African-American News&Issues

FREE

August 1-7, 2007 ™ Vol. 12 Issue 26

TEXAS’ Widest Circulated and Read Newspaper with a Black Perspective

www.aframnews.com

Houston - Galveston - Texas City - Missouri City - Conroe - Woodlands - Huntsville - Beaumont - Port Arthur - Grove - Orange - Lumberton - Liberty - Cleveland - Livingston - Crockett - San Antonio - Mexia - Gatesville - Bellmead Austin - Brenham - Hempstead - Prairie View - College Station - Bryan - Killeen - Temple - Waco - Dallas - Irving - Fort Worth - Arlington - Waxahachie - Elgin - Round Rock - Harker Heights - Copperas Cove - Ennis - Corsicana

EDUCATION

Six decades of service to our youth Page 8

Roundup from the

Lone Star Hoods BEAUMONT− NAACP leaders are launching new initiatives it hopes will increase membership and presence. With the death of two key members in a short period, Paul Brown is hoping the push will increase community participation, boost voter registration and aid community responsibility. In May 2006, longtime president Sam Bean died of cancer complications. Two months later, vice president Gene Perkins died. The group is facing tough issues including the upcoming Beaumont Independent School District bond issue, registering felons to vote and issues facing local schools, including facilities, curriculum and dress code. The next meeting will be Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007 at 7:30 p.m., at the L.L. Melton YMCA. DALLAS− The Tyler/Dallas NAACP leader Casey Thomas is under fire for allegations of misuse of funds. The issue, being investigated by the Texas NAACP, involves how he handled $1700 from an account meant to pay for students to participate in the recent Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics held recently in Detroit.

Thomas reportedly used some of the funds for personal expenses and withdrawals – a charge he denies. Thomas is a young visionary who has been a great role model for youth. He also has been a teacher of history at the Billy Dade Learning Center and has been active as a local Democratic Party chairman.

BLACK

I f you HISTORY kdon’t now your past, you don’t k now your 24/7/365 future Proud to sponsor BLACK HISTORY EVERYDAY

Quote of the Week

“You may make the black man free, but when you have done that, what have you done?”

Fernando Wood

Dallas CCCD Chancellor Receives New Contract; Will Build on Successes HATTIE SMITH

African-American News&Issues

DALLAS- He has provided critical leadership during critical times.That is one of the reasons that members of the Dallas County Community College District board of trustees approved a new three-year contract for DCCCD’s chancellor, Dr. Wright Lassiter Jr. Lassiter has been chancellor and CEO since May 2006 taking over after the sudden resignation of Dr. Jesus Carreon.

Since that time, he has moved the district forward and has decided to continue that work in order to build upon the successes of the past year.

“We are making great strides forSee CHANCELLOR page 3

ARE OUR SUPER SISTERS IN DENIAL? Bud Johnson

African-American News&Issues

In Discovering the News (1978), sociologist Michael Schudson argues that “the belief in objectivity is a faith in ‘facts,’ a distrust in ‘values,’ and a commitment to their segregation.” In the United States, an objective story is typically considered to be one that steers a middle path between two poles of political rhetoric. The tenets of objectivity are violated to the degree to which the story appears to favor one pole over the other. Few journalists would make a claim to total neutrality or impartiality. However, most strive toward a certain modicum of detachment from their own personal biases in their news work.

According to some, it refers to the prevailing ideology of newsgathering and reporting that emphasizes eyewitness accounts of events, corroboration of facts with multiple sources and “balance.” It

Hank Kuehne of Dallas, previously dated Paula Abdul, but the golfer is now set to match points with Venus Williams. also implies an institutional role for journalists as a fourth estate, a body that exists apart from government and large interest groups. Others hold it should mean reporting things without bias, as if one just

came to Earth from another planet and had no preconceived opinions about our behavior or ways….

Racist topics notwithstanding, WikiSee SUPER SISTERS page 3

PRESERVING BLACK HISTORY

Opening the museum was the culmination of 54 years of work by the Pruitts, the founders who provided many of the exhibits.

BLACK MUSEUM BRINGS PRIDE TO COMMUNITY DARWIN CAMPBELL

African-American News&Issues

BRYAN- When Willie and Nell Pruitt moved to Bryan in the 1950s, Black history was not the priority of city fathers. Mrs. Pruitt came to the community in 1952 as an educator in the segregated school system. After searching for information and finding little about African American contributions to the community to Inasmuch as African American News & Issues (Texas’ widest circulated and read newspaper with a Black perspective) is free, it ideally gives away more news and features germane to Black America than other newspapers aspire to sell. Accordingly, a complimentary memoriam venerating Addie Bell Mitchell Joseph is sponsored by Shirley Ann Black Arts & Kollectibles, for the family and love ones of a great lady whose long and productive life was celebrated on August 17, 2006 at Ross Mortuary Chapel, 3619 Lyons avenue, with Rev. Andrew George officiating.

Opal Gloyd, Patricia George, Robert Hines, Pastor of Bethel MBC, and Jocellia George participated in the order of service.

Active pallbearers were: George Stearn, Craig Baxter, Lewis Jones, Jackie Mitchell, Jerome H. Mitchell and Stanley Stringfellow.

Frank Bernard Bryant, Leonard Robinson, Sam Mitchell Jr., Frank Bryant, Jr., Eral Mitchell, Terrell C. Mitchell Jr., Jerome Mitchell II and Willie Mitchell were honorary pallbearers for Addie Bell, one of Patsy

uplift and motivate her students, she started collecting everything that showed the impact Blacks had on history and the community.

During that time, she developed a vision and appetite to bring Black history to the forefront and began collecting a multitude of information and artifacts relating to Black history. Pruitt had said that she wanted to build a museum so that children today could see the impact that their forefathers had. “Our

ADDIE BELL JOSEPH

May 23, 1916 -August 9, 2006

and John Mitchell’s five children, who was born on May 23, 1916 in Richard, Texas, a small Texas hamlet located FM 981 about 7-8 miles east of Blue Ridge, and only 2-3 miles east of Frognot (which also lies on FM 981), that is now a ghost town. Addie, who attended and graduated from public schools in Richard, grew up in an era when descendants of slaves began to assert themselves and demand civil rights after fighting in World War I.

Willie and Nell Pruitt, founders of the Brazos Valley African American Museum. ancestors probably did more to develop this country than any other race with such little money, encourAddie was three years old when the “Red Summer” of 1919, following World War I, exploded into 13 days of racial violence on the South Side of Chicago that left 23 Blacks and 15 Whites dead, 537 people injured, and 1,000 Black families, homeless. Shortly before the riots, massive numbers of southern born slaves began The Great Migration to the north, circa 1915. No less important was The Harlem Renaissance, or “New Negro Movement” that ideally introduced African American’s artistic and creative genius to the world. Meanwhile, Marcus Garvey started a “back to Africa movement” in 1920. Garvey led the Universal Negro Improvement Association. He addressed 25,000 Blacks at Madison Square Garden and presided over a parade of 50,000 through the streets of Harlem. Lest we forget, The Negro National League, first of baseball’s Negro leagues was also established in 1920.

Sadly, in 1925, the Ku Klux Klan’s membership exceeded 4,000,000 nationally, and a parade

agement or support,” Pruitt, 77, said about what motivated her to start See MUSEUM page 3

of 50,000 unmasked members took place in Washington, D.C. Even so, national events had little impact on Addie Bell, who had accepted Christ at an early age and felt that God would evaluate us on our love in eternity. She was united in holy matrimony to Berlin Joseph for 52 years. They were long time residents of Beaumont, Texas.

Addie Bell united with Peaceful Rise Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir. She served faithfully until her health failed her. She was also a devoted member of the Eastern Star. She became a legendary educator and worked as a Nutritional Assistant for Beaumont ISD for 40 years.

Knowing her purpose gave her life meaning, simplistic focus and motivation. It also prepared her for eternity. On August 9, 2006, Addie Bell quietly finish her race and the celebration begin. Life is a race that must be run. She leaves to cherish her memory three brother Sam Mitchell, Terrell Charles Mitchell and Berlin Mitchell, a host of other relatives and friends.

TX-1

VIEWPOINTS & OPINIONS

2 • African-American News&Issues • Texas •August 1-7, 2007 Si 19 nce 94

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

WE MUST UNDERSTAND: An AMEN! Mindset

T

Available Now!

New Releases!

Each hat comes with mannequin head (up to 6” tall), in its own hat box with storyline hangtag.

New Rele ases

!

“Lovely” 6” tall

“Grand Lady Anita” 6” tall

ow!

N ble a l i Ava

“Summer Orange” 6” tall

Come in or call for more info 713 - 692 - 1195 100 % Black Owned

N

N Mo W.

N. shepherd

Wheatley/Ella

x

ery

610

om

W. Tidwell

T. C. Gester

290

We Appreciate Our Customers W. Little York

ntg

W. Little York

We accept: American Express, MasterCard, Discover, Visa, Debit, Cash, Checks and Lay-A-Ways

W. Tidwell

45N

610

45

STORE HOURS THURSDAY 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

FRIDAY 11 a.m. - 7. p.m.

SATURDAY 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

PUBLISHER’S NEWS ANALYSIS Black Radio Myths Roy Douglas Malonson

I

have no problem putting my money where my mouth is.

However, before I involve myself in anything I’m going to do the research. Especially its history.

