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African-American News and Issues Newspaper

VOL. 22 ISSUE 31

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Did you know?

Freedman’s Cemetery

Greater Houston Area

America on Fire Part 1 - Riots, Racism and Hate...Oh My!!!

Photo Credit: David Cole

Thousands of African Americans who gathered here to start a new life after the Civil War. In the following years, they built a buzzing neighborhood of shotgun style homes, lively churches and saloons described like “the devil’s rest stop on Earth.” They called it Freedman’s town.

This area of Dallas County was settled by former African American slaves shortly after the conclusion of the American Civil War. Freedman’s Cemetery, a graveyard for African Americans, was established in 1869 on one acre of land purchased by trustee Sam Eakins.

Another 3 acres was acquired for cemetery purposes in 1879 by trustees A. Wilhite, Frank Read, A. Boyd, T. Watson, George English, Silas Pitman, and the Rev. A. R. Griggs, a former slave who later became a prominent local church leader and champion of early public education for the African American community.

The community of churches, commercial enterprises, and residences that had developed in this area by the turn of the 20th century was by 1912 a part of the City of Dallas.

SEE PG 4

“Violence begets violence; hate begets hate; and toughness begets a greater toughness. It is all a descending

spiral, and the end is destruction — for everybody. Along the way of life, someone must have enough sense and morality to cut off the chain of hate.” ~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Back in the 1920s, Dallas City Planner George E. Kessler purchased The Houston and Texas Central Railroad (H&TC) and the Texas and Pacific Railroad (T&P), which ran through the heart of Freedman’s Town.

Construction of the Central Expressway through here in the 1930s virtually eliminated all physical above-ground reminders of the cemetery.

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African

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American News&Issues

Editorial & Opinion

Playing Devil’s Advocate on Monuments & History The Black Whisperer Darwin Campbell, Senior Journalist

I

t was the late Maya Angelou who said, “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”

As America lives through the nightmares of its own history, it continues to dog us like an inescapable bad dream that we keep torturing each other with over and over again.

We lie to ourselves and say we

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

Production/Editor

Kimberly Taylor

Production Asst.

Darwin Campbell

Senior Journalist

Chelsea Davis-Bibb

Journalist

Rebecca S. Jones

Contributing Writer

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Letter to the Editor

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e welcome all original responses from our readers to content found in the African-American News&Issues.

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

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want to forgive and we want to forget, but just like Bill Murray in the movie ‘Groundhog Day’ we keep waking up and repeating and reliving the same things – and it appears we like this kind of dramatic torture.

Today’s Americans are a nation of sick, spoiled and coddled bunch of belly-aching milk toasts who don’t understand how to be thankful and have failed to count the blessings we enjoy and take for granted.

Freedom – the bedrock founding principle in the United States Constitution.

For 241 years this great democracy has survived and endured the aches and pains of war, hatred, slavery, hardships, disasters, bad leadership and financial ruin and we still survive because of our courage and endurance as a people.

Many of the complainers about President Donald Trump did not even have the patriotic gall to go to the polls to cast a ballot on election day, so You got what you paid for… at least for four years.

Now, what are these sniveling whimp masters trying to do. Erase American history?

Is it bad enough that history has been bungled and taught improperly in public school systems that now its visible remnants are under attack and being vandalized across the country.

The First Amendment is For ALL Americans – Like it or not...

that person’s right to hate as much as another persons right to love.

Some actions and words may get on my nerves, but as long as that individual practices and promotes his beliefs withing the framework of the law without attempting to hurt or violate my personal space or freedoms, I can stay away from him or her and don’t have to go and find him, get in his face or to tell him I disagree to the point of wanting to eliminate his voice.

God gave all of us free will and it is not in my power to force hatred on a person no more that it is to force love on a hater.

Force creates friction and that friction results in Chaos like that of New Orleans, Charlottesville, Virginia and North Carolina and other places.

I am a proponent of what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. espoused as a Christian and a peacemaker. Hate has no place in creating the kind of Republic where we respect one another’s right to free speech, protest and to agree and disagree.

But tearing down and destroying historical statues goes too far. Erasing history is not the answer.

Cases in Point

Located in downtown Washington, D.C., the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial honors Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy and the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice.

As both a dedicated military veteran and a career journalist, I support the principles of the First Amendment – even if I disagree with something another American holds dear.

Stone Mountain in Georgia is set up and preserved by state law as a protected Confederate memorial and features the famous Confederate faces of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.

Three Confederate war leaders on the face of state-owned Stone Mountain who defended slavery and tried to destroy the union but now talk has surfaced about facing the possibility of erasure of the monument using a large sandblaster.

Both monuments from two different eras of history and both still sharing key lesson about living in America.

We must be very careful because the passion we share for MLK Jr and his accomplishments to Black history and civil rights is in a parallel weird kind of way the same passion that those whose believe in the historical failures of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.

Now we stand at the crossroads where if you don’t like my position, the only alternative is to shut me out or shun my ideas. That is not the American way.

The right to protest is protected whether we like what is being promoted or not.

I am not a fan of hate and really dislike the idea that someone would promote hate in our great society, but I served in the military to protect

1960s, becoming an icon through his incredible speeches and his use of nonviolent resistance. He led the famous March on Washington in 1963, where he gave his legendary “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Opened to the public in 2011, the memorial is the fourth in Washington, DC to honor a non-president and the first to honor a man of color. The site was designed as a lasting tribute to Dr. King’s legacy and will forever serve as a monument to the freedom, opportunity and justice for which he stood.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the most prominent leaders of the civil rights movement in the

Our sister Maya Angelou was correct is here assessment that we cannot undo the pains of 400 years of slavery or the wrongs committed against us or our ancestors.

It our duty not to be judges or relive past historical black holes or

Texas • August 21 - 27, 2017 dwell in them forever.

We have to develop a stronger positive mindset that nurtures the kind of unity that overcomes, dominates and towers over the hateful words, actions and messages of those who want constant conflict, division, chaos and destruction to befall the land of the free.

Angelou asserted that Part of having history means learning from it.

What Have We learned?

Pulling down statues and erasing history does not change the fact that history happened.

It fuels and stokes the flames of hatred and totally unravels the ability to communicate and solve conflicts.

I don’t like what the Romans and Jews did to Jesus Christ, but I am not ready to boycott Jerusalem or tear down all wooden crosses or destroy the Roman Coliseum where thousands of my brothers and sisters were ridiculed and brutally murdered by hungry lions.

Acting out and projecting anger against history does not change history. Erasing it does not either.

Gen. Robert E. Lee is not one of my all time favorites list and neither is President Andrew Jackson, but both are part of American History. I accept that.

America is what she is today because our freedoms helped frame our national personality and preserve the freedoms we all enjoy and take for granted daily.

Before we get too emotional about tearing and ripping down monuments, think about how some of those same people you now are offended by could turn on sacred symbols and statues representing Christ, the Apostles, Mary and other monuments, including great markers reminding us of our rich heritages of Black History and Church History.

History… “if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”

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TEXAS • AUGUST 21 - 27, 2017

Editorial & Opinion

I WON’T Apologize for Being BLACK Sorry, Not Sorry The Overflow

By Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed

“Racism is man’s gravest threat to man-the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason.”

-Abraham Joshua Heschel Like the title stated, I won’t apologize for being Black! To be honest, I don’t understand why my skin color offends so many people. Can you explain it? The only thing I seem to understand fully is I’m Black, and some people hate me for it. Last time I checked, if you cut me, I bleed just like everyone else. Last time I checked, I have to die one day, just like everyone else. So please…I’m begging you… why am I so hated for the way I look?

Growing up in school, I learned a lot about the horrors of slavery. My parents even told stories of some of the things they even went through. I have also heard stories from my elders.

It was hard to believe that things did happen the way they were told. It’s also hard to believe all of the things that are taking place right now. I am literally witnessing my history book from school come alive, and it’s sad.

I’ve read about the Ku Klux Klan, and White supremacy, but it’s a different feeling when it is happening right in front of you.

My dad stated, “One of the defining features of real love is kindness.”

I don’t see love or kindness right now in our world. Racism, hatred, and violence are what have taken over.

Although it isn’t new, and these traits have always existed, it is still sad to witness. Our world could be so much better united, yet we keep filtering racism and hatred. Its senseless and innocent lives being affected due to foolishness.

One thing I’ve learned is that racism and hatred is a learned behavior.

It’s taught! I look at little children all the time and they just melt my heart.

