African-American News&Issue

Vol. 19 Issue 44

Greater Houston

November 24 - 30, 2014 | FREE

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All Schools Should be Magnet, Montesorri, & Commuity Based.

No Schools Should be Better Than the Other! ~Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher~

Superintendent James Colbert, Jr.

(l-r) Superintendent James Colbert, Jr., HCDE Board President Angela Chesnut, HCDE Vice-President Dr. Diane Trautman, Trustee Erica Lee Carter, Trustee Debra Kerner, Trustee Marvin Morris and Trustee Kay Smith

First African-American Superintendent for the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) See COLBERT pg. 4

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The killing of Michael Brown by a police officer is causing the youth around the Nation to rise up and demand that their rights be respected. The protest arising out of St. Louis today, where anger is seen particularly in the faces of Black youth, is rooted in a history of racial oppression in the St. Louis area which is comprised of over 90 municipalities that includes not only Ferguson Missouri, but areas such as: Hazelwood, Florissant,University City, St. Louis City, City of Bel Ridge, Clayton, Kirkwood and more.

In the St. Louis Metropolitan area the experience for many Blacks is one where they are systematically and disproportionately stopped, ticketed arrested and brutalized by police.

The neglect of youth has allowed an enemy to shape them by poor education and ready access to drugs and other vices. These factors have made it possible for the White justice system to oppress Black youth with imprisonment, excessive fines and difficult conditions of probation similar to the Black Codes, which were restrictive laws passed during the period of Reconstruction.

St. Louis is a city where many of todays’ youth have not been taught the truth of Black history in America and do not know why they as Black people are disproportionately treated as a despised race in America. The legal decision in the 1857 case of

R.D. Malonson Chairman S.A. Malonson President/C.E.O. Chandra Jarmon Production/ Sales Rebecca Jones Staff Writer Ruth Randle Distribution General: news@aframnews.com Ads: sales@aframnews.com Website: www.aframnews.com African-American News&Issues is published

by African-American News & Issues, Inc., 6130 Wheatley Street, Houston, Texas 77091, (713) 692-1892. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm. The entire contents of the paper are copyrighted by African-American News & Issues, Inc. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. African-American News&Issues is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers.

The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the publisher.

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Kn w Y ur Rights

Life in the Valley of the Shadow of Racial Profiling

Dred Scott v. Sanford denied Mr. Scott his right to freedom after he had been legally free. This case was decided in the Federal Court in downtown St. Louis and reflects a pattern of injustice that Black people in the city still experience today. Justice Roger Taney in the Dred Scott case stated his belief of the inferiority of Black people is that “they had no rights which the White man was bound to respect; and that the Negro might justly and lawfully be reduced to slavery for his benefit.” Today, we see the false perception that has been created in America and promoted thru negative stereotypes that attempt to label them as criminals, dumb, violent, poor, lazy and disrespectful.

Black people in the St. Louis Metro area including those living in Ferguson have been the victims of an intricate traffic ticket scheme in which being Black is the factor that get you stopped and targeted by police. Blacks are subjected to intense racial profiling by over reaching and abusive police resulting in excessive police stops, excessive ticketing and harassment. According to statistics from the Missouri Attorney General’s office, Black drivers were 66 percent more likely than White ones to be stopped in

Missouri based on their proportionate share of the drivingage population last year. Statistics further state that 86% of people over the age of 16 who are stopped in Ferguson are Black, while Blacks make up only 63% of the population.

Ferguson has a municipality of about 21,000 people, and there is a pattern of police stopping Black people in the St. Louis area where police harrassment has become a common way of life.

Some of the common complaints from Black drivers include: • being stopped by police and questioned with derogatory language like “What you Niggers doing in my town?”

• men going to work being stopped by police and threatened with being locked up if seen again in certain areas.

Stories are commonly told of uncles and grandfathers who as young men were stopped everyday by the police as they drove to their jobs. In these cases it would only be the intervention of the White business owners they worked for which cause the police harassment to move on. Drivers after experiencing these tactics express, terror, frustration, and anger.

Black people are also overrepresented when it comes to ticketing, arrest and issuance of fines and incarceration for ordinance violations. According to the 2013 report by the Missouri Attorney General there where 5,432 citations issued in Ferguson in the year 2013, 4676 of those were issued to Blacks. In the St. Louis Metro area it is hard for Black people to drive across the over 90 municipalities without getting a ticket. It can sometimes feel like walking a tight rope a thousand feet up in the air for Black youth who are easily preyed upon and often profiled stopped, ticketed and many times arrested for “failure to pay old tickets”. This harassment is reminiscent of the system of convict leasing where manufactured charges and petty offenses are used to justify the collection of high fines. These huge fines and difficult probations constitute cruel and unusual punishment.

Some of the outrageous examples of excessive tickets and fines are: • Police randomly run license plates of cars at a house parties and arrest attendees.

• One young man went to the municipal court to pay on his outstanding fine and was beat up by three police officers, while at court charged

e welcome all original responses Letter to the Editor W 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.

TexasTexas • November - 30, 2014 • August24 12-18, 2013

with 3 “counts of Assault on Police officers” • Random checkpoints where licenses are ran for warrants are routine.

• $100.00 ticket for allegations of driving 37 in a 35 mph.

