and services the participation isCOST: limited to 30 TOTAL NET $137.52 Public Notice Request for Proposals (RFP) City provides. individuals.

Truck Driving Simulator CityWorks Academy is Since the program’s beginProject No. RFP 16-39 Contact Information Total Cost Run Ad designed to give a hands-on, ning into 2009, more thanfor 1502 Weeks Sealed proposals will be 713-747-9604 Name: Jennifer Chiu behind-the-scenes look at City Austin residents have graduated $275.04 received in Procurement Opera5730 CALHOUN RD. Phone:from (713) government. the718-5138 academy and some tions (3100 Main Street, HOUSTON, TX 77021 Fax: Room No. 11B01, Houston, Classes will be from 6 to have gone on to serve on City hua.chiu@hccs.edu Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (lo9 p.m. Tuesdays and some Email:boards, committees and other cal time) on Monday, July Address for Tearsheet/Copies: Wednesdays, Sept. 6 through leadership positions. Each year Please sign for approval and fax back tothe713-692-1183 25, 2016.

Dec. 16. Classes are conducted Funeral Home, Inc. 3100 Main Street City receives more than 250 Documents can be obtained at: at various City facilities, allowapplications for the program’s 713-633-1492 by 12 NOON Wednesday the week before Monday Houston, Texas 77002 www.hccs.edu/procurement.

"Committed to the Future" ing participants to experience 30 spots.

9402 Lockwood Dr. municipal government behind ForAD moreCOST information, Houston,Texas 77016 the scenes. call 512-974-2955 or email at CityWorks Academy is led Marion.Sanchez@austintexas.

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Rate and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Greater Houston editio EDITION DATE: June 27 - July 3, 2016 (Vol. 21 Issue 23) Carl BarnesEDITION DATE: July 4 - 10, 2016 (Vol. 21 Issue 24) 7411 WHEATLEY ST. HOUSTON, TX 77088

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(281) 773-2750 Help Register 281-898-4716 EDITION DATE: June 13, 2016 - June 11, 2017

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Address Tearsheets: AUSTIN – for Volunteer Deputy The Improve Fraud 4702 Oldhelp Spanish Trail Ste 116(TWC) Improve Fraud Registrars citizens register by 12 NOON Wednesday theDate week before Monday TX 77021 • Life Insurance/ Retirement Plans Discovery project was Discovery project uses existing toHouston, vote, promote voter registraWhitetail, Axis, & • Tax Service/Accountant CHEMICAL recognized with a 2016 Best data from multiple, internal tion at community events Blackbuck Deer • Real Estate Broker of Texas award for Best Data and external, data sources to Felicia Gantt Williams Hunt All Year Round and within social networks, 4702 Old Spanish Trail Suite 116 Analytics/Business Intelligence perform data analytics and www.rsdeerranch.com distribute voter registration PO#107176 Houston, Tx, 77021 Project by the Center for provide business intelligence. In Citywide Chemical applications and confirm that Office (713) 839-1970 | cell (713) 384-4235 979-921-9908 Digital Government.

The award addition to data cross-matches Janitorial & Commercial AD COST applications are completed corP.O. Number Pest Control Company recognizes TWC for designing and a robust ad hoc research FLOWERS & GIFTS rectly, issue an official receipt 3521 Jensen St. and deploying a data analytics and reporting capability, the SHOE REPAIR Houston, TX 77026 as proof of registration, and Total Cost to run Ad for one year: intelligence tool 713/227-4808 or 4809 and business system employs two customdeliver applications to the Voter MIGHTY FINE Janitorial Supplies $4,680.00 ized and highly sophisticated that resulted in a more efficient Sales-Service-Supplies SHOE REPAIR Registrar within five days of Black Kollectibles Wholesale-Retail **Chamber Member Discount predictive analysis algorithms and effective use of governMen & Ladies Boots & Shoes Shined, completion.

