African-American News&Issues

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July 18-24, 2007 ™

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Vol. 12 Issue 24

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Historical effort to address Black radio MARIO SALAS

African-American News&Issues

Money Talks Page 2

Roundup from the

Lone Star Hoods

DALLAS− Community leaders, religious leaders, activists and educators came together to honor former District 7 Councilman Leo Chaney Jr. as a servant of the people. First elected to the South Dallas district in 1999 and during his tenure, he helped improve housing, economic development, supported a Weed and Seed Program and worked to preserve Black history in the district. He was ineligible to run again because of council term limits. Chaney was also instrumental in securing public safety grants totaling $350,000 for the South Dallas Trust Fund and creating the Dallas Community Court and worked to get $3.7 million for improvements to Highland Road.

GARLAND− Protecting students from illegal drugs is the topic on tap for a forum sponsored by the Garland NAACP. A team of experts will discuss strategies for dealing with this new weapon of mass destruction at the Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church, 1019 S. 1st Street, in Garland on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. Panelists will include Garland Police Assistant Chief Charles Rene; Garland ISD Guidance and Counseling Director Ruby Armstrong; House of Isaiah Substance Abuse Outreach Center founder and former NFL star Isaiah Robinson; Sweet Home Pastor Rev. D.L. Wilson; and the NAACP Garland Youth Council.

See LONE STAR page 9

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Quote of the Week

“Greatness occurs when your children love you, when your critics respect you and when you have peace of mind.”

Quincy Jones

Michael Perkins is the first African American to be chosen as Teacher of the Year in Austin, Texas.

Photo by American-Statesman

Austin’s First Black Teacher of the Year Perkins is Proof Positive Anyone Can Overcome Obstacles, Excuses DARWIN CAMPBELL

African-American News&Issues

AUSTIN- In an age where it is easy to make excuses for failure, one Austin educator has beaten back all of life obstacles to rise to the top of his field to become teacher of the year. Michael Perkins is not only the 2007 Austin school district Teacher of the Year, but also is the first African American to be chosen to receive the award.

He not only is a graduate of Austin’s LBJ High School, but also is a first-generation college graduate in his family. Perkins earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Education form Texas State University.

His story is one of maintaining a dream, overcoming poverty, life without a father and numerous disappointments along the way to being placed in a position to influence the lives he touches everyday

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t’s been a year since Billie Clark Wilson’s Christian journey came to a glorious end and he was called home by God to claim his crown that was laid up in heaven. Thus, Shirley Ann Black Arts & Kollectibles Showroom, 6112 Wheatley (see ad on page 2), offers a complimentary memoriam to the family and love ones who celebrated his long and productive life on July 22, 2006 at Lyons Unity MBC, 3215 Lyons Avenue, with Senior Pastor W. A. Jordan officiating. Assistant Pastor Rev. Delwin Benton delivered the eulogy during an order of service that included: Rev. Thompson (Mt. Olive BC), Luscious Young, Sis. Alice Limbrick and Ronnie Evans. Active pallbearers were: Keith Pinkard, Reginal Jackson, Billy Wilson II, Brandon Pinkard and Ray, Romel and Ray Carlton II. Lamart Murdock, Ronnie Evans, Z’keus Carrington, Lenzy Johnson, Jody Young, Joe Morgan, Gary Nunn, De’Monte Thomas, Tommie Harris, Ed Lathan, church officers and Local 872 ILA

at Kealing Middle School. Perkins was selected because of his involvement and dedicated love for his students that has proven to not only be unwavering, but also genuine in every aspect.

His walk through life has not been a rosy one, being born to Wanda McDowell, a mother who was 16-years-old and on welfare at the time of his arrival in 1976. Perkins grew up on the tough streets of East Austin not knowing his biological father and exposed to the many negative factors that keep many African Americans from escaping the pull of the hood and moving up the ladder towards success.

While growing up, the church had a tremendous impact on his life. At the Rosewood Avenue Baptist Church, he had mentors and teachers who encouraged and nurtured him because they realized that Perkins was a bright and special child. That training helped him stay on the right track.

Not making excuses, he dodged some negative family influences and temptations to set aside education and remained focused, wanting to do his best to position himself for success. After surviving the pull of the hood, Perkins went on

See TEACHER page 3

BILLY C. WILSON

December 1, 1923-July 18, 2006 Brothers were honorary pallbearers for Billie Clark, who was born on Dec. 1, 1923 to the proud parents of Virgie and Exzemra Wilson in Reagan, Texas (FYI: Reagan is at the intersection of State Highway 6 and Farm Road 413, nine miles southeast of Marlin in southeastern Falls County. It was established in 1873, shortly after the Waco and Northwestern Railroad completed the section of track between Bremond and Ross. A post office opened that year and was named

SAN ANTONIO- A group called San Antonio Community Radio has been formed in the wake of the loss of KSJL Radio. The organization is holding a “Town Hall Meeting” on Saturday July 28, 2007, at the Frank Garrett Center, located at 1226 NW 18th Street, two blocks off of Culebra, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The public is invited and the organization, which has dedicated itself to fighting for a return of Black Radio, will have some important announcements In the wake of the loss of KSJL radio community organizations and individuals have banded together to lead the charge to establish an African American voice on the airways in San Antonio. This Town Hall meeting is expected to draw a good crowd, as the community is greatly concerned about the communications needs of the African American community are not being met.

Former members of the local Black Coalition on Mass Media, a group that was organized in the 1970s, have joined in with others to establish the San Antonio Community Radio group. Three other groups have also joined in to help put the organization together and will be meeting with the community to help establish needs and issues that will be developed. Those who

Frank Garrett is supporting San Antonio’s community radio effort.

for William Reason Reagan, who gave land for the townsite. During the mid-1880s the community had two steam gristmills, nine cotton gins, five general stores, two hotels, a church, a district school, and 250 residents.

By 1890, Reagan had grown to 500 residents and had a weekly newspaper, the Herald. The community in 1905 had two oneteacher schools with 117 Black students and one three-teacher school with 140 White students.

The reported population of Reagan reached a high of 600 in 1914, when the town included a bank and assorted other businesses. The number of residents fell to 500 by the mid-1920s and to 353 by the early 1940s. The Reagan schools were consolidated with the Marlin Independent School District in 1948. Reagan lost its rail service in 1965, when the Southern Pacific abandoned the section of track between Bremond and Waco.Handbook on Texas Online.)

As a child, Billie was called B.C. by friends and family. He attended school and accepted Christ at

are aware of the work of the Black Coalition on Mass Media and its affiliate group, the Intra-City Urban Communications Coalition, know that the original members included TC Calvert, Carlos Richardson, Val St. Cyr, Joyce McCullen, Mario Salas, Fred Coy, Victor Soto, Bettye Roberts, and many others. This group brought cable TV to San Antonio and was responsible for the franchise agreement between Time Warner and the City of San Antonio.

This news comes as a welcome sign for the African American Community that is without any real consistent voice on the radio airways.

San Antonio Community Radio is inviting pastors, churches, civic organizations, community organizations, the NAACP, LULAC, and individuals from across the city to join a community effort to build a radio station. The group plans on making several key announcements at the event and so it is important that the entire community is invited. African Americans and other minorities from across the city, especially those who have just arrived and want to participate in a community effort are invited to attend.

The issues that need to be discussed are many. The process of preparing the paper work a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license is not that hard, but the technical details and the timely filing of an application is crucial. The FCC has opened a window of opportunity in October for those seeking a non-commercial radio license. This window will not be open again for years to come and so it will be important to establish a team of experts. This process has already begun, as the group will reveal. More information will be revealed at the event.

San Antonio Community Radio is the first community based group to be developed to address the issue of Black Radio in San Antonio. This effort will require support from the community and is expected to accomplish that task by

See BLACK RADIO page 3

an early age in Marlin, Texas. He served in the Navy and was honorably discharged.

He worked at the Waterfront for 30 plus years. He loved his job working grain boats and many other jobs and later became a ship superintendent. He was a charter member of Lyons Unity MBC board of trustees because he knew Christ and truly loved his church.

He never met a stranger and could talk to anyone for hours. He loved to fish, to watch wrestling, go to Dallas to visit and most of all, he loved his grandkids. B.C. loved and cherished his wife, Doris Mae Wilson of 51 years until she was called to glory three and one-half years earlier.

His parents, two brothers, one son and daughter, and grandson went to glory at an earlier date.

He leaves to cherish his memory, two sons, Billy Wilson and Richard Jackson, 11 grandchildren: 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, one uncle, Newell James and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.

TX-1

VIEWPOINTS & OPINIONS

2 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • July 18-24, 2007 Si 19 nce 94

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PUBLISHER’S NEWS ANALYSIS Amegy’s Murphy Talks Money Roy Douglas Malonson

warned you last month that you would be cheating yourself if you didn’t attend the July 5, African American Chamber of Commerce Greater Houston (in affiliation with Acres Home Center for Business and Economic Development) Business Networking Luncheon at the Beulah Ann Shepard Building, 6112 Wheatley. Accordingly, you can blame yourself if you missed an opportunity to talk money with Paul B. Murphy, the CEO of Amegy Bank and several key members of his staff. I want go so far as to say that this month’s luncheon was the beginning of a new era, but, as far as I’m concerned, we definitely got back to what the Chamber was all about when it was founded.

