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“THERE’S NOTHING LIKE SEEING A BLACK MAN LYNCHED & WHIPPED…” Before I Lay it Down...

By “Coach” Mark Spivey, M.Ed

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was a senior in high school back in 1977 when I first saw “Roots”; Alex Haley’s mildly anticipated autobiography about the history of his family and famous ancestor, Kunta Kinte. I wasn’t alone. Nearly 130 million people tuned in to view at least a portion of the documentary during

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Edit rial & Opini n

ZIKA VIRUS PREVENTION & EDUCATION

its eight episodes. That’s a staggering number seeing how the entire population of the United States was slightly over 220 million at the time. I also remember meeting Mr. Haley in person during a senior-sponsored field trip. He gave all of us autographed copies of his book, something I wish I had today. I think I lost or misplaced it prior to going to college. I wonder often if my mom has it all boxed up and tucked away somewhere. I might just need to ask her. Needless to say, my copy of “Roots” would be worth a pretty penny today, but even more priceless would be the effect it had on millions of people less than a decade removed from the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968.

Race relations in the U.S. hadn’t completely overcome those tensions that nearly shredded the moral fabric of this country into pieces. But, the story of “Roots” had to be told.

The most heart-wrenching part of the documentary was witnessing the whipping of a young Kunta Kinte who was hell bent on escaping, disobeying, and not conforming to this “peculiar institution called slavery” whereby African peoples were treated and discarded as trash and/or property.

Refusing to answer to the name given him by his “massa’s” wife, Kunta Kinte was beaten within an inch of his life by the whip-wielding overseer of the huge Virginia Plantation. With other slaves watching this horrific event with anger and sorrow, the subsequent outcome of this atrocity was the breaking of the will of a proud black man that would send shockwaves throughout America. “Toby” was brought to fruition in the midst of the savage beating with a rawhide bullwhip attached with nails and raggedy pieces of iron. With blood and sinews of skin flying off his back, Kunta Kinte is whipped into submission and near death until “Toby” appears. His dear friend “Fiddler” is in a pool of blood at his side. That’s “Part One” of Roots.

any of you probably have heard about my debris removal program that targets illegally dumped garbage, overgrown vacant lots and abandoned structures that pose a health or crime risk in the City of Houston and unincorporated areas. Well, after the recent heavy rains and the overwhelming concern about mosquito-borne viruses such as Zika, I have decided to increase debris removal to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

Precinct One already has committed $1 million this year for debris removal. I’m going to see if we can increase the amount of money to speed up additional debris removal.

Simply telling people one or two times to protect themselves, remove debris and use insect repellant is good. But the message has to be consistently communicated over and over again. In the coming weeks, you’re going to see teams going to Precinct One community centers, civic clubs and neighborhood associations to educate people on how they can protect themselves.

I plan to partner with Harris County Mosquito Control and Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services to conduct seminars throughout the precinct.

Also, over the next several weeks, employees will go doorto-door to hand out educational materials.

To Continue Reading “Before I lay it down” visit us online @ www.aframnews.com

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WHY MILLIONS WOULD BACK A GORILLA’S LIFE OVER BLACK LIVES MATTER Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Gene Locke Harris County Commisioner Precinct 1

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TEXAS • JUNE 6 - 12, 2016

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Author & Political Ana-

he instant that a Cincinnati zoo keeper gunned down the silver-backed gorilla, Harambe to save the life of the fouryear-old toddler who wandered into his enclosure, the predictable happened. Tens of thousands raged at Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard for defending the killing of the gorilla. And just as predictably, more than a few asked why there isn’t the same rage and passion over the gunning down of unarmed blacks by police.

It’s not the first time the question has been asked and that some see a blatant double standard in people getting in a white hot lather over the killing of an animal, but won’t bat an eye of concern over the killing almost under any circumstances of a human, especially an African-American.

There are many answers to the why of this. There are a lot of pet owners out there, and polls and surveys have found that the overwhelming majority of them regard their pets, not as animals, but as bonafide family members to be loved and cared for with the same, if not more, feeling, tenderness, and importantly, emotional attachment, and need to protect, as if they were a human.

Newspaper editors repeatedly say that a story about the abuse of an animal will get tons of angry letters and demands for punishment of the abuser.

There’s also the oft cited cases of cops gunning down a suspect, unarmed and under dubious circumstances, that stir no outrage. Yet, if the same cop shoots an animal, even one that could pose a real threat to the officer, the howls of protest are often loud and long.

Researchers have tested the notion that people will get more worked up over the death or abuse of a pet than a human being. To no surprise, they found that in almost all cases that

animals that are abused rank at the top of the pecking order in generating an emotional response. One study even asked if a person had a choice of snatching a dog or a person from out in front of a run-away bus, which one would they rush to save first. If the person wasn’t a friend or a loved one, the dog won out.

NFL quarter back Michael Vick found out the hard and brutal way the torment that people feel over animals.

Even after his conviction, jailing, losing millions from being booted out of the NFL for a time, and his endless public mea culpas for his crime, it didn’t matter to many. They still relentlessly hectored, harangued, and vilified him after his return to the NFL. The fact that Vick was Black undoubtedly made him a soft and inviting target for prolonged condemnation, and it was said that if he had been a white quarterback, he would have gotten a pass. Vick’s color may have mattered to more than a few, and they went after him with a special vengeance because of that.

Yet. even if he had been White, he would still have been hammered ruthlessly by animal rights groups and pet lovers everywhere.

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STOP THE NOISE: THERE’S TOO MUCH AT STAKE THIS ELECTION Rev. Al Sharpton

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President, National Action Network

s we wind down the last primaries, there are all kinds of suggestions and demands as to what Democratic Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders should do to unite the Party. There are calls for Sanders to withdraw, some saying he should not be on the ticket, and there are calls for Clinton to do more to energize the base. I hear the noise - there are some things I agree with and some that I do not. What we ought to do however is look at the larger goal and gauge our strategy on that as opposed to drawing lines of division amongst ourselves.

At the end of the day, 10 years from now it will not matter who got more face time on cable news or who got more headlines in newspapers if we regress rather than progress. There is far too much at stake from Supreme Court nominees to protection of the Affordable Care Act, Affirmative Action, voting rights, women’s rights, LGBT rights, criminal justice reform and more. This Presidential election is at a pivotal moment when we cannot allow divide and conquer to push us back further and lose many of our gains. If we don’t wake up now, we will look back at this time period and realize that this is when we were effectively silenced.