Their innocence is what makes me happy. I saw two kids playing one day. One kid was White and the other kid was Black. They just played with each other and laughed, and just had a good time. They didn’t know about skin color. They didn’t know about slavery. They didn’t know about the tension that has taken form across the world. They didn’t know about the senseless killings. They didn’t have a care in the world. After I went on about my day, I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen to these kids, as they got older. What will happen to them when they learn about the truth of our past? What will they think of each other then? Will they still be friends, or will they fall into the evils of society?

To the racist individuals, I will never apologize for my skin color.

I will never be ashamed of who I am, and what God created me to be.

However, there are a few things that I am sorry for. I am sorry that people feel as if this is the way our world should be. I am sorry for the people we have lost because of nonsense. I am sorry that we may never see peace and unity in this lifetime, and I am sorry for the innocent kids that have to grow up and witness what should be behind us. For that, I am sorry.

I pray for the individuals who were affected by the horrific act of violence in Virginia, and my prayers and thoughts are with the family of the young lady who lost her life.

If I could only talk to those who have gone before us. I wonder what Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcom X, and all of those who fought so hard for unity and peace…what would they say?

I want kids one day, but I often wonder why? Especially if they have to grow up in a world like this. What we do now, and what is occurring now will be read years after we are gone. Is this what we want to leave our kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and etc.? The present is listening and witnessing everything that is taking place, but the future will be reading.

Continue reading online @ www.aframnews.com

African

American News&Issues

Racist Hatred Runs Deep

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early fifty years ago, one of the greatest Civil Rights leaders of our time was assassinated. Prior to the late Dr. Martin Luther King’s death, he maintained and preached about his dream of African-Americans simply being granted the right to be treated as equals. He envisioned a world where his children and our children could live in colorblind nation; he foresaw a place where AfricanAmericans would be judged by the content of our character. With a hopeful heart, he once said,

“

I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”

Although Dr. King dreamed of a brighter day and while AfricanAmericans have overcome in some ways, the truth is that we have yet to truly overcome the vices of racism in this country. Racist hatred in these United States runs deep! The constant slurs, insinuations, strife and tensions that exist amongst those who do not look like us remain so subtle that they are often overlooked and are just a norm within society.

In an era where some mis-educated people believed we Africans living in America had arrived, the truth revealed itself worldwide.

The racial attitude that has plagued this nation since its inception, fervently surfaced in the face of former President Barack Obama.

To that regard, racist hatred was so deep when President Obama was

first elected that he was subjected to blatant disrespect by the Head of the Senate Republicans, Mitch McConnell. McConnell had no problem with showing that he had no intention of cooperating with President Obama, from day one. He also imposed his racist mentality on the rest of the party. With complete disregard for the executive power that the former President had, he assured that he would see to it that President Obama would not be reelected to a second term.

It does not matter that the first recorded Black POTUS has left an impeccable mark in history, contrary to what many others believed he would have. During the time that President Obama took office the country was falling off the fiscal cliff, the global economic system was hanging in the balance and the nation was literally moments away from another Great Depression. These United States were in turmoil and total devastation and even with the Republican Party working against him in a power war; President Obama still managed to turn the nation around.

However, these topics are rarely talked about and are swept under a rug as if it was some nightmare that the country never actually witnessed.

Furthermore, President Obama’s administration ruled the nation with pride and dignity, even in the face of adversity. His family represented the United States very well everywhere that they went, whether it was individually or collectively. The man was a pure genius, but he is still hated simply because of the color of his skin. Again I state, “Racist Hatred Runs Deep!”.

It is because African-American News&Issues is a publication that thrives off of highlighting current and historical realities affecting our communities, that I find it relevant for me to address issues such as these. We MUST Understand that racist attitudes and dispositions ran deep centuries ago and are still at work amongst us today. I urge our readers to take a look at our history and see what’s really being done here. We MUST Understand that wasn’t no Black man ever supposed

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We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

to be elected to the level of presidency in many people eyes. So, it means nothing to people that don’t care for the color of his skin to wipe out the legacy and accomplishments that he left on record. In fact, to this day there is still a fight to ensure that a negative image of the former President is portrayed in the history books, despite all of the progress that he made during his tenure.

As if the constant rhetoric stirred up by current President Donald Trump, wasn’t enough in regards to the former President’s birth certificate; it seems as if his administration’s total agenda has been to focus on destroying the policies that President Obama put in place.

Instead of Donald Trump trying to do something about the mess that he has created for himself, he chooses to offset his own issues. Throughout President Obama’s entire duration in office there were never any negative allegations regarding obstruction or any other type of malfeasance brought up against him. This is one factor alone that President Trump has already failed in, with just a little over half a year in office. Yet it seems as if it’s just the popular thing to do, to keep all eyes on the Black man.

Concluding I would just like to echo the words of Rev. Al Sharpton who said,

“…discrimination and inequality still saturate our society in modern ways. Though, racism may be less blatant now in many cases, its existence is undeniable.”

That’s all because as I stated, “Racist Hatred Runs Deep!”

- END TX-3

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African

American News&Issues

FIRE from pg. 1

HOUSTON - Like the Wizard of Oz’s Dorothy, America is slowly walking the yellow brick road that is slowly opening the door to a new kind of Civil War – This time it involves a younger generation of Americans full of Love and Full of Hate.

Americans are in the midst of a historical shift and may be witnessing a pivotal point in race relations in America.

From New York to Indiana to California, numerous demonstrations have been organized since Heather Heyer was killed in Charlottesville, Virginia last week while counter protesting a White nationalist rally.

The country is divided along racial lines.

From emboldened White Supremacist groups rhetoric and actions carrying guns and torches yelling racial epithets and threatening violence to the bounce back of melting pot groups of younger Blacks, Jews, Whites and Hispanics stressing Love and sending strong objections to the President Donald Trump and hate groups over racism.

“I think this is a push in the right direction because America has been in denial for decades on the issue of racism and you can’t solve anything until you recognize that a problem exists,” said Dr. James Douglas, President of the Houston Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

“We have entered a new era cycle of communications and conversation and it is excellent for the whole country to have conversations and dialog on this.”

VANTAGE POINT U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who is from Alabama and a former Senator in the South, pointed out that “the spark in Charlottesville— taking down a statue of Robert E. Lee—doesn’t have to do with civil war. People are not debating the Civil War. They’re debating American society and race today.”

As the Justice Department launches a

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Cover Story

civil-rights investigation into the car-ramming crash Saturday that left a woman dead and nearly 20 injured in Charlottsville, another protest in North Carolina landed a woman and others in trouble with the law. Takiya Fatima Thompson, 22, was charged with two felonies -participation in a riot with property damage in excess of $1,500 and inciting others to riot - and two misdemeanors -disorderly conduct by injury to a statue and damage to property.

Thompson was a member of the group and a student at North Carolina Central University “who climbed to the top of the statue to tie a rope around its neck before the crowd tore it down.”

The statue was pulled down during a Monday protest in Durham to show solidarity with antiracist activists in Charlottsville.

RACIAL WARMING OR COLD WAR BREWING? The big question that remain is where are all these protests and acts of civil disobedience taking us and what comes next as both sides are digging in for the long haul and stages are being set for a new Cold War of words and protests and threats between the races from both sides.

“This is our time and this is on our watch,” said Fort Worth Pastor and Southern Christian Leadership Conference Leader Rev. Kyev Tatum Sr. “The question is will our generation answer the bell? In the wake of Charlottesville, we must accept the challenge head on because our times demand it, history requires it, our children deserve it and God is still watching.”

According to Tatum, the goal must move beyond yelling and screaming in the streets or complaining and trolling on social media sites.

“The goal is to collaborate with other like minded people who have the community’s best interest at heart,” he said. “We need all races and regions working together for the general welfare of our country.”

HERE’S WHAT’S AT STAKE It is looking more like America is headed to the brink and for a dark period of ethnic conflict.

An ethnic conflict is a conflict between two or more contending ethnic groups. While the source of the conflict may be political, social, economic or religious, the individuals in conflict

must expressly fight for their ethnic group’s position within society.

The country has seen a dramatic rise in hate groups and hate group activity in recent years.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, there are currently 917 hate groups operating in the United States.

The SPLC reports that of those numbers, the number of antigovernment “patriot” groups stood at 663 in 2016; the number of “Black separatist” groups is listed at 193; and the number of “Ku Klux Klan” (KKK) groups stands at 130.

RISE OF HATE GROUPS The SPLC has documented an explosive rise in the number of hate groups since the turn of the century, driven in part by anger over Latino immigration and demographic projections showing that whites will no longer hold majority status in the country by around 2040.