That’s why a litmus test (for choosing people—from selected free lance writers for African American News&Issues to elected politicians-- to represent me), is a history quiz. What I’m saying is, writers that have never bothered to read our paper, and/or know absolutely nothing about the Black press’s history don’t make the cut. I have to question if they’re serious about writing for our newspaper, or simply need a job, or a forum, to express their ideas and opinions. When we included screening political candidates in our Tuesday morning staff meetings I learned just how unprepared wannabee public servants usually are.

For instance, when we asked if they knew the history of the city council position they were seeking, they stared blankly. Then they started bashing the incumbent for what he, or she, hadn’t done. I don’t have time or space to name and shame anybody, but several were totally ignorant of the history pertinent to the position they were seeking.

Unfortunately, voters tend to elect politicians who are dumb about history because they’re even dumber. I’m saying all of this to say that you must start with history to know anything. In fact, if you don’t know something’s history, you have no way of knowing whether, or not, you’re being lied to. There is no way I would invest in anything without first knowing the good, the bad and the ugly history before I commit.

That’s just good, old common sense

TX-2

here’s a preacher’s joke that has been part of the Black church’s folklore for years: A fiery preacher launches into a litany about God’s goodness that’s guaranteed to light a fire in the psyche of “the redeemed” that once was lost, but now are found.

Amen! is their affirmation of Jesus the Christ’s grace and mercy. However, at the height of the rapt praise, the preacher abruptly shuts it down after cleverly shouting something that borders on blasphemy that’s unanimously sanctioned with an unwarranted AMEN! The ploy is ideally used to induce a congregation of pseudo-born again Christians (wont to react to a fiery pulpiteer’s passion), to truly listen to “The Word” that’s being preached.

We Must Understand, there’s a preponderance of scientific evidence that suggests that human emotions can be manipulated. In addition, there’s a school of thought that religious fervor isn’t far removed from the frenzy evoked at sporting events, or rock concerts.

According to a study on Social Psychology & Group Dynamics: A form of control is “thought stopping” techniques. This can take many forms: chanting, meditating, singing, humming, tongues, concentrated praying, etc.

The use of these techniques short-circuits the persons’ ability to test reality. This manipulates a person’s range of feelings. Deny a person the information needed to make a sound judgment and he will be incapable of doing so. The psychological chains on their minds are just as powerful as if they were locked away physically from society.

So strong is this psychological process they also lack the properly functioning internal mechanism to process any critical information placed in front of them. Perish the thought, this is an attack on the Black church. Instead, for the sake of communicating in common sense terms from a Black perspective, African American News &Issues’ editorial board agreed that there is no better example to use to address made in America Africans’ inability to recognize economic and/or political Trojan horses. Then again, there has to be something deeper at work when it comes to Black America’s elite who delight in handing out “Outstanding Citizen” awards to sell out Black leaders at “Dog & Pony” shows.

that works from the boardroom to the bedroom.

And that’s why I tell audiences I speak to (as chairman emeritus of African American Chamber of Commerce-Greater Houston), to stop believing everything they read, hear, or see in the media, sans historical validation. And that’s why I know the allegation that community-minded Black Houstonians can’t scrape together enough disposal cash to buy KCOH Radio for $10 million is a bald-faced lie.

Although I realize that Black newspapers are the only lines of communication (that can be totally owned and controlled by African Americans), I was ready, willing and able to join a group of community leaders that was being put together by a former City power broker. I made my intentions known almost a year ago and I wasn’t the only one standing in line.

Houston, the fourth largest city in America, needs a totally Black owned and controlled radio station.

It could ideally be networked with our uncompromising Black newspapers to become a powerful political voice for our people. So, apparently, whatever is preventing the sell of KCOH to a local Black group is about something other than money.

Maybe the powers that be also realize the political clout a Black radio station networking with our newspapers would have. Incidentally, I’ve already researched the movie (“Talk to Me”) that glorifies a Ralph Waldo “Petey” Greene (portrayed

by Academy Award nominee Don Cheadle), a Black DJ who became a civil rights icon and found it to be more fiction than fact.

If you know America’s history, you already know that a Black

We Must Understand, passionate worshippers can be forgiven for being programmed to sanction wrongful acts with an AMEN! when they’re overwhelmed by passion, but the only thing one can say when supposedly political astute people (thinking with a clear mind and full knowledge of a “Judas Goat” leader’s transgressions), rewards them for pimping their community: Stupid is as stupid does. Accordingly, that quote from the Forrest Gump movie came to mind when we learned that a well known entrepreneur in northwest Houston, Texas’ Acres Home community, who just happens to be a pastor, had double-duped his supporters.

Acres Home’s leaders that fought against “Hot Sheet motels” have been opposed to multi-dwelling housing since Garden City and Lincoln City Apartments became sanctuaries for criminals several decades ago. Even so, the entrepreneur/man of God not only defied the community’s edict, but rallied his supporters to override protests to develop multi-unit dwellings under the guise of community development.

Other than the fact that the community was already suffering from a persisting influx of crime from HUD’s public housing that surrounds it, there was also concern about the quality of the shabby, cheap materials he used to enhance profit margins.

Even so, opposing community leaders fought a losing battle. Ironically, when another developer decided to erect multi-unit dwellings in the backyard of the entrepreneurial pastor’s palatial home, he suddenly realized the wisdom of the community leaders’ aversion to multi-unit dwellings that ultimately lower property values and destroys neighborhoods.

Thus, the pastor rallied the same supporters (he convinced to say AMEN! to his development), to say AMEN! to his fight against the same kind of development infringing on his turf. And before you start snickering and calling Acres Home citizens mindless sheep, you can be sure that you’ll find the same so-called leaders conniving and thriving in underserved Black neighborhoods throughout the land of the free. Furthermore, you can be equally sure, when charlatans (that hurt more than they help their community) are introduced as outstanding citizens and fine role models for our kids, they’ll get a mindless AMEN!

oebeit journalistic objectivity is enhanced by the paranormal attributes encoded in my DNA, I can’t erase the image of the White boy who was identified as Venus Williams’s “main squeeze” by a commentator while she was sacking Wimbledon, England. Race card aside, although I predicted that the Williams clan was at risk of falling victim to the “Typical Boot” syndrome years ago (when I spotted Oracene sporting a blond wig), I deluded myself into believing Richard’s sense of (slave) history would preclude his gals from becoming “bed wenches” for massa.

Oops, I’ve drifted into The Outer Limits of The Twilight Zone of my made in America African warrior indoctrinated psyche.

For sure, that’s strong language to describe what could be a beautiful interracial love affair. Even so, I’ve never condoned that psychobabble that suggests one can’t help whom they fall in love with.

In addition, even the most objective person would agree that there’s a much deeper pathology intermingling when descendant of slaves not only are attracted to… but are flattered to be favored by descendants of slave owners. I’ve often used the analogy of a Jewish lass hooking up with a German lad, insofar as the Jewish holocaust pales in comparison to Africans’ middle passage history. Shazam!

I’m telling it like it is, because it

is like it is, whether I tell it or not. Objectivity aside, I cringed reading, “Gorgeous Venus Williams won her fourth Wimbledon title this weekend; believe it or not, Venus had a boyfriend watching and cheering her on. It is the first time that her new boyfriend pro golfer Hank Kuehne was watching her playing the game. Venus will not hide her love for him and said ‘He’s very supportive. I love having him here. He’s a great guy, he understands competition.’ Venus father and coach, Richard Williams commented on Hank, ‘Hank’s a super top guy, and he’s a major league guy, too, so he knows about sports. It’s great to have him on board.’ Congratulations to Venus Williams on her win and her new man.”

I suspect old, slick Richard was cracking, rather than facting, unless he was born again after Oracene kicked him to the curb. Truth is, I was surprised that Venus, instead of Serena, who is more like her hoochie momma, gravitated to men Richard considers the “enemy.” Hey, didn’t Serena nut up over allegations (see Front Page) that she dissed brothers?

Mayhaps I should explain that my “Typical Boot” designation isn’t a put down, lest one misconstrues my Black perspective to be an attack on “Super Sisters.” Perish the thought that I would cast the first stone at a sister who sleeps with White men. However, I would

consider her history-illiterate.

On the other hand, if sisters simply stop confusing love with lust, I could feel them. After all, I’m not immune to “Jungle Fever,” but love ain’t got nothing to do with it.

Square business, it’s no secret that we lust after the media’s “World’s Sexiest People.”

Rachel Blakely’s 1999 article (Dating White: When Sisters Go There - African American women dating White men) in Essence Magazine revealed: “Every White man has two women in his life. The White woman he’s married to and the Black woman of his dreams.

With White women locked behind gates of virtue, Black women, the other, became everything sexual, wild, secret. I catch their eyes, the way they stare at me. If I smile back, I see surprise, joy swirling around their irises. And if I flirt, well, it’s as if I’ve given away a state secret. But mostly they just stare. Sometimes it’s sweet, these things they do; sometimes it’s scary. Sometimes it’s just sad. Sometimes when they catch my eye, it’s because I was staring first.”

Hey, I remember how the late Lloyd “The Judge” Well’s curly locks and light skin were weapons of mass fornication in 1940’s Houston, Texas’ Fifth Ward. Pretty babies aside, old Hank, a 6’2”, 205 pound hard bodied athlete, apparently caught Venus’s eye although he just happened to be White.

