African-American News&Issues

JULY 10 - 16, 2017 | FREE

AframNews

WWW.AFRAMNEWS.COM

African-American News and Issues Newspaper

VOL. 22 ISSUE 25

AframNews

In Loving Memory of Jewell S. Houston (1921 - 2017)

Greater Houston Area

SEE PAGE 11

SEE PAGE 4

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF SUCCESS

African

2

American News&Issues

Health SCARE!!!

Figures Show Health Care Prognosis Really Not Good for Blacks, Elderly and Poor

The truth is be afraid...very afraid.

Facts are out there on health care, but the big problem is few Blacks and elderly either don’t know the details; or in the Black community, people just are not informed and alarmed enough about what damaging changes could loom in the new plan.

Facts are, the plan hurts the elderly and is not good for poor Black folks – those population groups who can least afford to have their financial cart of apples upset.

As the trumpets sound to circle the wagons to protect the elderly and children, now is the time to come off

citizen sidelines and let Washington know you are here, hold the power and will be heard on this very important issue.

Time to Get Informed “This version of the bill is, unsurprisingly, just as inhumane and heartless as the bill that passed in the House of Representatives,” according to Houston Congressman Al Green.

“This bill does not save healthcare, nor will this bill provide for the needs of millions of Americans.”

Key Facts on Senate Proposed Health Care Legislation •

•

Increases premiums and out-ofpocket costs like deductibles for millions, forcing families, the elderly, and other individuals to pay more for less coverage.

•

Caps and cuts Medicaid funding, ending the federal 50-plus year commitment to match state’s Medicaid cost.

•

Eliminates Medicaid expansion in 2023, and in the meantime rolls back pivotal protections for those enrolled in the expansion.

•

Decimates nationwide protections for the 1 in 2 people with pre-existing conditions in this nation by allowing states to eliminate essential health benefits standards that ensure plans cover the care people need like prescription drug coverage.

•

Defunds Planned Parenthood by blocking individuals enrolled in Medicaid from accessing critical health care services at Planned Parenthood health care centers for one year.

•

Provides massive tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans and corporations.

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

Mark Spivey

Contributing Writer

Lorenzo Tolbert

Contributing Writer

Jadarrius West

Distribution

General: news@aframnews.com Ads: sales@aframnews.com Website: www.aframnews.com African-American News&Issues is published

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

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

African-American News&Issues assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other material, unless accompanied by a self-address stamped envelope.

Letter to the Editor

W

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.

TX-2

Strips tens of millions of Americans access to health insurance.

“It is in our best interest to listen to the American people as they hold the real power,” said Green. “The new CBO score confirmed that the Senate Republicans’ version of Trumpcare

Local & State is worse than the bill that the GOP jammed through the House. It is a tax benefit for the greedy masquerading as a healthcare plan for the needy. This legislation robs working families of billions for healthcare to reward the rich with billions in wealth care.”

Key groups are also sounding off too, calling the measure a prescription for death and more illness for the elderly, poor and minorities who cannot afford good health care coverage that the rich enjoy without prejudice.

African-Americans and the elderly stand to be be big losers if the plan passes as is and reconciles with the House plan that summarily disregards the health care needs of poor Blacks, Hispanics and the elderly.

The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the nation’s leading civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and same gender loving (LGBTQ/ SGL) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS, strongly opposes the recently introduced health care legislation.

Isaiah Wilson, NBJC Director of External Affairs calls the ‘Better Care

Reconciliation Act’ a shameful piece of legislation that will be disastrous for so many Americans who depend on the benefits provided under the ACA. “We were promised a more humane proposal by Senate Republicans compared to the House-passed health care reform legislation. However, the bill put forward in the Senate continues the tragic attack on the most marginalized in our nation by cruelly ending Medicaid as we know it, leaving our children, elderly and people with disabilities unprotected.,” he said.

“All people of good will must speak out immediately and demand that their Senators work across the political aisle in a transparent manner to develop a bill that actually addresses the real problems with our current health care system—not this legislation which is morally bankrupt from the onset.”

Overview Demonstrates How Black Affected According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 37 million Blacks residing in the United States make up more than a tenth of the total population. In eight states, largely concentrated in the South, and the District of Columbia, Blacks comprise at least 20% of the total population, whereas they comprise

Texas • July 10 - 16, 2017 a very small share of the population in many states in the Northwest and Midwest.

Over half of all Blacks live in just eight states, including Texas, Florida, Georgia, New York, California, North Carolina, Illinois, and Maryland.

Some Key Heath Care Facts about Blacks in America •

As of 2013, there are over 7 million uninsured nonelderly Blacks, who make up about 15% of the total nonelderly uninsured population. Over five in six (84%) uninsured Blacks are adults, while the remaining one million are children age 18 or younger.

More than two-thirds are in a working family, including half who have at least one full-time worker in the family.