• A man had been convicted of 19 violations and fined $12,250 and later convicted of 26 more violations and fined $6,200.

• The city of Kirkwood eventually stopped at 100 tickets and a bill of $20,000.

• In a report by the Arch City Defenders a non profit organization that represents indigent , one man claims to have been incarcerated fifteen or sixteen times over a decade on the same municipal charge (Arch Citydefenders.com) To continue reading visit us online @ www.aframnews.com

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Edit rial & Opini n Misuse of a Grand Jury Rev. Al Sharpton President, National Action Network

It has been over three months since the horrific death of unarmed teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. It has been over three months since Brown’s parents and loved ones began awaiting a semblance of justice and closure on this painful chapter in their lives.

And it’s been over three months since a community started searching for answers and justice after another one of its children died at the hands of police. Over in Staten Island, New York, we have a similar situation regarding the death of unarmed father of six Eric Garner.

Today marks exactly four months since he died after being placed in an apparent illegal chokehold by police. In both of these tragic cases, a grand jury has been convened to determine whether or not there should be criminal charges brought against the officers involved. So if the grand jury’s stated role is to simply ascertain whether or not there should be a case against the accused, then why are they acting as if this is the trial? When did a grand jury transform into a trial jury?

Following Michael Brown’s death, I went to Ferguson and met with his parents. I stood with them as they tried to hold their heads high and deal with both their immense loss and the larger issues of police-community relations.

My organization, National Action Network (NAN), was on the ground talking and meeting with people in Ferguson, just as we did in Staten Island following Eric Garner’s death. What is alarming is that after all of this time, in both cases, we are still waiting for the grand jury to come back. When there are enough witnesses who say Officer Darren Wilson acted improperly, then why not go to trial, allow both sides to present evidence and make their

case, and then let that jury determine Wilson’s guilt or innocence? And in Staten Island, when you have video showing the alleged chokehold used on Eric Garner, why not go to trial and have the officer(s) explain the tape, and then this jury can determine guilt or innocence? The tape should guarantee that there should be a trial.

Whether it is the death of Michael Brown, Eric Garner or the many others who die at the hands of police all across this country, it’s important to remember that we never get to hear their side of the story. The victims don’t have the ability to cross-examine or refute theories. They don’t have the ability to hide out somewhere for months while a grand jury deliberates. And they don’t have the ability to defend themselves as some may attempt to assassinate their character either in a courtroom or in the court of public opinion. They are dead, silenced forever.

Exact figures on the number of people killed by police are extremely difficult to locate because there really isn’t a central database of such things. But following Michael Brown’s death, The Economist ran a piece in which they claimed deaths in the U.S. from police shootings for the latest available year was 409, while in places like Japan and Britain, it was zero. If we do not begin to comprehend that we have a serious problem in the manner in which we police certain communities, then we will continue to fail the next generation. And if we do not hold everyone -- including police officers -- responsible for their actions, then we are not living up to our own standards and rule of law.

If a grand jury is hearing evidence tantamount to what they would hear in a jury trial, then what is the point of a grand jury? In Ferguson, there are witnesses who say Brown had his hands up when he was shot. That should be enough probable cause to go to trial to then determine if Officer Wilson is guilty or not.

Source: Huffington Post

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“We MUST never forget slavery, lynching, Jim Crow Laws, the disrespect of the Black race and the first Black president.”

T

Knowledge & Understanding

he United Negro College Fund established a slogan some years ago which states, “The mind is a terrible thing to waste.” I could not agree with the 70-year-old agency more. There are certain parts of the body that a person is able to survive without, but the one thing that the human body can not live without is a mind. The mind is powerful because out of the mind is the production of knowledge and understanding.

We MUST Understand that knowledge and understanding though they both may seem to have the same meaning, the truth is that they really do differ. A person can be one of the most knowledgable people to have ever walked the face of this planet. But it’s just something about when they do not have the understanding of the knowledge that they have attained. It makes a really big difference, trust me!

Knowledge is defined as, “the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association, acquaintance with or understanding of a science, art or technique, the fact or condition of being aware of something, the range of one’s information or understanding, the circumstance or condition of apprehending truth or fact through reasoning, cognition - the fact or condition of having information or of being learned.”

Understanding on the other hand is defined as having, “a mental grasp or comprehension, the power of comprehending; especially the capacity to apprehend general relations of particulars and the power to make experience intelligible by applying concepts and categories.”

Knowing what to do with knowledge can make or break a person’s entire life. I was talking to my employees the other day and explaining to them that things were extremely different back in the days when I grew up. You have people that have elaborate jobs and are making all types of incomes and yet still struggling. Addressing

the faithful and loyal readers of African-American News & Issues, you have to understand that these are the people that are full of nothing but knowledge; that they have learned from years of studying books and being taught my teachers, instructors, professors and other scholars.

Now I made reference to the days when I was a boy growing up and even before then, the elders and parents of our community made it with just a little. The ironic part is that they did not have the knowledge, but “O what an understanding” they had. Some members from our community get offended when they are offered a job paying minimum wage.

I laugh because they just don’t know or understand that our parents, grand parents and great grand parents and even us worked several jobs for less than minimum wage; while at the same time raising and providing for a household full of children that doubles, triples and even quadruples the sizes of the average households these days. But they have the nerve to complain.