Aw come on pray with me, you young, hot-blooded sisters, you know I’m right. And you also know, what makes you crazy in lust, evokes Tina Turner’s query, “What’s Love Got To Do With It”? I wonder if anybody knows where I’m coming from?

will never use the nation’s airwaves to mess with the status quo system with impunity. It didn’t happen then, and it ain’t going to happen now. Perish the thought I’m dissing Black radio because they diss us for advertising. I’m just telling it like it is. And if you knew Black broadcast journalists’ history, you would be aware of Black Radio Myths too. And it’s a myth

that KCOH, even if it was owned and controlled by Black entrepreneurs, would be effective unless it networks with Black newspapers as it once did (when the Black community had a lot more political clout than it does today), in the old days. If you still don’t know where I’m coming from. Just check today’s Black broadcasters (under Draconian contracts) and you’ll learn that

they’re virtually powerless when it comes to our struggle.

Ralph Cooper, the KCOH sports guru, probably can tell you about White radio station contracts that currently forbid on-air personalities to join organizations like NBUF. Don’t believe me? I’m sure Black broadcasters that got too Black for White stations will share their history with you.

BUD’S EYEVIEW

ON: Lust n’ Love

Bud Johnson: The Old African Warrior

W

African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 1-7, 2007 • 3 SUPER SISTERS -from Page 1 pedia Encylopedia’s foregoing definition of objectivity is an apporpiate disclaimer, insofar as African American News&Issues was thurst into a catch-22 obligation to uphold the free press’s mandate to report all news without fear or favor.

For some unfathomable reason, the usually gossipy media has treated Venus Williams love affair with a White golfer like M. C. Hammer’s—“U Can’t Touch This”— 1990’s hip hop classic. For sure, the low-key, six-month romance was exposed while Venus was making history in Wimbledon, England when a commentator noted that “her boyfriend Hank Kuehne was lustily supporting her.” Hank who?

For sure, Kuehne, a 28-yearold native of Dallas, Texas is known more for previously dating America Idol’s Paula Abdul than his PGA accomplishments. Even so, he’s obviously a “player” to match points with Venus. Hence, our researchers were compelled to validate the same kind of rumors (that Serena vehemently denied), because we had cause to pause and ponder how Richard Williams would react (see Eyeview) to his daughters dating White men.

Surely, it’s difficult to envision Richard’s girls being stricken with “Jungle Fever” (FYI: Jungle Fever is a 1991 film directed by Spike Lee, starring Wesley Snipes), considering his alleged reverse racist endoctrination. If you recall, a 2004 article in Urban Legends alleged: “Serena Williams announced she’d ‘stopped dating Black guys’ because a White man is the only real choice for a successful Black female.”

An enraged Serena rebutted: “Words cannot express how upset I am to find out that someone has deliberately attempted to ruin my reputation and image. I would never, ever, under any circumstance, be so disrespectful. Whoever decided to write this garbage does not know Serena Williams. It is neither my thinking nor my being. I want to find out who is behind this, and have them prosecuted within the fullest extend of the law. I am hoping that there will be more policing over the Internet, in order to find out immediately the origin of this kind of treachery. No one deserves to be humiliated and defamed this way.”

Denial aside, there’s a proponderance of evidence that suggests that, while made in America Africans’ celebrity insiders are treating

We got mail...

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 Hattie Smith - 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.

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

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.

Letters to the editor should include name, address and daytime phone number (name & city will be printed).

the surprise relationship as no big thing, many brothers who worship Venus reacted the same as 1947 Black America reacted after learning that their ebony darling, Lena Horne had been secretly married to Lenny Hayton for three years. Lena later explained that she married Hayton because he could help her career more than a Black man. Truth is, many high-profile Black women obviously feel the same way today.

“As we head into the new millennium, marrying and dating across cultural lines seem to be increasing at record rates. And while for years, the Black man-White woman couple was more prevalent, today many social observers say that the pairing of Black women and White men is just as common,” Lynn Norment explained in a 1999 Ebony Magazine.

“The specific reasons behind the escalating trend of dating and mating across color and racial lines vary from individual to individual.

Some Black women say they were attracted to their White spouses because they had found it difficult to meet Black men on their social and income levels.” So what happened in Venus’s case? Surely, Kuehne had less to offer her than several Black athletes who she allegedly rejected in the past. Conversely, from a historical perspective, often the best and brightest Black women for some pathological reason are attracted to a people who enslaved them. While Black America gives legends like Marian Wright Edelman and Maya Angelou a free pass, one has to ponder how “Super Sisters” dedicated to their culture can justify marrying outside of their race. “Some people seem to simply prefer to date people of another race,” reasons Essence Magazine’s Rachel Blakely. “For instance, Robert DeNiro has had two Black wives and has dated a number of Black women, including models Naomi Campbell and Tookie Smith. O. J. Simpson continues to demonstrate a preference for White women, and Whoopi Goldberg consistently dates White guys.”

Levity aside, there’s a popular joke in the ‘hood that brothers will gladly give Whoopi to their White counterparts. On the other hand, they have a problem when our Super Sisters like Halle Berry gravitate to them. Meanwhile, Black men, who consider Venus the epitome of a proud, African warrior princess, are in shock.

Pastor’s persecution article full of hate I happened onto a copy of your July 11-17, 2007 African American News&Issues Newspaper. The article on Pastor McKissic is incitive and full of hate and is most definitely not news reporting. I do not argue the facts of the case, I am referring the inflamatory style of writing, which does not report facts; rather the writer’s own view. This article will not bring peace, but instead - reverse discrimination. A reverse article would land on the front page of the Morning News and there would be newscasts and loss of jobs. This is NOT the way to break down barriers and change things.

Carol Hodges via email

CHANCELLOR-from Page 1 ward in the Dallas County Community College District, and as always, we are focused on education and service to our students,” Lassiter said. “We also strive to serve our communities, area businesses and others who benefit from an educated workforce. As we build more collaboration and better communication among our employees too, we know that our efforts to reach out to others also improve.”

Jerry Prater, chair of the DCCCD board of trustees, said, “Dr. Lassiter assumed a strong leadership role when our district needed him. He consistently has built an environment that emphasizes communication, cooperation and community.

Dr. Lassiter is truly a servant leader, and others from our area, across the state and throughout the nation recognize his integrity and wisdom.

We are proud to renew and extend his contract for three years.”

Lassiter became DCCCD chancellor in May 2006 after serving as president of El Centro College for 20 years.

Prior to that time, he served as president of Bishop College (Dallas), president of Schenectady County Community College (N.Y.), vice president for finance and administration at Morgan State University (Baltimore) and director of auxiliary enterprises/ business manager at Tuskegee University — then Tuskegee Institute (Tuskegee, Ala.). He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Alcorn State University (Miss.), a master’s degree in business administration from Indiana University and his doctorate in education from Auburn University (Ala.) One of his highlighted strong

points as DCCCD’s chancellor is his active involvement and dedication to the community. He serves as chairman of the board of trustees for the African American Museum and is immediate past board chair and senior director of the Urban League of Greater Dallas and North Central Texas. Lassiter also has been a board member for several other organizations, including the YMCA Foundation, DBU Foundation and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas Foundation.

He recently was selected to serve on the board of trustees for Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas and also will serve on the National Advisory Board for the College of Education at Auburn University. Lassiter is a distinguished adjunct professor of management at DBU and holds an honorary doctor of humanities degree from that institution. In 1995, he was elected to the Indiana University Academy of Alumni Fellows by the IU Kelley School of Business, and he also served a six-year term on the board of advisors for the Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University.

He currently serves on the advisory board for the Center of Excellence in Science and Mathematics at Morehouse College in Atlanta.In 2002, he was nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as a member of the National Advisory Council to the National Endowment for the Humanities. He previously served as a commissioner for the United States Commission on Minority Business Development and as a member of the Texas Council

for the Humanities.

Lassiter has been recognized for his community service receiving honors and award, including: the Dallas Oak Cliff Lions Club 2006-2007 Annual Humanitarian Award, election to the African American Educators Hall of Fame (Dallas), selection as one of 47 international educators for participation in the Oxford Round Table at Oxford University in 2005 and recipient of the J. Erik Jonsson Award for Volunteer Service, plus the Above and Beyond Award from United Way of Metropolitan Dallas On staying on Lassiter added, “I am humbled and excited to continue to serve the district, our students and our community as chancellor of the Dallas County Community College District.” He will continue to serve DCCCD through Aug. 31, 2010.

MUSEUM-from Page 1

it halls with seven permanent displays and is home to over 230 artifacts. Since all the money was raised prior to its construction, the museum is debt free. Information about this positive success story is spreading across the state.

Since last year’s grand opening, the museum has hosted numerous community events, including health seminars, a meet-the-candidates forum before the Bryan City Council election and a dedication ceremony for Pruitt Street. Also groups from Houston, Dallas surrounding areas make regular trips to the museum. Currently, about 100 visitors tour the museum each month. The museum also schedules tours for schools and community groups.

Opening the museum was the culmination of 54 years of work by the Pruitt’s, the founders who provided many of the exhibits in the museum. The museum features a wealth of photos and artifacts detailing life as African-Americans. It has been home to exhibits representing the famous and not so famous, the local and the international.