The rise accelerated in 2009, the year President Obama took office, but declined after that, in part because large numbers of extremists were moving to the web and away from on-theground activities. In the last two years, in part due to a presidential campaign that flirted heavily with extremist ideas, the hate group count has risen again.

Douglas said President Trump is ill equipped to deal with the current friction and fractious relations between races, but at least America is getting a good look at where he really stands on the issue.

“The President has shown that he does not have answers to the hate issues and is not the one to lead us in solving this issue,” he said.

“However, he is not hiding his hands and his true opinions are out in the open.”

The SPLC is the premier U.S. non-profit organization monitoring the activities of domestic hate groups and other extremists – including the Ku Klux Klan, the neo-Nazi movement, neoConfederates, racist skinheads, Black separatists, antigovernment militias, Christian Identity adherents and others.

The group currently tracks more than 1,600 extremist groups operating across the country.

“We are really and truly at a crossroads in American History,” said Gary Bledsoe, Texas President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

“There is an epic battle that is taking place and I urge those in our community to not take the route of Rumplestilskin and place our heads in the sand and watch this take place. I urge us to be involved because the future of our country, the world and the types of lives our descendants will be accorded are directly at stake.”

Texas • A•ugust 2112-18, - 27, 2017 Texas August 2013

Bledsoe said the current situation is being fueled by hatred based on the 2008 election of President Obama (and 2012 re-election) and fears over the dwindling white population percentage of the total population, the angriest voters have taken hold of the election machinery and have not just a place in the White House but a front row view.

“Their America is one with minorities in an inferior status in all ways, with their primary purpose being to serve the White Supremacist Class,” he said. “We see this in the most recent immigration proposal and the President’s inability to properly address hate and hate groups.”

TEXAS REACTION With the threat of clashes growing and spreading like wildfire, what should Black and Hispanic citizens in Texas do and how should Texans should react to what is going on in Charlottesville, Va and North Carolina (pulling down of statues)?

In Houston, Mayor Sylvester Turner has asked top staff members to study whether statues related to the Confederacy should be removed from city property.

The mayor commented about the statues in Houston at a recent City Council meeting after members of the public urged the city to remove some statues from its public spaces because, they said, the statues honor slavery and racism.

Staff members will compile an inventory of the statues and “provide me with recommendations about what steps we need to take,” the mayor said. “It is my hope that we can, in a very positive and constructive way, move forward,” Mayor Turner added.

Douglas said those statues and tributes to men associated with rebellion and destruction of the Republic must come down.

“This issue is about racist leaders and the Southern states that were committed to destroying the union and country, not about honoring or preserving American history,” he said. “Honoring traitors and people who tried to destroy this country and its union should not be praised or honored.”

He went on to say the issue is not a slippery slope that affects the display of other statues like Martin Luther King Jr. or Jesus Christ.

“Martin Luther King Jr. never tried to destroy America or the principles of American democracy,” he said. “Most people realize this is a serious issue and that we have to do something about this to make it right.”

Continue reading @ www.aframnews.com By: Darwin Campbell

TEXAS • AUGUST 21 - 27, 2017

Feature

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Sgt. Lamont Perkins & GUNN’S Training Academy and Services, LLC nearly three years, he would sleep in abandoned buildings, sorting through dumpsters for his next meal. Eventually, he was blessed to move with his grandmother, where he graduated from Clements High School in Sugarland.

HOUSTON – From roaming the streets scavenging for food as a teenager, battling with homelessness and coping with abandonment; Sergeant Lamont Perkins has evolved into an accomplished and decorated law enforcement officer and entrepreneur. His story yields a journey complete with life’s uncertain obstacles and challenges. However, through a praying heart, determined mind and pure volition, he was able to persevere through the struggle. Today, he lives a life serving and protecting the general public and instructing and educating others in the art of survival and defense.

Originally from Galveston Island, Perkins’ family relocated throughout several towns (Arcola, Fresno and Angleton, TX) before situating in Houston. During his adolescent years, poverty soared within his family and his parents were no longer able to provide for their three sons.

At the age of 13, he and his brothers were left to fend for themselves on the streets of Houston. For

Black Vs. Blue

Understanding Failure to Identify and The Right to Remain Silent “True freedom requires the rule of law and justice, and a judicial system in which the rights of some are not secured by the denial of rights to others.” ~ Jonathan Sack.

HOUSTON - From the incident involving Marlin Gipson and Precinct One Constable, Alan Rosen is chock full of lessons learned when Black men and women have to deal with police.

Far too many African-American men and others too also have been brutally mistreated, killed

Upon completing high school, Perkins initiated a career as an armed security officer. For seven years, he worked throughout the Greater Houston area, until he decided that he wanted to do something other than security. Previously he had been falsely arrested, so that in part motivated him to go into law enforcement. He explained that he knew how, “the system” would throw a person away without giving them a fair chance.

Therefore, he wanted to make a difference in the lives’ of others. At that time, he began seeking out avenues to enter into law enforcement. Initially, he received little success in his efforts. He was allowed into the Law Enforcement Academy through certification of the state; yet the state attorney refused him entry. Though he was nervous, none of his failed attempts hindered him from pursuing his goal.

Over time, he was able to successfully complete his prerequisites for law enforcement.

Pursuant, he eventually obtained patrolman, SWAT and undercover officer certifications, amidst other authoritative roles. Simultaneously, he earned an Associate degree in Police Administration and Corrections from Alvin Community College. He later attained a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University.

Today, Perkins professional portfolio is exemplary with combined service of having served eight years in the military; 16 years of law enforcement experience consistent with: investigating, patrolling, and working undercover, on the SWAT team and Deputy Sheriff. In past, he has taught Criminal Justice at a technical college. As a criminal justice instructor, he taught introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminology/

Victimology, Forensic Science, Survey of Corrections, Criminal Investigations, Community Policing, Survey of Criminal Justice, Texas Penal Code and Security Management.

Sgt. Perkins has the following current entitlements: Police Sergeant, United States Army Veteran Infantry – Houston (Sergeant), Texas Master Peace Officer, registered sex offender investigator. Furthermore, he is a licensed instructor in these areas: Military, Texas LTC/CHL, NRA Firearms, Law Enforcement Firearms, ALERRT Active Shooter, Law Enforcement Academy and In-Service Law Enforcement.

Sgt. Perkins licensures under the Texas Board of Private Security are: Continuing Education, Level III Classroom, Level III Firearm’s Instructor and Security Consultant. His affiliations with associations include: Texas Tactical Police Officer Association, Texas Concealed Handgun Association, Texas Municipal Police Officer Association, National AfricanAmerican Gun Association and Wounded Warrior Project Organization.

In June, 2016 Perkins established GUNNS’ Training Academy and Services, LLC. His goal in developing the academy was to, “give back knowledge by Teaching, Informing and Educating (TIE) students about weapon training.” Courses offered at the academy consist of: license to carry concealed handguns, private license to carry concealed handguns, basic pistol shooting, private basic pistol shooting/license to carry, ASP baton training, off-duty police officer and basic shotgun and rifle training. Tentatively, he will be extending the company to include a Security Academy. He is also pursuing a Master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University.

Throughout his life, Sgt. Perkins has found that the “street-life”, was one of his biggest teachers and inspirations. While most children were enjoying youthful activities, he was occupied becoming a man, prematurely. He said,

or shot down without provocation by the “Boys in Blue” because of a lack of understanding on how to have a positive encounter with police.

Gipson also allegedly was also going door to door putting business cards out in the area to advertise and offer his services to the community.

One of the key lessons deals with understanding Failure to Identify law and a Citizen’s Right to Remain Silent.

According to the video released on the incident, the Precinct One Constable deputy approached the Black man and begin to question him about what he was out in the open doing going door to door in the subdivision. The Police allegedly had only reason used to question the hard working youth was the alleged increase in property crimes in the area. It was that alleged reason that was used as an opportunity to stop Gipson and question him.

On July 18, 2017, Gipson and his brothers were out cutting yards when they were confronted by a Precinct 1 Constable Deputy, Shane Cates. He claimed that they allegedly “fit the description” and wanted to question them about what we were doing in the neighborhood. At the time, the men had lawnmowers, weedwhackers and leafblowers.

As the conversation continued allegedly there was some obvious miscommunications and

“I learned a lot at the age of 13, being on the streets by myself… I had to find myself early and it forced me to rely heavily on the Lord.” He continued, “I couldn’t be the average 13-yearold; but those things were motivation for me.”