I know that I’m not alone in remembering the days when our parents would work all day and night long for a couple dollars an hour and yet, no children went unfed, some were even able to graduate off of the nickels, pennies and dimes that our parents had sitting to the side. So this is just one of the reasons why I believe that the key to life is knowing how to apply your knowledge and understanding to your living. Many people just don’t have a clue but it’s just as easy as easy can be.

We MUST Understand that, the mind truly is a terrible thing to waste. Just look around you, many members from our communities are unemployed, locked up in prison, hanging out on street corners, loitering at stores and there is just a wide variety of things that have overtaken the Black community. Please make no mistake in believing that I am degrading or demeaning such persons who may be in these situations and

- Roy Douglas Malonson

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman circumstances.

Nevertheless, what I am trying to convey is that some of these individuals very well may have problems that are much larger than they are and on a much wider scale.

I am referring to the mind, majority of the problems that the human race faces start in the mind. As a matter of fact any and everything that is done is first initiated in the mind.

Knowledge and education are good assets for anyone to have.

However, acquiring knowledge for some of our people has proven to be detrimental. Even though I’m no rocket scientist and never confessed to being one, I have enough sense to know that education, knowledge, and wisdom is not what it takes to ensure that one succeeds.

As a matter of fact, during the economical hardship that the American people have been experiencing I have come across many highly-educated and sophisticated people with various degrees and no employment.

The truth of the matter is that, in this world of which we live it is going to take a little more than knowledge and education to succeed. A comprehension and application of wisdom and knowledge must first be met in order for one to truly succeed.

Anything other than that is simply an educated fool.

The Bible even states that, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” This is why I state that it is vital to be able to understand how to apply the knowledge that one has obtained.

Knowledge is a very important virtue to have, but above all you have to be able to understand what to do with it.

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COLBERT from pg. 1

Superintendent James Colbert, Jr. Harris County Department of Education (HCDE)

HOUSTON - On November 12 after the Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) Board of Trustees voted, James Colbert, Jr. was officially announced as the newly elected county school superintendent. This election has marked history within Houston’s award-winning and nation recognized HCDE, as this was the first time in 125 years that an AfricanAmerican has been chosen to fulfill this role.

Educators from around Texas, HCDE officials and board of trustees, politicians and chosen representatives, media facets and other congratulatory faces; all gathered on November 18 to attend the reception held in honor of Superintendent James Colbert, Jr..

Smiling countenances were seen all over the building as everyone offered their sincere welcomes to the superintendent, his lovely wife Angie and their admirable son, Isom to HCDE. The reception was held in the lobby of the HCDE building located at 6300 Irvington, 77022.

During the reception, Superintendent Colbert proudly stated that he told his wife after meeting the board of HCDE and having his first interview that he was inspired and that, “This is something that I really, really want to be apart of – and I will go all out, I’ll do whatever I can to get that job.” Apparently his efforts and hard work paid off as the HCDE Board of Trustees President Angie Chestnut gave her approval. She stated in a press release TX- 4

C ver St ry

that, “This board sought a highly energized, strong leader who is dedicated to providing excellent services to our school districts, students, vendors and employees. We feel confident James Colbert personifies that goal. We’re looking forward to having Mr. Colbert on our team.”

As he continued in his words of expression he explained that, “Today for me is actually a celebration - it is an opportunity to move forward in helping to support public education around Harris County.” He further expressed that, he hopes that HCDE becomes a model for how to support public education; because public education is having a tough time around the country.

“My desire is for it to be known throughout the entire state if not the country that HCDE is the number one supporter of public education and we will do everything in our power to help support our surrounding school districts and the betterment of our society”, he stated.

Colbert added, “At the core center of my very being I am an educator.” Colbert also referred to himself as a , “product and a success story of public education.” He spoke about his passion for public education and emphasized, “I can not wait to get my hands on all the people in this department in all 35 facilities so they can be as passionate as I am, as we support the business of educating children.” As he continued he acknowledged his wife who he said is his rock, along with his son who he affectionately calls his “wingman”. He also thanked his dear friends, Dr. Jim and Cynthia Scales who drove from Dallas to celebrate with him and his family on this most momentous occasion. The Superintendent rendered his final words by stating, “I feel fortunate to be apart of this organization, honored and I appreciate all of you.”

The Harris County Department of Education is an organization that was established in 1889, in the largest county of Texas. Since then, it has served the residents of Houston by, “providing educational services to the general public and 25 school districts throughout Harris County and forward.”

HCDE extends a wide range of services such as: adult education, programs to promote safe schools, after-school programs, therapy services, professional development for educators, special schools, alternative certification for principals and teachers,

Early Childhood Intervention and Head Start programs.

Additionally, the department offers: purchasing procurement, grant development, program research and evaluation, records management and school finance support.

The agency also provides services to school districts in the greater Harris County where approximately a million students are enrolled. HCDE’s year-round services are extended to children, adult learners, educators, local governments, charter schools and taxpayers, according to the department’s history.

A Man Well Equipped for the Tasks Ahead James Colbert, Jr.’s entire career has been devoted to educating students to reach their full potential. He is accompanied with quite an impressive resume from former school districts that he has been employed by. He hails from the Washington D.C. area, and attended urban schools in that region.

He excelled in sports during his school years. It was from this experience that he was awarded a track-and-field scholarship for his athleticism. This opportunity would allow him to attend the University of Texas.

Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a Master’s degree in Administration; the newly elected superintendent is not new to the field of education.

He has certifications in Texas and Tennessee that establish him in the following areas: Superintendent, Administration and Special Education.

He first came began working in the education arena at the Pfluggerville ISD. Initially he worked as a special education teacher and later as an assistant principal. After dedicating several years to the Pfluggerville ISD he moved on to the Dallas ISD, it was there that he became the principal of a 4-A high school campus.

However, he always remained loyal to his desire of wanting to become a superintendent and eventually he relocated to the state of Tennessee to jump start a career in that area. Accordingly, he served as assistant superintendent at the Hamilton County Department of Education. He supervised over 70 campuses which were responsible for at least 40,000 students.

After making great strides within the Hamilton County Department of Education he sought to return back to Texas. In doing so, he became the superintendent of the

• August24 12-18, TexasTexas • November - 30, 2013 2014

West Orange-Cove CISD in January of 2011, which is located in Orange, Texas.

The district educates 2,500 students.

During his leadership there the department maintains that, “Mr. Colbert transformed West Orange-Cove CISD from a financially challenged system to one that utilizes a positive business model. With an emphasis on academic rigor and Professional Learning Communities, Mr. Colbert has also introduced the concepts of Campus Instructional Leadership Teams, Quality Alignment Walks and Fresh Eye Walks as primary tools associated with curriculum and instruction.”

The former school district that Colbert served as Superintendent at, also described him as a “fearless advocate for students”; and one who “exercises a straight-forward, systemic approach to leadership and believes strongly in the empowerment of others.”

Furthermore they illuminate certain talents that he has by revealing that, “his exceptional abilities related to strategic planning, thinking ‘outside the box’, and communicating are strengths which allow him to effectively build solid community relationships and positive momentum.”

Throughout his tenure at the West Orange-Cove CISD he implemented several initiatives to assist with moving the school district forward inclusive with projects such as: “developing a district-wide Instructional Support plan, passing a qualified school construction bond, passing a tax ratification election, developed a model academic alternative campus that focused on earning placement credit, as well as incorporating a weekly newsletter for the board of trustees.”

Also, according to the school board, he is accredited to, “the District facilitating a district-wide raise for all staff while also implementing an equity adjustment to the pay scale” under his administration.

Throughout the years, Colbert has held a variety of positions that serve to promote the enhancement of public education services.

A few of those entitlements include: serving as Vice-Chairperson at the State Executive Committee for the University Interscholastic League, member of the Orange Rotary Club and Lamar University College of Education Advisory Board, board member of the West Orange Cove CISD Education Foundation and the Orange County United Way. Story By: Rebecca S. Jones

Texas • November 24 - 30, 2014

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HCDE Community Reception

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The City of Houston’s Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) has initiated work on the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan (Con Plan), 2015 Action Plan (Action Plan), and the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) and has scheduled its Fall Public Hearings on the Con Plan, Action Plan and AI for Thursday, December 4, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. in the Southwest Multi-Service Center (6400 High Star, Houston, TX 77074) and for Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. in the Neighborhood Resource Center (815 Crosby Street, Houston, TX 77019). The purpose of these two (2) hearings is to present preliminary findings for the Needs Assessment, including information from the Community Needs Survey and the existing housing and economic data for Houston in the development of the 2015-2019 Con Plan, Action Plan and AI, due to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in May 2015.

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African American News&Issues 7 What’s Happenin’ Thursday Dec 13 - Dec 14 27 Thursday 6 Saturday 9 Tuesday Huston-Tillotson Acres Home Library Acres Homes Neighborhood 4 Saturday - Sunday Christmas Musical Computer Class Thanksgiving Feast

Texas • November 24 - 30, 2014

November

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Wednesday Texas Workforce Comm & Texas Veterans Comm Website Launch 300 Cheyenne St Killeen, Texas 76542 Beginning at 11am For more info contact: (512) 463-8942 Thursday Acres Home Library Computer Class 8501 West Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 12pm For more info contact: 832-393-1700

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Friday Reliant Energy Holiday Tree Lighting City Hall 901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 Beginning at 6pm For more info contact: (832) 393-0868 Friday Acres Home Library Bilingual Story Time (Ages 4-8) 8501 West Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 3:30pm For more info contact: 832-393-1700 Saturday Acres Home Chamber for Bus. & Eco. Dev, Inc. Digital Computer Class 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 10am -12pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161

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Saturday Buck Street Memorial Women of Inspiration Conference & Luncheon 3510 Deschaumes St. Houston, TX 77026 From 10am - 2pm For more info contact: (713) 674-7549

Saturday Heart of Faith Worship Center Mother/Daughter Bond Luncheon 12275 Homestead Rd. Houston, TX 77050 Beginning at 12pm For more info contact: (281) 590-1124 Saturday Super Neighborhoods Acres Homes Tree Lighting Ceremony 7615 W. Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77091 From 6pm - 7:30pm For more info contact: (832) 731-2669 Saturday Dwight Boykins Holiday Tree Lighting & Kwanzaa Celebration Almeda , Houston, TX 77045 From 2pm to 9pm For more info contact: (832) 283-2087 Saturday Derric Muhammad Black Male Summit 4141 Victory Dr. Houston, TX 77088 From 10am - 2pm For more info contact: (832)338-6719

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Sunday Huston-Tillotson University Choir Christmas Musical 900 Chicon Street, Austin, Texas, 78702.