One its more popular exhibits, a video and photography montage chronicling the lives of African-American senior citizens from the Brazos Valley “We Grew Up in the Brazos Valley,” tells the oral history of 22 elderly residents over 90 years of age who lived during the early part of the 20th century. Details of their lives are shared in the exhibit and a black and white portrait of each accompanies each story.

Another highlight is the “Legacy of a Seer: A Tribute to Charles Gordone.” That exhibit represented the essence of the late Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, who was an English and theater arts lecturer at Texas A&M University for more

than eight years until his death in 1995. The history of blacks in the United States and Texas is also highlighted in another display. Figurines of famous blacks are placed prominently in the display, and a collection of stamps honoring black individuals outlines the facility.

“It is a great atmosphere for our youth to come and know more about the full history of the ancestors,” she said. “We want them to understand that many of the elders had little education and money and were still able to live well, be good citizens and have large families.”

Many of the items on display came from the Pruitt’s’ personal collection from over the years, but countless others have contributed items that often have been in their family for generations.

Other historical interests include yearbooks from E.A. Kemp High School, where Black students attended during the segregation era and programs from Kemp class reunions. There is also a wall features a plaque honoring the first Black student to attend Texas A&M University, Leroy Sterling, and eight pages from a 1998 article in local paper about the history of segregation locally. Museum curator Wayne Sadberry is grateful for what the museum means to the community.

One display tells the story of Sadberry’s parents, O.W. and Sylvia, who both worked at local black schools.

O.W. Sadberry was the principal at Booker T. Washington Elementary from 1949 to 1969, while Sylvia Sadberry was a secretary at Kemp High School from 1956 to 1981.

Making the dream a reality was nothing short of a miracle, but it is sure that Pruitt, keeps the spotlight off themselves and credits God for giving them the dream and thanks the countless hundreds who saw their dream believed their vision and would have helped bring it to life with support from people in the community, from across the state and around the country.

Admission to the museum is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens and $2 for students. Children 5 and under will be admitted at no charge. It is located at 500 E. 20th St. in Bryan. For more information, call (979)-775-3961.

the project. “We want our (Black) children to know that they have every opportunity possible to make something of themselves.”

It was not easy though, since segregation made it impossible for Blacks to use the city’s public library system. It was also not easy overcoming and dealing with naysayer’s who doubted them and did not support them at first. Their determination and drive led to preserve Black history led to a collection that filled their garage. Her husband encouraged her to move forward with her dream for the museum.

Despite hurdles from the city and numerous unsuccessful attempts to get a Black museum off the ground, the Prairie View A&M graduates maintained their vision and pressed on with the dream of preserving Black history in Bryan and the Brazos Valley area for generations to come. In 1999, the Brazos Valley African National Heritage Society was founded to make the vision of building an African American Museum to bring artifacts from all over the world to display that represent the history and rich heritage of African Americans and the stage was a set for success.

Today, that dream not only made history, but also is reality as the Brazos Valley African American Museum is celebrating its first full year in existence. The anniversary is not only a milestone, but a tribute to the determination of a couple with a dream. Their enthusiasm, hard work and determination have overflowed into the neighborhood and they have lived to see it reignite pride in Black history and the community.

According to reports, the new museum is 4,000 square feet and was built for $700,000. It has three exhib-

African American News&Issues Letter Policy

We welcome your original responses to content found in the African American News&Issues. Letters to the editor about local issues in this paper’s coverage area may

be sent by e-mail to the address news@aframnews.com.

Letters to the editor about national issues must be focused on issues that effect our readership. They must include the author’s name, area of residence and telephone number for verification only.

All letters and articles will be verified before they are published in the African American News&Issues.

All correspondence will be edited for length, grammar and accuracy.

To report corrections and clarifications, email us with your concerns at news@aframnews.com.

Dr. Wright Lassiter Jr.

TX-3

POLITICAL NEWS

4 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 1-7, 2007

Suspicions about legal system in Myart case MARIO SALAS

African-American News&Issues

SAN ANTONIO-- Much ado has been made of the recent arrest of local civil rights attorney James Myart there are suspicions about why and how his arrest came about. James Myart is nationally known and recently brought forth a suit against the Las Vegas Police Department in a controversial case involving the shooting of an African American.

Myart was involved with Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney at one point in her defense against Capitol Hill police.

Myart became involved in the several San Antonio police abuse cases including the ongoing Taser use by SAPD. To make a long story short this puts Myart on the radar scope of key individuals in society that can decide if someone is charged with a crime or not. Certainly, various police associations may have had their eye on Myart since much of his legal activity inRU072907AA_5_56x10 7/24/07 volves police brutality and police

abuse cases.

Is Myart guilty of the most recent charges that include filing a “false police report?” Well let’s look at the context of such a filing. Myart went to City Hall to speak with the City Manager on police abuse issues.

When the City Manager refused to see him, Myart did what many good classical radical lawyers might have done, he began a one-man sit in by refusing to leave the premises.

SAPD was called and Myart did the now famous “roll down.” He rolled down the city hall steps in what was either a planned attack or a diabetic reaction. Myart has diabetes. Reportedly, his blood sugar was taken and it appeared normal at the time. Law enforcement officials claim that the diabetes attack was staged. They are going to have a hard time proving that, since people with diabetes have fluctuating levels of blood sugar that can vary at the drop of a hat if the diabetes is not under control.

Now Myart is accused of stealing some boxes tile from 10:40 AM ofPage 1 a store. That seems highly strange since Myart

Attorney James Myart, known for “rocking the boat,” may be facing trumped up charges. makes enough money to buy the store. Diabetes can be associated with hyperactivity and emotional outbursts, which may be part of Myart’s problem, if the diabetes is not controlled, and an issue that his lawyer might look at.

On the other hand, it seems important to note that those who stand up to official wrongdoing be-

3999

$

389531

2499

$

Jansport® Backpacks Starting at

24

99

Reg. $24.99 – $59.99 Offer available in store only.

Selection varies by location.

520992

5

%

24 PK

back

49¢

each

Scholastic 24ct Crayons 278392 Reg. 79¢

to the school of your choice see below for details

5

¢

each

Office Depot® Brand Washable School Glue

4 oz, 477056 Reg. 79¢ Offer available in store only. Quantities limited.

While supplies last.

Limit 5 per customer.

10

¢

each

1-Subject, Wide Ruled, Assorted Colors 293799 60¢ per pack Reg. $1.99 per pack Offer available in store only.

Quantities limited. While supplies last.

Limit 5 per customer.

vice Commission.

Myart is not out of control in speaking to a problem that will not go away—the problem of police abuse! In any event, he may be in for a rough ride. Even if he is guilty of the theft charges and the “false report” charge, which I think will be dismissed, this is hardly something that can amount to much.

In fact, often charges of this nature are an attempt to pad the docket against a defendant that “society” wants to get rid of. Racking up charges against minorities is an old favorite tactic that is used to get a conviction on at least one charge when the authorities are out to get rid of you. Myart has created a lot of negative publicity for the city of San Antonio, which must bother the powers that be.

He may have violated some laws, but a jury should decide that. We do know that when you challenge institutions, efforts to get rid of you will increase. These efforts will become more pronounced when they might not have otherwise been highlighted. Tom Delay got off the hook and “Scooter” Libby committed perjury, but George Bush commuted his sentence. The United States Attorney, General Alberto Gonzalez, appears to have committed perjury as well concerning the firing of eight federal prosecutors.

But will Alberto Gonzalez or George Bush be charged? What does this say about fairness in this justice sys-

Historic Mineral Wells hotel to be renovated MINERAL WELLS- In the closing minutes of the 80th Legislative Session, State Representative Jim Keffer passed important Tax Increment Financing (TIF) legislation imperative to initiate the long awaited economic development renovation in Mineral Wells, the Baker Hotel Project by adding an amendment on to a bill by Senator Rodney Ellis, SB 1908.

“We have worked closely with Mayor Clarence Holliman, Mayor of Mineral Wells, Lance Howerston, City Manager of Mineral Wells and Mineral Wells ISD to resolve the issue concerning the school district’s ability to participate in the TIF without being subject to any funding from the State with this legislation”, stated Representative Keffer. “I am thrilled the city of Mineral Wells will finally be ale to move forward on Baker Hotel Project and begin renovations which will serve to rejuvenate and bring about economic development to the downtown area.”

Under current law, the Texas Development Act allows school districts to limit the appraisal value on economic development projects based upon job creation and minimum qualified investment.

However, the requirements were

not broad enough to include rural renovations of historic buildings.

This legislation will assist the city of Mineral Wells to attract private investors to a public/private partnership to renovate the historic Baker Hotel, a popular tourist destination during the mid-twentieth century.

The 14-story, 460 room hotels, which towers over this small town, has fallen into disrepair, since structure has become an unattractive entity. Renovating the blighted building and adjoining garage could attract more tourists, promote commercial development, and generate other economic development benefits.

Tax increment financing would allow the school district to participate in the project without suffering a loss of state revenue under school finance formulas, because the project would be excluded from the comptroller’s property tax valuation.

“Without the hard work and effort of Rep. Keffer the Baker Hotel Tax Increment Financing Project would still be a matter of discussion”, stated Lance Howerton, City Manager of Mineral Wells,” with this legislation we will actively begin the process of renovating our beloved, historic Baker Hotel.