It’s easy to forget exactly where we were as a nation when President Obama was first elected into office in 2008. And it is just as easy to overlook the substantive changes he ushered in despite facing the toughest opposition in Congress and elsewhere that one could imagine. In addition to reviving our economy from the brink of catastrophe, President Obama was successful in bringing about historic health care reform, saving the auto industry, bringing many of our troops home, changing our image on the world stage, getting a historic nuclear deal signed with Iran, reviving relations with Cuba, enacting Wall

Street reform, directing his Justice Department to investigate corrupt police departments, deliver a criminal justice bill (that is on the brink of passing) and much much more. What our first African American President also did was serve as a symbol that everything - even the highest office in the land - is attainable regardless of the obstacles placed before you.

It is that sense of hope and aspiration that we must hold on to as we begin to wind down his Presidency.

We cannot become complacent or disillusioned into thinking that we can stop participating in the process. And we must never become so comfortable as to believe that our work is done - far from it. Our collective goal must be to continue the legacy of President Obama, to elect someone that will choose the next couple of Supreme Court Justices who best represent our interests. Whether it’s preserving voting rights, keeping the Affordable Care Act in place so that millions of Americans continue to receive health insurance, protecting Affirmative Action (the case of Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin) and more, the Supreme Court will make critical decisions that will directly impact all of us. Whoever the next President is will make key choices regarding who to nominate to the Court, so we must not take this election lightly.

It is perfectly normal to have disagreements within one’s house.

But when those small divisions tear from the greater objective, then we have lost focus from what truly faces us long-term. It doesn’t matter how many people Sanders draws to a rally if they do not lead to these longer goals and victories. And it doesn’t matter how many votes Clinton wins if the Party doesn’t bring in everyone and stay focused on the main target.

We sometimes confuse the preliminary for the main bout; the main event must be that we continue moving this nation in the direction that President Obama and others did when they steered the ship towards even more advancement.

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

I APPLAUD THE BLACKS AND BROWNS ON HISD SCHOOL BOARD

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ong composers, Michael Masser and Linda Creed devised lyrics that many members of the African-American community first became aware of, in the mid 1980’s. It was a song we know to have been rendered by the infamous, late Whitney Houston.

The Greatest Love of All is a song that yields the true meaning that, “Our children are our future”. The beginning lyrics of the song go as follows, “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier. Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be. Everybody searching for a hero; people need someone to look up to. I never found anyone who fulfill my needs. A lonely place to be, so I learned to depend on me.”

I have always loved this song and believe that it has a deep and sincere meaning. We MUST Understand that, our children of today, are the future of tomorrow.

There are many elements that exist to ensure that our children are equipped to survive and compete on a global level in an ever-changing society. Basic fundamentals such as: good training, manners, values and morals add to the fastening of producing good leaders of tomorrow.

However, at the top of the list is the vitality of a good sound education.

Fortunately for the City of Houston, we have one of the top-rated, nationally recognized school districts in the United States, the Houston Independent School District.

While parents stand at the forefront of assisting with making sure that their children are the best that they can be; educators, administrators and board members amongst a list of others also tote the respon-

sibility of nurturing and teaching our children. As a community on a whole, we rely heavily on educational administrators and leaders to make judgments and decisions that result in outcomes that support whatever is in the best interest of our children. Therefore, for the first time that I am aware of in the Houston Independent School District, I am proud to write that Black and Brown members alike of the district have finally came together to work towards one common goal. This I believe is a step worth congratulatory praise, because in order to build intelligent students and children, there should first be a successful bond built with the leaders of the system that strive to educate.

Although, I am elated to report that the Black and Brown members are working together, as with most things there will always be opposition. However, I do not understand why there is a problem with the, “powers that be” in this collaboration. It would appear that when members are indecisive and not on the same accord that there would be an issue. But it is backwards in this situation! Now that you have members voting and agreeing on the same issues and it seems that there is equality amongst the board in a sense, there are power leaders that are labeling it as, “racist”. In terms of voting on issues of importance there is unity within the Black and Brown members and there are many that are just down right not happy. In looking at the minutes from many of the HISD’s board meetings you can conclude by the “unanimous” vote indicated that there is some form of unity amongst members, and to me that says a lot right there.

We MUST Understand the importance of rallying together and supporting one another, especially

- Roy Douglas Malonson

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

in terms of educating our children.

Because no matter how much success we as Africans living in America obtain; that success means absolutely nothing if it cannot be continued on by those who are to come after us. I often state that, “Success without a successor is failure.” Therefore I think that the, “powers that be”, would be wise to sit back and think about what it means to have unity versus division as it relates to doing what truly is geared towards the betterment and advancement of our children within the district.

We MUST Understand that not only are other people from around the nation watching us, but most importantly the leaders of tomorrow are watching everything we do.

So while, we are seeing a turn of Black and Brown members of HISD standing strong together in support of what’s best for our children and at the same time certain power leaders insistent on going against the grain, this affect is noticeable. It is a proven fact, that children are magnets and pick up on everything. Likewise, if they see unity they are more likely to unite, with the same token if division is displayed when there should be unity the same can be mimicked by them as well. African-American News&Issues applauds those Black and Brown members who have chosen to take a stand and stand strong regardless of the opposition.

Because at the end of the day, all that really matters is making decisions and doing what is best for the leaders of tomorrow, which are our children and students of today!

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

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African

American News&Issues

INVESTMENT FROM PG. 1

Felicia Gantt Williams at Texas American Title Closing on New Construction with First Buyer Sherece Wright.

HOUSTON – Recently, AfricanAmerican News&Issues was privileged to interview, Ms. Felicia Williams. She is the second to the youngest of ten siblings and hails from Houston’s, Third Ward community. As a result of her rearing and primary background in business, it is no wonder that Williams has become a thriving, successful entrepreneur. Her grandparents on both her paternal and maternal side were business owners in Third Ward. Her father’s mother Iona Reese and her Uncle operated a restaurant and club on Dowling Street for many years, The Glass Palace. Her mother’s parents, Timothy and Zora Hall owned the first Black Bakery in Houston. Hall’s Bakery was a family-owned business that was passed down through several generations. It was stationed right across from Unity Bank in Third Ward.

Williams graduated from Lamar High School and went on to attend several universities afterwards. She attended: Texas Southern University, Lamar University in Beaumont, University of Houston and St. Thomas University. Ultimately, she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Accounting from Lamar University.