We repair buffers, & Flowers for making a very large number vacuum, shampooers Waxed, Glazed, Dyed & Repaired for one year ment resources and improved Becoming a deputy and all other machines.

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by 12 NOON Wednesday for next Monday’s publication.

TEXAS • JUNE 27 - JULY 3, 2016

JUN

June 28 - July 2

Tuesday-Friday The Little Mermaid Broadway Musical 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive Houston, TX 77073 Times Vary For more info contact and visit: (281) 765-7963 or LoneStar.edu/ drama-dept-nharris

29 Wednesday Codwell Elementary P.U.S.H. to WIN OUTREACH CELEBRATION 4103 Brisbane St Houston, TX 77047 From 1pm - 2:30pm For more info contact: (713) 732-3580

30 Thursday Annual Veteran

Healthy Living Fair From 2pm-4pm 4640 Main St Houston, TX 77002

Jun 30 - July 31

Thursday - Sunday The Ensemble Theatre Satchel Paige & the Kansas City Swing 4640 Main St Houston, TX 77002 Times Vary For more info contact: (713) 520-0055

1

JULY

Friday Harris County Criminal Lawyer Assoc.

7th Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence 1201 Franklin St Houston, TX 77002 Beginning at 11:30am Saturday Dick Gregory Shrine of the Black Madonna 5309 MLK Blvd Houston, TX 77021 Beginning at 5pm For more info visit:

2

mcamproductions.com

What’s Happenin’ Saturday 4 Monday US Family Health Plan 9 DJonkin’s Sports 2nd Freedom Over Texas 500 Allen Parkway Houston, TX 77002 From 4-10pm For more info visit:

http://www.visithoustontexas. com/events/july-fourth/

4

Monday ExxonMobil Summer Symphony Nights: StarSpangled Salute 6000 Herman Park Drive Houston, TX 77030 Begins at 8:30 pm For more info visit: http://milleroutdoortheatre. com/events/795/

4

Monday 19th Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival 31 Waterway Square Place Woodlands, TX 77380 From 6-10pm For more info visit:

http://www.visithoustontexas. com/event/19th-annual-redhot-%26-blue-festival/42066/

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Thursday Houston Career Fair From 11am-3pm 2400 West Loop South Houston, TX 77027 For more info visit: besthirecareerfairs.com

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Thursday

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Annual Free Summer Football Camp 5205 Research Forest Dr Woodlands, TX 77381 From 8am-4pm For more info visit: ww.djonkinssports.com

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Saturday 27th Annual Shrimp Boil 7902 Fairmont ParkwayPasadena, TX 77507 From 4pm-8pm For more info email and visit: events@therose.org or http:// www.the-rose.org/events

11 Monday Destiny of Faith

Intl Ministry Battered Bruised But Not Broken Ministry 9442 Needham, Hwy 242 Spring, TX 77386 Beginning at 7pm For more info contact: (832) 216-2889 Wednesday Houstonia’s 3rd Annual Burger Bash 1101 Uptown Park Blvd Houston, TX 77056 For more info visit:

13

https://www.eventbrite. com/e/houstonias-3rdannual-burger-bash-tickets-

July 16 - July 17 GUEST SPEAKER HONORABLE DERRICK MITCHELL TSU CHAIRMAN FOR THE BOARD OF REGENTS

Acres Home Chamber for Bus. & Eco. Dev, Inc. Networking Luncheon 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 11am -12:30pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org

Saturday & Sunday The State of Statehhood 601 Dupuy Ranch Rd Martindale, TX Begins at 10:00am For more info visit:

20

floatfest.net

Sunday First Baptist FBC Praise Dancers 844 Fortune St Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 11:30am For more info contact: (832)892-5078

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS A PLATINUM DUNES/BLUMHOUSE/MAN IN A TREE PRODUCTION “THE PURGE: ELECTION YEAR” EXECUTIVE COUPER SAMUELSON FRANK GRILLO ELIZABETH MITCHELL MYKELTI WILLIAMSON PRODUCERS LUC ETIENNE JEANETTE VOLTURNO PRODUCED WRITTEN AND