•

Nationwide, just over one in five (21%) of Blacks do not have health insurance. However, the likelihood of being uninsured varies widely across states, ranging from 9 percent of Blacks in Delaware to 30 percent in To continue reading visit us online @ www.aframnews.com By: Darwin Campbell

TEXAS • JULY 10 - 16, 2017

Editorial & Opinion

Houston Must Not Become “Gotham City” Town Needs An Enema to Flush Out Crime barbarous fools.

The Black Whisperer Darwin Campbell, Senior Journalist

Houston may be a welcoming city, but one thing the city has opened its doors to in the process is a rash of violent crimes being committed against law-abiding citizens.

On June 14, 10-month-old Messiah Marshall was shot and killed in his father’s arms in an apartment complex off of North Braeswood Boulevard in what police described as a gang-related incident.

I am also reminded of how a simple shopping trip to Walgreen’s was interrupted by men with guns. Just recently, the three men held customers and employees at the pharmacy at gunpoint during that robbery, according to investigators. According to Harris County Precinct 4 deputy constables, the men stole the wallets, cellphones and jewelry of customers and employees, before grabbing cash from the register and fleeing the scene.

Those robbers with guns terrorized the innocent and openly disrespected and violated the rights of citizens with their actions.

The days when people left doors unlocked are gone, but it is now apparent that you can’t even go to the store, pharmacy or eat out without fear or feeling that you can rest assured be safe and protected against hoodlums taking things that do not rightfully belong to them.

With news holes being filled daily with bold and unbelievable stories of criminals taking advantage of a peace loving orderly public, it is past time for an active collaborative initiative to proactively fight violent crime across the Greater Houston area.

Whether Black, White, Hispanic, African or Asian, no one in Houston deserves to be roughed up, robbed, treated badly or hurt over the kinds of crimes being committed by these

The Houston Law Enforcement Violent Crime Initiative promises to bring together personnel from 10 area law enforcement agencies to not only augment investigative and prosecutorial efforts, but also to enhance collaborative training and community outreach efforts.

The overall goal of this new “dream team” collaborative is to reduce the amount of violent crime in the city and improve the quality of life for the citizens of Houston.

According to the announcement, authorities are committed to working together in the interests of justice. It includes details about the initiative designed to enhance those partnerships and collaborate on the best avenues for targeting and ultimately prosecuting the most violent offenders in the community. Such specifics include sharing information about intelligence integration, strategic support, working groups and resources, among others.

The goal is to not only “connect the dots” between multiple pieces of information relating to violent crime but also prepare strong cases for state and federal prosecution of these offenders.

The partnership provides a framework for enhancing federal support of state, local and tribal law enforcement officials and prosecutors as they aggressively investigate and pursue violent criminals, specifically those involved in gun crime, drug trafficking and gang violence.

Over the past year, Mayor Sylvester Turner has done his part enlisting local hip hop artists, ministers, Houston Texans players and other community leaders also stepped up to help lower the temperature in Houston neighborhoods where tensions were running high. Also, the City Council members dedicated portions of their district budgets toward police overtime and the City’s Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones provided addiContinue reading online @ www.aframnews.com

African

American News&Issues

3

Blacks Should Stop Supporting People Who Don’t Support Them!

I recently ran across a sign posted by the Black Main Street which has a message that I have been attempting to convey to members from our communities, for over 30 years. It read,

“

Black people will never solve their economic problems while sending all of their money out of the community as fast as they earn it.”

To that regard, I often state and tell people that we as a race of people have two of the most powerful tools that anyone can have. Those two tools are, “our money” and “our vote”.

Therefore, we should be careful whom we give them to. We MUST Understand that whoever we give “our money” and “our vote” are amongst those whom we empower.

Anybody that has ever been around me for a significant amount of time can tell you that I am an advocate of holding those in leadership within the Black communities accountable for the charge and/or duty, that they were elected to do. With the same token, it is imperative that I convey the same message to members of our community. Simply put, Black folks need to start holding themselves accountable. We Africans living in America, have got to stand up and start holding ourselves accountable for the things that are happening within our families, neighborhoods, churches, school system and various other elements that we contribute to. By this I am simply referring to supporting any person, business or entity, that doesn’t have the common decency to render that same support back, in some shape form or fashion.

We MUST Understand that as

long as Black folks are insistent on supporting people that don’t support them, it sends out a very strong message to the recipients of that support.

In essence, it is commending the notion that it is ok to take and utilize our resources without giving a damn about us or our future. Because while Black folks are helping to build the wealth and fortunes of other cultures and races, we are steady losing our neighborhoods, churches, schools and other historical and sentimental institutions.

But, then again, how can we expect for other races and cultures to respect and support us as a people when so many of our own don’t care to support those who support them?

For years’ members of various other cultures’ have created and opened establishments in the middle of historically Black neighborhoods and communities, with no intent of giving back or supporting the residents that live there. The obvious goal of majority of these business owners were simply designed

to capitalize off of the Black buying power that is notoriously distributed by Black folks.

Oftentimes, these business owners thrive off of the Black dollar, only to circulate it back to their native countries to support their own families. And nothing is wrong with that… Because you should never forget where you come from and you should always take care of home. But at least help those who help you.