She later started working on her Master’s degree in Mathematics Education. From this experience, she would go on to become a Math instructor at several schools throughout Houston. For many years, she taught at Jack Yates High School, TX- 4

Galena Park High School, M.C. Williams Middle School and finally Ryan Middle School. While working as a teacher and being a wife and mother of two small children at the time, Williams never let go of her initial training working in the family businesses. She explained during an interview that her grandparents on both sides trained her to work at an early age, in the businesses’ that they owned.

In 1995 when her mother, Grace Gantt passed away unexpectedly, Williams got the opportunity to take over the family business, Hall’s Bakery. During the same time, she also established her own businesses, Rapid Tax and Real Estate Services.

Afterwards, she began to expand her horizons and develop other businesses including: Modern Medicine in 1999 (Physical Therapy and medical equipment company), Houston’s Hair Gallery in 2000 and Export Liquor in 2001. In the midst of implementing these businesses she created the corporation, Urban City Investment, LLC in 2000. Urban City Investment, LLC is an umbrella of companies which offers a variety of services ranging from: Tax services, Real Estate and Life Insurance. Each one of her companies work hand in hand with the other. During our interview, Williams shared that in terms of being an entrepreneur you can easily, “diversify and survive”.

In the tax service phase of Urban City, Williams works with individuals and business owners on various tax

Cover Story

accomodations. She specializes in back tax and levy issues within her company. She also assists business owner with bookkeeping to ensure that their books are managed properly and accurately. In the Real Estate section of Urban City, she aids clients with locating and buying residential and commercial properties. She works with buyers, sellers, wholesalers and investors alike. In the Life Insurance segment of Urban City, she helps families protect and build their assets, though life insurance and retirement products such as annuities. She also offers a range of life insurance policies including: children, adults, and mortgage and business insurance policies.

Though Williams has seen much success in her role as a business owner, as with most things her accomplishments were not met without obstacles.

She shared that her business, Modern Medicine hit a critical time during the events that shook the nation on September 11, 2001. 9-11 is the date that Americans will forever remember when a series of four coordinated attacks by an Islamic terrorist group known as, Al Qaeda attacked the United States; by hi-jacking aircraft and crashing them into government and economic buildings. Many lives were lost and the country was placed in a state of devastation. With the nation under attack and the administration of then President George Bush, Williams stated that her medical equipment business took a direct hit. At the time she informed, “even though I still had the tax and real estate businesses going, the medical equipment business was my bread and butter.” “As long as President Clinton was in office, my company thrived but during the phases afterwards I saw a major decline in my businesses,” she continued.

However, through her determination and persistence she was able to wade through and recover from this crucial time in American history in regards to her businesses.

Another challenge that arose in Urban City occurred in 2008, during the recession. Williams’ companies took another fall when the real estate market crashed. She said, “That hurt my business a lot.” Nevertheless, she was able to overcome by working with banks to negotiate short-sales in order to stay afloat in her businesses.

She explained, “We got to work with a

lot of foreclosures and the banks were really in negotiation to remove those houses out of their portfolios. So we were able to go to class and become single-family, short-sale specialists’ and started working with banks heavily in order for us to be able to survive; as well as the bank, while we were in the recession.” Being unselfish, Williams informed that the years, 2001 and 2008 were two times that affected not only her, but the small business owner as a whole. Nonetheless, with a mountain of motivation she was able to successfully engineer her corporation to come out victorious in both instances.

In relation to owning and operating a business, Williams suggests that any aspiring entrepreneur always be, “open-minded and think out of the box when in business”. She said, “When you’re operating in your own business, it’s more important to be able diversify and remain open for opportunity.”

“You can’t get caught up in a routine of what old people would say, ‘stay in the same rut,’.” she added. She further admonished that the business owner must be, “able to diversify what they are offering people, in order to stay competitive in the market.” Williams stated that Black entrepreneurs have a lot of competition from people that are, “not like us, that underbid a lot of jobs”. Hence, she believes it is vital to be able to diversify, without losing focus on the mission that has been set forth.

Williams made it extremely clear that she is passionate about the life insurance facet of her business for many reasons. She strives to keep it priority amongst her businesses primarily because of the underinsured rating in the Black community is so low. Therefore, she aims to promote the acquiring of life insurance policies throughout the African-American community. She said, “My objective is to touch as many people as I can so that we can get away from depending on and putting the burden on our family and our friends, when people pass.”

“It’s unfortunate that we will spend more money on Papadeaux’s than protecting our families; so that’s where my concentration lies on letting people know that it’s not about them, it’s about protecting your family all the way,” she concluded.

Williams regards amongst her greatest inspirations her mother, the

Texas• •August June 612-18, - 12, 2016 Texas 2013

late Grace Gantt and her two daughters who are shadowing in her footsteps, Essence and Kelsey Williams. She is proud of Essence, who recently graduated from Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration on Management and Finance. Essence was also the Valedictorian of her class. She is equally proud of her daughter Kelsey who majored in Business Administration concentrating in Accounting and is graduating in the top ten percentile of her class as well. Williams maintains that her goal is to inspire them to take over her businesses. While rearing her children, she was consistent with the same nurturing that was extended to her as a child. Thus, she allowed her daughters to receive hands-on-training in her businesses, since they were as a young as middle-school age.

She wanted to ensure that they were equipped to compete in Corporate America when they got older. As it is, they both are well on their way to mirroring their mother’s imprints and have the knowledge, experience and degree to rely on.

Over the years, Felicia Williams has been the proud recipient of numerous awards, honors, acknowledgements and recognitions for her services as an entrepreneur.

She is a member of the Acres Homes Chamber for Business and Economic Development, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Houston Real Estate Association, Black Real Estate Association, NAREB, Women’s Council and Houston Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors and Delta Sigma Pi. Urban City Investment, LLC is located at 4702 Old Spanish Trail, Suite 116, 77021. For more information or details regarding Urban City’s services contact Ms. Felicia Williams at (713) 839-1970, Office; (713) 3844235, Cell; or email Urbancity.corp@ yahoo.com.

Written By : Rebecca S. Jones Cover Photo by: Chandra Jarmon

Texas • June 6 - 12, 2016

Community

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5

Saving The Young from Racism's Cancer

Byrd Documentary Aims to Reach out to Next Gens and Millennials

By D. Campbell

PORT ARTHUR - Eighteen years ago, history recorded one of the worst American tragedies to happen in Texas in modern times.