BY JASON BLUM p.g.a. MICHAEL BAY ANDREW FORM BRAD FULLER SÉBASTIEN K. LEMERCIER p.g.a. DIRECTED BY JAMES DE MONACO A UNIVERSAL RELEASE SOUNDTRACK ON BACK LOT MUSIC

© 2016 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

LOCAL LISTINGS FOR STARTS FRIDAY, JULY 1 CHECK THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

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Texas • June 27 - July 3, 2016

Jaye Valentine & Black Music Month

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AFRICAN NEWS & ISSUES (HOUSTON)

LA MARQUE, TX - June has been set aside as Black Music Month, and even President Barack Obama stated, “African-American music exemplifies the creative spirit at the heart of American identity and is among the most innovative and powerful art the world has ever known.” He further mentioned that African American music, “accompanies us in our daily lives, and it has rung out at turning points in our history and demonstrated how our achievements as a culture go hand-in-hand with our progress as a Nation.”

According to the National Museum of African American Music, the idea for Black Music Month was formed by Kenny Gamble, Ed Wright, and Dyana Williams, who in 1979, lobbied President Jimmy Carter to recognize the appreciation of the Black culture and the music that has been created from it. There have been so many musical contributions from the African American culture that have greatly impacted our nation and world.

One artist who is making herself known is Jaye Valentine, who is originally from La Marque Texas, but has been living in Houston for a while. She has been singing for a long time, and made her start in the music world and pursued it as a career when she was 13, in a girl group. She went solo a few years ago, and even though her musical style was originally neo soul, she now currently sings R&B. As an artist, Jaye wants people to perceive her music as refreshing and true to traditional R&B. She listens and likes a lot of different music, but she expressed that a lot of music in today’s society, is blended. “They’ve blurred the

lines between genres, which is not a bad thing, but I do want people to know me as someone who really brings back to artistry to R&B”. Jaye feels that at times in the music world, we have lost a part of the true traditional R&B, because in our world today, it doesn’t take much to be a singer.

Rappers are now singing, and singers are now rapping, which creates a blended form or music.

She expressed that true R&B music is a dying breed. “You rarely find a real true R&B singer out there, and that’s why I am very passionate about what I do, and I want to be known as a singer.” One person that Jaye idolizes is Aretha Franklin. She loves the soul and passion that she has brought into her singing. Other artist that she also admires is Jasmine Sullivan, Brandy, Tank, and Joe as R&B singers.

Some challenges that she faces as an artist, is being a woman in the music industry, and being a woman located in Houston, where hip-hop is the dominated genre of music. Also, she thinks it is hard to be a true singer when there is so much hip-hop influence in the music world. Another obstacle is also being an independent artist. In order to overcome some of the challenges mentioned, she feels that as a woman it is important to respect yourself and to demand respect, and to know how to distinguish between business and pleasure, and to carry yourself like you want to do business in a male dominated world. As far as being a singer she expressed that you have to be confident and be true to who you are. “I had to learn that it is what it is, God made me a singer, and that’s what I’m going to be,” expressed Jaye.

In addition to, as an artist and a woman, she wants young women to know that its okay to be who they are, and not feel pressured or to be influenced by pop culture. “It’s okay to love yourself for who you are and how God made you. Its okay to be smart and to go to school.”

Jaye is also an educated woman. She graduated from Prairie View A&M University, with a chemical engineering degree. “I thank God that he allowed me to have parents in an environment that encouraged me to do that. I’ve learned a lot, just from the college experience itself”. Jaye has been able to apply what she has learned from this experience not only in her personal life, but also in her music career as well.

Furthermore, she has many goals that she would like to achieve as a singer, and one of her long term goals is to win a Grammy one day.

A mid term goal is to make a living completely doing what she wants to, and a short term goal is that she really wants people to take notice of her EP, and wants them to respect the hard work and artistry that her and her team has put into it.