Jackson Lee seeks answers from White House in firings

When purchased as a 6-PK

Wirebound Notebooks 6-PK

come the targets of law enforcement officials. I have made it a point to tell Myart that when one challenges the system you had better be careful about your own back yard. This is common sense given the fact that over many years, police and law enforcement officials have illegally used to law to persecute those who stand against them.

It is certain that Myart would become a target by those who would like to commit illegal acts against citizens, such as police abuse, because his tactics bring to light those things that are often hidden behind closed doors. We may not agree with Myart in the methods he chooses to bring issues to light, but we need to be concerned with the hidden issues that he makes public.

There is no doubt that he is correct in his criticism of Taser abuse, brutality, and racial profiling on the part of some police officers.

There is no doubt that African Americans are often singled out by rogue police officers on the SAPD who continue to work for the force after repeatedly being reprimanded or fired. These rogue elements have often gone to the Civil Service Commission to get a ruling that places them back on the police force after the chief has fired or disciplined them. This happened in the brutal killing of Bobby Joe Phillips when, after the medical examiner ruled it a homicide, the police were exonerated by the Civil Ser-

6 PK

5% Back To Schools Program: Limited to Pre-K-12th grade. 5% of qualifying school supply purchases made during each program period will be offered to the participating school designated by each customer quarterly in the form of an Office Depot® Merchandise Card (computers, TVs, all technology items including personal digital assistants [PDAs], all furniture items and accessories, some bulk packaged products, ink & toner cartridges, Gift Cards and purchases made to contract business accounts are not qualifying purchases). Credits are not available to schools with less than $10 in tallied credits per quarter. Unaccepted/declined credits are void. Other restrictions apply, visit your local Office Depot® for details. Office Depot® will honor up to $10 million in total credits to the designated schools that opt to participate.

Prices and offers are valid 7/29/07 through 8/4/07 (unless otherwise noted), in Store only, limited to stock on hand, and not valid when ordered by phone or online for delivery or in store pickup. Offers are not combinable with any other offers and not valid on purchases by contract customers with Store Purchasing and Procurement cards. NO rainchecks OR substitutions except where required by law. We are not responsible for printing or typographical errors. Intermediate markdowns may have been taken.

WASHINGTON DC- The House Judiciary Committee, will consider a resolution and report recommending to the House of Representatives that former White House Counsel Harriet Miers and White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten be cited for contempt of Congress.

“In recent years the reputation of the Department of Justice, which has done so much to advance the cause of justice and equality for all Americans through the years under the leadership of such great At-

Read us online at www.aframnews.com.

torneys General as Nicholas Katzenbach, Francis Biddle and Robert F. Kennedy, has been tarnished.

And that is putting it charitably,” said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. “This Committee has no greater challenge and obligation to the nation than to help restore the Department of Justice to its former greatness. “But before we can begin to set it right, we have to get to the bottom as to how it went wrong,” added Jackson Lee.

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

TX-4

COMMUNITY & EVENTS

Wildcats prepare for 80th Anniversary and Golden Reunion

African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 1-7, 2007 • 5

JESSE SIMON

ARLINGTONWednesday, August 8, 2007- The 11th Annual Government Procurement Conference will be held at the Arlington Convention Center, 1501 Convention Center Drive, in Arlington. The conference will begin at 8:00 a.m. The attire for the conference is business casual. For more information, visit www.arri.uta.edu/crosstimbers.

African-American News&Issues

Houston- The Phillis Wheatley Metropolitan Alumni and Ex-Students Association (PWMAA) held it’s regular meeting at The Peavy Center on Market St @ Benson Street, Houston, Texas.

The participation is great and the Wheatley “spirit” is in the air, as the members plan for the November 811, 2007 “throw down.”

The PWMAA embraces all present and former staff, students and Alumni of PWHS, and they are calling “all Wildcats” to get involved to make this 80th Anniversary the best and grandest. They will be celebrating the historical legacy of PWHS. For more information, call (713) 229-8607 or visit the website at www.wheatleymetro.com.

In addition, the Phillis Wheatley Class of 1957 is planning a

Community Calender of Events:

HOUSTONSaturday, August 4, 2007- The Houston Urban League will host a 1st Time Homebuyer Class. Classes are held from 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., at 1301 Texas Avenue (Downtown Houston). For more information or to register for the class, please call (713) 393-8730 or (713) 393-8738.

Class of ‘57: Betty Larvan-Anderson, John Hartwell, Bobbie StewardKing, Patricia Routt, Gloria MCcoy-Jolivet, Albert (Moon) Fore, Alphretta McCowan-Holloway, Gene Taylor-Semier, Sylvester Hughes, Larry Hunter, Issac Pinkney, Shirley Roy-Webber, Donald Hatter, Bettye Rose-Word and Bobbie Mitchison-McBride & Evangeline Carson (Bettye’s granddaughter).

Tuesday, August 7, 2007- Third Ward Community Cloth Cooperative’s Monthly Membership Meeting & Capacity- Building Workshop hosted by Jack Yates Senior High School, 3703 Sampson Street between Alabama & Cleburne, Houston - 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Topic: “The 2007-2008 School Year: Preparing for Going Back to School.” Please contact Mr. George R. August, Yates HS, (713)748-5400 or call (713)521-9544.

reunion of all members of its graduating class. The reunion is scheduled for October 11-14, 2007. Participation in all activities including fundraising is needed. The class meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of

PLANOSaturday, August 11, 2007- The 3rd annual No Limit Women’s Expo will be held at the Plano Centre, 200 E. Spring Creek Parkway, in Plano. The expo will be held from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. There will be no cover charge for this event. For more information, please call, (972) 898-5882, or visit the Web site at www.NoLimitExpo.com.

each month at The El Franco Lee Bldg., 3815 Calvacade Street, from 11:30 a.m - 1:30 p.m. For more information, call (281)458-3385 or visit the website at www.wheatley57.myevent.com.

NHC’s music major “field of study” program helps students complete degree …for a song

Advertorial

PWMAA: Charles Williams (76), Carolyn-Wright (80), Betty Lewis (66), Chattie Gibbs (54), Loretta Batiste (68), Lillie Neblett Jefferson (67), Annie Jean Gilliam (54), Arnetta B. Johnson (54), Emma L. Thomas (59), Arthur Williams (63), Y. Jayne McCullough-Buggs (68), Flora L. Bonham (44), Theresa H. Robinson (50), Janice Thomas (86) Jeffrey Latson (86), Elaine Williams (65), Isaac Pinkney (57), James P. Matthews (56), Deloris Jolivet (55), Ricky Rose (86), Michele Berkley-Courtney (87), Dr. Isaac Bryant (55), and Anthony “Pick” Brown (69).

Lancaster particpates in 24th annual National Night Out event LANCASTER- Lancaster will participate in the 24th annual National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 from 6:00 p.m.

– 8:00 p.m. Residents are invited to join cities across the country to promote crime awareness and prevention within our neighborhoods.

National Night Out is sponsored annually by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the City of Lancaster.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug awareness and prevention, as well as to strengthen unity between citizens and law enforcement. This annual event aims to deter criminals from entering communities with stronger united neighborhoods.

The celebration will begin at 6:00 p.m. at Lancaster Community Park’s East Pavilion (located east side of Lancaster Recreation Center off Jefferson) with various activities including a petting zoo, bounce houses, free food and raffle giveaways. City Council and police officials will be on hand to provide information and resources regarding safety in our communities.

Following the celebration, all residents are encouraged to return to their neighborhood, turn on their exterior lights, and spend the evening getting to know one another. For more information call (972) 218-1301. Join the City of Lancaster as they “Give Crime and Drugs a Going Away Party.”

Dallas resident, Texas oldest citizen

Supercentenarian Arbella “Bell” Perkins Ewing has lived an astounding 113 years. Methodist Health System President and CEO Dr. Stephen Mansfield, recently met her and welcomed her as a patient at Methodist Dallas Medical Center.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR QUALIFIED TWO-YEAR TRANSFERABLE MUSIC PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS AT NORTH HARRIS COLLEGE ________________________ Area high school students and returning college students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree in music need to be aware that the first step to that degree is located –right in their own backyard– through North Harris College’s division of visual, applied and performing arts two-year music major field-of-study program.

“We are serious about trying to get the word out regarding our music field-of-study program,” said Jeff Gleason, NHC’s music department chair. “We offer a conveniently located, high quality, low cost program that will hit the right note for anyone starting out toward their music career. Parents, high school graduates and returning music students need to be alert to the fact that music major courses are sequential.

One builds upon another and if they are not taken in the correct order–as a freshman–it will ultimately delay graduation, but we can help with that and offer scholarships as well.”

According to Professor Gleason, the general public doesn’t envision serious music careers beginning at a community college.

“That’s unfortunate,” said Gleason. “The quality of the our facilities will surprise and impress incoming students.

We offer Macintosh music computer labs for composing and arranging, accessibility to internationally recognized guest artists and workshops, a large inventory of high quality instruments for students to use– in addition to courses taught by seasoned faculty who are also professional musicians in their own right.”

NHC’s music program also offers special scholarships for students, which are available through an audition and acceptance into one of the performance ensembles such as a college choral group or the jazz, symphonic or steel drum bands. Students do not necessarily need to be a music major to qualify. Furthermore, depending on the skill level, music scholarships can be sustainable for up to four semesters.