It is a sad reality that too many of our people refuse to see that they have been constantly supporting and empowering everybody at an attempt to help every other race, culture and nationality, with the exception of

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

our own. It is very often that we see Mexican restaurants and stands located in the heart of Black communities and neighborhoods; nail salons and beauty supply stores seem to be in a neverending competition with one another in our areas, just to list a few. On the contrary, while we see these establishments operating in our communities, very seldom is a Black person seen working for any of those businesses.

Something is wrong with this picture.

It is no secret that Black folks are quick to support the latest fads, trends and foods. As a matter of fact new businesses are popping up every day to accommodate Black folks’ unique style and taste. And they are depending on the support of the Black community. But how much support can the Black community expect to receive from them?

By no means am I trying to impose a prejudicial mindset or mentality on the faithful audience of African-American News&Issues.

Because the truth of the matter is that genuine support comes in all types of colors, races and cultures.

Although I speak and write the truth in matters regarding race relations within these United States, I am no racist. In fact, I have found that some of my dearest friends and supporters have come in shades and languages much different from my own. Hence, we cannot be blinded by the idea that just because a person looks like us it is an automatic assumption that he or she will support members of the African-American community. So, there are different levels and elements to this topic, but the general idea is that I really hope to send a strong message to the faithful and loyal readers of African-American News& Issues, to stop supporting those who don’t support you back.

- END TX-3

4

African

American News&Issues

McConnell & Jones LLP from pg. 1

Cover Story Chapter of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, National Association for Black Accountants, American Leadership Forum Class XVII, Senior Fellow and Leadership Houston, Class VII, Graduate.

Odysseus Lanier

(l-r) Thomas Jones, Wayne McConnell, Sharon Murphy & Odysseus Lanier

HOUSTON - Albert Einstein referenced the term “table” in comparison to happiness, while Maya Angelou denoted it as an invitation into one’s life and King David acknowledged it as a, prepared place amidst his enemies. However three decades ago, Ira Wayne McConnell used his kitchen “table”, to engineer an empire. Today, this empire is embodied in the form of a remarkably diverse firm known as, McConnell & Jones LLP. During the summer of 1987, McConnell & Company, Certified Public Accountants, was birthed out of a vision to yield a firm that would, “provide comprehensive services with a more personalized, hands-on approach.” From McConnell’s unique concept emerged an established firm with over 100 team members which provides: audit and assurance, risk advisory, tax and accounting, and business consulting services to publicly-traded and privately-owned companies, non-profit organizations, and governmental entities across the

globe. Read on to learn more about the history of this fascinating entity, which is celebrating its’ 30-year milestone this month.

Snapshot of a 30-Year Success Story:

Ira Wayne McConnell successfully operated McConnell & Company, Certified Public Accountants as a sole proprietor until 1996. At this time, he united with Thomas Jones, Jr. who is reverenced as the, “tax expert”, with emphasis on federal and multi-state tax areas. Through this business partnership, McConnell & Jones LLP was established.

The

During the spring of 1999, McConnell & Jones merged with Empirical Management Services.

Empirical Management Services was a management consulting firm engineered by Odysseus Lanier and Sharon Murphy. The goal of EMS was to, “provide management advisory services to meet the needs of clients by offering a plethora of services such as: conducting management and ADVERTISE in the operational performance reviews, 7th process improvement, cost containEdition NEXT EDITION! ment, revenue enhancement studies, and research and focus groups.” As to release AUG 7, 2017 a result of this merger the firm was H-Town Black Konnect renamed, McConnell & Jones Lanier Connecting Our Communities to & Murphy LLP (MJLM); consethe services they need! quently solidifying MJLM as Texas’ Promote Your largest African-American owned public accounting firm. In 2015, the Black-Owned firm was rebranded to reflect it former Business in the name, McConnell & Jones LLP.

Largest Circulated Black Business Journal #TheHTownBK

Inquire today by Calling (713) 692-1178 There are still spots available 100,000 copies circulated throughout the city!

TX- 4

Partners of McConnell & Jones LLP: Ira Wayne McConnell The original pioneer of McConnell & Jones, Ira Wayne McConnell serves as the Managing Partner of the accomplished firm. His

role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities including: guiding the firms’ strategic direction, toting the overall responsibility of managing all aspects of administrative functioning, accounting, marketing and information technology. Furthermore, he has oversight responsibility of the audit division’s quality control system; making sure that it adheres to the peer review and inspection requirements of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Public Company Accounting and Oversight Board (PCAOB).

McConnell earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Grambling State University in 1972.

He also matriculated at Louisiana Tech University, where he attained a Masters of Accounting degree, five years later. Throughout his professional career he has served in numerous public services sector capacities as: member, board member, on the board of directors and Chairman.

Thomas Jones, Jr. Thomas Jones Jr. has made quite the reputation for his tireless efforts of working and engaging with corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners to produce realistic financial results that promote long-term business effectiveness.

With more than 40 years of experience in tax compliance and financial management; his knowledgeable insight into servicing a broad spectrum of industries, has assisted the firm with his further advancement.