June 7th that marks the 18th anniversary of James Byrd Jr’s murder in Jasper, Texas.

To honor Byrd's memory, Executive Film Producer Ricky Jason is debuting for a limited time a free special screening of the documentary “Byrd: The Life and Tragic Death of James Byrd Jr.”, available on YouTube.

The documentary is available to watch on YouTube starting today until June 30, 2016. To watch the documentary, please go to the following link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=PzW4FJE-110 “We do this because it is important that we do not forget this tragedy,” Jason said. “It placed us at the forefront in the fight for justice and defines our reason for never giving up in the fight against hatred and motivates us to hold our ground on the demands for justice and peace for all who fall victim to this kind of senseless violence.”

Jason said that he is using YouTube as a visual platform to present the documentary so people can see and understand firsthand what happened to James Byrd Jr. He also added that it is his hope that his efforts will help prevent this type of hatred from being passed on to future generations.

On June 7, 1998, Byrd accepted a ride from 3 men named Shawn Allen

Berry, Lawrence Russel Brewer, and John William King. Instead of taking him home, the three men beat Byrd behind a convenience store, tied him to their pickup truck with a chain tied around his waist, and dragged him about three miles. Brewer and King were sentenced to death and Berry received life in prison for their parts in James Byrd Jr’s murder. Brewer has since been executed by the State of Texas in 2011.

Jason added that Byrd's case was only the tip of the iceberg and should have warned America that ills of hatred and racism were festering just under noses of American communities.

Since Byrd's death, numerous acts of violence against African American males and females have been reported and many are making headlines on a daily basis.

“From Trayvon Martin to Tamir Rice cases and incidents from Ferguson Missouri, Flint, Mich. to Long Island, N.Y., we have seen the trends that continue to demonstrate racially motivated crimes against African-Americans are a real problem,” he said. “Violence against Blacks is all to common and continues to increase because it appears that Black Lives mean little to the Police, the justice system or others who feel like its open season on us.”

The documentary features interviews from Dick Gregory, Martin Luther King III, Susan Sarandon, Sis. Helen Prejean, Maxine Waters, and others and has won critical acclaim and numerous awards across the country.

“My hope is that the film will create and start the kind of positive dialog needed across the board that will end these types of attacks,” Jason said. “Racism and hatred are a cancer on America that is killing us. Until we face it and resolve these differences, we are only making things worse for all of us.”

For more information about the documentary contact Ricky Jason at 409.543.5737. Copies of the documentary are also available on Amazon at the link below: http://www.amazon.com/ Byrd-Life-Tragic-Death-James/dp/ B0051WTOJK/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?

BROOKSHIRE BROTHERS FROM PG. 1

SUNNYSIDE ON THE BRAZOS Recently, 22 African-American families lost everything to the flood waters caused by the Brazos River.

The families were from the original old Black Sunnyside Community by the Brazos River, land that goes back to slavery. With no one to turn to the families had to rescue themselves and were able to make their way to their community church, Mt. Zion CME located at 40998 Mt Zion Road, Pattison, TX 77423, where the pastor of the church allowed them to take shelter.

Reports came in to the publisher of African-American News&Issues, Roy Douglas Malonson, that the families were being housed at the location, however there was no food and the children were extremely hungry. So the Malonson’s set out to get food for the families from the nearest grocery store, The Brookshire Brothers located at 300 Business 290 E. Hempstead, TX 77445 .

Once arriving to the Brookshire Brothers, they asked for management, and so management would not think it was a gimmick, they gave a proper introduction of themselves and showed them the African-American News&Issues newspaper, which they carry at the store. They then proceeded to explain the situation to the manager and asked if there was any kind of way they could help out even if they provided a small discount. The manager on duty around 7pm, Mr. Archiebald, told them “NO”, they could not help and plus they needed to give them a two weeks notice. The store manager was begged to call the head manager several times but the answer was still “NO”.

Mrs. Shirley Ann Malonson

told reporters,“How would they know to give a two week notice; they were not given a two week notice that their homes would be destroyed; they did not know that they would be without food or shelter; I don’t understand. At least think about the babies.”

Keep in mind this is a grocery store where the demographics are predominately Black customers and the majority of the money made comes from African-Americans.

Although the Malonsons were disappointed at what they Brookshire Brothers had said about not helping out 22 families with chicken so they could eat, the Malonsons went ahead and purchased it from them anyway to get the families through the day, and found additional help from another company H-E-B. Armando Perez, VP of Houston Division of H-E-B got the approval within minutes and the Malonsons were told they could come in and get $1,000.00 worth of whatever was needed for the families and if there was anything else after that they would work on an extension.

When Mayor Wolfe heard about this issue, he stated, “Brookshire Brothers must have management that does not care about people. I have seen it flood in Sunnyside (Mt Zion) before, but never like this. The Brazos River has taken a lot of land down there.”

“It is sad you can’t get help from your own community but we have to go all the way to Houston for help, we are grateful, but this is unacceptable from Brookshire Brothers. The manager has to go because if he does that to me I wonder what he does to the average or little people.” said Roy Douglas Malonson.

Brookshire Brothers has been around since 1921 and is now under

the leadership of the three sons of Austin Brookshire, R.A., Eugene, and Oscar and it seems that the stores are on a rise to open in AfricanAmerican communities across Texas and Western Louisiana.

Do these brothers know what kind of management they are allowing to run their business? According to ABOUT BROOKSHIRE it states, “Our employee-owners take great pride in serving their community.

They can be found coaching baseball, volunteering at schools or at local church events. You may even run into them at your local Brookshire Brothers grocery store! Customers enjoy friendly relationships with our stores and our employees. Those relationships make for stronger communities and neighborhoods. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to our stores.

Each store provides for the unique needs of the community it serves.”

We will have more to report as Brookshire Brothers stands behind their mission to truly be, “A Celebration of Family and Community.”

Mr. Jose Lopez, the head manager of Brookshire Brothers Hempstead told reporters they are willing to provide a discount and help out with future issues that may come about in future disasters. Jerry Johnson, the CEO of Brookshire Brothers, has reached out to African-American News&Issues and states that they will review their policy and procedures of how situations like this are handled.

Indeed the manager should have reached out to get approval. Once this review is complete and ACTIONS take place, Brookshire Brothers will send in an updated report of those changes.