Need I say community building is serious business and business is about making money? Accordingly, Amegy Bank’s Murphy was the ideal person to talk money, since he has been the impetus behind northwest Houston-Acres Home’s amazing community development that rivals any program in Black America. I met the man almost 20 years ago and I value my relationship with him.

Yet, it’s surprising that so few Black Houstonians are aware of Amegy’s Bank commitment to economically empowering our neighborhoods. So allow me to formally introduce my banker and friend: Murphy, one of the bank’s first employees, has been a key leader in helping Amegy Bank of Texas grow into one of the best performing banks in the nation. With little more than $50 million in assets and one location 15 years ago, the bank now has more than $9 billion in assets.

TX-2

Furthermore, there are 2,000 employees and more than 80 banking centers throughout the Greater Houston and Dallas metropolitan areas. Amegy Bank of Texas, a part of Zion’s Corporation’s collection of great banks, is one of the fastest growing banks in Texas and has become synonymous with technological innovation, unequaled customer service and strong, continued growth. He is an advocate of the community. He is a board member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Health Care System, Houston Endowment, Children’s Museum of Houston, Greater Houston Community Foundation, the Greater Houston Partnership, the Governor’s Business Council and others.

He is active in the Young Presidents Organization and is an advisory board member for Mississippi State University School of Banking. Prior to joining Amegy Bank of Texas, he spent nine years at Allied Bank of Texas/First Interstate Bank.

A 1981 graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor’s degree in finance, he earned his MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.

Even so, all of that has nothing to do with why I value my relationship with him. I like the man because he actually listens. In fact, Murphy made a very brief speech (mainly to highlight Amegy Bank’s mission and resources), before he opened the door for questions from the “Lunch Bunch” that were taking care of business and networking at a luncheon sponsored by: Amegy Bank, Shirley Ann Black Arts & Kollectibles Showroom, Gospel Truth News.com and African American News&Issues. Murphy was very diplomatic, until GOP’s

Eyes on the Prize of equality and justice. Ironically, that’s exactly what many Black leaders espoused when the NAACP’s Thurgood Marshall, convinced the U. S. Supreme Court that segregated schools violated the 14th Amendment of the United State’s Constitution.

Apparently Black leaders failed to remember our history. Most school kids know that the 13th Amendment (Proclamation of Emancipation) freed our ancestors, but few have been taught that the 14th Amendment, basically, was as important to descendents of slaves as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution combined, were to descendants of slave owners. However, what’s past is past. Nevertheless, the same opinion delivered by Chief Justice Earl Warren-- on May 17, 1954- allowed Chief Justice John Roberts to undo--on June 2007--what was done. Warren ruled: “An additional reason for the inconclusive nature of the Amendment’s history, with respect to segregated schools, is the status of public education at that time. In the South, the movement toward free common schools, supported by general taxation, had not yet taken hold.

“Education of White children was largely in the hands of private groups. Education of Negroes was almost nonexistent, and practically all of the race was illiterate. In

BUD’S EYEVIEW

ON:Trash Talk & Slurs

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f the recent Supreme Court ruling did nothing else, it revealed just how history illiterate far too many supposedly politically-astute, well-educated African Americans are. Truth is, to hear post segregation high school grads (discuss what they consider a major blow to the rights that Brown v. Board of Education gave us over 50 years ago), is embarrassing to history literate Black people.

Apparently, many pseudo-intellectuals that preach knowing Black History fail to practice what they preach. Accordingly, as you already know (if you regularly read African American News& Issues) that one of our prime directives is to publish at least one little known historical fact to enlighten our audited estimated 2 million readers in every edition.

We Must Understand, historical profundities like the one you’ll find in our Black History 24-7-365 front page feature begs for an explanation. Indeed, the proverb: “If you don’t know your past, you don’t know your future,” should give one cause to pause and ponder why one has to know where they came from to decide where they’re going. Race card notwithstanding, we used that truism as a warning to made in America Africans’ intelligentsia wont to buy into flawed wisdom that “It’s time to put our slave history behind us,” and press on with our

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EDITORIAL

“Our country must abandon all of the habits of racism, because we cannot carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time.”

President George Walker Bush

Bud Johnson: The Old African Warrior

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oebeit a week after I wrote the Eyeview (ON: Words Don’t Hurt), Dikembe Moutomo’s big, ugly face showed up on my TV whining about being insulted by a racist fan. For sure, I can certainly see where Moutomo, who looks as if he’s crying all the time, is coming from when he got mad as hell and wasn’t going to take anymore when the dufus bigot indirectly insulted his family’s sho’ nuff “Negroid” features. Hey, the brother is ugly, so don’t even think about queuing up The Twilight Zone theme.

Even so, since I was the third best “dozens” player at Houston, Texas’ Wheatley High School, circa 1952, I sometimes drift into The Outer Limits of hurtful slurs when I talk trash about your momma. In fact, I applaud him for reacting like a ‘hook from Fifth Ward, Texas’ “bottoms,” insofar as Da’ Big Nickel’s mantra is: “If you’re wrong, in your m-f’ing chest is where I belong.”

Denial notwithstanding, the White buffoon was terrorized when a 7’2,” 260 pound, angry Congo warrior (with the biggest “African soupbones” in the NBA) charged him.

Truth is, since he hadn’t used the “n-word,” he had no idea what made the African native so restless.

He didn’t know that descendants of slaves have been conditioned to disregard trash talk, per se. As long as hateful racial slurs aren’t included, but native Africans are fiercely

proud of their family, culture and heritage and are highly offended by any display of disrespect.

Translation: They don’t play foolish word games with an adversary. I learned working with the HABJ’s Anthony Ogbu that made in America Africans’ sense of humor is totally foreign to African natives.

Consequently, if they weren’t restricted by respect of persons, they would quickly tell you that nothing could be dumber than our oldest civil rights advocacy group to waste time burying the spiteful “n-word,” replete with a mock funeral (FYI: A funeral will be held when the NAACP holds its national convention in Detroit in July. No one will be dead, but just like the group did in 1944 when it buried Jim Crow, the laws that institutionalized segregation between blacks and whites in America, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s leaders are hoping to bury the N-word.-Detroit Free Press), at a time when Black America is silently under attack by evil in high places.

Square business, it pains me to see my brothers and sisters be so pathetic as to make a big thing out of a word. I’ll never forget when I was assigned to a hut with three White recruits at Fort Bliss (El Paso, Texas), when the Army was experimenting integrating its troops. One a true East, Texas “redneck crack-

Attorney Riecke Baumann opened a can of worms by citing mainstream media data.

Naturally, he was challenged from a Black perspective. Subsequently, when I closed out the meeting with remarks; I actually extended a very valuable discussion. As you know, I preach that Black people must stop believing everything they hear, read, or even see (on TV), and investigate issues from a thinking Black person’s perspective. Although Murphy had dispelled the popular belief that Blacks are discriminately denied loans that are routine granted to their White counterparts, I took the liberty of explaining that based

on my personal experiences with Amegy Bank, unfortunately, far too many wannbe Black entrepreneurs simply don’t understand the importance of building relationships with banks they intend to do business with. I explained, that if you haven’t invested (risked) your own money in your idea; you’ll be hard pressed to get a loan.

Meanwhile, what I really wanted to impress upon the Lunch Bunch was that far too many Black businesses, e.g. churches, don’t understand reciprocity. Consequently, they often end up having a one way, or one person relationship with banks that won’t, or can’t loan them money. Especially if their con-

fact, any education of Negroes was forbidden by law in some states.

Today, in contrast, many Negroes have achieved outstanding success in the arts and sciences as well as in the business and professional world….Even in the North, the conditions of public education did not approximate those existing today. The curriculum was usually rudimentary; upgraded schools were common in rural areas; the school term was but three months a year in many states; and compulsory school attendance was virtually unknown. It is not surprising that there should be so little in the history of the Fourteenth Amendment relating to its intended effect on public education.”

We Must Understand, a resurrected Thurgood Marshall would find it difficult to successfully argue against Robert’s ruling.

His Supreme Court’s argument was that Warren’s ruling was then, but this is now. Marshall’s thorough knowledge of the 14th Amendment would give him a fighting chance. Do you know what the 14th Amendment guarantees?

Have you sat down with your kids and explained to them that zero tolerance policing in our community violates the 14th Amendment?

You didn’t know that? History NoKnows aside, “If you don’t know your past, you don’t know your future.” er,” would tell “n-word” jokes and watch for a reaction.

The other fellows would be on edge. Since my reputation as a crazy “n” that wasn’t a very nice person to mess with was well established, they awaited madness and mayhem. Conversely, I was amused.

Hey, the cracker was functionally illiterate and I considered myself far too superior over dumb rednecks to let their inane racial slurs bother me.

On the other hand, I had to send a message, lest he might’ve interpreted my cool silence as fear. So I quietly got up, walked over and told him that if he wanted to pick a fight, he only had to ask me because I wasn’t one of those nice Negros. Instead I was a bad “n-word” who loved to rumble.

After a pregnant pause he responded in a trembling voice, “I ain’t scared of you, but I don’t want to get in trouble.” The other guys smothered snickers because his joke had backfired, as I sealed the deal by assuring him that I was trouble, so he’d better be careful how he talked around me if he didn’t want some sho’nuff trouble. Where am I coming from?