In 1977, Jones graduated Summa Cum Laude from Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting. His professional affiliations include: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Houston

Odysseus Lanier is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 35 years of experience. Mr. Odysseus Lanier leads the firm’s Internal Audit and Risk Advisory practice which works with a myriad of publicly traded and privately held companies and financial institutions as well as federal, state, and local governments and nonprofit organizations. His background includes financial and operational auditing, facilities and use management, administrative and financial management, organizational reviews, strategic planning, project management and control, and management performance audits.

He is a graduate of Alabama A&M University with a B.S. in Accounting, Certified His professional associations include: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Institute of Internal Auditors.

Sharon E. Murphy Sharon E. Murphy is a partner within consulting division of McConnell & Jones and a founding partner with McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP (MJLM), a Houston, Texas-based consulting and accounting firm. She has more than 30 years of professional experience; Sharon heads the firm’s education practice and is responsible for a national clientele that has included 20 of the nation’s top 100 school districts in 13 states. She also oversees complex, large-scale engagements for federal agencies with nationwide scope.

Additional Partners at McConnell & Jones LLP: Tene’ Thomas is a licensed CPA who serves as the firm’s Partner of the Tax and Accounting practice. Thomas is adorned with over two decades of service in tax compliance and accounting services. Through her experience of operating in the entertainment, professional services, health care, real estate, and investment advisory industries; she is equipped to provide high quality and comprehensive services to clients.

TTexas EXAS • JULY 1012-18, - 16, 2017 • August 2013

Mr. Eric Ernest is the firm’s designated partner. He has over 24 years of experience in accounting and financial audits along with a strong history of: planning, managing and supervising scores of employee benefit plan audit engagements for a variety of plan sponsors. He actively participates in the activities of the AICPA’s Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center and is the speaker at the AICPA National Conference on Employee Benefit Plans, participates in national webinars and conducts firm-sponsored training for plan sponsors on Employee Benefit Plan topics.

Wendy Nguyen is responsible for the firm’s SEC and commercial assurance services group and has worked with large and small public and private companies representing various industries including: construction, health care, manufacturing, investment management, real estate and property management, trading, restaurants and food services, oil-field services, energy, retail, and power plants.

Mr. Marlon Williams heads the Governmental and nonprofit audit practice and is the partner in charge of the Dallas location. His biography boasts of his over 20 years of experience in auditing and financial compliance. In past, he has operated as lead partner on several audits of municipalities, public sector agencies, and quasi government entities. He is highly skilled in developing analytics for governmental entities and brings specialized government industry knowledge to each of his clients.

Other members of the Leadership Team include but are not limited to are: Michelle Brumfield, CPA (Director of Employee Benefit Plan Audit and Compliance), Gilbert Hopkins, CPA, (Director of Consulting Services), John Zimmerman, CPA (Director of Assurance and Advisory Services), Mark Schwartz, CPA (Director of Assurance and Advisory Services), Lori Jamail, MBA (Marketing Director), Mandy Szabo (Director, Human Resources), Traci Gholson (Chief Financial Officer) and Calvin Chang (Director of Information Technology).

Continue reading online @ www.aframnews.com By: Rebecca S. Jones

Texas • July 10 - 16, 2017

College Connection

Read us online! www. aframnews. com

5

TX- 5

6

African

Did You Know

American News&Issues

Before The Great Tiger Woods, There was Golf Pioneer Charlie Sifford

“Golf was not a game for ghettos. Neither did it leave any time for carrying picket signs, joining demonstrations or running for office. Charlie birdied, not talked, his way through society prejudice. He broke barriers by breaking par. His weapon was a nine-iron, not a microphone.” - Los Angeles Times columnist Jim Murray.

Charlie Luther Sifford was a pioneer who helped dismantle the “Caucasian-only clause” and opened the game of golf to generations of Black golfers.

A Legend Begins Sifford was born on June 2, 1922 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the son of a factory worker. As a youth, he worked as a caddie at the Carolina Country Club in Charlotte.

SOUNDTRACK ON BACK LOT MUSIC

© 2017 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR STARTS FRIDAY, JULY 21 THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

MR

#13 ALL.GTP.0710.AANEWS&ISSUES

3 COL. (4.88") X 10.5"

As a teenager, he became so adept at his golf game that on Mondays, when caddies were allowed to play the course, he was able to break par. Despite his talent and success, not everyone was please to see a young Black kid navigating the golf course.

MON 7/10

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH PERFECT WORLD PICTURES A WILL PACKER PRODUCTIONS PRODUCTION A MALCOLM D. LEE FILM “GIRLS TRIP”REGINA HALL TIFFANY HADDISH LARENZ TATEEXECUTIVEMIKE COLTER KATE WALSH WITH JADA PIPRODUCED NKETT SMITH AND QUEEN LATIFAH MUSICBY DAVID NEWMAN PRODUCERS PRESTON HOLMES JAMES LOPEZ

BY WILL PACKER p.g.a. MALCOLM D. LEE p.g.a.