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8501 West Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 12pm For more info contact: 832-393-1700 Tuesday Acres Home Library Pajama Story Time 8501 West Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 6:30pm For more info contact: 832-393-1700 Thursday Acres Home Library Computer Help 8501 West Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 12pm For more info contact: 832-393-1700 Friday New Life Tabernacle 12 Step & Al Anon 3021 DeSoto St Houston, TX 77091 Beginning at 7:30pm For more info contact: (713) 263-9700 Friday 2014 De Anne Annual Luncheon for Seniors Community Unsung Heros 3611 Ennis St Houston, TX 77004 From 1pm to 3pm For more info contact: (713) 882-1154 Saturday Acres Home Library Book Club 8501 West Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 1pm For more info contact: 832-393-1700

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Dec 13 - Dec 14 Saturday - Sunday H-E-B Nzuri Natural Hair Expo 1 Reliant Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054 Beginning at 10am For more info contact: 1(866) 578-2008

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Tuesday Acres Home Library Computer Class 8501 West Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 12pm For more info contact: 832-393-1700 Thursday Acres Home Library Computer Help 8501 West Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 12pm For more info contact: 832-393-1700 Saturday Acres Home Chamber for Bus. & Eco. Dev, Inc. Digital Computer Class 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 10am -12pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161

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Church of Lincoln City FBC Praise Dancers 844 Fortune St Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 11:30am For more info contact: (832) 892-5078 Tuesday Acres Home Library Pajama Story Time 8501 West Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 6:30pm For more info contact: 832-393-1700

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Religion

Texas • November 24 - 30, 2014

Gospel Hill B.C. celebrates “Men’s Month on the Hill”

Black Kollectibles & F lowers le Availab Now! 2015 - 16 Month Wall Calendar w/ Matching Gift Envelope 12 x 12

Front View 1st row (l-r) L.D. Dixon, Winfred Seawood, Len Mitchell, Leotha Mitchell and Pastor Fred Dixon, Jr. 2nd row (l-r) Fred Wright Sr., Fred Wright Jr., Jerry Dixon, Rev. T. Wilson and Rev. S. Alexander 3rd row (l-r) Rev. W. Ervin, Rev. D. Dixon, Derrick Dixon, Rev. H. Pipkins, R.D. Watkins and DJ Dixon

HOUSTON – Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Gospel Hill Missionary Baptist Church located at 3919 Wipprecht Street, 77026 under the leadership of (Pastor and Founder) Rev. Dr. Fred Dixon, Jr. are in the midst of celebrating their Men’s Month.

On November 9, they held their Men’s Annual Day. Pastor Lee Skinner of the Good Shepherd Missionary Baptist Church was the guest speaker of the service. The entire month of November is observed as Gospel Hill’s “Men’s Month on the Hill”. The theme is Men Anchored in Christ. The Brotherhood President is Deacon Winfred Seawood. For more information about upcoming services or events contact the church at (713) 675-7068.

Photo Credit & Article by: Janet Ford

A Soldier was Laid to Rest: Pastor Emeritus Melvin Smith

HOUSTON – Born on November 28, 1928 to Ed and Bertha Smith in Simonton was Melvin Smith. Young Smith grew accustomed to country living along with eight siblings, six sisters and two brothers. He was baptized during a revival at West Mount Olive Baptist Church and developed a passion for baseball, both at an early age.

In 1948 he married his childhood sweetheart, Estella Mae; to their union were nine children added, eight sons and one daughter. Although he had begun living in Houston with his family, Smith eventually moved his family back to his birthplace of Simonton and headed out for California to pursue his life-long dream, baseball. While he made major strides in baseball, he and his family later moved to Houston where he played for the “Clodine Hard Hitters”. Though Smith continued to play baseball the Lord dealt with him in the ministry, using baseball analogies to catch his attention. Eventually, he became a Sunday School teacher and from there to Superintendent in addition to serving on the Deacon board.

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He preached his first sermon in November of 1965 and served as Assistant Pastor to Pastor Tommie Lewis. After the loss of his pastor, Rev. Melvin Smith was elected to serve as pastor.

From 1967 up until 2013, Pastor Melvin spiritually guided and led St. James MBC located in the Carverdale section of Houston. Under his leadership over 40 ministers have been trained and ordained.

Additionally, three of his own sons have hearkened unto the voice of God and are operating as ministers today.

During his tenure as pastor for forty-six years, he has made tremendous footsteps in the gospel as well as his community.

Just a list of Smith’s accomplishments are: leading and sustaining a plethora of souls within the body of Christ, performed divers wedding ceremonies and baby christenings, president of the Carverdale Minister’s Alliance, member of the Carverdale Civic Club, organized Juneteenth parades for over a decade, acquired three to four properties for the expansion use of parking, built a new fellowship hall, refurbished the sanctuary, acquired a church bus and two

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vans, hosted several tent revivals and organized several auxiliaries within the church.

He was featured on Channel 2 KPRC, and this is just to state the least. He has also received various proclamations for the work that he has done from, Mayor Bill White, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Senator John Whitmire and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett who proclaimed September 27, 2007 and then again two years later on the exact same day as “Pastor Melvin Smith Day in the City of Houston”.