Written By : Chandra Jarmon Photo by: Albert Palmer

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Marketplace

Texas • June 6 - 12, 2016

Texas R und Up

Deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance

AUSTIN - The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) reminds individuals impacted by the April storms of severe weather, including destructive flooding of the upcoming deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) of Thursday, June 9, 2016, under Amendment No. 2 to the Presidential Disaster Declaration (FEMA-4269-DR). The following counties are under this particular deadline: •Fort Bend, Liberty, Montgomery and San Jacinto Self-employed individuals or impacted workers affected by the April storms in these counties can apply for benefits online at Unemployment Benefit Services or by calling the TWC Tele-Center Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 800-939-6631.

Individuals should specify that their applications are related to the damage caused by severe storms, including destructive flooding.

Storm victims can also visit any Workforce Solutions office to apply for DUA. Applications for DUA filed after the June 9, 2016 deadline will be considered untimely, unless the individual provides good cause for applying late.

DUA, which is unemployment insurance benefits made available especially for victims of disaster, is available to individuals who: •Have applied for and used all regular unemployment benefits from any state, or do not qualify for unemployment benefits •Worked or were self-employed Read more on TWC.gov

It’s time to fix what’s broken

HARRIS COUNTY - Two weeks ago, Harris County was sued to overturn an unconstitutional bail system that is jailing people just because they are poor. I stood with area leaders and advocates like the Texas Organizing Project and urged the county to work with all parties to fix the problem and settle the case - rather than use our tax dollars to defend this morally indefensible system.

It’s unfortunate that, despite repeated warnings and attempts to work with the County, this lawsuit was absolutely necessary. It’s necessary to protect the rights of Harris County residents who are kept in a modern day debtor’s prison - locked up because they’re poor. It’s necessary to save taxpayer dollars that are paying to ship inmates out of our overcrowded jail. And it’s necessary to spur needed reforms. State Senator Rodney Ellis

Third Ward Community Cloth Cooperative Monthly Membership Meeting

Third Ward Community Cloth Cooperative Monthly Membership Meeting will be hosted by Trinity United Methodist Church on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 8:30am - 10:00am. The meeting will be held at 2600 Holman @ Live oak, Houston, TX 77004. The focus thread of the meeting will be Cultural Arts.For more events please visit http://communitycloth. org

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Free Legal Clinic for Veterans, June 11 in Fort Bend County HOUSTON - Veterans who need legal advice or legal assistance can visit a free legal clinic on Saturday, June 11, from 9:00 a.m. until noon, at the Richmond VA Outpatient Clinic, 22001 Southwest Freeway, Suite 200, Richmond, TX 77469.

The clinic is a public service of Fort Bend Lawyers Care, the Fort Bend County Bar Association and the Houston Bar Foundation’s Veterans Legal Initiative, a coalition of local bar associations that provide pro bono legal services to U.S. veterans in 18 counties in Texas. No appointment is necessary. Any veteran, or spouse of a deceased veteran, can receive one-on-one advice and counsel from a volunteer attorney in any area of law, including family, wills and probate, consumer, real estate, and tax law, as well as disability and veterans benefits.

Veterans who need ongoing legal representation and who qualify for legal aid may be assigned a pro bono attorney to handle their case.

For more information on the June 11th clinic and other services for veterans, contact the Veterans Legal Initiative at 713-759-1133 or visit www.hba.org.

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DITION June 6 - June 12, 2016 (Vol.Happenin’ 21 Issue 20) T •DATE: J 6 - 12, 2016 What’s une

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids, in duplicate, addressed to OST /Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority will be received at 5445 Almeda Rd, #545, Houston, TX 77004, until 2:00 pm on Tuesday, June 21st, 2016. Bids will be publicly opened and read at 2:05 PM on Tuesday, June 21st 2016 for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, and incidentals, as required, for construction of sidewalk improvements along Griggs Rd, Cullen and Tierwester and tree planting along OST and Griggs in Houston, TX. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS may be examined at the following locations: (1) Amtek Plan Rm, 4001 Sherwood Ln, Houston, TX.; (2) ABC/Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, TX; and (3) AGC, 2400 Augusta, #305, Houston, TX. The right is reserved, as the interest of the Owner may require, to reject any and all bids, and to waive any informality in bids received.

Plans, specifications and bidding documents may be obtained at the offices of OST /Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority, 5445 Almeda Rd, #545, Houston, TX 77004 (713-522-5154) for a nonrefundable fee of $75.00 per set. Make checks payable to OST/ Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority. A prebid conference will be held at OST/ Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority offices, 5445 Almeda Rd, #502, Houston, TX on Monday, June 13th, 2016 at 2:00 pm. It is requested, but not mandatory, that each bidder be represented at the pre-bid conference.

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June 6- Sept 5

Monday - Sunday MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition 1601 Nasa Rd 1 Houston, TX 77058 (M - F) From 9am - 5pm (S & S) From 10am - 7pm For more info contact: (281)-244-2100 spacecenter.org

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Monday Free Press Summer Fest 500 Allen Prkwy Houston, TX 77019 From 11 am - 10 pm For more info visit: www.fpsp.com

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 Tuesday Texas Southern Univ Meet & Greet 3100 Cleburne St, Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 1pm For more info contact: (713) 313-7011

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Thursday-Friday Heading Title: 9.79 The Box Public Notice Prom Night 2300 Pierce Street Houston, TX 77003 Contact Information: Name: P. Anderson Stoute Begins at 8:00 pm Company: For moreOST/Almeda info visit: Corridors Redevelopment Authority theboxhouston.com Phone: (713) 522-5154 afram new s.com Fax: (713) 522-1105 Saturday Email: pastoute@ostalmeda.com Houston Area Address for Tearsheets: Urban Laegue 5445 Almeda Road, Suite 545 48th Annual Equal Houston, TX 77004

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Oppurtunity Day Gala Hilton Americas Hotel AD *Ballroom of COST the Americas* Total Cost run Ad for one week: 1600to Lamar Houston, TX 77010 $621.00 ( regular) Beginning at 6pm For more info visit: $496.80 (non profit discount) haul.org

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Jun 18 - Jun 19

Saturday & Sunday Fresh Dark Festival Read us online Concert Cafe PleaseLast sign for approval and fax aframnews.com 1403 Nance St SUBSCRIBE Houston, 77002692-1183 back toTX (713) Saturday June 18th Thursday by 12 NOON Wednesday for begins @ 4:00pm Sunday June 19th benext Monday’s publication. gins @ 1:00am Wenesday Anderson. Paak & The Free Nationals The Malibu Tour Signature1204 Caroline St GUEST SPEAKER Houston, TX 77002 Brenda Stardig Beginning at 11:30am City Council Member