Bigots that insult “Black boys,” who are scared of trouble, tend to watch their mouth when they’re around “BLACK MEN” who are trouble. I wonder if anybody knows where I’m coming from.

To contact Bud Johnson, please call 281- 847-9929 (8-5- Thurs. & Fri.) or via e-mail at Africanwarrior@aol.com

tact has limited power. That’s why it was so important for the Lunch Bunch to break bread with Murphy.

The Lunch Bunch laughed, but I was dead serious when I told them not to go running up to Amegy Bank trying to get a business loan if they hadn’t bothered to do business with them before. I glanced over at the Amegy table and saw its predominately minority executive staff (Lugh Akin, Crystal Foaro, Joy Partain, Michael Pearson, Kinna Dirden, Shirley Penn, Carlotta Franklin, Murray Curean, Latoya Graham, Brenda Cooper, Joyce Koppe, Pierre Lawrence and Will Washington), nodding in approval.

See MONEY page 3

African-American News&Issues • Texas • July 18-24, 2007 • 3 TEACHER -from Page 1 to college, but soon was threatened by another obstacle that potentially could have derailed his dreams.

After learning that he would soon be a father, he began working extra hard, taking odd jobs for money, including washing cars and picking up trash. He also switched majors to sociology and was working at his old high school, LBJ in Austin, to provide social services to students from his old neighborhood.

He determined to be a better father to his daughter than his father was to him and that motivated him and became a strong point for him making him push forward.

However, it was the increasing educational achievement gaps between minority and White student in the educational system that made him determined to do what he could to turn the tide and that is when he went back to Texas State University-San Marcos and completed his Masters in Education.

Perkins was a man on a mission returning to his community not only to teach, but determined to make a difference in the lives of so many children walking the same streets he did. Kealing houses both a magnet program for some of the highest-achieving students in the district and a neighborhood school

MONEY -from Page 2 Others considering the wisdom of building relationships with banks where you deposit your money were: Kerry Douglas, Sr., Sharon Douglas, Amber Douglas, Thomas Bonner, Timika Simmons, Mr. Larry and Billy Henderson (Gospel Truth); Steve Gipson, Keith Gray and Cheryl Smith (Center Point); Cheryl Campbell, April Maggio and Jodie Glaze (TPI Staffing); Alberto Herrion, Katrina Dowdell, Sylvia Teague, Flora Adams and Angelica Adams (CIS); Dr. Abe Bryant, Johnny Sessums, James Smith Lucky Salinas, Sheron Bruno and Robert Sims (HCCS); Vicky Davis (Simone’s Creole Café); Ken Howard (World Capital Funding); Rockie Thompson (Focus Marketing); Ashleigh Howard, from Congresswoman Lee’s office, Eugene Butler, Rita Andrews, Samuel Cosby, Michael Walton, Margo Williams Kellen Remburt, Steve Hum and

Cedric Tardy’s Enterprise.

As always, the Chamber seniors were well represented by: Ida Tennessee, Evalyn Carl, Oveta Hunter, Addie McDaniels, Callie Hector, Genesee Wooten and Annie Lee Lott and Corine Sweed. Not to mention our matriarch, Beulah Ann Shepard being on her post to deliver the welcome before blessing the delicious cuisine. Chamber chairman Keith Silas and Robert Leday as usual did their masterful job of coordinating the event, which was enjoyed by all. Suffice it to say, business people are cheating themselves to not attend the monthly (each first Thursday) business networking.

To RSVP for the Lunch Bunch’s Thursday, August 2, 2007 networking luncheon opportunity that will feature Cynthia Briggs, executive director of Citizens in Schools, Inc. - Houston, please call (713) 6927003.

We got mail...

funding have been virtually identical to the votes of Senator Hillary Clinton.

Nata E. Koerber Houston, TX

Mistaken about Obama’s vote

In your recent article about Barack Obama’s visit to San Antonio, Mario Salas inaccurately stated Barack Obama “voted against the authorization of the war in Iraq.” Obama was not yet in the Senate, and did not have a votewhen the issue was being presented to the Senate in post-911 America. He has admitted he was not privy to the security reports provided to Senate by then-Secretary of State Colin Powell, which served as the basis on which the war was authorized. Since beginning his first term in the U.S. Senate, Barack Obama’s votes on war

Roy Douglas Malonson-Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson-Pres./CEO Bud Johnson-Mgr. Editor Emeritus Darwin Campbell- DFW Metroplex Mario Salas-San Antonio Marvin D. Cloud-Production Mgr. Lisa Smith - Production Assistant Billy ‘Hollywood’ Groves - Reporter Malik Kenyatta - Reporter Lori Landry - Cont. Writer Oswald J. Scott -Cont. Writer Roger Jackson-Photographer Jesse Simon-Photographer Fred Smith-Advertising/Sales James Johnson-Distribution Allen Carlton-Distribution David Johnson-Distribution • Advertising: 713-692-1178 • Houston: 713-692-1892 • DFW Metroplex : 817-283-7945 • Fax Line: 713-692-1183 • General: news@aframnews.com • Ads: sales@aframnews.com • Web: www.aframnews.com African-American News &Issues is published by African-American News &Issues, Inc., 6130 Wheatley Street Houston, Texas 77091, 713.692.1892.

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that has some of the lowest state achievement test scores in the district.

His focus at Kealing remains on working to get students from the neighborhood on the same track as those in the magnet program. “I hate the achievement gap.” He said.

“It consumes me and I feel that it is my purpose in life is to help kill it.”

Perkins also teaches an elective course — Advancement Via Individual Determination, or AVID — that prepares students for college eligibility. The message he communicates to his students is simple. “Be confident and be sure of yourself.”

As a first-year teacher in 2004,

he created Kealing’s Step It Up program that focuses on developing student leaders and promoting academic excellence and friendship.

Perkins is an excellent example of not making excuses, but finding the power and courage to overcome obstacles and find solution to life’s situations.

He is not only a parental figure to many of the children, but many parents say he helps them feel connected to the Rosewood neighborhood school, like a family.

His “greatest accomplishment and hope in education, he says, “will be the day my current students enroll in college.”

Paul B. Murphy, Jr., CEO Amegy Bank, receives a certificate of appreciation from Keith Silas, Chairman of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston.

BLACK RADIO-from Page 1 having community meetings in the heart of the community. The organization’s vision is to bring a positive voice to the City of San Antonio that meets the needs of the African American and minority community.

We live in a society where voices are muted or amplified by forces outside the control of the community. Much of what that has been amplified has been negative, while positive voices are ignored. A community radio station that could provide a positive and uplifting voice is needed.

This will be a historic event and should be attended by those who want a positive vehicle that can address our issues.

Rev. Kerry Douglas, Gospel Truth Magazine, was one of the luncheon’s sponsors.

Mario’s response: Thanks for the observation. You are correct and I will make that correction in a future article. I should have said that he voiced his opposition to the war from the beginning, unlike Hilary Clinton who supported the outright lies of the Bush administration.

That is an accurate statement and not the other. Good observation and we appreciate your diligence.

Good Old Boys’ Club, Alive and Well In my opinion the African race in America can no longer trust the White politician. Seventy three years of living in America has proven to me that the good old boy’s club is alive and well in Washington D.C. If the good old boy’s club was not alive, President Bush would have been impeached a long time ago. One thing is for sure, African Americans can not trust anybody that is a Republican. Bush has lied and made all the Republican’s lie. What Bush did to the people of Katrina, should show all African Americans what the White people in power think of us, and how they feel about helping African Americans who need help. Bush let them sit there for five days with no food or water. What type of human being could do that to another human being? The White people in power are the ones who are doing what I would call ignoring the people of color. Which means in my opinion that African Americans don’t count in America, they are just here, and they are seen but not heard.

Even the African Americans that are in the motion picture world of Hollywood are seen but not heard. Now we have Senator Barack Obama, a mixed African American -mother White and the father African. He is considered to be Black by White people in America. Barack Obama presence in the race for president will show the world what America is really about. It will also show African Americans what they are all about in America.

Edwin J. Forrest

Houston, TX

From the left: Keith Gray, Cheryl Smith, Ricke Baumann, Jodie Glase, Cheryl Doyle and Steve Gibson, listen attentively to Paul Murphy as he speaks about money and other financial matters.

Photos by Roger Jackson

Rally set to save man guilty of being in the wrong place at the wrong time AUSTIN- On Thursday, August 30, 2007, Texas plans to execute San Antonio native Kenneth Foster, Jr., for the 1996 murder of Michael LaHood, Jr. What makes Foster’s case unique is that he killed no one.

The State of Texas will be the first to admit this.

How is this possible? Texas, which already stands out nationally for its frequent use of the death penalty, is the only state where you can be factually innocent of murder and still be sent to death row.

Adopted in 1974, Texas’ Law of Parties allows prosecutors to hold all those present legally responsible for a crime.

Beginning in 1989, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals approved the use of the Law of Parties in death penalty cases. Because Foster was driving the car carrying Mauriceo Brown, the night Brown shot Michael LaHood, prosecutors were able to try him with Brown as if he were the shooter. Brown, who was executed July 19, 2006, admitted to shooting LaHood, but claimed it was in self-defense.