Read more article by the author online @ www.aframnews.com By: Chelsea Davis - Bibb, M.Ed

Texas • June 27 - July 3, 2016

Tell Me Something Good

ATLANTA - ‘Tis the season for the biopic, particularly movies about notable African Americans. This year we’ve already seen Race, the Focus Features release about

Zoe Saldana as Nina Simone

track and field Olympian Jesse Owens.

Nina, was released with much controversy because of the darkening of star Zoe Saldana’s skin to resemble singer Nina Simone and heavily criticized for missing the main ingredient - Nina. Don Cheadle also released his years-in-the-making Miles Ahead to much critical acclaim. The Miles Davis flick is a fantastic departure from the typical cradle to the grave storyline of most biographical films in that Cheadle completely flips the script and creates a jazz infused joyride that allows you to imbibe the essence of Davis rather than reciting his background information.

These films come on the heels of 42, Get on Up, Mandela (he’s not African American but we still claim him), Selma, Bessie, CrazySexyCool, and Straight Outta Compton. And there are more on the way. Last week it was announced that Anika Noni Rose is set to produce and star in a film about political powerhouse Shirley Chisholm. This announcement comes just as filming rolls on Marshall, the biopic on Thurgood Marshall starring Chadwick Boseman and directed by Reginald Hudlin.

Another Thurgood Marshall film is in development by Lionsgate based on the book “Devil in the Grove” by Gilbert King. This movie, in development since 2013,

Entertainment

will focus on the 1949 Florida case of the Groveland Four in which Marshall defended four young African American men accused of raping a 17-year-old white girl.

And the Weinstein Company is full steam ahead with its project Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said? with stellar cast Mike Epps as Pryor, Oprah Winfrey as his grandmother and Kate Hudson as Pryor’s widow Jennifer Lee Pryor.

We can expect to add more to this list as there are rumors that films about Lorraine Hansberry, Paul Robeson, Pele, Marvin Gaye, Tupac, Biggie, Jimi Hendrix, Barbara Jordan, B.B. King, Marcus Garvey, Lena Horne, and Sam Cooke, to name a few, are all in the pipeline. With so many films about public figures we love

Read us online! www. aframnews. com

9

cry.

We want to know what made them exceptional and unforgettable.

And while you’re doing that, don’t let us get bored. We want to laugh, cry, and celebrate with and for them. It’s a tall order,

Stephan James as Jesse Owens

tors so we can understand how they were perceived. Get the participation of family and close friends so we can learn how they perceived themselves. Inform us of their values, virtues, and flaws. Show how they overcame obstacles. Chronicle important decisions that shaped them.

Explain who and what inspired and influenced them. Tell me what made them

Anika Noni Rose as Shirley Chisholm

but we want you to do your best to capture their magic and let us decide if they are human or divine.

By LaWanda Thomas of Wandaring Outloud Media

Don Cheadle as Miles Davis

and revere in the works, we have some notes for the filmmakers about what we want to see on the screen.

Primarily, we want to learn something new. Oftentimes biopics can feel like a recitation of well-known facts and dates about the public life a person. We want you to go beyond Wikipedia and show us something we didn’t know. We’re also watching to figure out what makes them special. So while it’s nice to know their zodiac sign and what state they were born in, putting their existence and work into the context of their time in history is critical. We want to know about their family life, or the absence of one, but only because we’re trying to determine if their brilliance is the result of nature, nurture, or a lucky combination of the two. Tell us about their contemporaries, colleagues and detracMike Epps as Richard Pryor TX-9

10

Business

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TEXAS • JUNE 27 - JULY 3, 2016

Christina James Worldwide

Black-owned business allows consumers to enter into uniqueness, explore through affordability, and carry elegance everywhere.

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pproximately 10,000 beauty supply businesses exist nationwide, but only a little more than 300 are Black-owned. It is odd but not so odd at the same time. You walk into these establishments and see not only hair, but also, especially now, a plethora of handbags.