Dedicated music students, who have previously passed through North Harris College’s music program, have gone on to noted fine-arts universities such

“The qualiTy of

The our faciliTies will surprise and impress incoming sTudenTs. we offer macinTosh music compuTer labs for composing and arranging, accessibiliTy To inTernaTionally recognized guesT arTisTs and workshops, a large invenTory of high qualiTy insTrumenTs for sTudenTs To use– as University of North Texas in Denton and Rutgers University in New Jersey.

David Batchelor, now the student services coordinator for The Music School, the most unique school for music in Utah, and currently studying music composition at Brigham Young University knows North Harris College’s program well.

As a student from 2000 to 2002, he participated in both the concert choir and the jazz choir.

He also became the choir club

vice president in the Student Government Association.

Batchelor graduated with an associate’s in music, being the first to do so in the school’s history and continued on to his bachelor’s degree at the University of Houston.

“I found that when I tested for placement in the music school at University of Houston the professors were impressed at how well trained I had become from studying at a community college.” He can attest to the high quality of the faculty at North Harris College. After all, with U of H becoming closer and closer to the Ivy Leagues in admission difficulty, he found it easy to make entrance, and was boggled when he discovered that he was ahead of his fellow juniors. North Harris had accelerated the learning process while maintaining the quality of learning. “NHC,” Batchelor says with a smile, “is a bright memory that I often remember and appreciate.”

Moreover, the demand for music professionals in the Houston area has never been greater. North Harris College music majors will, upon graduation, have completed the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program in music.

Graduates who transfer to a four-year university are prepared for careers in: music education (elementary, secondary, college or university, general music, band, choir or orchestra); church music; music technology; music business; composing; conducting; military career (band and choral) or performance.

For more information about North Harris College’s music program and scholarships, call Jeff Gleason or Dr. Brack May at 281.765.7812.

Affirmative Action/EEO College

Read us online at www.aframnews.com.

AANI_Adv_Fall07_July30.indd 1

7/25/07 11:16:14 AM

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

TX-5

Name: Billie Burns Phone: 713-522-9821 Fax: 713-520-5247 Email: bburns@wbctx.com

and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition.

6 •EDITION African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 1-7, 2007 TEXAS DATE: VOLUME 12 Issue 13, 2007 ACCOUNTANTS

ATTORNEYS

MICHAEL LOVE, CPA

Paul B. Love - MSW,J.D.

ELECTRONIC FILING

Attorney At Law

Member AICPA

713-666-2900 Off 713-666-2932 Fax Email: mlovecpa@yahoo.com www.michaellovecpa.net 2626 South Loop W, #420 Houston, TX 77054 Michael Love specializes in tax planning and return filing for individuals; taxes and bookkeeping for small businesses and corporate tax returns. Education courses offered by local chapters of national associations keep the firm on the leading edge of ever-changing tax laws and accounting methods. Computerized offices and internet access ensures clients accurate, efficient, state-of-the-art service at a competitive price.

Former Felony Prosecutor • Criminal Defense • Juvenile Law • Personal Injury 4001 N. Shepherd Dr., Ste. 223 Houston, Texas 77018 – 713-696-9500 www.plovelaw.com

Black TAAACC Members

African-American Chamber of Commerce of Arlington, Inc. P.O. Box 202716 (817) 946-5196

African-American Chamber of Commerce of Victoria 1501 E. Mockingbird, Sute 104 Victoria, TX 77904 (361)575-2061 Lubbock Black Chamber Entrepreneurs, Inc. P.O. Box 1796 Lubbock, TX 74408 (806)771-1815

o run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition.

BARBERSHOP TION DATE: July 18-24, 2007 Rogers Barbershop APTS.- SENIORS 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

ATTORNEYS SYLVESTER TURNER Attorney At Law

2113 West Little York Dallas Black Chamber of Houston 77091 Commerce 713.680.8827 Heading Title:2638 Martin Luther King Jr. Senior ApartmentsBlvd.

BARBER COLLEGE Dallas, TX 75216 (214)421-5200 Acres Homes Barber College 2306 Ferguson Way Denton Black Chamber of Houston 77088 Commerce 281.931.5591 602 S. Elm St. Denton, TX 76201 BEAUTY SALON (940)484-4404

Spoil & Pamper Me Day Spa & Salon

El Paso Black Chamber of Commerce 109 N. Oregon St., Suite 212 The Unique Salon for Contact Information El Paso, TX 79901 “The Phenomenal Name:Woman” Michael Gilbert (915)534-0570 We offer: Company: Parkway Senior Apartments Complete Healthy Hair Care Phone: 281-487-9900 Ennis Negro Chamber of for All Type Hair Commerce Fax:281-487-9901 Free Hair Analysis P.O. Box 1036 Precision Cuts, Address for tearsheets/copy of paper: Ennis, TX 75120 Relaxers,3663 Styles, Perms Parkway Fairmont (972)878-0068 Texturizers, Hair Extentions Pasadena, Tx 77504 Hair Protein Infusions Fort Worth Chamber of Hours: Commerce Tues-Fri 10am-7pm Sat 7am-4pm 1150 South Freeway, RM 211 (Mon. Appointments Only) Fort Worth, TX 76140 (817)871-6538 Masseur & Reflexologist on Staff Houston Citizens Chamber 16630 Imperial Valley #242 of Commerce Houston, Texas 77060 2808 Wheeler St. 281-591-0152 Houston, TX 77004 Hiring Hairstylists & Nail Techs (713)522-9745 (commission or booth rental)

CHEMICALS Citywide Chemical Janitorial & Commercial Pest Control Company 3521 Jensen St. Houston, TX 77026

713/227-4808 or 4809 Janitorial Supplies Sales-Service-Supplies Wholesale-Retail

We repair buffers, vacuum, shampooers and all other machines.

Charles Dawson

MARKETPLACE HELP WANTED

WANTED- Class A and B CDL Drivers - Local Haul You must be 21 years old, have six months experience, a clean driving record and be able to pass a DOT drug test.

Thisphysical is theandprice and size of the Ad t APPLY at 430A Airtex, Houston, TX 77073 AAN&I’s Greater Houston Edition May Williams Brothers Construction Co. Inc. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 281-209-1811

SAME DAY FREE DELIVERY

US METRO Chemical

Dawson Chemical

713/633-9019

713/697-7137

& Janitorial Supply Company & Janitorial Supply Company 4308 Kelly St. • Hou., TX 77026 6010 Irvington -Hou.,TX 77009

Lacy’s Cafeteria and

Restaurant AD COST

Citywide Chemical, founded in 1977, is the largest minority-owned chemical company in the southwest. They pride themselves on being customer-oriented offering same day, free delivering, free installation of dispensers and free training on all equipment, rented or bought.

HELP WANTED 2x2” ad for 52 weeks=$2,080 Cooks and +one time set-up fee=25.00 Line Servers Total cost to run ad for 52 weeks= 713-631-3962 $2,105

CHILDCARE The Learning Garden 6672 Antoine Houston 77091 713.682.0601

Support Black Businesses!

Where you spend your money is IMPORTANT!

CIVIL RIGHTS ORG.

Attorneys At Law 440 Louisiana Street 1880 Lyric Centre' Houston, Texas 77022

(713) 650-3688/office (713) 650-0308/fax bbarnes@barnesturner.com www.barnesturner.com

Ask for Natasha or Date Jacquie

BLACK ART-GIFTS since 1994

NEED A WILL? QUESTIONS ON PROBATE? FOR FREE INFORMATION Contact Attorney Oswald J. Scott, Sr.

713/227-8060

texasprobateandwills.com Not certified by theTexas Board of Legal specialization

Hat Magnets New Releases !

Alamo City Chamber of Commerce 600 Hemisfair Plaza Way, Bldg 406-10 San Antonio, TX (210)226-9055

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Make some history of your own with the LUNCH BUNCH

or approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 FAMILY LAW at the African American Chamber fore for Wednesday willofnot run.s of Commerce Greater Houston’ *Child Support *Adoptions publication or the ad Business Networking Luncheon *Modifications *Custody *Name Change *All of Areasthe Ad to run in the price and size Thursday, August 2, 2007 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM reater Houston Edition May 16-22, 2007 .

CRIMINAL - ACCIDENTS Date Law Offices of James & Stagg 1314 Texas, Ste. 701, Houston, TX 77002

713-223-5811 Se habla Espanol Not certified by Texas Board of Legal specialization

IMMIGRATION DEPORTATION F orester Law Firm Since 1974

713-528-4668 www.visa2us.us

Marketplace Heading: Attorney

“Lord is My Light” 3” tall

Available Now !

SHOWROOM HOURS Thursday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday: 11 a.m to 7 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We accept: American Express, MasterCard, Discover, Visa, ATM/ Debit, Cash, Checks and Lay-A-Way

Dallas, TX 75376-3743

www.Dfwcivilrights.com contact information:

Signature leealcorn@dfwcivilrights.com or call 214-232-5138

America can depend on Farmers

National Black United Front Houston Chapter

• ALL Felonies and Misdemeanors •Probation/Parole/bond Reduction Hearings •Expunctions, Traffic tickets •Law Suits 1000 The Houston Building • 2323 Caroline Houston, Texas 77004

Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

713-659-9090 TX-6

Black TAAACC Members

Abilene Black Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 3572 Abilene, TX 79604 (325) 676-0138

Supporting The Community

be paid

FINANCIAL IRS PROBLEMS & Income Tax Preparation Do not talk to the IRS without Representation!!!