STORY SCREENPLAY

BY ERICA RIVINOJA AND KENYA BARRIS & TRACY OLIVER

BY KENYA BARRIS & TRACY OLIVER DIRECTED A UNIVERSAL PICTURE

BY MALCOLM D. LEE

AFRICAN NEWS & ISSUES (HOUSTON)

He earned 60 cents per day and gave 50 cents to his mother to help out with household expenses (he used the remaining dime to purchase cigars, his trademark over his career). While working as a caddie, he was given tips and guidance by a local white pro named Clayton Heafner.

HOU - 6

TEXAS • JULY 10 - 16, 2017

At the age of 17 he moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he began to play against the areas top Black golfers. “A drunk began calling me names and saying things about my mother,” he remembered. “I picked up a Coca-

he excelled in the Black-only tournaments, winning the United Golf Association’s National Negro Open six times.

The UGA was created by a group of Black professional golfers and Sifford was its most prolific champion, winning the Open five years in a row.

Cola bottle and hit him upside the head. That’s when I left North Carolina. I took a freight [train] to Philly with another caddie, Walter Fergus. No plans. Just get out of town.”

Met With The Great Jackie Robinson & Discussed Challenges of Racism in Sports When he returned for serving in the segregated Army in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II, he decided to make a career of golf. He met Baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson in 194 7, very soon after Robinson had broken the Major League Baseball color line. When he related to Robinson his dream of playing at the highest level of golf, Jackie cautioned him not to be a quitter.

He warned him of the hostility he would face, intruding on the sacred grounds of a white man’s sport. “Above all,” Robinson warned him, “you can’t be going after these people who call you names with a golf club. If you do that, you’ll ruin it for all of the black players to come.”

Challenges to His Dream In 1948, Sifford sought to compete as a professional, but with the existing social norms, he was not allowed to play against white competition and was instead relegated to competing against other Blacks. Standing 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 185 pounds,

Sifford was not the first Black golfer to seek an opportunity to compete against White players.

Players like Ted Rhodes and Bill Spiller led the fight for years against the Professional Golfers’ Association’s (PGA) “Caucasian-only clause” which denied them the opportunity to participate in the PGA tournaments, golf’s highest professional level. In 1952, Sifford was able to play in the Phoenix Open in an all-Black foursome that included legendary former boxing champion Joe Louis. Unfortunately, when the four men reached the first hole, they found it filled with excrement.

In his 1992 autobiography, “Just Let Me Play,” Sifford relates a story which demonstrates just how significant the barriers were that Black golfers faced.

On December 7, 1955, Dr. George Simkins, Phillip Cooke, Leonidas Wolfe, Samuel Murray, Joseph Sturdivant and Elijah Herring paid the 75 cent fee to play nine holes of golf at the Gillespie Park public course in Greensboro, North Carolina. Five of them were arrested and charged with trespassing on private property even though the course was owned by the City of Greensboro.

The case went all the way up To continue reading visit us online @ www.aframnews.com By: Darwin Campbell

TEXAS • JULY - 10 - 16, 2017

JULY

Jul 10 - Jul 30

MONDAY - SUNDAY Ensemble Theatre Simply Simone 3535 Main Street Houston, TX77002 **Times Vary** For more info contact: (832) 623-2323 www.ensembletheatre.com

10

MONDAY Lone Star College MATH Camp

Making.Awesome.Things.Happen

George Foreman Youth and Community Center 2202 Lone Oak Rd Houston, TX 77093 From 9:30am to 3pm For more info contact: (254) 733-9669

Submit your event to news@aframnews.com

What’s Happenin’

11 TUESDAY 16 SUNDAY Windsor Houston First Baptist Church

Skilled Nursing Facility Networking Breakfast 6920 TC Jester Blvd.

Houston, TX 77091 From 9:30am to 10am For more info contact: (281) 224-0280

Jul 14 - Jul 15 FRIDAY - SATURDAY

The Mountaintop Chelsea Market Theatre 4617 Montrose Blvd Houston, TX 77006 Times Vary For more info contact: www.bayoutheatrecompany.com

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

15 SATURDAY Booker T.

Washington Alumni

General Meeting 119 E. 39 St. Houston, TX 77018 Beginning at 10am

of Lincoln City

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

16 SUNDAY Charity Fellowship Baptist Church

Family & Friends Day 5144 E. Sam Houston Pkwy North Houston, TX 77015 Beginning at 3:30pm For more info contact: (832) 656-4184

20 THURSDAY Acres Home Super

Neighborhood Coucil #6 Monthly Meeting 6719 W. Montgomery Houston, TX 77091 Begininng at 6pm For more info contact: ettapct109@yahoo.com

Read us online! www. aframnews. com

7

FREELANCE WRITERS NEEDED

CARRIERS NEEDED

Must have knowledge of maps and African-American Communites For more information call 713-692-1892 sales@aframnews.com

22 SATURDAY Trae the Truth

Trae Day Discovery Green 1500 McKinney St Houston, TX 77002 Beginning at 3pm - 8pm For more info contact: (832) 250-3565 Kids K-12 Ride Metro Free visit ridemetro.org to #AframKeepsYouUpdated

• • • •

Must have knowledge of African-American communities in Houston and be able to travel upon assignment only.