He also insisted that Foster did not know that Brown had left the car with the gun. On August 14,

1996, Foster was driving a car carrying Mauriceo Brown, Dewayne Dillard, and Julius Steen.

That night, Brown and Steen committed two armed robberies, at which point Kenneth asked Dillard to persuade them to stop. On the way home, Foster ended up following behind a car carrying Michael LaHood, Jr. and his girlfriend, Mary Patrick. Concerned that Foster was deliberately following them, Patrick waved the car down in front of the LaHood residence.

There was no discussion about committing a robbery. Dillard testified that Brown exited the car with the gun without permission or knowledge of the other men. When Brown approached the woman, her boyfriend Michael LaHood approached from the driveway.

Brown and LaHood exchanged words, and Brown then shot and killed LaHood. Brown acted on his own, and no one assisted, encouraged and/or had knowledge of the shooting. Brown expressed deep remorse before his execution in 2006.

Following his arrest, Foster was wrongly tried alongside Brown.

Not only did Brown admit to the

shooting in self-defense, but clearly and freely stated that no robbery was planned and that he acted on his own. But because two robberies had already taken place that night, the prosecutors used the Law of Parties to argue that Foster should have anticipated that Brown would attempt to rob LaHood and, consequentially, that a murder might take place.

Thus, Foster faces execution simply for driving a car. Foster’s criminal attorney, Keith Hampton, wrote in his federal appeal, “By employing the conspiracy liability statute, the state is able to make persons death-eligible on nothing greater than a negligence standard – that the defendant ‘should have anticipated’ that his conspirator would, in the course of any planned felony, intentionally kill another person.” He added, “negligence is the least culpable mental state known to criminal law.” Recently, Hampton submitted Foster’s subsequent writ of habeas corpus to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. If they refuse to grant Foster relief, his supporters will then turn to the Board of Pardons and Paroles and Governor Perry for clemency.

TX-3

POLITICAL NEWS

4 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • July 18-24, 2007

Diversity Push Receives ‘Affirmative Action’ in Irving DARWIN CAMPBELL

African-American News&Issues

IRVING-City officials in Irving hope offering its own version of an affirmative action “olive branch,” will go a long way in breaking down race and gender barriers and open the door to more opportunities for minority and women owned business. The city is in an aggressive mode, trying to change its past image and policies that shut out Blacks, women and other minority businesses from doing business with the city of Irving.

“This represents a historic turning point and is a big step forward for the city,” said Irving activist Anthony Bond. “We are excited and see this as a positive thing that will move Irving into the 21st Century and make it a premier example of the meaning of true diversity.” The city has been under examination by business and community activists and AAN&I who uncovered discrepancies, including the lack of a minority procurement

policy in the city, the lack of a minority woman business enterprise policy (MWBE) guarantees offering minority businesses a fair share of city contracts, imbalances in the wording and implementation of how the city uses it historically underutilized business policy and the failures of city officials to reach out and recruit more Black, Hispanic and other minority businesses to bid and work on jobs.

AAN&I was the first publication to reveal Irving’s dirty little secret and point out how Black and Hispanic groups are calling for changes that will overturn the current status quo and add permanent policies that provide equal opportunity, equal access and a fair share and shake for all. For years, the good old boys have dominated the system and had the upper hand on high dollar contracts with the city.

Officials from the LULAC chapter in Irving, have also been monitoring the city’s poor record on minority business contracts and relations with Hispanics- currently the fastest growing population

in the city. After more than a decade of sounding the trumpet and calling for change, Bond’s efforts now gives Blacks and other minority businesses a more level playing field to compete for city contracts and services. For years, Irving had no minority procurement program on its books and did not actively seek out Blacks or other minorities to do business with the city.

During that time, city demographics has changed in the city of nearly 200,000, where now about 63 percent of the population is classified as minorities, including a growing number of Blacks and Hispanics.

The city’s plan for a more diverse future wooed as many as 400 businessmen and businesswomen with the goal in mind of stirring the pot and creating an increased pool of companies which can and will compete to provide competitive services and products to the city.

Purchasing Manager Ed Mathews, who has worked with Mayor Herb Gears and City Manager Tommy Gonzalez and the city council to develop the plan, said the new pro-

gram is about communicating the idea that Irving is non hostile to minority businesses and supports a diverse community approach.

The changes represents the positive fulfillment and follow through of words spoken by Mayor Gears, who vowed to change a system tilted toward “good ole’ boy” policies.

Last year, Gears told AAN&I, “I am not afraid of or running from that conversation because I definitely think it is a conversation we need to have here in Irving. I don’t like the way it is where the same companies and same people get the bids all the time. We want to do what we can to have a level playing field at all levels… because this is not good for image of a city or diversity in city.”

Now, Gears’ leadership which helped bring Gonzalez to the table, has led to one of the most revolutionary changes in the city’s history. Gonzalez success has been to headline this new policy as one of the first successes of his new strategic plan he set in place last year to help build the city towards the fu-

ture.

Under the program being rolled out, Irving has set its overall goal to have as much as 26 percent of all annual contract work going to minority or women owned businesses. There is also a good faith and effort clause that requires any company bidding on work for the city to attempt to involve businesses owned by minorities or women in that particular project. Those companies must also keep documentation detailing efforts to seek out minority businesses for services. Minority owned companies winning contracts must also abide by the good faith and effort clause.

For years, the city of Irving, Texas has been in the shadow of Dallas and held Blacks, Hispanics and women in business back from getting a fair share of the economic pie. Mathews said the program will result in the city considering more competitive bids and could mean taxpayers get wiser use and maximum bang for taxpayer dollars.

Abandoned in America MALIK KENYATTA

African-American News&Issues

HOUSTON- Jeff Wallace, the 36-year-old director of community services, at Texas’ largest Community Action Agency, wants to transition at least one person out of poverty each day. When he joined Gulf Coast Community Services Association (GCCSA), two years ago, he found that although the agency was over 40 years-old, it had only transitioned 37 people out of poverty, the year he arrived. It wasn’t that the agency didn’t do a lot of good in the community; it didn’t have a way to track its successes.

Wallace who is on a mission “to empower others,” is seeking to change all that. “Seeing the development or enhancement of individuals and families is what drives me,” he said. “The strongest motivating factor for me to work in the social services arena is the development of human capital, which has been the focus I have had in my professional life over the past 10 years.”

In 2006, GCCSA transitioned 151 people out of poverty. This year, Wallace aims to transition 400 people out of poverty. His goal for 2008 is to help 600 individuals and families become self-reliant.

According to Dr. Marian Wright Eldelman, “We spend about a billion every month on the so-called war in Iraq. Less than four months of this spending would also pay for

health coverage for every uninsured child in the U.S.” While billions of the poor Americans’ tax dollars are being poured out of the U.S.A. into multinational corporations. The poverty rates for Blacks in America exceed the national average. Twenty five percent of American Blacks are poor compared to 8.6 percent of American Whites.

Family debt has risen over 35 percent in the last four years and the personal savings rate is a negative for the first time in America since World War II. While the rate of poverty has skyrocketed since President Bush has taken office, the administration continues to give billions of the American tax payers’ dollars to multinational corporations to fight a war in a land (Iraq) that 70 percent of its people said they do not want.

The percentage of poor Americans who are living in severe poverty, has reached a 32-year high as the gulf between the nation’s haves and the have nots continue to widen. People need to better understand where this country stands with poverty. Texas is a prime example.

There are 3,460,652 families, with 6,307,946 children. LowIncome Children: 49 percent (3,097,951) of children live in lowincome families (National: 39 percent), defined as income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level 43 percent (1,330,884) of children in low-income families live with a single parent. 24 percent (574,119) of White children live in

low-income families. 58 percent (461,934) of Black children live in low-income families. 69 percent (1,992,124) of Latino children live in low-income families.

A high ranking government official who asked to remain anonymous said, “Government corporate collusion inflate prices, lower quality, block competition and is the antithesis of free enterprise.

The greatest enemies of free enterprise are those business leaders who collude with government to consolidate their power without having to earn that power in a competitive, value producing atmosphere.”

Just what is the American work ethic suppose to be about? How do we factor in such a concept in the dynamics of the American antebellum slave culture? If it means doing the right thing on the work site or job then it appears that the huge corporations have very little or no ethics at all.

According to a recent study, as many as 87 percent of corporate managers were willing to commit fraud in one or more cases. The good old boys very seldom go to jail in the big time corporate world and civil resolutions are the results of corporate crime, they pay a fine. They can commit a crime or crimes and simply pay a fine.

They usually leave their very good paying jobs with a severance package worth millions, and a golden parachute that would make the emperors of Rome blush. In the chapter of Luke, in the Bible, there is an example of someone who

A homeless man pulls eight shopping carts with presumably all of his worldly possessions. practiced the present day practice of crumb ethics, In this scenario, the rich man went to hell because he refused to share his bread with the poor man named Lazarus.

Today, the same crumb ethic dynamic is practiced by the huge corporations as well as the government. Some people say the huge multinational corporations are the government. One thing is for sure whether they are the same or not, they act and look the same.

Why are American citizens dying on the streets of America like rejected and abandoned animals?

Where is the Christian ethic that the Bush administration loves to talk about? How can the richest country on the face of the earth, allow millions of its citizens to be homeless, and at the same time brag about sending billions of the peoples’ tax dollars to foreign lands?