“Although painful, it was the reality that I had to deal with every single day; but, it forced me to be where I needed to be in life,” he added. To this day, he has never blamed nor talked down on his parents for their inability to provide for the family. Nonetheless, he says he had his late grandmother, some good uncles and cousins who were assets in his life. He also acknowledged his brothers who helped take care of him in the streets and shielded him from some of the perils associated with the “street-life”.

When asked of advice to the AfricanAmerican community, Sgt. Perkins shared the following. “Despite the elements around you or what society may do to you; remember where there’s a will, there’s a way. We all have gifts from God and no matter what, stay on His pathway and all that smoke is going to clear. Take your wounds and lick them. Tie up your boot straps and keep kicking.” He proceeded on to state, “Maybe you can’t become your initial intent, or something that you want to become; but, you can become something other than that. You just got to get a foot in the door. So I tell people… Whatever your goals in life are, just keep pushing yourself.

Whatever God has for you, you will have it. Just take those wounds and learn from them and teach others. Be an example and a leader.”

Gunn’s Training Academy Services, LLC is located at 340 North Sam Houston Pkwy East Suite 165D, 77060. Hours of operations are Monday thru Saturday from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

For more information or details regarding services contact (832) 827-3509; email gunnstrainingacademy@gmail.com or visit the website at www.Gunnstrainingacademy.com.

By: Rebecca S. Jones

misunderstanding between the two.

The officer asked for identity information and Gipson countered allegedly asked for the officer’s name and a card, but allegedly when the deputy approached Gipson during the discussion, he pulled out handcuffs moments after a non-confrontational response from the citizen to the officer.

The video shows how the deputy then reached for his handcuffs and told Gipson to turn around and place his hands on his head and the 21-year-old began to walk away. Gipson noted later that if he does not act and do something about what was happening to him, he was afraid TO CONTINUE READING SEE PG. 6

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someone else could get hurt. In his own words, “I was scared of what might happen next so I backed up slowly and started heading home,” he said.

Police–Citizen encounters According to Wikipedia, in the United States, interactions between police and citizens fall into three basic general categories: consensual (“contact” or “conversation”), detention (often called a Terry stop, after Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1 (1968)), or arrest, “Stop and identify” laws pertain to detentions.

Different obligations apply to drivers of motor vehicles, who generally are required by state vehicle codes to present a driver’s license to police upon request.

Consensual At any time, police may approach a person and ask questions. The objective may simply be a friendly conversa-

tion; however, the police also may suspect involvement in a crime, but lack “specific and articulable facts”[4] that would justify a detention or arrest, and hope to obtain these facts from the questioning. The person approached is not required to identify himself or answer any other questions, and may leave at any time.[5] Police are not usually required to tell a person that he is free to decline to answer questions and go about his business;[6] however, a person can usually determine whether the interaction is consensual by asking, “Am I free to go?”[7] [8] Reasonable Suspicion A person is detained when circumstances are such that a reasonable person would believe he is not free to leave.[9] Police may briefly detain a person if they have reasonable suspicion that the person has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime. Many state laws explicitly grant this

authority. In Terry v. Ohio, the U.S. Supreme Court established that police may conduct a limited search for weapons (known as a “frisk”) if they reasonably suspect that the person to be detained may be armed and dangerous.

the arrest and the cause for the arrest.[14] But it is not always obvious when a detention becomes an arrest. After making an arrest, police may search a person, his or her belongings, and his or her immediate surroundings.

Police may question a person detained in a Terry stop, but in general, the detainee is not required to answer.[10] However, many states have “stop and identify” laws that explicitly require a person detained under the conditions of Terry to identify himself to police, and in some cases, provide additional information.

If a person is under arrest and police wish to question him, they are required to inform the person of his FifthAmendment right to remain silent by giving a Miranda warning.

Arrest A detention requires only that police have reasonable suspicion that a person is involved in criminal activity.

However, to make an arrest, an officer must have probable cause to believe that the person has committed a crime. Some states require police to inform the person of the intent to make

Councilman Felder’s Town Hall Meeting

SOUTH DALLAS Recently, Councilman Kevin Felder stood in front of a group of South Dallas residents at the Martin Luther King Center, at a Town Hall meeting, prepared to discuss the City of Dallas' $3.1 billion budget to attendees. His intention was to provide attendees with a general overview of what items the city can expect to see take priority over others, in accordance with the different percentages of the overall budget being allocated to different sectors.

If you attended last night's meeting, it would have been difficult to miss the Councilman's intention because of the amount of different experts he brought with him from downtown; and if there was any doubt, you would have had the powerpoint presentation presented by the city's Chief Financial Officer, Elizabeth Reich, clear that up for you in a matter of minutes. However, after the presentation, the attendees zeroed in on their area of interest: Homelessness.

The first woman to raise her concerns about the homeless population mentioned it appears as if the homeless are simply moving from one spot to another, like a group of nomads. Although our news team was not able to get a word from Nadia ChandlerHardy, the Chief of Community Relations last week, she was at the meeting last night prepared to answer any and all questions conHOU - 6

However, Miranda does not apply to biographical data necessary to complete booking.

The Failure to Identify Failure to Identify is defined in Section 38.02 of the Texas Penal Code as follows: (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally refuses to give his name, residence address, or date of birth to a peace officer who has lawfully arrested the person and requested the information.

cerning the homeless. In response to the woman's question she stated the following: “The budget set aside for homelessness will go into effect on October 1. We will be making an effort to connect individuals to services, instead of saying, 'Here's a referral to a shelter or referral to a rapid re-housing.'

We will be telling people in need of assistance, there are beds available for them to go into a previously identified shelters right at their moment of need.” Councilman Felder added his assessment of the needs of the homeless based upon a recent visit to an encampment, citing physical abuse, rape and mental illness as some of the problems plaguing this population. He went on to add, while people are berating him about his suggestion to offer homeless people stray animals to train, a company in Plano, Texas has already offered to train and employ the homeless.

Another Town Hall meeting attendee, Jay Scroggins, one of the main community leaders to assist with the creation of South Dallas/Fair Park public improvement district, and ultimately offer jobs to the homeless population through the P.I.D., asked exactly how much of the $1.6 million dollars designated for the homeless is actually going to be used for transitional housing. Nadia Chandler-Hardy responded to him by letting him know the city is in talks now with property owners and apartment owners about taking in members of the homeless population. She also stated her department is going to take a hard look at non-profits the city has contracted with to provide solutions to homelessness to determine whether or not they are doing what they have been contracted to do.

“Are we really putting a dent in the problem and are we doing what we intended to do by contracting with these non-profits?” Nadia

TEXAS • AUGUST 21 - 27, 2017

(b) A person commits an offense if he intentionally gives a false or fictitious name, residence address, or date of birth to a peace officer who has: (1) lawfully arrested the person; (2) lawfully detained the person; or (3) requested the information from a person that the peace officer has good cause to believe is a witness to a criminal offense.

The Failure to Identify statute has two different facets.

First, the law requires you to give your name, address and date of birth if you are placed under arrest by the police.

Secondly, it criminalizes giving false or fictitious information to a peace officer, but this only applies if you have been lawfully arrested, lawfully detained or you are a witness to a crime.

A Failure to Identify crime in the state of Texas gives police officers the right to arrest you if they believe you have intentionally refused to give them your name and other identifying information (or if you give false information about yourself) when you have been arrested or detained or if you are a witness to a crime.

TO CONTINUE READING ONLINE @ WWW.AFRAMNEWS.COM BY: DARWIN CAMPBELL

appeared to ask, then followed up her question by letting everyone at the meeting know, it is her job to investigate the effectiveness of these organizations.

Next up was another woman in attendance who asked Councilman Felder why he is suggesting, the homeless be housed in foreclosed properties in South Dallas/District 7. He responded by telling her he never suggested foreclosed properties in District 7 per se as housing solutions for the homeless, but was speaking of the City of Dallas in general. When she challenged him about his response, he reiterated what he said earlier about foreclosed properties all over Dallas being potential housing solutions for the homeless, then told the woman in so many words he was done talking about it – Next!

What's interesting is the fact that all of the City Council Briefings are available online. If you access the archived briefing which took place on Wednesday, August 2nd at Dallas City Hall, you will be able to see Councilman Felder state, “The City of Dallas owns a lot of foreclosed properties in District 7. Many of the city's homeless are in District 7. Take those homes off of the tax foreclosure list to be utilized for the homeless. Why put them on the tax foreclosure list? Rehab the homes and put the people in those homes. Funds being used for emergency shelter homeless prevention should be re-allocated to rehab those properties. We are warehousing them and feeding them and that's it. We need to put them on a path to get back into society. The first step is to give them a transitional place to stay.”