Must have the ability to report, proofread and edit.

Email sample writing to sales@aframnews.com Earn $50 to $100

NOW HIRING STAFF WRITER • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Major/Degree in Communications/Journalism Must have knowledge of African-Americans and communities Must be able to travel upon assignment Must be knowledgeable in Adobe programs: InDesign, Photoshop and Acrobat Must be knowledgeable in Microsoft programs: Word, Outlook, Excel and Powerpoint Must be creative with the ability to design, layout, proofread and edit.

Social media and website experience Must have Telephone/Email Etiquettes Must be able to create manual/e-file system Must have excellent note taking/listening and reporting skills Marketing and sales a plus Starting Salary $30,000 Email your resume to sales@aframnews.com Photo Journalist

HOU - 7

8

African

American News&Issues

Education/Youth

Teen Girls’ Interest in STEM Careers Continues to Lag Boys’ Interest

Junior Achievement (JA) USA is an economic educational organization that teaches kids financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, and they reach about 4.8 million kids each year with the support of volunteers from the community. JA conducted research with Ernst & Young Global Limited (EY), which is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The research “presents the findings of ORC International’s Youth CARAVAN survey conducted among a sample of 1,000 13-17 year olds.” The research revealed that 91% of teenage boys and girls ages 13-17 know what kind of career they want after they graduate from high school, but that is where the similarities end.

“The data shows that career preferences remain drawn along gender lines, with more than one-third (36%) of boys pursuing careers in STEM vs. only 11 percent of girls. Twenty-six percent of girls plan to study for careers in the arts (vs. 10% of boys) and girls favor careers in the medical/dental field 24 percent to just six percent of boys.” Research shows that girls are more interested in wanting to help people, which is why many girls end up in the medical field.

In regards to boys, fun and financial ability are a necessity to them.

Furthermore, students are also very informed when it comes to college and the money that is needed in order for students to attend school.

According to Ed Grocholski, Senior Vice President of Brand for Junior Achievement, noted that there is 1.3 trillion dollars in student debt, so students are taking this into consideration and trying to find a way to avoid student debt as much as possible. This includes attending a public school or a community college, or many students may have to work while they attend school. It was TX - 8

noted that, “85 percent of teens expect to pay for some or all of their education, whether through loans, scholarships, or jobs.”

In addition, the three top career influences are parents, and societal influences such as TV, media, and even a class or teacher. Research showed that environmental influences are huge when it comes to kids deciding what career they want to choose. In the past, they’ve done research on dream jobs, and what they have found is that when there is a popular show on TV, there is a spike of interest in that career field. For example, according to Grocholski, when Grey’s Anatomy debuted, there was a tremendous jump in girls wanting to be in the medical field. “Whatever is kind of everyone’s focus, you tend to see teen’s focus their energy on those kind of careers,” expressed Grocholski.

• • • • • • •

Other Research Points: “Only nine percent of boys and girls aspire to start their own business.”

“Only seven percent of boys and girls have chosen to work in public service.”

“Boys on their dream jobs: Think it would be fun (28%), I’d be good at it (21%), I’d make a lot of money (17%)” “Girls on their dream jobs: I would help people (25%), I’d be good at it (23%), I think it would be fun (20%)” “Ability to have a meaningful career and a family (52% of girls vs. 46% of boys)” “Ability to do something meaningful for the community/society (45% of girls vs. 33% of boys)” “Flexibility in work schedule/location (39% of boys vs. 36% of girls)” Continue Reading online @ www.aframnews.com By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb

TEXAS • JULY 10 - 16, 2017

The Rap Game Stars’ SoSo Summer17 Tour Hit Houston

(l-r) top row: Deetranada, Jermaine Dupri, Supa Peach, King Roscoe, Lil Key, Nia Kay (l-r) Bottom row: Michael Mauldin, Winner Mani, Miss Mulatto, NOVA and (standing) JI Prince of NY

HOUSTON - Grammy award-winning producer, songwriter, and recording artist Jermaine Dupri, teamed up with executives of Scream Nation community partners and NXG Leaders to host youth and teen town hall meetings. The program is titled “NXG Leaders”, which stands for “Next Generation of Leaders”. The idea for the town hall meeting is to have a positive impact on our youth, while inspiring them to be great leaders of tomorrow. The attendees of the meeting had the opportunity to participate in an open panel discussion with the artists from The Rap Game and Jermaine Dupri. The discussion was based on the 12 codes of Leadership. The one-hour town hall meeting was free of charge, and they target to reach kids between the ages of 8 and 18.

Michael Mauldin, CEO of Scream Nation, stated, “We are excited to be on the forefront of such a ground-breaking youth & family oriented movement. This type of tour and community involvement promotes the next generation of leaders and young stars and serves an audience that is often overlooked in the urban and pop music genres, and we are proud to be an integral part of this movement.”