Across the country, scenes like this one of a man asleep on the sidewalk is a common occurence.

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7/9/07 4:08:02 PM

COMMUNITY & EVENTS

African-American News&Issues • Texas • July 18-24, 2007 • 5

Jackie Pope installed as 11th National President of Top Ladies Of Distinction, Incorporated

HOUSTON-Jackie Pope is the new National President of Top Ladies of Distinction, Incorporated (“TLOD”). She was installed as the 11th National President during TLOD’s 35th National Convention held recently in Savannah, Georgia.

Founded in 1964 in Tyler, Texas, TLOD is the premier national service organization with over 93 chapters in the United States. TLOD’s signature program is Top Teens of America, where over 3,500 teens participate each year in its leadership development program.

Pope’s professional background ensures that she is well suited to implement TLOD’s goal of providing quality “service to youth and adults.” She is the executive assistant to Anthony W. Hall, Jr., chief administrative officer for the City of Houston. She holds a B.A. from Grambling College (now University) and a M.A. from the University of Houston. She is chair of the Board of Directors of True Blue Community Endow-

Emancipation Park Celebrates 135 Years of Freedom

ment; member of Executive Women International, graduate of Leadership HoustonClass XIII, Missouri City/ Houston Space City Chapter of TLOD; Houston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Texas Spring Cypress Chapter of The Links, Inc.; Barbara Jordan Houston Section-NationJackie Pope al Council of Negro Women (Organizer); Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church and the Red Hat Society.

Pope has earned numerous awards including Outstanding Texan Award; UNCF – Volunteer of the Year; Grambling State University “Tiger Award” (Outstanding Alumnus) and most recently was honored as a “Phenomenal Mother” by The Ensemble Theatre.

Nominations accepted for the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame

DALLAS-Nominations for the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame class of 2007 are being accepted now until July 31, 2007. The 12th Annual Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame Banquet and Auction will be held at 7 p.m., on Saturday, December 1, 2007 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, 2201 Stemmons Freeway in Dallas, Texas. The Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame, housed at the African American Museum, was established to chronicle the sports history contributions made by African Americans. The Museum is also supported, in part, by funds from the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, The Texas Commission on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a Federal agency.

Nominated athletes must have been retired from sports for at least five years and must possess exemplary sportsmanship and citizenship records. There is no retirement requirement for coaches, but they must not be an active coach at the time of their nomination. The general public submits the nominees, and a panel of judges (including sports journalists) makes the final selection.

This year, the committee hopes to receive nominations for women and nonmainstream sports participants.

Nomination forms may be picked up at the African American Museum, 3536 Grand Avenue in Fair Park Dallas, or printed out from the Web site (www.aamdallas.org). All completed forms must be submitted to the African American Museum no later than July 31, 2007. The Hall of Fame includes legendary Dallas Cowboy Stars such as Tony Dorsett, Drew Pearson, Preston Pearson, Mel Renfro, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Robert Newhouse, Rayfield Wright, Billy Joe Dupree, Jethro Pugh, and Everson Walls. The Hall of Fame also includes other heroes and heroines such as State Senator Royce West, Coach Hensley Sapenter, Ervin Garnett, Coach Jackie Carr, Jolanda Jones, Spud Webb, Rolando Blackmon, Spud Webb, Earl Campbell, Ernie Banks, Zina Garrison Jackson, Elvin Hayes, and William “Billy” Nicks.

HOUSTON- The Bandini Awards, presented at the Houston Food Bank’s annual Agency Conference to agencies that exhibited excellence in providing hunger relief, The Bandini Award is named in honor of the chair of the Houston Food Bank’s founding board, Burt Bandini.

Top: Accepting the Bandini Award for Food Pantry: Gulf Coast Community Services Association are Selene Nimchan, food pantry coordinator (left) and Dr. Jonita Wallace, GCCSA Executive Director. Bottom: Accepting the award for Meal Site: Star of Hope is Robert O. Ina, director of operations (left), and John Mills, executive vice president.

HOUSTON-The Houston Parks and Recreation Department, in conjunction with the Friends of Emancipation Park, celebrated the 135th Year Anniversary of Emancipation Park, 3018 Dowling at Elgin, on July 10.

In 1872, the Colored People’s Festival and Emancipation Park Association bought Emancipation Park as a fairground for Emancipation Day (Juneteenth) celebrations with $1,000 as a down payment.

The organization was formed by Antioch Baptist Church and Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church with some of the communities most well known families of the time as the original trustees, including Richard Allen, Richard Brock, Alias Dibbrels and Rev. Jack Yates. When taxation problems arose, the privately owned park was foreclosed on and the Juneteenth celebration fairground was closed. In 1916, an appeal was made to the city to lift the mortgage and in 1918, the land became city property dedicated to the use of “colored citizens.”

Today that history is being honored and preserved with the help of the

Friends of Emancipation Park.

“In 1872 freed-slaves purchased the land known today as Emancipation Park. The conscious decision to provide a place where freedom can be celebrated by the whole community for generations to come is a significance legacy,” said Bill Milligan, president, Friends of Emancipation Park. The preservation and recounting of Emancipation Park’s History is of importance to the Houston Parks and Recreation Department as well.

“Emancipation Park is rich in history for this community and for Houston and we are dedicated to preserving the vision of the men and women who originally purchased the land,” said Joe Turner, director, Houston Parks and Recreation Department. “We believe that understanding where and who our parks came from helps future generations understand why a park should be of importance to a community.” For information on Emancipation Park or the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, please call (713) 845-1135 or visit the Web site at www.houstonparks.org.

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DATE: VOLUME 12 Issue 13, 2007 EDITION DATE: July 11-, 2007 NEWSPAPERS/BLACK SERVICE STATION/AUTO REPAIR NOTICES/BIDS

African Herald Dr. Richard Nwachukwu 8204 Elmbrook Ste. 217 Dallas, TX 75247

INVITATION FOR BIDS

African News Digest Beede Amuka 10103 Fondren Ste. 442 Houston, TX 77096 Cherokee County Informer DBA Texas Informer Walter & Maxine Session P.O. Box 332 Rusk, TX 75785 Corsicana Examiner Rev. Dairy Johnson P.O. Box 1613 Corsicana, TX 75110 Dallas Examiner James & Mollie Belt 1515 Corinth St. Dallas, TX 75215 Dallas Post Tribune Dr. Theodore Lee 2727 Beckley Ave. Dallas, TX 75225 Dallas Weekly Jim Washington 633 Pryor St. Sw, Atlanta Georgia

Bids will be received, prior to bid time, at Manhattan Construction Company, 2120 Montrose Blvd., Houston, Texas 77006.

East Texas Review Joycelyne Fadojutimi 517 South Mobberly Longview, TX 75602

Telephone No. 713/529-0000; Fax No. 713/526-9176; E-mail: mmorgan@manhattanconstruction.com

Elite News Jordan Blair P.O. Box 397925 Dallas, TX 75339

6960 TC Jester @ Little York

MANHATTAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY is bidding on the IAH TERMINAL “C” GARAGES EXTERIOR & INTERIOR RENOVATIONS PROJECT at Bush Intercontinental Airport / Houston as a General Contractor and is soliciting subcontractor/supplier bids from qualified Minority Business Enterprises, WomanOwned Business Enterprises, and Small Business Enterprises, for this project. The bid date is July 26, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. The criteria for evaluation and selection of successful proposals will include the following: Competitive pricing, demonstrated capability on work of similar size and complexity, financial resources to satisfactorily perform the work within the time schedule projected, favorable references from past customers, verifiable safety record, ability to furnish the required insurance and, if required, the ability to provide acceptable bonding.

SOUL MUSIC

Heading TitleAcres Home Auto Repair RAPID LUBE Bids and Notices

Tune-Ups Brakes Full Service 99 $ Front End Work Oil Change Tires - Batteries Alignments Up to 5 qts. + EPA + tax Information Contact A/C Work Name: Sandra Beck Check Engine Company: Manhattan Construction Lights StatePhone: Inspections 713-529-0000 CV Joints - Axles Fax: 713-526-9176 Original Owner is Back! Engine Diagnostics Address for tearsheets:

19

Cecil shaw Sounds like motown baby!

For bookings call (832)256-9992

713-956-2500

2120 Montrose Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77006

www.myspace.com/cecilshaw

No Credit Check Financing for Repairs

Latosha Lewis named Outstanding Young Lawyer

SHOE REPAIR

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Men & Ladies - Boots & Shoes Shined, Waxed, Glazed, AD COST Dyed & Repaired

Net Rate: $90 x 5’= $450.00 281-448-9255 -20% discount ($90.00) 1400 South Victory Houston, TX 77088 Total Cost: $360.00 Major Credit Cards ACCEPTED Pager 713-687-8592 • mfshoe@aol.com

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DALLAS- The law firm of Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP announced that Latosha T. Lewis, an associate in the firm’s environmental group, has been awarded the Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA) Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year Award. Lewis was presented the award at HYLA’s annual Law Day luncheon. “We are proud to see Latosha recognized for her incredible accomplishments and achievements,” says Gardere Operating Partner Claude Treece. “She demonstrates outstanding leadership, and upholds Gardere tradition of excellence.” Lewis’ practice areas include chemical industry and refining, environmental law and litigation, insurance coverage and products liability.