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Health

Texas • November 24 - 30, 2014

HOUSTON – The month of November is Pancreatic Cancer Month. Therefore, having a better understanding of what this disease is, the symptoms and signs, risk factors, statistics relating to the African-American community, tips for prevention, treatment options will better help the Black community to understand it.

The incidence of pancreatic cancer is 50 - 90% higher in AfricanAmericans than in any other racial group in the United States. Not only is pancreatic cancer more common among African-Americans, but African-Americans also have the poorest prognosis of any racial group because they often are diagnosed with advanced, and therefore, inoperable cancer.

African-Americans also are less likely to receive surgery than any other racial group in the United States. Many studies have been conducted to determine why there is an increased risk of pancreatic cancer among African-Americans. These studies suggest that environmental and socioeconomic factors may be important. Cigarette smoking, which causes about 25% of pancreatic cancer, is more common among African-Americans and therefore may partially explain why pancreatic cancer is more common in African-

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Solomon Carter Fuller, M.D., was the first known Blackpsychiatrist in America and a pioneer among Alzheimer’s Champions.

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Americans. Other risk factors for pancreatic cancer that are more common in African-Americans include diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis and being overweight.

Pancreatic cancer occurs when the cells within the tissues of the pancreas become cancerous. The disease forms in one of two different types of glands: exocrine (glands that make enzymes to aid digestion) and endocrine (hormone-making glands). Exocrine tumors comprise about 95 percent of pancreatic cancer cases. The prognosis and treatment of endocrine cancers of the pancreas vary from the more common exocrine cancers because they may have different causes, symptoms, and treatment methods.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Texas. The survival rates for pancreatic cancer are lower than most other forms of cancer, with only 6 percent of newly diagnosed patients expected to survive more

than five years. The low survival rates can be attributed in part to the lack of symptoms during the early stages of the disease and the lack of a reliable screening test.

Statistics Pancreatic cancer ranks as the fourth deadliest cancer in the United States after cancers of the lung, colon, and breast.

In 2014, an estimated 46,420 people will be diagnosed and 39,590 deaths are expected in the U.S. In Texas, an estimated 2,909 new cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed in 2014, with 2,745 deaths expected.

Risk Factors Age: The risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age, with nearly all patients diagnosed after age 45. The average age at diagnosis is 71.

Race: African Americans face a higher risk of pancreatic cancer than do whites.

Tobacco: People who use

tobacco are approximately twice as likely to have pancreatic cancer.

Weight: Those who are obese and those with extra weight around the waist face an increased risk of the disease.

Family History: Those with a family history of the disease have an increased risk for pancreatic cancer.

In some cases, the incidence of pancreatic cancer in a family may be associated with a genetic mutation.

Genetic tests may identify a person’s risk for the disease.

Health Conditions: Pancreatic cancer is more common in diabetics and in some cases the cancer appears to cause diabetes. Chronic pancreatitis due to a gene mutation; cirrhosis of the liver; and excess stomach acid or the bacteria H. pylori also increase risk. Industrial Exposure: Increased risk is associated with long-term exposure to some pesticides, dyes, and chemicals.

Symptoms and Signs Because the pancreas is located deep in the body, physicians often are unable to detect tumors during a regular checkup visit. When symptoms begin to appear, pancreatic cancer has often grown to an advanced stage and metastasized to surrounding organs, leading to a lower survival rate. If any of these symptoms are experienced, consult a physician:

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and it is time that African-Americans gain knowledge about what is highly affecting Black’s health. Because African-Americans are more likely to have vascular disease (disorders affecting the circulatory system), they may also be at greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s disease was first identified more than 100 years ago, but research into its symptoms, causes, risk factors and treatment has gained momentum only in the last 30 years. Although research has revealed a great deal about Alzheimer’s, much is yet to be discovered about the precise biologic changes that cause Alzheimer’s, why it progresses at different rates among affected individuals, and how the disease can be prevented, slowed or stopped.

Many Americans dismiss the warning signs of Alzheimer’s, believing that these symptoms are a normal part of aging. This is of even greater concern for African-Americans, who are two times more likely to develop late-onset Alzheimer’s disease than whites and less likely to have a diagnosis of their condition, resulting in less time for treatment and planning.

By working together, we hope to reduce the risk factors and reverse the growing trend of Alzheimer’s disease among African-Americans.

Alzheimer’s disease affects people in different ways. The most common initial symptom is a gradually worsening ability to remember new information. This occurs because the first neurons to malfunction and die are usually neurons in brain regions involved in forming new

memories. As neurons in other parts of the brain malfunction and die, individuals experience other difficulties.

The following are common symptoms of Alzheimer’s: • Memory loss that disrupts daily life.

• Challenges in planning or solving problems.

• Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure.

• Confusion with time or place.

• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.

• New problems with words in speaking or writing.

• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.

• Decreased or poor judgment.

• Withdrawal from work or social activities.

• Changes in mood and personality, including apathy and depression.