By now, many people expect to walk into a beauty supply store and see an Asian owner manning the register or updating inventory throughout the store. Whether you’re within the suburbs of Houston or outside the city limits, you know what to expect. Yet, walking down a street in a Black neighborhood with customers buzzing about the Erica Davis- Stribling & David Stribling retail shops--that image of the few Asians in the neighborhood only existing behind the cash regis- accessorize with quality affordable handbags that ter of liquor stores, beauty supply stores and other reflect the success of themselves and their culture.

That is the difference between being owned by retail handbag shops--is still perplexing. A growing awareness of this imbalance has spurred more Asians and being part of a community larger than Southpark or Greenspoint. The selections made Black people to hang out their own shingles,

by Christina James are done so with cultural encouraging more Black women to enter into relevance. Christina James is one small online entrepreneurship and give back to the communishop in a multibillion-dollar industry, centered ties in which they represent. Christina James Worldwide has developed a strategy based on the on something that is both a point of pride and a political flash-point for Black women: their community to be unique, appearance, how they are affordable, and promote perceived, and what they elegance among its commurepresent. nity and throughout Black “In my late 20’s, I culture. A place where trend began to wear nothing does not exist empowers but Black entering into African Americans to lead the professional setin other ways that were ting, knowing it would unimaginable. always be appropriate; • Why are we not my handbag would vastly leading our entire compliment not just my community? all Black business attire, • Why are we underbut also my elegance and mining ourselves professionalism as a Black rather than capitalbusinesswoman” -said izing and restructurErica Davis-Stribling, ing the environment owner of Christina in which we live James Worldwide. This that enables others Photo by LeWebster Lacey Photography featured black-owned company to flourish at our Christina James Worldwide handbags began in 2014 and was expense? founded in Houston, TX by For almost 50 years, a couple who enjoys helping others and working the Asian-American community has dominated in the community. “Worldwide” was added to a market that caters to Black women through the Christina James to focus on Black communities sales of beauty supply products and handbags. that span way beyond the outskirts of Houston Some stores have even taken a step further stretching around the circumference the globe. providing items for men. They even have grand Christina James Worldwide is among only a openings of larger stores by buying out smaller few hundred Black-owned businesses out of the Black-owned businesses and using the faces of roughly 10,000 stores that sell handbags to Black Black celebrities on their products with Black women across the country. A mere hobby started employees in their stores to grow their businesses the online boutique that turned into a major blessin the Black community. Christina James’ approach is ongoing grassroots efforts for women ing, reshaping Black culture and its community! entering into the workforce enabling them to Written By :Jeremy White

TEXAS • JUNE 27 - JULY 3, 2016

QUEENS HAVE NO SIZE Story By: Chelsea Davis- Bibb, M.Ed

PEARLAND - In today’s society, women can get so caught up in their image, which can leave them feeling down or insecure about how they look. To prevent this issue, two African American sisters, Klarke and Chandler Foreman are on a strong mission to promote positivity through self-image and self-love through their non-profit organization Kween to Queen. A campaign has also been started under this organization to help continue to promote positivity, which is called Queens Have No Size.

“We’re celebrating women of all shapes and sizes and letting them know that their value is not determined by the way the look,” expressed Klarke.

The organization was formed back in August 2014, and it was based off the idea of sisterhood, and how everyone doesn’t have and understand sisterhood, and more so, the importance of sisterhood.

Klarke stated, “We decided to take it upon ourselves, which is really a God given vision, as well as to accept the vision and calling to explore our sisterhood, and show other girls how sisterhood is so important.”

The message of this organization is so relevant when it comes to people and how they feel about who they are. Social media is so powerful in the daily lives of many, and has “created a sense of comparison.” According to Klarke, people see what other people are doing, but sometimes, they fail to realize that everything that they see isn’t real. “We look at other people, and put our value in likes, or in who re-tweets us, and who comments the most, when that shouldn’t correlate to how you feel about yourself.” She further stated, “Our organization impacts our community by reminding people of their own worth, and remind them that they shouldn’t put their happiness in the hands of other people regardless of who it is.” This organization wants people to understand that they are Kings and Queens, and they should view themselves as such, and not forget who they are as a person.