TO CONTINUE READING ONLINE @ WWW.AFRAMNEWS.COM BY: ARIELLE JOHNSON

EDITION DATE: August 14 - 20, 2017 (Vol. 22 Issue 30) EDITION DATE: August 21 - 27, 2017 (Vol. 22 Issue 31)

Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) Unemployment Insurance Claims Management And Employment Verification Project No. 17-67

Public Notice

Contact Information:

What’s Happenin’

TEXAS • AUGUST 21 - 27, 2017

PUBLIC NOTICE

Heading Title:

PUBLIC NOTICE

Marketplace Heading:

Public Notice

26 SATURDAY Lonestar

Contact Information Community College Sealed electronic qualifications will be Name: Marilyn M. Vega Super Saturdays received by Lone Star College for: 2700 W.W.Thorne Phone: 713.718.7410 • RFQ #529 – Request for Qualifications Construction Manager at Risk Houston, Tx 77073 Email: marilyn.vega@hccs.edu for the 2014 General Obligations 9am to 1:30pm for Tearsheet/Copies: Bond Construction Program, New Address From Instructional Arts Building at For Street more info contact: 3100 Main University Park Campus. Electronic (281)77002 618 5400 Houston, Texas Submittal due by 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, 09/19/2017. Pre-proposal Conference: SATURDAY Notice to ProPosers

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Read us online! www. aframnews. com Name: Kim Burnaman Company: Lone Star College System Phone: 832-813-6782 Fax: 832.813.6513 REELANCE RITERS EEDED Email: Kimberly.A.Burnaman@lonestar.edu • Must have knowledge of African-American comAddress for Tearsheets: munities in Houston and be able to travel upon 5000 Research Forest Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77381-4356 assignment only.

• Must have the ability to report, proofread and edit.

Must have • Email sample writing to sales@aframnews.com knowledge of AD COST • Earn $50 to $100

F

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CARRIERS NEEDED

Rate and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Houston edition. te and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s edition. maps EDITION DATE:Greater Aug 21 Houston - 27, 2017 (Vol. 22and Issue 31) African-American Total Cost to run EDITION DATE: August 21 - 27, 201726(Vol. 22 Issue 31)CommunitesAd for oneNweek: OW HIRING STAFF WRITER Shrine of Black $199.44 For more • Major/Degree in Communications/Journalism Madonna AD COST TION DATE: August 28 - September 3, 2017 (Vol. 22 Issueinformation 32) • Must have knowledge of African-Americans and Yoga as a Peace Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Tuesday, September 12, 2017.

Documents can be obtained at:

www.hccs.edu/procurement.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Wednesday, 08/30/2017 at 9:00 a.m., LSC-University Park, Sydney South Conference Room, 20515 State Highway 249, Houston, 77070. Contact: kimberly.a.burnaman@lonestar. edu Must Register to Bid: http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/supplier.

Free WeeklyHeading: Classes Marketplace htm For assistance with the on-line 5309 MLKNotice Jr. BLVD Public registration process, contact Donna CotHouston, TX 77021 trell, donna.e.cottrell@lonestar.edu or 832-813-6275. If you are already From 1pm - 3pm Contact Information registered, please ensure your registraContact: (832) 408- 1071 tion is up to date.

Name: Marilyn M. Vega

call 713-692-1892 Practice Heading Title: to Cost to run ad for 2 weeks Send Resume Public Notice sales@aframnews.com $305.28

communities Must be able to travel upon assignment Must be knowledgeable in Adobe programs: InDesign, Photoshop and Acrobat Contact Information:• Must be knowledgeable in Microsoft programs: Word, Outlook, Excel and Powerpoint Name: Michelle Allen • Must be creative with the ability to design, layout, Company: Lone Star College Systemproofread and edit.

Phone: 713.718.7410 SUNDAY Phone: 832.813.6299 PUBLIC NOTICE • Social media and website experience Franklin’s Barber Email: marilyn.vega@hccs.edu Fax: 713-692-1892 832.813.6513 call • Must have Telephone/Email Etiquettes Lone Star CoLLege Bid requeStS : andTearsheet/Copies: Beauty Institiute Email: Michelle.Allen@lonestar.edu Address for • Must be able to create manual/e-file system or send resume to Back to Schoo Hair Address for Tearsheets: • RFP # 535 Nursing 3100 Main • Must have excellent note taking/listening and Street sales@aframnews.com Birthing Simulators – Lone Star CollegeDo’s77002 andHeading Cuts Title: 5000 Research Forest Drive reporting skills Houston, Texas Tomball. RFP Due: 9/13/17 @ 9:00a.m.

The Woodlands, Texas 77381-4356 1003 Washington AVE. • Marketing and sales a plus Online WebEx pre-proposal meeting will Public Notice • Starting Salary $30,000 be held on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, Houston, TX 77002 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; call–in number • Email your resume to sales@aframnews.com From 8 to 3pm.

Signature 832-813-6704. Contact michelle.allen@ AD COST AD COST • Photo Journalist Contact Information: For more info contact: • •

Rate and size of College Ad to run in AAN&I’s Houston edition.

CLEANING Houston Community Request for Proposals (RFP) PleasePERSON sign for approval and fax EDITION Performance DATE: Evaluation Process Aug 21 - 27, 2017 (Vol. 22 Issue 31) NEEDED for Performance Management Consultant Services Project No. 17-66

Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Tuesday, September 19, 2017.

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Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 by 12 NOON Wednesday the week before Monday

back to (713) 692-1183 by 12 NOON Wednesday for next Monday’s publication.

Submit your

event to 683- 4792 Documents can be of obtained at: to run in AAN&I’s (832) Rate and size Ad Houston Name: Michelle Allenedition.

Total Cost to run Ad for one week: .

Cost to run adLone for Star 2 weeks Company: College System TUESDAY $104.40 EDITION DATE: 22Center Issue 29(Vol. O#112784 Date 31) Phone: 832.813.6299 The$305.28 Alpha PUBLIC NOTICE Aug 21 - 27, 2017 ers www.hccs.edu/procurement

Lone Star CoLLege Bid requeStS: • RFP # 532 Pharmaceutical Dispensing & Storage Units – Lone Star College-Tomball. RFP Due: 9/13/17 @ 10:00a.m. Online WebEx pre-proposal meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.; call–in number 832-813-6702. Contact michelle.allen@Lonestar.edu. 832813-6299. For information to register and bid, please visit: http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/supplier.htm

Lonestar.edu 832-813-6299. For information to register and bid, please visit: http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar. edu/istar/supplier.htm

AUG

21

Shirley Ann’s

Credi Fax: 832.813.6513 Flow Katrina Day tC l Email: Accep ards Al 7031 Michelle.Allen@lonestar.edu W. Fuqua, r o f LSC PO # 43810 ted AddressCity, for Tearsheets: Missouri TX 77489 ons i s a 5000 Research Forest Drive c c O for thisW Ad From 7 to 9pm P.O. Number W W . S H I R L E YA N N F LOW E R S H O P . C O M The Woodlands, TexasTitle: 77381-4356 Heading

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MONDAY

Houston Public Library

news@aframnews.com

Solar Eclipes Viewing

For more info contact:

OPEN

Public NOAH: (713) 3763364Notice 500 McKinney, 12pm - 5pm Wed, Thurs, Fri: 8am - 5pm AD COST Houston, TX 77002 Please sign Tues: for approval and| fax Contact Information: From Noon -2 pm. back to (713) 692-1183 SATURDAY For more info contact: Total Cost to run Ad for one week: Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 Name: Matthew B Glidden Buy Black (832) 393-1313 Date by 12 NOON Wednesday for Call o $104.40 Company: Lone Star College System r Marketplace by 12 NOON Wednesday the week before Monday TUESDAY C o Phone: 832.813.6532 PUBLIC NOTICE next Monday’s publication. me in Vendor Signup Alzheimer’s Fax: 832.813.6513 Llama !

5309 MLK Jr. BLVD Notice to ProPosers Association !

Email: Matthew.B.Glidden@lonestar.edu R Houston, TX 77021 Entrenr o Congressional Update ELIVE Address for Tearsheets: Sealed electronic proposals will be D E FromResearch 12am toForest 6pm Drive !