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Yellowing of the skin or eyes • Discomfort in the mid-back or abdomen • Diabetes • Unintentional weight loss • Difficulty digesting fatty foods • Pale stools, dark urine • Blood clots • Uneven texture of fatty tissue under the skin Tips for Prevention While there is no definite way to prevent pancreatic cancer, men and women can actively take steps to decrease their risk. Because smokers face a significantly increased risk, everyone should avoid smoking, as the use of tobacco also increases risk for a number of other cancer types. In addition, obesity can further complicate pancreatic cancer, so maintaining a healthy body weight through proper nutrition and consistent physical activity is recommended.

Treatment Treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients often include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.

The greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is advanced age. Most people with Alzheimer’s disease are diagnosed at age 65 or older. People younger than 65 can also develop the disease, although this is much rarer.

While age is the greatest risk factor, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging and advanced age alone is not sufficient to cause the disease.

Individuals who have a parent, brother or sister with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease than those who do not have a firstdegree relative with Alzheimer’s.

Those who have more than one first-degree relative with Alzheimer’s are at even higher risk.

Continue reading online www.aframnews.com By: American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, John Hopkins Medicine and Texas Cancer Registry

African-Americans Are at a Higher Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

To continue reading visit us online @www.aframnews.com From The Alzheimers Association TX-9

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Texas HBCU Corner

Texas • November 24 - 30, 2014

Support OUR Texas HBCUs! If WE don’t, then who will?

‘Celebrating the Season’ Features the Huston-Tillotson University Concert Choir During Austin and Round Rock Performances

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AUSTIN - The Huston-Tillotson University Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Gloria Quinlan, will present their annual Christmas musical, “Celebrating the Season,” during Austin and Round Rock performances. The annual holiday concert of traditional carols with combinations of classical, jazz, and international Christmas favorites, will also showcase the HT Elite Combo under the direction of Dr. Javier

Stuppard, during the campus concert.

Proceeds from a $15 donation will benefit the music scholarship fund.

Admission for students is $5 with a valid student identification card. Donations only during the Round Rock concert.

For event details see page 7.

PRAIRIE VIEW - In what can only be described as an historic moment at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), the $60 million dollar Football Stadium & Athletic Field House project scope and budget were approved by the Texas A&M System Board of Regents. The 2-year project, slated to begin in December, includes the demolition of the existing Blackshear Field and the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility in the same location. The complex will feature a 15,000-seat stadium, with the capability of expansion to 30,000-seats.

Planned stadium amenities include: • West side (home) grandstand capacity of 9,000 and east side grandstand capacity of 6,000 • Artificial turf playing surface • Press level • Covered concourse including concessions and merchandising space • Premium seating and luxury seats The Athletic Field House immediately adjacent to the stadium will house a strength and conditioning area, sports medicine suite, team meeting rooms,

academic support space and locker rooms.

“Indeed this is truly a momentous occasion for the entire Prairie View A&M University community,” said Dr. George C. Wright, President, Prairie View A&M University. “Alumni, students, faculty and staff wanted a state of the art, first class facility that was worthy of our beloved Panthers and we all worked together to make the dream come to fruition. We are excited to be moving forward from the initial planning to the approval stage and we will be breaking ground in the coming month.”

About Blackshear Stadium For 66 years, Blackshear Stadium, formally known as Blackshear Field, served as the home field for the Prairie View A&M University Panther football team as well as the track & field teams. The stadium is named after Edward L. Blackshear, a former principal of the university who served from 1897 to 1915.

The 1948 Football team were the first team to play in Blackshear stadium and since then the team has brought home 11 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) titles and 5 national championships.

Prairie View A&M University to Break Ground for Multi-Million Dollar Football Stadium and Athletic Field House

Texas • November 24 - 30, 2014

Educati n/Y uth

African

American News&Issues

JJ’s I’m Me Tour: A Positive Influence for Girls

P

op Quiz: How many positive images of women in today’s entertainment, especially for young girls, can you come up with?

I know of a few and I had the honor of meeting one of them this past Saturday.

Jillian “JJ” Simmons has fifteen years under her belt in radio broadcasting. She has crisscrossed the country enthralling listeners from various cities such as: Cincinnati, Dayton, New York City, Indianapolis and now Houston on the popular Hip Hop and R&B station KBXX-FM 97.9 The Box. Over the years she has interviewed countless celebrities and public figures such as President Barack Obama on “JJ On the Mic”. However, there is a lot more to her aside of her job as a radio personality.

JJ is the founder of the I’m Me Foundation, a non-profit organization providing positive social experiences, character building training and self worth to young women through education and entertainment. Due to her experience in music and media, she sees the influence that today’s industry has on young girls. “With girls not being able to see many positives images on TV or the media, we felt there was a need to expose these girls to amazing, positive women in the community,” she expresses on her official I’m Me Foundation website.

After learning more about the “JJ’s I’m Me Tour” I knew that I wanted to attend her next event. To my excitement it was just days away and set to be hosted at Cypress Springs High School in Houston.

The moment I entered into the room I was greeted by her wonderful volunteer staff who were sporting the

official “I’m Me” t-shirts. They were preparing to receive approximately 80 high school girls. I introduced myself to JJ, and I was pleasantly taken in by her warm, down-to-earth and confident spirit. Her smile is contagious! I informed her that I learned about her event by way of DJ Honey B and I wanted to support her efforts in inspiring young girls.

She was delighted and welcomed me to do just that.

Toward the front of the main meeting room, where all of the girls would be, were pretty pink gift bags organized on a table; enough for each of the girls who would be present.