Hair Extentions Distributors

How about 300 Black owned beauty supply stores HOUSTON - Hair Extensions Distributor (HED) is now in Houston. This Ohio Company has staked-out its share of the multi-billion dollar market for hair extensions.

It aims to grab a share of the business that has

Lifestyle

African

In order to reach the young girls, they host different sessions and have discussions on topics such as; relationships, love, social media, and what clothes the girls are wearing just to name a few.

They focus on the clothing that the girls wear because according to Klarke, “what you wear kind of reflects how you feel about yourself… I believe in being virtuous and classy in your dress.” It is important to Klarke that young girls understand what it means to be virtuous and classy. Furthermore, in order to reach their audience, Klarke and her sister don’t sugar code anything. For example, they keep it real about the media, and how photo shop at times makes women look amazing, and even how a lot of what they see isn’t real. She wants girls to really understand that “your value is not determined by what you look like.” Although, they focus on self-image, and girls loving themselves for who they are, Klarke made it known that their organization does not promote obesity. “We don’t promote obesity, we promote loving who you are as a person…regardless of what size you are, you are still a queen…but when you love yourself, you want to treat your body better by doing more active things, exercising, resting more, and being more productive.”

heretofore being dominated by the Korean beauty supply stores.

HED business model calls for a website business as well as recruiting local entrepreneurs as distributors. The advantage to the stylist/ salon owners or entrepreneur is to create an additional revenue center under their roof.

Not only will they have additional cash flow, they will also have a reliable International Hair Extensions supplier. That

American News&Issues

11

Klarke further expressed her thoughts on why girls are so judgmental towards one another. She made it known that these girls don’t know who they are. If you know who you are as a person, you wouldn’t judge or compare yourself to anyone else. “When you come to terms to self worth, you reflect back on your journey, so when you reflect back on your journey all you want to do is to tell people that I’ve been there.” It is important that people and young girls come to terms with who they are, and realize how important it is to love yourself.

Furthermore, people must reach out to others and help them on their self-journey as well.

As far as goals, Klarke would love to see Kween to Queen to be globalized.

In addition to, she would like to have a talk show. Through her organization, she just wants to really impact people and change their lives in a positive way. She also plans to host events for her organization in the near future in order to promote and progress her visions. The whole goal for Kween to Queen is to create your own definition of beauty because everyone is unique and different in his or her own way. Women and young girls should not depend on society to tell them if they are beautiful or not. They must define their own beauty and embrace the skin that they’re in.

Klarke’s advice to a young girl or woman who is having low self esteem or self identity issues is that, “you are queen, but it is up to you to reveal that power, and realize that you are unique and that you are different.” She wants girls and women to know that Queens really have no size, and that everyone is beautiful. To join the movement, or to learn more about Klarke and Chandler’s mission, you can visit their website at http://kweentoqueen.bigcartel. com/.

means they can now have a local supplier and timely delivery of quality, raw, virgin and unprocessed Brazilian, Indian, Peruvian and Malaysian hairs. That eliminates a need for them to tie up their scarce resources in maintaining an Inventory. HED sells hair in America and Africa.

HED is working with BOBSA (Black Owned Beauty Supply Association) and Mr. Sam Ennon it's Executive Director to achieve this objective. BOBSA has a membership of

Photo: Shot by Isaiah

over 300 Black owned beauty supply stores.

HED is for quality at competitive prices and excellent customer service.

HED certifies each salon that features it hair.

This month HED is featuring a certified salon: Khroma Hair Studio, 9515 Broadway Street, Suite 201, Pearland, Texas, 77584.

For more information about this salon, please call (832) 618-7222. Ms. Kendra Hodge & Ryane Adams.

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American News&Issues

Texas • June 27 - July 3, 2016

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