RADIO MIN. ROBERT MUHAMMAD

Garland News Journal Willie Hobdy P.O. Box 24 Greenville, TX 75043

Connect the Dots

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REAL ESTATE

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GARY GREENE, REALTORS 1354 D West 43rd Street, Houston TX 77018

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Akwasi Evans 1154-B Angelina St. Austin, TX. 78702 Power Pages Hattie Kelly 313 S. Hamilton Farmersville, TX 75442 San Antonio Observer Hussien Ali P.O. Box 200226 San Antonio, TX 78220 Southwest Digest T.J. Patterson P.O. Box 2253 Lubbock, TX 79408 The Villager Tommy Wyatt 1223 Rosewood Ave. Austin, TX 78702

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Parkway Parkway Senior Senior Apartments Apartments

3663 Fairmont Parkway Pasadena, TX 77504 • Exclusively for senior citizens 55-years-old plus •Both income and non-income restricted apartments •One and two bedroom plans •From $504 to $1159 per month •Elevator serves 2nd & 3rd floor •Committed to compliance with all state & federal fair housing laws

281.487-9900

Calvin Jamison Named UT Dallas’ Vice President

RICHARDSON- Dr. Calvin D. Jamison, a seasoned university administrator, businessman, and municipal government leader, has been appointed vice president for business affairs at The University of Texas at Dallas. Jamison was named by UT Dallas President Dr. David E. Daniel following a yearlong national search to replace Dr. Larry D. Terry, who passed away unexpectedly last June. Jamison’s appointment is effective Aug. 1, 2007. The new vice president will report directly to Daniel. He most recently served as senior vice president and chief administrative officer at Hampton University in Hampton, Va., and is the former city manager of Richmond, Va.

Heading Title:

Senior Apartments

Contact Information Name: Michael Gilbert Company: Parkway Senior Apartments Phone: 281-487-9900 Fax:281-487-9901 Address for tearsheets/copy of paper: 3663 Fairmont Parkway Pasadena, Tx 77504

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YOUTH/EDUCATION

8 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • July 18-24, 2007

Last 2007 graduation for Dallas ISD DALLAS- The Dallas Independent School District will host the last graduation for 2007 at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 18, at David Field House, in the Jesse Owens Memorial Complex, 9191 South Polk St. About 200 students will receive their high school diplomas during the summer graduation ceremony.

National author and motivator, Jason Dorsey, will be the guest speaker and will talk to students about graduating to their perfect job.

Africa Care Academy Recruiting Students & Teachers DALLAS- African Care Academy is recruiting students and teachers for the 2007-2008 academic school year. Interested persons may call (214) 941-1511,or fax your resume to (214) 941- 4153 or stop by 724 W. Tenth Street.

Mother of three proves it’s never too late to graduate from college HOUSTON-While she won’t actually march until December, 2007, recently, single mother of three, Tyshkiia Austin, daughter of Hise Austin and Pamela White, both families of the Acres Homes community, officially completed her degree work at University of Houston Downtown. While upon returning to school, starting out at HCC, Tyshkiia was married to the father of her three beautiful children, Tishany, T’Shon, and Taishyn, but separation and divorce soon followed.

Having started college like every other hopeful high school graduate, Tyshkiia did very well her first year at Prairie View A&M. However, like many other hopefuls, life happened and education became a distant memory and a back burner dream. Life became a fight for Tyshkiia, between looking for the next best paying job, struggling to remain a sane, stable, well-rounded, Christian in an insane world. She also discovered that her 10-year-old had juvenile

diabetes.

Yet, she had the unmitigated gall to say out aloud, “I need to go back to school, and I need to go back full time.” Her mother was extremely supportive in her decision to return to college. Everybody needs a support system, whether it’s a birth mother, a god-mother, a church mother, a father, grandfather, aunt, or uncle.

Living under her mother’s roof with three children was definitely a blow to her pride, but she bit her bottom lip and realized that the absence of rent and utility payments and grocery bills were far more important at this time in her life than pride. Tyshkiia completed her studies at Houston Community College with honors, received an associate’s degree, and could have stopped there. Yet, she poised herself to face the next challenge, which was how to approach the next two years, and life circumstances dictated it could not take longer than two years, at a four-

year university.

She had to make a decision between going to Prairie View and Texas Southern.

Considering all possible avenues, she chose Tyshkiia Austin to attend University of Houston-Downtown. Before long, she returned to the workforce as a fulltime teacher’s assistant with HISD, maintained her part-time job as choir director at her church, put her children in schools that she or someone in the family could readily access if necessary, and enrolled in UH Downtown. She knew she had to a lot riding on this challenge.

Tyshkiia Austin (who also took back her maiden name), a 37-yearold single mother of three, officially completed her degree work at

University of Houston-Downtown.

While her brother and all of her cousins have, as their grandmother would say, “passed by college,” she is the second granddaughter of Joseph Thomas (Joe the Barber) to get her degree. While higher education and college degrees have often been criticized as meaningless and diminished to just “a piece of paper”, it will allow her to acquire full teacher certification in K-8 and/or Special Education, with an emphasis in Science; allow her to raise her standard of living just a little bit higher and do some of the things she wants to do for herself and her children, which includes being an example to them of what one can do when she/he simply makes the decision to do it. It will also allow her to obtain a Master’s degree and move even higher in the decision making arena where the educational lives of children are really affected. Tyshkiia showed that no matter what trials one may endure, there is a happy ending to

Please help support and educate our youth!

If we don’t, who will?

Seventh Annual Resident Academics Scholarship Awards Ceremony AUSTIN- The Housing Authority of the City of Austin honored 42 individuals who have decided that continuing their education is a worthwhile endeavor to secure their future. At the Seventh Annual Resident Academics Scholarship Awards Ceremony, HACA provided monetary scholarships to these recipients to offset the cost of books and tuition. The hope of the scholarship program is to allow the recipients an opportunity to focus more on their education and less on how to pay for their educational expenses.

Many of this year’s scholarship recipients have had to provide for their families. Without a scholarship, it would be almost impossible for them to work and go to school.

One particular young lady, Kendra Queen, will be one of the recipients continuing her education.

She will be returning to the University of Texas at San Antonio, studying pre-med. Her goal is to become a neo-natal doctor. Like many of the scholarship recipients, Kendra says, “I didn’t think I would ever go to college.”

She will be the first of her family to go to school and not quit. Her family is very supportive and wants her to do well. Kendra is involved in the school’s step team and believes this scholarship will afford her the opportunity to be involved in other extra-curricular activities and lessen

her financial load.

Kendra says, “I want to have kids and a family one day, and I want to provide a quality life for them.”

These feelings to do something better than before and be able to obtain a better life are the benefits of going back to school. HACA is honored to have Michael Perkins, Austin Independent School District’s Teacher of the Year, as the keynote speaker for this year’s ceremony.

Perkins’ perspective of education will be the highlight of the ceremony to not only graduating high school seniors, but also to the non traditional students who have chosen to pursue their education.

The Seventh Annual Awards Ceremony will be held on July12 at 2 p.m. at the Booker T. Washington Terrance located at 905 Bedford. Over $80,000 in scholarships will be awarded. Funding for this program is provided by Southwest Housing Compliance Corporations, a non profit subsidiary of HACA. HACA encourages anyone who is currently a resident in either the Public Housing Choice Voucher Program, graduating or has graduated from high school and is seeking a college degree or a vocational scholarship program. Information regarding the program criteria can be accessed on the HACA Web site: at http://www.hacanet.org/services/scholarships.php.

Zina Garrison Academy host summer fun for children

HOURS OF OPERATION FREQUENCY OF SERVICE (in minutes)

Weekday

Northbound 5:47 a.m. - 11:20 p.m.

Southbound 4:28 a.m. - 11:20 p.m.

Saturday

6:10 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

5:27 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sunday

6:40 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

5:52 a.m. - 10:07 p.m.

AM

12 18 18

Midday

15 18 18

PM

12 18 18

HOUSTON-The third annual “Paint Day in the Park” at Lee LeClear Tennis Center, 9506 S. Gessner, will be bigger than ever before! Kelly Gale Amen has invited new artists to participate in this amazing adventure!

The Zina Garrison All Court Tennis Academy offers after-school and summer programs to children ages 4-18 years of age. In addition to offering tennis lessons for beginner players through students desiring to attain scholarships, the Academy provides academic tutoring, physical fitness conditioning, nutrition instruction and guidance, life skills training, Zina Garrison college prep assistance and opportunities to participate in community service activities. This program is free of charge to any child in the Houston area.

This year Gallery M2 and Bering and James will be adding to the fun by inviting 12 artists from each gallery to take a 2’x2’ strip of the kid’s painted canvas and creating anything they want. On Thursday, August 16, 2007 from 6p.m. to 10p.m. there will be a two Gallery opening featuring this art. Forty percent of the proceeds from the art fest will go to the Zina Garrison Academy. For more information, visit www.zinagarrison.org.

LE

30 30 30

AM (first trip - 9 a.m.), Midday (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.), PM (3 p.m. - 7 p.m.) and LE (after 7 p.m.)