Within minutes the young ladies, who were eagerly waiting in the school cafe, were making their way into the room. Seeing them on a Saturday morning put a huge smile on my face. I said to one of the workshop facilitators, “Wow, how did they get...”, and before I could finish my question she said, “...all of these girls to commit to coming in on a Saturday”? I said, “Yes!” She looked at me and replied, “I have no idea.”

It was certainly a beautiful sight, and it brought back memories of my high school days seeing a variety of girls who are still learning about themselves.

Once they were seated, JJ gave them a warm and enthusiastic welcome. She introduced each of the I’m Me facilitators and the workshop they would lead; Beauty/ Style, Health/Fitness, Etiquette and Goal Setting. As I watched I thought to myself, “These girls will not only acquire tools for building self-love, but they will also see the proper way of interacting with each other.”

After the workshop facilitators

girls building each other up. Again, the thought I had earlier crossed my mind that these young ladies will learn how to properly interact with one another as a result of attending this I’m Me event.

After everyone introduced themselves, JJ held up a total of three photos of female celebrities, one at a time. Her question for the group was, “What do you think people think about these women?” The first image was a very naturally beautiful Beyonce, with loose spiral curls in a sweater that fell slightly off of her shoulder. There was a positive response by the girls to this photo of Beyonce. JJ’s next question was, “If this was your doctor, what would you think?” Again, another positive response.

The next photo was

were introduced, the volunteers began passing out the I’m Me Tour Passports to each girl indicating which breakout session they would attend. I decided to attend the Beauty/Style session first that was being led by JJ. This would be my first time hearing her speak in this capacity, and I was very eager to hear what she would share.

Once we were comfortably seated, JJ asked each girl to introduce herself and name one thing they thought was beautiful about themselves. For some, high school can be the most exciting years of our lives, yet, for others this time can be very scary.

The first girl stood Girls patric ipated and softly said her in “G oal Se tting” name and, with slight hesitation, activit ies admitted that she didn’t know what of Nicki was beautiful about herself. My heart Minaj. The moment JJ paused for a moment. She had beauheld up the photo, the mood of the tiful chocolate brown skin with a shy girls went from excited to displeased. yet amazing smile. She had the most Their response to Nicki Minaj was adorable dimples that appeared each quite strong and not so upbeat. I time she laughed even if it was a nerwas very intrigued by this. They vous laugh. She had long black hair immediately began discussing how and was quite possibly an athlete. inappropriate her outfit was. A couple JJ said, “That’s okay. We’ll help you of girls said her clothes would be find something beautiful about yourokay for a club, however, the young self.” She asked the rest of group to lady seated in front of me said, “That name what they thought was beautioutfit isn’t appropriate anywhere.” I ful about the young girl. Immediately think JJ was just as taken aback as I hands flew up. JJ picked about three was by their remarkable comments. girls to share what they thought was JJ asked the girls, “When a man sees beautiful about the young lady. You this what does he think?” One girl could see the change in her demeansaid, “That she’s easy.” JJ’s said, or almost immediately. It was one of “She could be a doctor, but would the most powerful demonstrations of

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anyone take her seriously?” The girls gave a unanimous, “No!” JJ explained to the girls that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. She could very well have a good heart, but her (Nicki Minaj’s) appearance may not speak very well of her and what may be on the inside.

She continued explaining that people make judgments about us based on our presentation.

The final photo was of Oprah Winfrey. It got a little quiet. JJ asked the girls if they knew who she was and what they think when they see her. The top three thoughts the girls responded with were money, beauty, and “not like Nicki Minaj.” That last one tickled me! Although it began to materialize for some of the girls, JJ shared some of Oprah’s accomplishments. “Oprah is consistent in how she carries herself.”

I need to make a special note here that when the young girls were discussing each image the term “sexy” was used quite often. JJ said in her motherly voice, “Y’all don’t have to worry about being sexy right now.” I thought that was very commendable to redirect their thinking away from “sexy” especially due to how young they are.

After that exercise, JJ began sharing a little bit of her own struggle with her self-image when she was younger.

She opened up about a unique skin condition she has called vitiligo, which is what Michael Jackson had.

She told us a story about a relationship she was in where her boyfriend told her that he didn’t like her spots.

He told her that she should get a tattoo to cover it. She held up her left hand and showed us the tattoo and admitted that it was, “the worst mistake I made, because it told me someone else’s opinion means more than my own.” She continued by sharing how she has larger spots on her back, and that her boyfriend told her she should get a tattoo of a big dragon to cover it up.

To continue reading visit us online @ www.aframnews.com

By Ebony S. Muhammad TX-11

African

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Texas • November 24 - 30, 2014

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Prices Good Wednesday, November 26 Thru Tuesday, December 2, 2014 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.

Some items may not be available in all stores. Items not valid at Central Market. Due to the popularity of our Extra Low Prices Every Day, we reserve the right to limit quantities. Limit Rights Reserved. We Accept Lone Star Card, WIC And Manufacturers’ Coupons. ©2014 HEB, 14-1877 visit www.heb.com

HOU-12

7 - 9 oz.

That’s up to

1.58

$

free!

Llévatelo GET

¡gratis! free! with in-store coupon

Oscar Mayer P3 Portable Protein Pack

2 oz. assorted varieties

Llévatelo

¡gratis!