Let me handle your IRS Issue and Problems. Generally you will never have to speak with or meet with the Signature IRS if I am your representative.

Rodrick Dow, PC

Certified Public Accountant

713-862-4332 Ask for Rodrick

FUNERAL HOMES

LOCKWOOD Funeral Home, Inc

9402 Lockwood Dr. Houston, Texas 77016 713.633.1492

6112 Wheatley St. Houston, TX 77091

713-942-7673

100% Black Owned Heading Title: We Appreciate ...see more on PAGE 2

ELECTRICAL

MABRIE

Come in or Call for more information

Attorneys Our Customers

Borris L. Miles

Executive Director of Communities In Schools, Inc.-Houston Members: $20 Non-Members $25 RSVP by July 31, 2007 You can register & pay online.

6130 Wheatley Street o run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition.

713-692-7003 Houston, Texas 77091 Email: info@aaccgh.org TION DATE: July 18-24,713-692-1195 2007 Website: www.aaccgh.org

1” Ad For 4 Weeks= $100.00 The Craig Washington Law Firm +One Time Set-up TIMBERLY J. DAVIS Fee= Criminal Defense Attorney $25.00 “Here to Defend Liberty, Equality and Justice” Total Former Net Amount: Assistant District Attorney, Experienced $125.00 Trial Attorney

www.nbufhouston.org

Aus-Tex Electric 1525 Wilburforce Houston Ad 77091must 713.682.5809

Memorial Mortuary

5000 Almeda Rd. Houston Texas 77004 Boyd Funeral Home 7411 Wheatley St. Houston Texas 77088 281.820.0508

$100.00 +One Time Set-up Auto - Life Date Fee= Home - Health $25.00 Business Ph:281-447-3448 Total Net Amount: Fax:281-447-8822 $125.00 11005 North Fwy#A Houston, TX 77037

Chairman Kofi Taharka Houston Chapter

"Committed to the Future"

Beulah Ann Shepard Bld.

Please include resume and written sample to news@aframnews.com

Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1 INSURANCE Ad must andL.payment received byGEORGE 12 NOON Tue W. BORRIS MILES Lee Alcorn, Founderbe and approved LUNNON, JR. President 1” Ad For 4 Weeks= before Wednesday publication or theAgent ad will not ru Insurance Agency 5801 Marvin D. Love Fwy. #202

Keynote Speaker:

Cynthia Briggs

Freelance Writers

Coalition For The Advancement Of Civil Rights

Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 Meetings Monday @ 7:00pm 2428 Southmore Houston, 77004 by 12 NOON Friday or the ad will not run.

713-942-0365 or Barnes & Turner

Ma Hel

www.georgelunnon.com A sign of a good insurance agent that will care about you is one that cares about the community. George W. Lunnon, Jr. is that kind of agent. Among his activities, he is active in Greenspoint Mng. District, Greenspoint Chamber, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and is a charter member & president of 100 Black Men.

Hunters Insurance Agency Please the ad, sign and fax to 713 Auto • Homeapprove • Life Scott Hunter, Agent Disability • Annuity in full and this MUST be signed by 1 Commercia l ad sheet Auto Health Insurance to ad being to ran.

Bus. 713-355-8331 Fax: 713-355-8318 Pgr. 713-406-1088 5302 Almeda Rd. Hou. TX 77004 email:bmiles@bmilesinsurance.com

Advertise Your Business In Our Texas Marketplace

Home Life Flood

832-778-8194 “For All Your Insurance Needs” 2656 S. Loop West # 340 Date Houston, TX 77054 scott@huntersinsuranceagency.com Bryant Hunter started the agency in 1993 with the vision of helping people protect their most valuable assets. Scott joined the family business in 1997 and has continued the tradition of helping people protect their homes, autos, RVs, businesses and most importantly, their families.

INVESTMENTS

Retiring, Changing Jobs or Laid Off? Let me assist you with your retirement plan options

• 401(k), • 403(b), • Pension

• Profit Sharing • ESOP • Other

713-862-4332

Rodrick Dow, CPA, MBA Registered Representative Securities offered through H. D. Vest Investment Securities Inc., Member SIPC Advisory Services offered through H. D. Vest Advisory Services, Inc. 6333 North State Highway 161, Suite 400, Irving, Texas 75038 (972)870-6000

MEDICAL

PEST CONTROL Your BUGS are our Problem!

RAYCO

Pest Control

O.W. Wiley Mortuary, INC. 1290 Pinemont Dr. Houston 77018 713.681.7475

281-444-3525

www.raycopest.com Rate and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston e HEARING AIDS EDITION DATE: July 11-17, 2007

Hearing Aids of Houston Sandi Coe, M.A., CCC-A CLINICAL AUDIOLOGIST HOUSTON MINORITY BUSINESS COUNCIL

Acres Home Citizens Contact Information Three Riverway, Suite 555 Chamber Name: of Commerce Tiberley Davis Houston, Texas 77056 6130 Wheatley St. Company: The Craig Washington Law Houston, TX 77091 713-271-7805 | www.hmbc.org Firm (713) 692-7003

Phone: 713-659-9090 Fax: Address for tearsheets/copy of paper:

REGISTERED DISPENSER OF HEARING AIDS

(713) 692-EARS(3277) FAX (713) 697-9410

PARKWAY TOWERS 150 W. PARKER ROAD, SUITE 506 HOUSTON, TX. 77076

Me n t i o n t h i s A D Ge t $ 5 0 t o $ 5 0 0 o ff

MORTGAGES New and Used Home Mortgages New Construction / Refinance 281-546-8837 www.ufstream.com

Our advertisers

SUPPORT YOUR NEWSPAPER!

Rayco will get rid of or prevent, pest problems, inside and out at your residence or business. Rayco can help with mice, ants, wasps, roaches, spiders, bees, silverfish, termites, fleas, earwigs and much more.

Rayco uses microencapsulated products Heading for a more effective treatment. Title:

Mortgages

Please read us online at www.aframnews.com

and BUSINESS

African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 1-7, 2007 • 7

NEWSPAPERS/BLACK

NOTICES/BIDS

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

Public Notice Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goals Fiscal Year 2008

African News Digest Beede Amuka 10103 Fondren Ste. 442 Houston, TX 77096

Date of Notice July 27, 2007

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

In accordance with Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 26, recipients of federal-aid funds authorized by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA 21) are required to establish Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs. Section 26.45 requires the recipients of federal funds, including the Texas Department of Transportation, to set overall goals for DBE participation in U. S. Department of Transportation assisted contracts. As part of this goal-setting process, the Texas Department of Transportation is publishing this notice to inform the public of the proposed overall goals, and to provide instructions on how to obtain copies of documents explaining the rationale for each goal.

The proposed Fiscal Year 2008 DBE goals are 11.1% for highway design and construction, 12.8% for aviation design and construction, and 4.0% for public transportation. The proposed goals and goal-setting methodology for each is available for inspection between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, for 30 days following the date of this notice or until August 27, 2007. The information may be viewed in the office of the Texas Department of Transportation, Business Opportunity Programs Office, 200 E. Riverside Drive, Austin, Texas 78704, Rm 2B.20.

Urban League of Greater Dallas Young Professionals annual anniversary gala

Do you have a dream?

HOUSTON- We ae already in Rate and size of Ad to run ineight AAN&I’s months into the Houston/ year, and the New Year is a short distance away.

Galveston edition.

As always, the arrival of a New Year

DALLAS-Urban League of Greater Dallas 40th Anniversity Gala sponsored by Countrywide Bank presents Urban League of Greater Dallas 40th Anniversay Gala “B’Jeweled: Rubies of the Night 2007”, on Saturday, August 11, at Hilton Anatole Hotel, 2201 Semmons Freeway. The gala will feature RESTAURANTS nationally acclaimed recordLeonard’s Famous Burgers ing artists Jeffrey Osborne 1913 W. Little York Rd. and the Impressions. The Houston 77091 attire for this event is Black (713) 686-3555 Tie (optional). A VIP Reception and raffle will begin at Josie’s Place 6:30 p.m., with dinner begin7473 N. Shepherd Dr. ning at 7:45 p.m. For more Houston 77091 information, call (214)915(713) 695-7711 4600.

brings thoughts of making positive changes to our lives. Many of us are already reflecting on the first half Heading of 2007, revisitingTitle the various deciBids andmade, Notices sions we have and vowing to set new goals.

Whatever thoughts and plans you have for the New Year, I have a question for you - Do You Have Oswald J. Scott, Jr. Information a Dream?Contact A dream is defined as, “a Name: Gloria Brown series of images and ideals…a wild fancy or hope... an aspiCompany: Dept. of Transportation ration. “ Dr.Texas Martin Luther King had a dream.

Phone: His 512-486-5500 dream was that Black Americans would one day Fax: enjoy512-486-5509 the same rights as White Americans. Many have SERVICE STATION/AUTO REPAIR Address for tearsheets: either forgotten what it was like for Blacks in the years fol125 E. 11th Street lowing slavery before the passage of the Civil Rights Laws or 6960 TC Jester @ Little York Austin, are tooTexas young78701 to remember the struggle against the inequalRAPID LUBE Acres Home Auto Repair ity and oppression suffered under Jim Crow. King knew what it was like.