After the town hall meeting, Dupri and his team had to get ready for their concert later that night. Performers who accompanied Dupri on the tour, included Da Brat, Bow Wow, iAmDLOW, and The Rap Game’s top three season winners Miss Mulatto, Winner Mani, and NOVA. The concert is known to be family oriented with no

profanity at all during the entire show. Other performers included King Roscoe, Deetranada, Nia Kay, JI Prince of NY, Lil Key, Supa Peach, and 15-year old DJ sensation DJ Prince. The Rap Game debuted January 1st, 2015 on Lifetime, and is currently on hiatus, but season four is set to air this fall on Lifetime Fridays at 10PM/9C. In an interview with Jermaine Dupri, he answered two questions in regards to our youth.

What advice do you have for our youth to stay motivated and encouraged?

“Use different people as your motivation.

There are so many people out there that probably have the same story as someone who is trying to do something but is also frustrated. There are a lot of people who are great examples for why you shouldn’t stop, and you don’t always have to know your mentor in order to be mentored.”

How do you want this tour to impact our youth?

“This tour was needed because there are so many kids out here that don’t have anybody that cares about who they are and what it is that they want to do or who they want to be…so I just provided nine people that young kids could pay attention to.”

By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed. See Event Photos on Pg. 9 Photo Credit: Chandra Jarmon

Texas • July 10 - 16, 2017

Education/Youth

Tonya Dove, Skai Harper, Davainea Gore, Morgan Linbrick, Akira Jackson, Soleil Carter, Ariana Jackson & Taylor Duplechain- Marian Community Center (Southwest Houston)

Elyakim, Eddie, Elazar and Elon Conley

“It was important for me to bring my sons out today because there is so much for them to learn and I want them to be able to hear what has to be said.

They are all talented.

Elyakim is an artist. He helps me draw and I have an exhibit displayed at Lee College. I want them to experience and see what it feels like to be a leader.” ~ Eddie Conley

Ariana Williams, Quinones Olney and Aleyah Jones

Read us online! www. aframnews. com

Domini Bryant and Jeremiah Jones

Asa Lewis, Kiotti and Mario Clark

Alejandro Solis, Decarlo Scott, Amar Scott and Devin Scott

Christen Austin, Sierra McWaine, Lauryn Hall, Zahyon Miller, Ayanna Harris, Lauren Cartwright, Jayla Palmer, Dorian Parrish, Ms Erica Prentice and Anaya Simeon - Young Ladies of Elegance (Humble Area)

Monique Frank, Tatianna Batiste and Laurynn Frank

9

Jourdan Mathis

Dwavalon Rose, Emily ERic (eJ) Rose

Blake Green speaks to the audience about the importance of being a leader

TX - 9

10

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

Community

TEXAS • JULY 10 - 16, 2017

Supporting the Community through Radio Program “Money Making Conversations”

STORE HOURS:

Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11am - 5pm

Sacred Moments

New!

Archangel Michael 13” Tall

Houston - Rushion McDonald grew up in 5th ward- also known as “The Nickel” or what he calls “The Ghetto”. For reasons such as crime, poverty, and economics, 5th ward has traditionally been labeled as an undesirable living area. In other words, many may think for a split second- likely without speaking it- that if a child lives and goes to school in “The Nickel”, then it is likely a nickel they shall earn in life. Fortunately, Rushion McDonald’s success cast shame on such thoughts.

Throughout his career, Rushion co-created radio hits like “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” and negotiated major book deals with Harper Collins Publishers for Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man; Straight Talk, No Chaser: How to Find and Keep a Man; and Act Like A Success, Think Like A Success. Rushion also negotiated and was Executive Producer for hit movies like “Think Like A Man” and “Think Like A Man Too,” served as Executive Producer of “Steve Harvey’s Big Time” and “The Steve Harvey Show,” and was a Consulting Producer for the highly-rated, syndicated game show “Family Feud.” On his own, Rushion has produced “The Jamie Foxx Show”, “The Parkers”, “Sister, Sister” and ABC Network’s “The Arsenio Hall Show”. He was Executive Story Editor of “The Parent Hood”, and has produced reality TV shows like “Mobile Disaster”, “Pulled Over” and “Mr. Rooney’s Barbershop”. Because of his work in TV and radio, he won the Living Legends Entrepreneur Award, as well as both a Daytime Emmy Award and the NAACP Image Award, and has been inducted into the Personal Managers Hall of Fame. McDonald is now giving back through his radio talk show Money Making Conversations, which is showing “regular folks” how to achieve success as well.

Money Making Conversations airs weekly every Monday from 11 am-1 pm CST on KYND 1520— featuring celebrity interviews illuminating business planning, career insights to success, lifestyle entertainment, and advice to empower people on their path to success in ev-

Emmy Award Winning TV Producer, Rushion McDonald Host of Radio Show Money Making Conversations

eryday life. For the last two years, Rushion McDonald had been doing the show on His Facebook page. Now, every 4th Monday the show welcomes a live studio audience in KYND studios. In the most recent studio production, the guest on the show featured gospel legend, Yolanda Adams; CEO of Codeblack films, Jeff Clanagan; Dr. Teresa Price of National College Research Foundation; Attorney Benjamin Crump - popular from working on the Trayvon Martin trial; and others who contributed to the conversation about business knowledge.