AAN_56airline_ad.indd 1

7/9/07 11:03:06 AM

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TX-8

ENTERTAINMENT/AUTOMOBILES

African-American News&Issues • Texas • July 18-24, 2007 • 9

Millions More Movement presents free community survival fair DALLAS- The Local Organizing Committee for the Millions More Movement presents a free Community Survival Fair, Saturday, July 21, 2007 at the Larry Johnson Recreation Center, 3700 Dixon Circle, Dallas, Texas 75215 from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. The DLOC has moved out on the forefront, teaching citizens of South Dallas how to prepare their families for survival in the case of a major disaster. Major parts of South Dallas and Oak Cliff are threatened by the Trinity and failed levees. We need to help our communities prepare.

The main event of the day is an inspiring new play, written and directed by Dallas’ own local actress, Renee Miche’al. The Time is Now: A Survival Play depicts two

families faced with the adversities of a major disaster. One family is prepared, while the other is not.

The play will leave no doubt as to the value of having a survival plan. Ms. Miche’al states, “It is our hope that the short play will impact the audience members enough to force them into thinking in terms of survival. We want to teach independence instead of dependence in the time of an emergency.” Visitors at the survival fair will also learn tactics from the perspective of each ministry of the Millions More Movement. The Ministry of Agriculture will demonstrate home prepared food storage, while the Science & Technology ministry will demonstrate water purification and solar energy uses during the time of

power outages. The Ministry of Information will provide pamphlets outlining guidelines during flooding, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other disasters. These vital concepts will be interwoven between a day full of family fun.

Children and adults will enjoy the self defense classes, obstacle courses, food, entertainment, vendors, and free prizes.

Disasters in their very nature happen unexpectedly. Here again with the constant rains, in the month of June the cities of Haltom City, Gainesville, and Sherman were distraught after rains caused flooding to destroy homes and property, damage cars, and kill family members. For more information call (972) 235-9312.

U Of H hosts Miss Black Texas USA 2007 pageant HOUSTON-The University of Houston will host the Miss Black Texas USA 2007 Pageant on Sunday July 29, 2007 at 6:30 p.m., at the University of Houston - University Park Campus/ University Center-Houston Room. General admission for the pageant is $40.00.

Women from across Texas will compete for the coveted title of Miss Black Texas USA, a $3,000 scholarship, and a prize package that includes an all expense paid trip to Washington D.C. to compete in the Miss Black USA pageant May 2008.

Miss Black Teen Texas USA hopefuls will compete for a

Courtney Ned and Clemea Donaldson, pageant participants.

$1,500 educational scholarship and the opportunity to develop their personal style with a fashion and beauty prize package fit for a teen queen. The Miss Black Texas USA Scholarship Pageant strives to become one of the largest single sources of scholarship funds for African American women in Texas.

The pageant endeavors to create strategic partnerships that will sustain the ongoing legacy of achievement that fuels the dreams of the next generation of leaders and strengthens the foundation of our community For additional ticket information call (832)-630-8000.

LONESTAR -from Page 1 GLADEWATER− An African-American Police Chief was given a choice to resign or face termination, but Gladewater Police Chief Kerry Blakemore refused to resign and was given the boot. Blakemore is now contending that he is a victim of injustice by officials of the town.

“I did my job, I did exactly what they asked me to do,” Blakemore said. “I think if I resigned, that’s admitting in some way that I did something wrong. So I let him do what he had to do,” Blakemore said. Blakemore said he was fired over a lawsuit recently filed against him by his bank over payment on a five hundred dollar personal loan.

PARIS− A state appeals court has ruled to uphold last year’s conviction of Shaquanda Cotton. The former Paris High School freshman, who spent a year in a state juvenile correction facility for shoving a teacher’s aide in a hallway the morning of Sept. 30, 2005, is now again in a legal fight to clear her record and her name. During the trial, a six-person jury concluded March 11, 2006 that Cotton engaged in delinquent conduct by assaulting a public servant. The ruling did not address claims the girl was punished more severely because she was black and because her mother is an outspoken critic of “racist disciplinary practices” in the Paris Independent School District.

PORT ARTHUR−After losing the runoff for his bid to become mayor, Willie Bae Lewis is not giving up on

his dream to make a difference for and in his community. Lewis gave up his city council seat to run for Port Arthur Mayor and now that fellow council member Deloris Bobbie Prince is mayor, Lewis said he will now seek her at-large seat in the November election. “I want to make a difference in the community and the best way is to continue to serve on council,” he said. Port Arthur, Texas with a population of 58,000, is located on the northwest shore of Lake Sabine.

TEMPLE− Preserving Black history is what saving the Seven Star Cemetery is all about. After years of being ignored, Bishop J.A. Tolbert, a pastor at Eagles Wings Ministries in Temple has been working with the Central Texas Juneteenth Committee to save the narrow stretch of land that lies along 14th Street.

Unclaimed by anyone, the group of people decided to take responsibility for a place that holds forgotten souls and lost history. According to Tolbert, the plot of land was overgrown with tall grass, abandoned for years. Now cut and clean, the Seven Star Cemetery showcases graves that whisper stories from Black history. Among the distinguishable graves lie multiple rows of unknown graves, each marked with a cement block. Because of the dates on the graves surrounding these – the oldest having a birth date of 1870 – the group can make educated guesses about the history behind the unmarked graves. Texas slaves weren’t freed by the Emancipation Proclamation because of the slow rate of news travel until around 1865, and it’s safe to assume that some of the unmarked graves were former slaves, Tolbert said.

Deals & Wheels When is the best time to buy?

GWENEVERE M. CLOUD Automotive Correspondent

HOUSTONWhen is the best time to buy an automobile?

I’m often asked that question and people are usually surprised when I give them my standard answer, “now!” As long as they are dealing directly with me, I have been empowered by Mr. James Davis, owner of Gulfgate Dodge, to do whatever it takes to make sure that my customers are getting the best deal possible whenever they buy.

But generically speaking, there probably isn’t a better time to buy anywhere than “now.” If you are thinking about buying a new vehicle, your family’s financial budget will go further, if you make a purchase beginning in the month of July until all of the 07s are gone. The reason is simple: The model year is closing out now, and dealers are wanting to move their 2007 inventory to make way for the 2008 models which are being built and getting ready for shipping.

Incentives abound and consumers will find aggressive pricing and higher discounts, this time of the year. Most dealers will have a good selection of 2007 vehicles and customers can generally find a bargain while the new vehicles are being trucked in from the manufacturers if they act now.

Gwenevere M. Cloud is Business Development Manager for Gulfgate Dodge, 7250 Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX. For more information, call (281)4776767 ext. 6130 or email her at gcloud@ gulfgatedodge.com.

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TX-9

CHURCH/RELIGION NEWS

10 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • July 18-24, 2007

Annual Church Development Conference for Pastors and Church Leaders

CHURCHES BROOKHAVEN CHURCH OF CHRIST Sunday

Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Morning Worship 11 a.m.

Evening Worship 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday P. E. Stewart, Minister

Bible Class (all ages) 7:00 p.m.

“The Truth Will Set You Free” John 8: 31-32 8630 Southview St, Hou., TX 77051

(713)733-5664 DUNCAN MEMORIAL

CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST Pastor Elder Supt Ohmas Edwards (713) 674-5466

DALLAS- Conference host Tony Evans and and The Urban Alternative is extending an invite to all Pastors and Church Leaders to attend their annual Church Development Conference, held October 1-5, 2007, at the Hyatt Regency - DFW Hotel. The conference held this year marks 19 years of conference ministry, and the theme is, “Slaying the Giants in your Ministry.” This year’s theme will seek to help one to identify and address the negative spiritual influences in life and ministry so that God can fully and freely express His life and power through the gifts and calling He has given. Also offered is comprehensive training in our national faith-based strategy- the National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative (NCAASI). This strategy addresses the spiritual and social needs of urban youth and families through a church and public school partnership based on the Dallas, Texas model. This initiative will assist you and your church in expanding its capacity to meet the needs of the people in your community. For more information or to register for this event, please call 1-800-8003222 or visit the website at www.tonyevans.org.

2222 Lockwood Dr. Houston, Tx 77020 SUNDAY Morning Prayer: 9:15 am Sunday School: 9:30 am Church Services: 11 am “Preaching The Gospel Is More Important Than Philosophizing.

Soul Winning Is More Important Than Building Membership .”

If you are looking for a church home, you might want to come fellowship with these folks. Besides Sunday, they meet for prayer on Tuesday morning at 11 am, and on Friday the Bible Band Mission meets from 12 to 1 pm and a Bible Study Friday evenings at 7:30.

SUNDAY SERVICE

8 AM and 11 AM BIBLE STUDIES Wednesday 7:30PM Leonard N. Barksdale, Pastor

Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church 4300 Noble Street, Houston TX 77020 Ph: 713/675-5111 • Fx: 713/675-1522

Website: www.fwmbc.org

Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church members will endeavor to provide a strong foundation of love; we will stand on Biblical Truths; and we will equip one another to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our community and in our world.

GREATER FRIENDSHIP MBC Rev. Johnny L. Goff, Sr.,

14055 Dublin

Houston, TX. 77085

Office: 713-728-9503 Study: 713-728-4428

www.gfmbc.com Experience the Friendship! Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is a church with a mission- “Let Each One, Reach One!” They have been committed to following the Lord’s command to reach out to the lost (Matt. 28: 18-20) since their founding in 1987.