O#112784received by Lone Star College for: and Lab Tour 5000 SignatureW • CSP #523 – Kitchen Remodel, For more info contact: The Woodlands, Texas 77381-4356 1250 Moursund Street LSC-University Park. Submittal due (832) 4081071 Houston, TX 77030 by 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 8, 2017. Pre-proposal Meeting, Thursday, From 9:30am to 10am Please SUNDAY sign and fax August 24, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. LSC– AD approval COST BE THEfor For more info contact: University Park Campus, Bldg. 11, Date SOLUTION (713) 314-1341 Dallas Conference Rm., Floor 2. Contact back to (713) 692-1183 Matthew.B.Glidden@lonestar.edu Youth andtoFamily Total Cost run Ad for one week: WEDNESDAY Must Register to Bid: http://wwwappsby 12 NOON Wednesday for Immigration Town Hall LSC PO # 43810 Gregory -Lincoln $144.84 dstc.lonestar.edu/istar/supplier.htm.

Wisdom High School If registered, please ensure it is up to Education Center next Monday’s publication. date. For assistance with reg. process, 6529 Beverly Hill St.P.O. Number for this AdLIVE FLOWER ARRANGEMENT Camp Logan Mutiny contact: Donna.E.Cottrell@lonestar.

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HOU - 7

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African

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Religion

Lifestyle

TEXAS • AUGUST 21 - 27, 2017

4TH Anniversary of Dr. Clarence Talley, Sr. and First Lady Carolyn Talley

DR. CLARENCE TALLEY,SR. & FIRST CAROLYN TALLEY

HEMPSTEAD - Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church, of “Heavenly” Hempstead, TX will be celebrating their Pastor, Dr. Clarence Talley, Sr. and First Lady Carolyn, Fourth Anniversary. The joyous occasion will be celebrated on Sunday, September 10th at 2:30 p.m.

The Anniversary theme is “No Matter What…Do The Work” Its inspiration is taken from 2 Timothy 4:1-5. The Scriptural passage encourages the young pastor Timothy to do his job in the ministry although the times are tough and people have no desire to be obedient to the Word of God. Sounds much like the times

in which we live. Nevertheless, Timothy was to preach and teach because God was observing him. And one day God will return and judge his work in the ministry. Therefore, the apostle Paul urges Timothy, “No Matter What…Do The Work”: remain faithful, stay the course.

The Anniversary speaker will be Rev. Fred Thomas, III the pastor of the Greater St. Peter’s Missionary Baptist Church of Hempstead. Rev. Thomas was reared in Heavenly Hempstead and has had several pastorates. He is now in his 24th year as s Senior Pastor.

At the 11:00 hour, we will have a dynamic message by the Rev. Fredrick Ragston, the Assistant Pastor at the Greater St. Peter’s Missionary Baptist Church of Hempstead. Rev. Ragston has been a dedicated servant to St. Peter’s family for a number of years. He is a recent retiree of Hempstead ISD. Called, anointed, licensed and ordained in Mount Corinth, Dr. Talley has served in a variety of positions from Sunday school teacher, youth minister, trustee, to associate minister. He is also a noted Professor and Director of Art at Prairie View A&M

University. He has authored several books. His art work has received national and international attention. As a prolific and gifted preacher, Dr. Talley’s teaching and preaching has served to energize and motivate listeners to be faithful, fruitful followers of Jesus Christ.

First Lady Carolyn is a retired school teacher after 33 years in the Hempstead ISD. She works with the children’s ministries and the women’s ministry in addition to gracefully representing The Mount.

Dr. Clarence Talley, Sr., First Lady Carolyn, Mrs. Norma Tompkins Chairman of the Anniversary Committee, and the entire Mount Corinth family look forward to seeing you in “Heavenly” Hempstead on September 10th at 2:30 p.m. for this great celebration.

If you have questions or need special assistance, please call Mount Corinth @ 979.826.2544, the Pastor’s Office @ 979.826.0416 or Norma Tompkins @ 979.826.3524 or Dr. Talley cell @ 936.499.5062

Miss Black America Coed

DALLAS - Black All-American Pageant Systems, Inc. announces the 2018 Miss Black America Coed Pageant on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at 3:00pm CST at the Granville Arts Center. The 2018 Miss Black America Coed Competition will allow contestants to showcase their intelligence, love of self, and poise on the national stage while representing their community as they compete for the coveted title of Miss Black America Coed 2018. Roneshia Ray, the reigning Miss Black America Coed; Kaylah Baker, the reigning Miss Black American Teen; and Jayda Dodd, Miss Black American Princess will be special VIP guests.

Over the course of Labor Day Weekend (September 1-3, 2017), contestants from across the country will be engrossed in a number of activities leading up to the final night of competition. As they compete in the traditional areas of pageantry including fitness, evening gown, talent, private interview and question & answer, contestants will show their best self for a panel of distinguished judges.

Newly crowned winners will receive a prize package with a scholarship up to $1,500 and other gifts. Miss Black America Coed 2018 will embark a yearlong full of speaking engagements, community service activities, and other special events. She will serve as a mentor for the Miss Black America Coed signature service program, Charm School. The national mentoring program is one that is adopted by all local, state, and national queens of Miss Black America Coed where the queens mentor young ladies by hosting workshops that include but are not limited to TX - 8

the areas of self-love, self-confidence, skincare, vision boarding, proper attire and poise.

Tickets are currently on sale for the 2018 Miss Black America Coed Pageant. Family and friends are also asked to show their support for their favorite contestants in the People’s Choice Competition where they contribute a $1 per vote per contestant. Money collected will go toward the Miss Black America Coed Scholarship Fund.

All tickets and contributions can be made online at www.MissBlackAmericaCoed.org.

Contestants and sponsors are still being sought for the 2018 Miss Black America Coed Pageant. Young ladies ages 18 & up can still register for the pageant at www.

MissBlackAmericaCoed.org. For more information, visit www.MissBlackAmericaCoed. org and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ MissBlackAmCoed and like us on facebook. com/MissBlackAmericaCoed/ Miss Black America Coed Roneshia Jene’ Ray is successfully driven by her determination to not let outside distractions derail her from her ultimate destination. Vying for the state Texas titleholder three times before gaining the national crown, Roneshia is the picture of never giving up. She now uses her story of her “don’t quit attitude” to empower the next generation of girls by encouraging them to dream. iD.R.E.A.M. Determination, Rarefied, Endurance, Adversity, and Mentorship, Roneshia’s platform for her reign as Miss Black America Coed, promotes Educational, Social, and Fine Arts development for young adults

and children through workshops, community outreach programs, and engaging volunteer programs. Wanting the best for children is not just Roneshia’s pageant platform but also her life’s goal on a journey she calls Modern Day Queendom. She is creating a legacy that she wants to live. Through iD.R.E.A.M. Roneshia, has partnered with schools and community organizations to aid high school seniors applying for college and mentor young girls by hosting a traveling charm school. To date, Roneshia has hosted 10 charm schools impacting the lives of over 1500 girls and counting. “I want to create an atmosphere where youth can develop their dreams into reality,” said Roneshia. She has worked with the YMCA, KIPP Houston Schools, Texas Southern University, Texas Tech, Norte Dame, Brownsville Academy High School and many more.

Professionally, she is a teacher and would like to one day open a fine arts and literary school for students who are considered “at risk.” She wants to create an environment for them to grow through the arts, social skills, and visionary development. Roneshia holds degrees from Texas Southern University and Concordia University and is currently a PhD student at John Hopkins where she is studying Educational Leadership.

In her spare time when she is not educating today’s children or serving her community, she can be found at the mall. The self--dubbed shoe fanatic owns 300 pairs of shoes! To say she has an obsession is an understatement. It is no surprise that her favorite color is glitter. Her

RONESHIA RAY

hobbies include contemporary dance, and cooking, scrapbooking. She been featured on CW 39, Essence, Platform Pageantry Magazine, Fab Femme Blog, and Houston Style Magazine. She’s won countless accolades for her service to the community including Houston’s Top 40 under 40 Influential Leaders, Empowered Women’s Award Black Girls Social, Woman of the Year award, and Texas Top 50 Models. She’s also won countless titles to include, Miss Black America Coed, Miss North America International, Miss Louisiana International, Miss Southwest Texas, Miss Black Houston, and Miss Black Texas.