McDonald repeatedly discussed matters according to the essential purpose of the radio show. He passionately claimed that, “the purpose of this show is to break down a lot of walls.” Unfortunately, many people don’t believe they have what it takes to be successful in business. As a result, those same people never take calculated risk because they assume failure from the start.

Continue reading online @ www.aframnews.com By: Lorenzo Tolbert

Availa b Now! le Praying Hands w/ Bible 6” Tall

713-692-1195

6130 Wheatley Street | Houston, TX 77091

We Appreciate Our Customers!

TX - 10

Leaders of the church visit in the home of Pastor Lawson after the renewal of wedding vowels ceremony (l-r) Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Deacon Greg Meeks, Rev. Alexander E.M. Johnson ~ Associate Pastor, Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby ~ Senior Pastor, Minister Leon C. Lewis, Deacon Marvin Hamilton, Deacon Maurice Carr ~ Church Business Administrator, Deacon Dr. Tophas Anderson ~ Chairman of Deacons, Founding Pastor Emeritus William A. Lawson (center) and Rev. J.D. Denkins (kneeling)

TEXAS • JULY 10 - 16, 2017

Religion

African-American News&Issues sends our condolences to family and friends of “The Jewel of Acres Home” Ms. Jewell S. Houston ~ a legendary icon ~ you will be truly missed.

African

s Flower for All ons Occasi

American News&Issues

Shirley Ann’s Flowers

STORE HOURS

11

Credi tC Accep ards ted

Tues: 12pm - 5pm | Wed, Thurs, Fri: 8am - 5pm

Wedding Assessories ssessories CALL OR COME IN! Live Calla Lily, Aster & Ruscus Groom Boutonniere

6130 Wheatley Street | Houston, TX 77091

Live Lillies, Calla Lillies, Asters & Ruscus Bridal Bouquet

(713) 692 - 1100

email: contactshirleyannflowershop.com www.shirleyannflowershop.com We A ppr eciate Our Customer s

TX - 11

African

12

American News&Issues

TEXAS • JULY 10 - 16, 2017

®

®

items!

7 15 in buy

Get up to

$

meal deal!

save more than

BUY

7

$ 17 in

FREE X

items! with in-store coupons

99

Saborsazo Sodas 6 pk., 12 oz. cans assorted varieties

H-E-B Boneless Skinless That’s up to $ Chicken Breast, Thigh or 1.98 Pork Fajitas or Mi Comida free!

Beef or Chicken Leg Meat buy for Fajitas or Hill Country Fare Nestlé Drumstick 8 ct., or Lil’ Drums Beef Fajitas, 3 - 5 lbs.

Ice Cream Cones

4

• 7•Up, Big Red, A&W Root Beer, Canada Dry, or Sunkist Brand, 2 L btl. assorted varieties

12 ct., assorted varieties

$

Kellogg’s Value Size Frosted Flakes, 26.8 oz., Frosted Flakes Marshmallows, 26.8 oz., Froot Loops or Apple Jacks, 21.7 oz., or Corn Pops Cereals, 21.4 oz.

$

buy

assorted varieties

10 oz.

GET Llévatelo

free! ¡gratis! with in-store coupon H-E-B The Big Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches 4 ct.

Llévatelo GET

¡gratis! free! with in-store coupon

Kellogg’s Variety Pak Cereal, 10 ct.

Llévatelo GET

¡gratis! free! with in-store coupons

16 oz. assorted varieties

$

3.28

free!

buy

Kiolbassa Natural Smoked Sausage Links 13 oz. assorted varieties

HOU - 12

H-E-B Lokitos ¡Híjole! Rolled Tortilla Chips

• Herdez Salsa That’s up to

Some items may not be available in all stores. Items not valid at Central Market. Due to the popularity of our Extra Low Prices Every Day, we reserve the right to limit quantities. Limit Rights Reserved. We Accept Lone Star Card, WIC And Manufacturers’ Coupons. ©2017 HEB, 17-4532 visit www.heb.com

with in-store coupon

4.25

H-E-B Mi ComidaTM Tamales, 16 oz.

Prices Good Wednesday, July 12 Thru Tuesday, July 18, 2017 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.

free!

That’s up to

• Don Lupe® Salsa

• Wholly Guacamole Classic, 8 oz.

GET

3.50

free! buy two (2)

• Kraft Shredded Cheese 10.6 oz., assorted varieties

with in-store coupons

That’s up to

free!

8 oz., assorted varieties

FREE

That’s up to

$

2.98

free!

• Read 3 Children’s Book assorted titles

Llévatelo GET

GROW YOUNG MINDS, READ 3 TIMES A WEEK

¡gratis!

free! with in-store coupons

Para niños bien listos ¡leéles 3 veces a la semana!

• H-E-B Specialty Series BBQ Sauce 13 - 14 oz. assorted varieties

• H-E-B Borracho or Charro Beans 15 - 16 oz. regular or spicy

Llévatelo

¡gratis!