SHADY ACRES

CHURCH OF CHRIST 730 West 26th St, Houston, TX 77008

713/861-6625

Sunday

Early Worship 6 am Minister Frank Melton Jr. Sunday School 9:30 am Regular Worship Res.713/733-0868 10:30 am Off. 713/861-9249 Evening Worship 6 pm FX 713/861-2744 Wednesday Assoc. Minister General Song Practice Glen Burgess, Sr. 7:00 pm Bible Study 7:30 pm Res.713/734-8983 FIFTH WARD CHURCH OF CHRIST SUNDAY 8:00 a.m. Worship 10:00 a.m. Bible Class 11:15 a.m. Worship 6:00 p.m. Worship MONDAY 10:00 a.m.

Gary Smith Ladies Bible Class Minister WEDNESDAY 7:30 p.m. Bible Class for all

Website

www.fthwardcoc.org

Christian Leaders Take Inspiration from Houston

Pastor Profile: Rev. Dr. W. Raymond Bryant, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

SAN ANTONIO- For the past 19 years, Rev. Dr. W. Raymond Bryant has served as a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

He has served in the A.M.E. Church since 1987 and has served four churches in this time period. Rev. Bryant is keenly interested in developing better schools for our children and believes we are past due for some major changes in the way education is delivered. “I am interested in building a strong community where the memRev. Dr. W. bers are not afraid to step out of their doors Raymond Bryant and experience their community. Children are our future and we must show them we love them by providing a safe environment for them to grow, to learn, and to develop into the people God created them to be.” Limited involvement in politics helps Rev. Bryant stay abreast of legislation pertaining to education. He is a proponent of charter schools and school choice and believes that parents need more real choices about where their children will be educated. He spends one day each week in a school, demonstrating his caring concern for children. Bryant is a board member of Paul Quinn College, Chair-elect of the National Board for the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO), and vice-president for membership for Texas Congregations United for Empowerment. In 1977, Bryant graduated from Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas, and later received his BS degree from the University of New York. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Houston Graduate School of Theology in 1995 and a Doctor of Ministry in 1998 from the same institution. Bryant is focused on teaching and developing the members of the Body of Christ spiritually. For more information on Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, please contact the church office at (210) 277-2696 or visit their Web site at http://www.bethelamecsatx.org.

HOUSTON-Why will leaders from around the world descend upon the City of Houston in the hot, humid month of August? They want to know what it is that has happened in Space City USA– how over 600 churches united to be a light the city, how 225,000 people came out to a party hosted by those churches, how 26 different public schools were served by the church, and how 4,000 recorded decisions to follow Jesus came to be.

Houston Presbyterian churches from the PCUSA will host the second annual Presbyterian Global Fellowship (PGF) Conference, August 16-18, 2007 downtown at the George R. Brown Convention Center. During this time they will share how they were a part of leading the movement of Houston churches towards greater unity, greater outreach and greater effectiveness.

Now in its second year of life, PGF seeks to be a network of relationships, ideas and best practices that equip congregations within the Presbyterian Church (USA) and churches outside of the denomination in the greater body of Christ. This year’s conference is entitled “Inside-Out” and will encourage staff, elders, lay leaders and pastors to begin to form their ministries around being inwardly strong and outwardly focused.

Speakers will include John Ortberg, currently the teaching pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church and the author of the books, “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat” and “The Life You’ve Always Wanted: Spiritual Growth for Ordinary People.” The conference will also include Michael Frost, author of the 2006 book, “Exiles,” as well as Gary Haugen, founder and president of International Justice Mission.

HOUSTON- It’s revival time for Cliffdale Missionary Baptist Church. The revival will run from July 18-20, 2007, beginning nightly at 7:30 p.m. Guest speakers include: Minister Rufus Williams of Great Mt. Zion M.B.C, Minister Jason Meachum of Starlight M.B.C., and Minister Vincenta Courtney of Willing Workers Church. The theme of this revival is: “Getting it All Back. Cliffdale Missionary Baptist Church is located at 854 Enterprise, Houston, Texas 77088, Rev. Fred Sanders, III, pastor. For more information, please contact the church’s office at (281)447-8850.

KBPI Prayer Explosion 2007!

“Your Time Under God is NOW!”

Timeline of African American Baptists in Texas

HOUSTON-Powerful praise, spirit-filled teaching, miracles and healing are only part of the extraordinary experience of Prayer Explosion, a four-day encounter with God and His people that will change your life. The annual Prayer Explosion at the Power Center has become a hallmark of what God will do in the midst of His people’s prayers.

Additionally, it has become a demonstration of what His worldwide church looks like.

Leaders from different streams of our faith, representing diverse ethnicities, gather together to praise God powerfully and lead us in calling upon His Name. The services are designed for individual and large group interaction, with the expectation that God is in our midst, healing His people. The results have been—in a word—miraculous Lives have been healed, relationships restored, illness has been cured, all as we gather together for Spirit-led intercession, training, praise and worship. Prayer Explosion 2007 will have worship and training sessions tailored for people in various stages of their spiritual journey—including a special service for teenagers. Come experience the explosive results of effective, fervent prayer.

Brandee Nelson: First Gospel album rekindles family-owned record company BRENHAM -Brandee Nelson, a soloist for her father’s evangelical travels, and minister of music at Grace Fellowship, where he pastors, recently completed production on a solo gospel album. The album features eight songs, including two praise and worship hymns, “Eyes on a Sparrow” and “Tis So Sweet,” on the family-owned label, Judnell Records, which had not done business for about two decades. With her father, Rev. George Nelson Jr. serving as president and Brandee as vice president, they are planning to change all that.

“GIVING, GROWING, & GAINING” 4308 Stonewall St. Hou. Tx 77020

713-672-2654

In addition to their other activities, the Fifth Ward COC also holds a Bible Class for non-members on Thursday nights at 7:30 PM. For more information on the various special events or activities you really should visit their website, it is very well done, informative and worth a visit even if you have another church home.

AAN&I wants to be your media partner!

Call 713-692-1892 Receive additional exposure with the purchase of any 26-week ad.

The album title’s, “Never Had A Love,” refers to God’s unconditional love. Brandee said that she has included a variety of gospel music forms on the album, “to provide words with meaning and with hope for all ages and generations.”

Brandee, a single mother of two - son, Trae, 7; and daughter, Kristel, 5 - was runner-up as the Best Choir Director at the Texas Gospel Music Awards. Brandee’s “Never Had A Love” first album can be ordered on cdbaby.com as well as itunes, plus it will be on Napster (for “ring tone” applications).

FIDELITY CHURCH OF CHRIST “The Church That Cares”

Cliffdale Missionary Baptist Church to host nightly revival service

1840- First Baptist Church of Galveston organized its five slave members as the Colored Baptist Church. It later became the Africa Baptist Church and later Avenue L Baptist Church.

1860- Ebenezer Baptist Church in LaGrange built by slaves for slaves.

1864- Mount Pisgah Baptist Church of Dallas organized under an oak tree.

1865- Second Baptist Church of Seguin organized by Leonard Isley.

1866- New Hope Baptist Church organized in Waco by Steve O’Bryan, pastor of First Baptist Church in Waco, and Rufus Burleson, president of Baylor University. Eighteen former slaves who formerly had worshipped at First Baptist Church were the charter members.

1867- St. John Regular Missionary Baptist Association organized.

1875- Texas Baptist State Convention formally organized.

1881- Bishop College opened in Marshall, thanks largely to the efforts of President Rufus Burleson at Baylor University and the gifts of Col. Nathan Bishop, former secretary of the American Baptist Mission Society of New York City.

1884- Guadalupe College founded in Seguin . Both Bishop and Guadalupe were supported by the American Baptist Convention’s Home Mission Board and by individual African-American and Southern white churches.

1892- The American Baptist Convention Home Mission Board offered a unification proposal that involved turning Guadalupe and any other institutions into “feeder” schools for Bishop College .

1893 - The African-American convention divided over controversy regarding charter changes that grew out of the unification proposal. The Texas Baptist State Convention became the Baptist Missionary and Education Convention. A reconstituted group, known as the General Baptist State Convention, was formed. The reconstituted convention later changed its name to the Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas .

1906- St. John’s Orphanage built in Austin.

1882- American Baptist Convention of Texas established, growing out of the American Free Mission Baptist Society.

Sunday

Morning Bible Class 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:45 a.m.

Evening Bible Class 5:00 p.m.

Evening Worship 6:00 p.m.

Chorus Group Rehearsal 7:30 p.m.

1884- Guadalupe College founded in Seguin. Both Bishop and Guadalupe were supported by the American Baptist Convention’s Home Mission Board and by individual African-American and Southern White churches.

Wednesday

MINISTER: Mid-Week Bible Class Theaster Maloy, Sr. 7:00 p.m.

OFFICE: 713/674-5131

140 Fidelity Rd. Houston Tx 77029

Brandee Nelson

Source: Texas African-American Baptists: The Story of the Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas” by: Marvin C. Griffin.

Read us online at www.aframnews.com.

To get FREE coverage of your church events, news and announcements, please send items to news@aframnews.com.

TX-10

African-American News&Issues • Texas • July 18-24, 2007 • 11

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Television viewing habits vary from person to person. Household to household. City to city. As the TV ratings company, we work hard to accurately measure the differences in television viewership. That’s why we recruit people like you to make sure that every community is fairly represented.

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12 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • July 18-24, 2007

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