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TEXAS • AUGUST 21 - 27, 2017

Local & State

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9

One Step Forward For Voting Rights

Ruling Clips Texas Republican Gerrymandering Short

AUSTIN - Ruling in a voting rights case has Minority and civil rights groups brought mixed and stirring reviews over progress being made to level the political landscape for Blacks and Hispanics.

Federal judges invalidated two Texas congressional districts last week, ruling that they must be fixed by either the Legislature or a federal court.

“The decision is in and we won part and lost part,” said Texas NAACP President Gary Bledsoe. “The Texas NAACP and African-American Congresspersons (Hons Eddie Bernice Johnson, Sheila Jackson Lee and Alexander Green) prevailed once again on the intentional discrimination claim, but lost on the intentional discrimination claim in Dallas and Tarrant Counties.”

Since the Great Reconstruction period of American history when Blacks used their new found freedom, rights and great power to elect representatives at every level of government and has a strong presence from the local courthouse to statehouses and Congress, there has been a concerted effort to dwarf Black power and voices or silence them altogether using a method of drawing representative districts that reduce or prevent the election of Black and Brown candidates to political offices.

GERRYMANDERING Gerrymandering, the practice of drawing self-serving political boundaries, is as old as the country itself. Its impetus, one could argue, is even older and deeper-seated, grounded in the fundamentals of human nature.

Partisan gerrymandering commonly used to increase the power of a political party. In some instances, political parties collude to protect incumbents by engaging in bipartisan gerrymandering. After racial minorities were enfranchised, some jurisdictions engaged in racial gerrymandering to weaken the political power of racial minority voters, while others engaged in racial gerrymandering to strengthen the power of minority voters.

CHANGES AHEAD According to Bledsoe, it means that Texas’ congressional maps are still flawed by racial gerrymandering and must be partially redrawn before the 2018 elections.

The 107-page ruling — the latest chapter of a six-year court battle over how Texas lawmakers drew political maps — sets up a scramble to redraw the districts in time for the 2018 elections. The court ruled only on the current congressional map, leaving legal challenges to the state House map unanswered.

Voting records show an increasing number of Hispanic and Black voters overwhelmingly support Democrats in elections.

That information appeared to motivate Republican leaders’ to keep their edge by attempting to confront that growth in their latest round of redistricting through gerrymandering

and that action landed them in court.

Under the ruling, the Harris County seats will remain the same and remedies in the plan are to take place in Austin and Corpus Christi.

The judges found that Hispanic voters in Congressional District 27 represented by U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi, were “intentionally deprived of their opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice.”

Congressional District 35— a Central Texas district represented by Democrat Lloyd Doggett of Austin — was deemed “an impermissible racial gerrymander” because lawmakers illegally used race as the predominant factor in drawing it, the judges wrote.

One of the reasons the ruling was not a complete victory for Democrats and minority rights groups, was because the ruling failed to bring about the kind of changes that could put more seats in play for the first midterm elections under President Donald Trump.

“We appreciate that the panel ruled in favor of Texas on many issues in the case. But the portion of the ruling that went against Texas is puzzling considering the Legislature adopted the congressional map the same court itself adopted in 2012, and the Obama-era Department of Justice did not bring any claims against the map,” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement about the ruling.

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Paxton indicated that the state may appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Before last Tuesday’s decision, the judges had already ruled that the Texas Legislature sought to weaken the strength of Latino and black voters while drawing state House and congressional districts in 2011, immediately following the 2010 U.S. Census. But the 2011 maps never actually took effect.

Credit Cards Accep Lay-a- ted way

RULINGS DOWNSIDE According to Bledsoe, the state of Texas and MALDEF put on evidence that Blacks and Browns were not cohesive, while the NAACP, Congresspersons, LULAC and MALC maintained the groups voted cohesively.

The Three-Judge panel also held that Congressional District 30, held by Congresswoman Johnson, was appropriately remedied in C235 (from the district in C185 the panel held was the result of illegal packing and cracking) since all that could be created otherwise would be a coalition district.

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“The court said it could only create coalition districts if Blacks and Browns voted cohesively,” he added. “Because cohesion between Blacks and Browns was not proven no additional remedy could be provided, according to the panel.”

The excess voters in CD30 that we contended still show packing was not of consequence because no additional seat could be created since their was no Black and Brown cohesion.

Continue Reading online @ www.aframnews.com By: Darwin Campbell

AFGHAN/THROW/COVERLET 4’ X 5’

713-692-1195

6130 Wheatley Street | Houston, TX 77091

We Appreciate Our Customers!

TX - 9

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Acres Home Chamber for Business & Economic Development. Inc.

Read us online! w w w.a f r a m n e w s .c om

Business Profile: Honey Home Care

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“Let us Bee there for you!”

By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed.

e all have family and friends that we love and care about dearly. However, with so much that goes on in our day-to-day lives, it may be hard to take care of someone who needs special care around the clock. If this is your situation, or you know someone who is in this position, then let Honey Home Care help you!

Honey Home Care takes great pride in their services and they make sure that they provide the best care for the clients they serve. LaToya Wilburn, who is an administrator and caring professional provider expressed, “You can expect loving, care, compassion, and integrity from Honey Home Care. Our focus is to eliminate the stress and worry in regards to caring for a loved one.” Honey Home Care takes care of a variety of clients which include, seniors, disabled children, veterans, and any disabled individual that needs care provided in the place they call home. They also provide many services, which involve multiple activities of daily living such as; assistance in dressing, bathing and showering, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, and doctor visits just to name a few.

Religion Profile: Pastor Fred Sanders, III – Cliffdale Baptist Church

HOUSTON – Pastor Fred Sanders, III, is a native Houstonian who was reared on the Northeast side.

His parents, Thelma and Fred Sanders, Jr. ensured a Christian upbringing throughout his youth; as he attended Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, in the heart of Acres Home. His undeniable spiritual grooming afforded him the opportunity to receive Christ at an early age. Hence, he was baptized by the late Pastor E.J. Booker at Galilee MBC.

He was educated in the public school system in the North Forest Independent School District (currently, Houston ISD). At the tender age of 16, he recalls To ensure that you are working with a qualified caregiver, Honey Home Care performs receiving a call beckoning him to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He made haste and relayed the call he extensive background and criminal checks on all caregivers. They also require their heard to his Pastor at the time, the late Rev. EJ Booker. caregivers to attend training and have at least one year of experience in giving care. They From this experience, he preached his first sermon and also provide an immense amount of support to their caregivers with education and any was licensed into the ministry at Galilee MBC under the additional training needed to make sure they are giving quality care. leadership of Pastor Booker. He served as an associate In addition, Honey Home Care provides each client with unique personalized compas- minister within the ministry for many years, while acsionate care that restores and maintains their well-being, while remaining sensitive to tively participating in the church’s “rap sessions” where the values, needs and preferences of their clients and their families. Honey Home Care he kept the youth engaged. Furthermore, he was heavily provides the highest-level care giving services to clients that need in-home care for life, for involved in Vacation Bible School and taught the senior seniors, disabled individuals, disabled children, veterans and folks temporarily recuperatclass ranging from ages 55 and up. ing from an injury or illness. They customize their services based on the health, needs and wants of those in their care. Honey Home Care is dependable and filled with caregivers who are ready to assist you with your needs.

So why should you trust Honey Home Care? Wilburn stated, “People should trust Honey Home Care with their loved one because we as administrators of this company have been there before. We are well experienced in giving quality care and working with outstanding caring professionals. It is better to work with a company who is experienced in giving hands on care and not just going towards a great business idea. When choosing Honey Home Care, we work with you to create a dynamic plan for your loved one.” For more information, you can visit their website at www.honeyhomecare.com, or call the office at 1-800-265-6089.

“Reach out to us today we are sweet as honey” Location:

P.O. Box 91288 Houston, TX 77291-1288 Hours:

Mon - Fri: 8AM - 5PM Sat: 8AM - 2PM Sun: Closed

LaToya Wilburn TX - 10

These are the business office hours, however, the hours of care are 24 hours a day 7 days a week!

TEXAS • AUGUST 21 - 27, 2017

For many years, he remained a faithful and dedicated minister at Galilee. In 1987, he journeyed to assist Pastor Isaac Smith at Solid Foundation Baptist Church. Accordingly, Pastor Smith ordained him as a minister of the Gospel. After some time, he was lead to All Nations Baptist Church, in Acres Home where he served as Pastor. Afterwards, he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to organize Cliffdale Baptist Church, in February of 1998.