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District A

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Acres Home ChamberDate and visit: for Bus. & Eco. Dev, Inc. HoustonVIPServices@ Networking Luncheon livenation.com or 6112 Wheatley St Livenation.com Houston, TX 77091 P.O. Number for this Ad Thursday From 11am -12:30pm Annual Veteran For more info contact: Healthy Living Fair (713) 692-7161 From 2pm-4pm info@acreshomecenter.org 4640 Main St Tuesday Houston, TX 77002 Windsor Houtson Networking Breakfast 6920 TC Jester Blvd Thursday - Sunday Houston, TX 77091 The Ensemble Theatre Beginning at 9am Satchel Paige & the Kansas For more info contact: City Swing (281)224-0280 4640 Main St Email Your Upcoming Events Houston, TX 77002 news@aframnews.com Times Vary 4 weeks in advance!

For more info contact: or call (713) 692 - 1892 (713) 520-0055

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TEXAS • JUNE 6 - 12, 2016

YATES HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY CELEBRATES CEREMONIAL GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW SCHOOL

Yates High School Principal Ken Davis made an impassioned promise Thursday as he spoke to the crowd of students, alumni and school supporters who gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking for their new $59.4 million school.

“I pledge to you, just as I have the community and the children I serve, I’m going to do my very best to make their dreams come true,” Davis said, applause erupting throughout the auditorium as he spoke.

“I may not get to the mountain top with you, but I’m going to make sure the road is paved for you to get there.”

The Thursday morning groundbreaking marked a significant milestone in the storied history of Yates High School, which is being rebuilt as part of the Houston Independent School District’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program.

Situated in Houston’s Third Ward, the new school will feature a grand entryway with large windows connecting the front and back entrances and flexible learning spaces accommodating the school’s communications and maritime magnet programs. It also will have a performance wing with auditorium, spaces for fine arts and JROTC, and a gymnasium and athletics area.

Construction on the new school, which is being built adjacent to the existing building, begins this summer. Once the new school is complete, the old building will be demolished to make room for athletic fields and additional parking.

Music echoed throughout the auditorium Thursday as the Jack Yates Marching Motion Band performed for the audience, accompanied by the school’s Golden Wave flag troupe. Yates alumni, many clad in their signature crimson and gold colors, stood and sung aloud as the band played the school song.

“How exciting it is to witness history being created,” said Yates 2016-2017 Student Council President and Emcee Amber Felder, as she opened the event. “Today, we embrace the rich heritage of our school … while also embarking upon a promising new future.”

Nearly a dozen elected officials turned out to offer words of congratulations and support.

Among them were HISD Board of Education

Trustee Jolanda Jones, U.S. Rep. Al Green, U.S. Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee, Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Gene Locke, Houston City Council Member Dwight Boykins, and Houston Community College Trustee Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, as well as representatives from the offices of State Sen. Rodney Ellis and State Rep. Garnet Coleman.

“This is the first step in getting people to want to come back to Yates,” said Jones, who presides over the district in which Yates is located.

“I want it to be back at the greatness it was when it was the jewel of Third Ward, the jewel of the south.”

Also in attendance were Yates Project Advisory Team Member Arva Howard and Holman Street Baptist Church Pastor Manson Johnson.

During the last 90 years, Yates has experienced an unparalleled history of achievement, Howard told the crowd, noting that it was one of the only schools to produce college presidents, army generals, federal judges, broadcasts journalists, media moguls, and petroleum engineers, as well as championship basketball teams and Emmy, Tony and Grammy award winners.

“Yates is the birthplace of excellence,” said Howard, a member of the class of 1969. “I’m so proud to be a Yates graduate, and I’m so proud to be a part of you.”

Golden Wave sophomore Sammarie Blake was among the students who performed during the groundbreaking. Clad in a shimmering, gold-sequined leotard and holding her flag, Blake said she was most eager to have access to the advanced technology that the new school would provide.

“I’m excited,” the 15-year-old said. “I’m ready for a new school.”After the groundbreaking concluded, many alumni huddled around the ceremonial sandbox to watch classmates use golden shovels to turn the dirt over. Among them was Debra Smith-Stevens, a member of the Class of 1974 and a self-described “Yates-ite.”

“My heart is heavy — this was my building, this was my school,” the former cheerleader said as she glanced around the auditorium. “But I’m excited about what is going on at Yates. I want to see it flourish.”

TEXAS • JUNE 6 - 12, 2016

AISD TO OFFER SUMMER MEALS

ALDINE ISD - During the school year, many children participate in school meals.

Fortunately, children in Aldine have the opportunity to receive meals at school this summer as well.

Hunger is one of the most severe roadblocks to the learning process. Lack of nutrition during the summer months may create a cycle for poor performance once the school year begins again. Hunger may also make children

more prone to illness and other health issues.

Participation in summer meals puts students on the path to getting what they need to enjoy summer and return to school ready to learn.

Free breakfast and lunch will be offered to all students participating in Aldine ISD summer programs and to children 18 years of age or younger in the Aldine community.

Specific starting dates can be obtained from each participating school site.

Breakfast will be served during morning hours and lunch will be available from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at each site.

A list of school sites is available at the Child Nutrition Services website at www.aldinecafe.com.

Education/Y uth

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PSI CHI ADDED TO HTU’S LIST OF HONOR SOCIETIES

Pictured with Psi Chi members are (back row, fourth from left) HT President and Chief Executive Officer Colette Pierce Burnette; William Lawson, Director of Community Health Programs and Professor Huston-Tillotson University; Andrea Holman, Assistant Professor, Psychology; and Debra L. Murphy, Professor of Psychology.

AUSTIN - Psi Chi, the psychology international honor society, is proud to announce the addition of the Huston-Tillotson University Psi Chi Chapter.

Charter members Dominique T. Jones, Cubeian PriceWilliams, Allen Wright, Monaye Turner, Erissa Burris, Cean Longstreet, Rachel Rodriguez, Angela Glover, and Kiara Johnson were installed last month. HT’s Dr. Debra L. Murphy, Professor of Psychology, and Dr. Andrea Holman, Assistant Professor of Psychology, are the faculty advisors.

“We are pleased to extend the benefits of this prestigious organization to our students,” said HT President and Chief Executive Officer Colette Pierce Burnette. “The programs afforded to our students through the membership complement existing services and offerings for students seeking careers in the field.”