History of Cliffdale Baptist Church Pastor Sanders established Cliffdale Baptist Church with five members in a building located on Carver Road and Cliffdale Street in Acres Homes. As he remained steadfast to the ministry, the Lord rapidly began to add to the church. Eventually, the demand for a larger space became apparent. At that time, God gave Pastor Sanders a vision to secure a larger edifice. Consequently, the church purchased its current location, 854 Enterprise on the corner of DePriest. Since then, the Lord has abundantly multiplied the church membership from five to over 150 members and counting. The vision that God gave to his steward has remained continuous. To date the church has purchased three additional lots and are in the process of raising funds for a new sanctuary. Pastor Sanders says, “We have more work to do throughout the community and within the body of Christ; it is our prayer that God will continue to bless us as we bless those around us.” “Cliffdale is excited about all that God continues to manifest through this ministry and we will continue to glorify Him and give Him all the praise;

for all that he has done and continues to do…,” he added.

Pastor Sanders is guided by the scripture which says, “I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1). Hence, he has made a vow and commitment to praising and lifting up the name of Jesus Christ everywhere he goes. His praise and adoration for the love of the Gospel of Christ may be seen in his many efforts of embracing and supporting the community.

Residents of the Acres Homes’ community are aware of his works through the wide variety of communitybased functions that the church hosts yearly. To that regard, Cliffdale hosts an Annual Easter Egg Hunt for residents of the city; of which youth, young adults and members of the community gather to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The church also donates Thanksgiving dinners to local residents, as well as, adopting families for the Christmas holiday. Pastor Sanders expressed that he has a, “calling for helping people.” He fervently referred to his sincere, undying love for the future generation of America; as he reminisced of the call that he received as a teenager. Thus, the church demonstrates that love through action by supplying local students in its, “Back-to-School Supply Drive”. The church also donates funds to aspiring college students in the form of scholarship awards, annually.

Pastor Sanders is also known throughout the community for assisting families during their time of loss through his role of working at O.W. Wiley Mortuary.

He has been a part of the mortuary for 17 years. He also works as a long-term substitute teacher for the Aldine Independent School District.

Pastor Sanders has been married to Lady Deborah Sanders for nearly 32 years. To their union they have two sons: Frederick and Fred, IV Sanders; and five grandchildren: Fred D., Za’Kariah, Fred, V, Sanders, Ja Miya Mottley and Zion Boston. He acknowledged his love for his aunts, uncles, 90 year-old grandmother (Annie Lee Lott) and grandfather (Papa Lott); as well as his home church, Galilee MBC under the leadership of Dr. Edwin Davis.

Cliffdale Baptist Church is located at 854 Enterprise, 77088. Worship times for the church are as follows: Sunday: Sunday School, 9:45am; Morning Worship, 11:00am and Bible Study, Wednesday, 7pm. For more information or details about upcoming events at the church contact, (281) 447-8850.

TEXAS • AUGUST 21 - 27 , 2017

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What If?

African

Thus, under the guidance of J. Edgar Hoover, the F.B.I. strategized to dismantle and destroy the Panther Party. This goal was accomplished by a number of different plots; from infiltrating the organization and causing dissention amongst the ranks, to out right frame ups of the leadership, to lies and propaganda that led to deadly disputes with other white organizations.

What if the slaves that were brought from Africa had been White, the slave masters had been Black, and every event of the past, up until the present, were also in reverse?

In this series you will discover that the ethnicities of oppressor and oppressed have been reversed. This had been done in order to open the minds of the readers to …. WHAT IF?

To my brothers and sisters who may be offended by my whitening our history and our historical figures (e.g. Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, The Black Panther Party, Colin Kaepernick, etc.) to validate a point, please forgive me. However, in order to display our complete struggle, it is essential that I illuminate our iconic leaders’ defiance in the mist of our struggle. For that is the only way one will understand why it was imperative for them to embrace a position of slugging it out against an oppressive system.

Also, I expect for these illustrations to bring clarity to all of you who fight against understanding our stance against injustice.

Part II: Coming of A New Era Chapter 8 continues: 1957 Integration of the School System In the late 1950’s the Federal Government mandated that all public schools be integrated. However, there were states that would not willingly accede to the integrating of their public-school system.

At schools that had traditionally been all Black, the parents, the faculty, and the students body did everything in their power to make the experience of attending class uncomfortable for the White students. The goal was to get the white parents, and the White students to choose not to attend Black schools.

Chapter 9: A Fight for Equal Rights During the Jim Crow Era, it was common practice for whites to be refused service inside of Black owned restaurants, and diners. White folk would have to go to the back door to order, and pick up their order.

At the end of the 1950’s, and the beginning of the 1960’s, the civil rights movement was in full swing. White people started picketing, and staging sit-ins, inside of Black owned

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or person (Malcolm X, Martin Luther King. Jr. etc.) that fought for civil rights.

hat if reality as we know it wasn’t what we knew it to be? What if the stories of the past were changed by one small detail? However, that one small detail being one that would change it drastically!

This gallery of illustrations has been created to assist the reader on grasping the understanding of why we are promoting that “Black Lives Matter”. Throughout this book you will see illustrations of the Caucasian race placed in the African-American experiences.

American News&Issues

Still, the Panthers Party will forever be recognized as a pillar of the white community. For the ideas that the panthers stood for, and for their bravery and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds, the white community Thanks the Panthers Party. Because, to the Panther Party… White Lives Matter.

establishments. Through the perseverance of these protesters, this practice of inequality came to an end.

Malcolm X: By Any Means Necessary Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, is known for his religious and political activism and for his controversial advocacy of white unity. The intensity of his convictions and the eloquence with which he articulated his beliefs are still inspirational to this day.

While serving a 10-year sentence for armed robbery in the state of Massachusetts Malcolm became a member of an organization called “the Nation of Islam”. After Malcolm became a member of the Nation of Islam he rid himself of the family name that had been handed down to his family from their former slave masters.

He was no longer referred to as Malcolm Little. He became known as Malcolm X. During this time the government, and therefore the media, referred to the Nation of Islam and its members with the derogatory term, “white Muslims” in order to distinguish them as subversive.

Malcolm x advocated white unity, and independence. He believed that White people should protect themselves and their rights from the ause of the black establishments “By Any Means necessary”.

The Panther Party & the Defiance Against 1966. Oakland, California. Two white men, Huey P. Newton and bobby Seal, founded the Panther Party. The Panther Party was an organization whose sole purpose was to help the white community by providing services that were lacking in the community.

Specifically feeding children every morning before school, teaching white history, teaching self-defense tactics, protecting the white community members from the brutality and havoc that the racist black law enforcement routinely dispensed upon said community, and help give whites a voice in the ongoing civil rights movement.

However, as the Panther Party grew, so did their opposition. J. Edgar Hoover, then director of the F.B.I., targeted the Panther Party.

Hoover, a known racist didn’t believe that whites should have the same rights and respect as black citizens. Therefore, he made it his mission to destroy, ironically by any means necessary, any group

WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN NEXT WEEK?

“WHAT IF?” DON’T MISS OUT ON THE WEEKLY Tune in next week for Chapter 9...

Bio

Carlos Walker, 35, a budding artist was born and raised in Halifax, CO., Va. To Hilton and Inell Walker, who has 6 children. Mr. Walker being the sixth.

Carlos has been drawing since the early age of eight. He was encouraged to continue to do so in school

by Mrs. Fitzgerald his high school art teacher and now by his family and Washika Arnold his future spouse. Not envisioning a future in art, Mr. Walker chose to put this talents to the side and sell drugs.

Which landed him in prison at the age of 24, when most young men and women are just starting to live life and start their careers.

For him, little did he know GOD had a blessing in store and his career would just be getting started to become an artist/ activist and book writer. While incarcerated he put together 3 exhibits and a single piece, plus he has written a book based on his artwork entitled “What If”. One of his projects is a 48-piece illustrated entitled “Walk A Mile In Our Shoes And You Will Understand From Whence We Came”, Illustrations called “Endangered Species”, a 3-piece illustration entitled “The Greatest”, and a single called “Hunting Season”. His greatest work of art is arguably “Walk A Mile In Our Shoes”, because what it portrays is the Black EXPERIENCE in a different way. In creating this exhibit, he seeks to show a mirror effect to Caucasians of what the Black EXPERIENCE looks like. Mr. Walker’s pictures have been created with the sole intent to invoke a thought in all who refuse to understand the plight that Blacks have had to endure in their experience from slavery up until now. His work can be viewed on Instagram….@walkers_gallery.

TX - 11

African

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American News&Issues

TEXAS • AUGUST 21 - 27, 2017

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