Psi Chi was founded on September 4, 1929, during the Ninth International Congress of Psychology held at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

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Galilee MBC Awards $50,000 in Scholarships

Religion

Texas • June 6 - 12, 2016

His Loving Journey

RONALD RAY & NANCY MITCHELL

ACRES HOME - For the past several years, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church hosts a graduate’s day in order to honor all high school and college graduates. This year was no exception, as Galilee not only honored their graduates, they also awarded $50,000 in scholarships to eleven high school graduates.

Galilee has been giving away scholarships to their high school graduates for over fifteen years; each year, their award amount gets higher and higher. The idea for a graduate’s day formed many years ago through Galilee’s Deaconess and Minister’s Wives Ministry. They wanted to raise money and give out scholarships to help students go to college. From this idea, the Scholarship Ministry was then formed. In the first year, Galilee raised $2,500 in scholarships. The next year they raised a little bit more, and today, Galilee has raised the most money it has ever received in scholarships.

Even though outside donations are welcomed, the church family gives the majority of the money. According to first lady Charlotte J. Davis, Ph.D, “95% of the money comes from our own church, and about 5% comes from other fundraisers.”

These fundraisers are held throughout the entire year in order to help raise additional

funds for the scholarship ministry. Members are encouraged to donate throughout the year, and many strive to give $1,000.

This year, Galilee had 25 members that donated a $1,000 or more to the scholarship ministry. These donors are able to receive a plaque in honor or in memory of someone, and are allowed to present a graduate with his or her scholarship award.

One of the greatest parts of this ministry is the support and love that comes from their Pastor, Rev. Edwin A. Davis, Ed.D., and his wife. Both are great examples of what having an education can do for you, and are both true believers in education, with both of them having received their doctoral degrees from The University of Houston and Sam Houston State University respecitively.

Pastor Davis expressed, “The hallmark on our future is based on educating our youth.” Furthermore, first lady Charlotte J. Davis, Ph.D., stated, “Investing in our youth today is an investment in our future to come.” Education plays a vital role in the future of everyone, especially in our youth, because our youth is the future. They hold the key of what’s to come. If we don’t invest in our youth today, then we put our future at risk.

Galilee has given many scholarships over several years,

and many high school graduates have been able to further their education, and graduate from college. In addition, some of their former graduates have given back to their community by donating money to the scholarship fund in order to support the same people who once helped them. K’Yuana Nelson, a member of Galilee and once a recipient of a scholarship expressed, “Because of that scholarship that I received four years ago, I am now a college graduate from Texas Southern University, where we believe in excellence and achievement.” Another member, and former scholarship recipient stated, “When I graduated from high school in 2012, I was awarded $7,000 that paid for my freshman year of college. My thank you to them is my degree in Speech Communication with a minor in Journalism from Texas Southern University. I can’t wait to give back”, expressed Katrina Thibodeaux.

Galilee has awarded scholarships to students who attend different schools in multiple school districts. In order to qualify for a scholarship, students must be a member of the church, and complete an application. The application is an inquiry of the student’s GPA, school and church activities, awards and honors, and community service hours.

Continue Reading Online @ www.aframnews.com | By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed

TX-10

“Happy those whose trust is the Lord, who turn not to idolatry or to those who stray after falsehood….” (Psalm 40:5) HOUSTON - Ronald Ray Mitchell was born in Houston, TX on June 8, 1951.

He was the fifth of nine children born to Francis Anthony Mitchell, Sr. and Angelina Zeno Mitchell. Ronald graduated from San Jacinto Senior High in Houston, TX. He later attended Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, TX. Ronald and Nancy were united in marriage in Houston, TX in 1976. To this union, Tanya Latreece Mitchell and Jenero Telesphor Mitchell were born. Ronald worked hard to provide for his family, starting a successful career in banking at Benjamin Franklin. He then went on to follow his dreams of being an entrepreneur, starting a family business—EZ Mail Management. To this day, he worked tirelessly to ensure its success.

Ronald devoted his life to his family and to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, where he has been a member since 1978. He has been a member of the Knights of Peter Claver Fr. Timothy J. Sullivan Council 138 for over 18 years, where he earned the title of Grand Knight. After completing his term as Grand Knight, he went on to earn the title of State Deputy of

Texas.

He has been very active in promoting the initiatives of the church and the council through charitable works and always assisting the Pastors of the church wherever needed.

He was also very active in his community, volunteering for many causes, such as: community clean-up projects, projects to feed the hungry and the homeless, assisting with youth sports activities, Vice President of the South Post Youth Association for 6 years, President of the Hiram Clarke Police Department Storefront Association for 8 years, working with the Brown Bag Project, working with “Get Out to Vote Project”, visiting the sick and nursing homes, working with the Texas Metropolitan Organization (TMO), and much more.

He exemplified hard work, dedication, and a commitment to his church. He enjoyed fishing, family gatherings, and watching sports. Ronald was always encouraging those around him to be the best version of themselves. He was so adamant about others reaching their full potential; he proudly founded the Father & Son Prayer Breakfast Mentorship Program.

Ronald is preceded in death by his father Francis Mitchell, Sr. and Angelina Zeno Mitchell; his grandson, Erik Erwin; his brother Francis Mitchell, Jr. He

leaves a wonderful legacy to be cherished and continued by his loving wife Nancy; his beloved children Tanya Latreece Mitchell and Jenero Telesphor Mitchell; Nine grandchildren: Erika Erwin, Angelina Burnett, Alexis Burnett, Jenero Mitchell, Nancy Mitchell, Ronald Ray Mitchell II, Desiree Mitchell, Vanessa Fuentes, Anthony Fuentes, Kainon McDonald; one great granddaughter: London Erwin; seven surviving siblings: Carolyn Mitchell Shelton, Barbara Mitchell Cosey, Michael Mitchell, Frederick Mitchell, Gerald Mitchell, Cheryl Mitchell Miller, and Angela Mitchell Mackey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

The funeral arrangements for Sir Knight Ron R. Mitchell, State Deputy of Texas since 2012 who passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 are as follows: Mass of Christian Burial Date: Tuesday June 7, 2016 Time: 10:00 AM Mass Place: St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church 4600 Reed Road Houston, Texas 77051 Viewing: 8:45 AM Rosary: 9:15 AM Mass: 10:00 AM All Flowers should be sent to: McCoy & Harrison Funeral Home 4918 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77021 Send all Condolences in care of: Lady Nancy Mitchell 5539 W. Ridgecreek Houston, Texas 77053 Please continue to pray for his wife, Lady Nancy Mitchell and his family that they find peace and comfort during this trying time.

Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

TEXAS • JUNE 6 - 12, 2016

Health

Could the “Bayou City” become “Zika City” this Summer?

HOUSTON - As summer approaches and flash flooding becomes a normal occurrence throughout the Bayou City, will Houstonians be safe from a Zika outbreak as swarms of mosquitoes lay in wait for their next victims? Just ahead of another hot, humid and bug-infested season, Congressman Al Green and Congressman Gene Green announced their support of President Obama’s emergency Zika funding bill. They also urged increased federal funding to address the threat posed by the virus, especially in the greater Houston area. “The issue of adequate funding to address the growing threat of the Zika virus is one that should be of great importance to all Houstonians. It is transmitted by mosquitos who as many of us know thrive in still water,” Congressman Al Green said. “Zika has the potential to affect vulnerable communities like Houston. Funding to fight the Zika virus must be treated as the emergency that it is, similar to past public health emergencies like Ebola and the H1N1 viruses,” said Congressman Gene Green.

The Zika virus was discovered in 1947 by Alexander John Haddow while doing research on “yellow fever” in Uganda; and was named after the Zika forest where Haddow’s lab was located. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. There is currently no vaccine or medicine available to prevent or treat Zika, and the virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected “Aedes” species mosquito.

Local and statewide efforts to lower or eliminate the risk of infection are underway, including a new campaign from the Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas DSHS) reinforcing what people can do to “not give Zika a biting chance” this summer.

According to Texas DSHS, “travelers to and from Latin America, the Caribbean and other areas with ongoing Zika transmission play a major role in helping stop the spread of the virus. There have been no documented cases transmitted by mosquitoes in Texas and no evidence that Texas mosquitoes are infected.”

Zika virus is primarily spread to people through mosquito bites, and can be spread from mother to child. Spread of the virus through blood transfusion and sexual contact has also been reported. “We know of no Zika virus transmission here in the U.S. from our mosquitoes, that individual would have to travel to a country

that has Zika virus transmission” to be infected, said Dr. Umair Shah, executive director of the Harris County Health Department.

To date, the Houston Health Department has only identified six confirmed cases of Zika, and city officials have promised to be vigilant about protecting its constituents and urged everyone to help out by taking steps to reduce potential breeding sites near their home and businesses. Including the six Houston cases, there have been a total of twelve travel-related Zika cases in Harris County so far. To ensure public safety and to stay on the winning side of this battle, Harris County officials have increased spraying and pest control efforts to keep mosquitoes that carry Zika to a minimum.

To put this in prospective, Harris County has an approximate annual budget of $4 million for mosquito control and is among the best funded departments in the US. On the cutting edge of the fight against Zika, the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is one of only a few blood institutions in the United States participating in a new Zika test trial where they are using new technology to study blood infected with the virus. Blood donations for the Zika virus are being tested as part of an investigational new drug-application protocol approved by the Food and Drug Administration. “The Blood Center values our community and the safety of our blood supply,” said the Blood Center’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Susan Rossmann, “so we have taken this proactive step to test for the Zika virus. We are glad to be one of the first blood centers in the United States to use this investigational test.”

Until advancements are made in prevention and treatment (along with adequate federal, state and local funding), the best way to avoid Zika virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites in the first place.

To continue reading visit us online @ www.aframnews.com | ( By: Kimberly M. Hatter, Esq.)

African

American News&Issues

11

What is Psoriatic Arthritis and Why Should You Care?

Written By: Kimberly M. Hatter, Esq.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic, progressive disease that can lead to permanent joint damage if treatment is delayed. Up to 30 percent of people afflicted with the skin disease “psoriasis” develop psoriatic arthritis (“PsA”), an inflammatory form of arthritis. Psoriasis is a common condition characterized by scaly red and white skin patches, and psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the spine.

Psoriatic arthritis is more common in Caucasians than African-Americans, yet the condition is often more severe and causes more serious psychological effects in AfricanAmericans according to published reports and patient surveys. According to the Arthritis Foundation, psoriasis affects about 2.2 percent of the population (7.5 million people), making it the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the United States.

PsA can develop at any time, but it most commonly appears between the ages of 30 and 50. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a peak period of pediatric onset is age 11 to 12 in both boys and girls; while the Arthritis Foundation stipulates that approximately 294,000 children under the age of 18 are affected by some type of pediatric arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis.

Fatigue often goes hand-in-hand with psoriatic arthritis, with as many as 50 percent of patients experiencing moderate-to-severe fatigue.

More alarming, the associated fatigue is severe in 29 percent of patients, while 37 percent also

experience depression and anxiety according to a 2014 Journal of Rheumatology study. The study found that “Fatigue from PsA and other types of inflammatory arthritis, which patients have described in research study interviews as “wipeout,” “overwhelming” and “like having stones on my back,” is often ranked among the most troublesome symptoms of PsA, along with pain, skin problems and physical disability.”

Another sad truth is that someone suffering with psoriatic arthritis is twice as likely to experience depression as someone who has psoriasis alone.

A few of the symptoms identified by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) include: • Generalized fatigue; • Tenderness, pain and swelling over tendons; • Inflammation of the spinal column, called spondylitis, which can cause pain and stiffness in the neck and lower back; • Tenderness where muscles or ligaments attach to the bones, particularly the heel and bottom of the foot; • Morning stiffness; • Reduced range of motion of the joints; • Painful, sausage-like swelling of the fingers and/or toes; or • Joint pain and swelling that may come and go and may be accompanied by redness and warmth.

Psoriasis usually precedes the arthritis in about 85 percent of patients, yet the opposite can be true in a few cases with the arthritic symptoms appearing first. Genetics and environment may play a part in who is affected by this condition, and research shows that people with psoriatic arthritis often have a family member with psoriasis or arthritis. Because there is no lab test to diagnose psoriatic arthritis, early diagnosis and treatment by a dermatologist, rheumatologist or your primary care doctor are a must to relieve pain and inflammation and prevent irreversible joint damage. Your medical provider will typically review your medical history and conduct a physical exam and imaging tests in order to diagnose psoriatic arthritis and assess the type of Continue reading @aframnews.com TX-11

African

12

American News&Issues

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