Tune-Ups As a result of what he experienced and what he witBrakes nessed others experiencing, he began to dream of the day Full Service 99 $ Front End Work that Blacks inAD America Oil Change COSTwould have freedom, justice and Tires - Batteries equality. He dreamt that segregation would end and that Net Rate: 7.25’= Alignments Up to 5 qts. + EPA + tax Blacks would $00 havexthe same$000.00 opportunities as other AmeriA/C Work Total Cost: cans. He directed his$000.00 whole life to the accomplishment of Check Engine this dream.

Lights State Inspections Because of his dream and his commitment to this dream, CV Joints - Axles we are able to enjoy the many opportunities that we do Original Owner is Back! Engine Diagnostics today. Unfortunately, many of us today don’t believe in No Credit Check Financing for Repairs Dr. King’s dream anymore. We see the challenges and the obstacles before us and begin to believe there is no possibilSOUL MUSIC ity that we can ever accomplish our dreams. We believe that in the 21st century things are worse for Black people than they were 20 or 30 years ago. We believe that racism and the shackles of slavery are still holding us back.

I often wonder where I would be if Dr. King believed in this notion. If he had believed that things were too tough Sounds like for us to achieve anything without others’ help, just as many motown baby! of our Black leaders still do, we would still be struggling for equal rights today. Dr. King’s dream lives in all of us who still dream today. Many of us believe that in spite of variFor bookings call (832)256-9992 ous challenges, obstacles and setbacks, we can achieve our dreams. Many of us refuse to accept “no” for an answer, refuse to surrender to doubt, and refuse to allow others to www.myspace.com/cecilshaw steal our dreams.

So, I salute Dr. King and all of the dreamers who see possibilities when others see impossibilities, who see victoMarketplace Heading: ry when others see defeat, and who believe they can move SCHOOL/CLASSES SHOE REPAIR mountains while others cry and complain along their jourReal Estate ney. Do you have a dream?

FREE MIGHTY FINE

19

713-956-2500

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

EDITION DATE: VOLUME 12 Issue 13, 2007

East Texas Review Joycelyne Fadojutimi 517 South Mobberly Longview, TX 75602 Elite News Jordan Blair P.O. Box 397925 Dallas, TX 75339

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

The Department will accept comments on the DBE goals for 45 days from the date of this notice or until September 10, 2007. Comments can be sent to Efrem Casarez, Business Opportunity Programs Office, 125 E. 11th St., Austin, Texas 78701; (512) 486-5500; Fax: (512) 486-5509; Email: ecasarez@dot.state.tx.us

Cecil shaw

This is the price and size of the Ad to run in Kuumba Heritage AAN&I’s Texas Marketplace Willie Hobdy P.O. Box 24 Edition: July 25-31, 2007 Greenville, TX 75043 Our Texas Magazine General E. Berry P.O. Box 4463 Dallas, TX 75208 The Smith County Herald DBA The Herald Stephanie Johnson P.O. Box 8252 Tyler, TX 75701 Houston Style Magazine Francis Page Jr. 2646 South Loop West #375 Houston, TX 77054 Metroplex South Star Willie Hobdy P.O. Box 24 Greenville, TX 75043 MON- The Gazette Thurman Jones 1100 Summit Suite 101 Plano, TX 75074 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, TXSignature 79408

Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 REAL ESTATE

by 12WHY NOON Friday before for Wednesday publication or the ad will not run.

PAY RENT? Por qué paga el alquiler?

ONLY $300 EARNEST MONEY Sólo $300 fianza

$2500 TOWARDS NEW HOME Signature INCENTIVES

BIG HOME-SMALL PRICE.

Grant Programs Available.

Good Credit... No Credit....

Buen credito...No Credito...

CALL: 713-453-4381

High School Diploma Morning, Evening & Weekend Classes in English & Spanish

Second Chance Technology Edge 281-813-2347 or 713-600-2800 x117

SHOE REPAIR

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

281-448-9255

Pager 713-687-8592 • mfshoe@aol.com

1400 South Victory Houston, TX 77088 Major Credit Cards ACCEPTED

ask for Juan, Xavier or Litisha

Oswald J. Scott, Jr. is a judge, attorney, motivational speaker and author of “The Promise: A Black Man’s Guide to Money, Power and Respect.” Judge Scott can be reached at (713) 2278060 or via email at oswsco@msn.com. For information on the book, go to www.getthepromise.com.

Support Black Businesses !!!!

Compass Bank Benefits VP Racially Insults Black Employee; Groups may call for boycott if termination is not forthcoming

The TSU graduate was asked if she’d “ever picked cotton before?”

1.5” Ad For 4 Weeks: HOUSTONKelcey White has The Millions More Movement Minis$ 150.00 a masters degree in psychology try of Justice along with the NAACP, the +One Time Set-up Fee: earned at Texas Southern UniverNation of Islam and other organizations 25.00 sity. She is$also prompt, extremely have expressed outrage and reiteration of Totalwell-spoken cost to run ad:polite kempt, and very the Black community’s demand for zero in her mannerisms. tolerance for cultural and racial insensi$175.00Too many, she

is considered the consummate tivity in the workplace. Earlier this year, professional; perfect for corporate radio “shock jock” made national headHouston. lines when he referred to Black females However, Ms. White, a Black in a racially offensive way. woman, found herself working “The firing of Don Imus should have in the midst of a racially-insensiset the precedence for corporate Amertive environment created by a top ica. The Black community will not executive at a subsidiary of one of stand by and allow this sister to be America’s most prestigious bankinsulted, intimidated or disrespected” ing institutions, Compass Bank. said Minister Deric Muhammad of the Date White was working on a tempoMMM Ministry of Justice. “We are givrary assignment at Compass Bening Compass Bank (the parent compaefits and Consulting when she ny) ample time to investigate and we noticed that the company’s vice are demanding the termination of Kenpresident, Kenneth Janda, assigned (left to right) NAACP’s Carolyn Scantleberry, Attorney Sadi- neth Janda (who has admitted he made tasks for her to complete with nearly yah Evangelista, Kelcey White and Min. Deric Muhammad of the the statement). “If our demands have impossible deadlines. When White MMM Ministry of Justice, at a press conference regarding the racial not been met in this timely fashion, we asked for additional assistance to insult White received from Compass Bank’s vice-president. will advise the Black community to close complete the work, Janda proceedtheir personal and business accounts at ed, “I grew up on a farm and had to Compass Bank. We cannot afford to shovel chicken poop every day.” support those who mock our ancestors’ contributions to this society”.

After questioning him regarding the statement’s relevance, Ms. White The NAACP, who was represented at a community press conference by retorted the she could have been raised on a farm, too. Janda then asked Carolyn Scantleberry pledged its support to Ms. White and the organizing “Well, have you ever picked cotton before?” “I could not believe that in effort. The Ministry of Justice has already received calls from members of Date 2007 someone in his position could make such a blatantly racist and insen- the Black community who have pledged to close their financial accounts at sitive statement. As a Black woman I felt insulted, demeaned and absolute- Compass Bank if the matter is not reasonably resolved. For more informaly shocked,” said White. tion you may contact the MMM Ministry of Justice at (832) 253-1111.

Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 by 12 NOON Friday or the ad will not run.

Please approve the ad, sign and fax to 713-692-1183.

The Villager ust be paid in full and this ad sheet MUST be signed by 12 noon Wednesday Tommy Wyatt 1223 Rosewood Ave.the week prior to ad being to ran.

Austin, TX 78702 RADIO MIN. ROBERT MUHAMMAD

Connect the Dots 10:30 am-12:00 noon Wed

KPFT 90.1 FM

Support Black Businesses!

Where you spend your money is IMPORTANT!

To get FREE coverage of business, please send items of interest to news@aframnews.com For more information, call (713) 692-1892.

TX-7

HBCU/SCHOOL NEWS

8 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 1-7, 2007

Franklyn D. Wesley honored by the HISD Board of Education for 57 years of service

HOUSTON- The HISD Board of Education honored its oldest administrator, 88-year-old Franklyn D. Wesley, upon his retirement this summer as principal of Booker T. Washington High School. The board presented Wesley with a Commendation for Meritorious Service at a June 14 meeting, which began at 3:00 p.m. in the board auditorium of the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, 440 W. 18th.

Wesley had served HISD as a Franklyn D. Wesley teacher and administrator for 57 years. He was named principal of Booker T. Washington in 1965. He oversaw the successful integration of the school the mid-70s, as Washington became an engineering professions magnet school and attracted students from all over the district.

Wesley was one of the first administrators to institute tutoring sessions and online credit recovery programs to help struggling students. Under Wesley’s leadership, Booker T. Washington High School produced the district’s first African American National Merit Scholar and received an Exemplary rating from the state for two consecutive years.

Wesley was hired by HISD as an industrial arts teacher in 1950 and taught at Wheatley High School and E.O. Smith Middle School. He became assistant principle of Washington High School in 1958, principal of Lockett Middle School in 1959 and principal of Worthington High School in 1962. After being named principal of Washington High in 1965, he would serve there for 42 consecutive years. An avid reader and innovator, Wesley kept track of technology and was among the earliest of HISD administrators to use computer technology to track student progress.

More recently, he fostered the engineering magnet school’s entry into the areas of robotics.

In addition to the commendation by the Board of Education, HISD hosted a retirement party for Wesley on June 30 at the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow, 3000 North Loop West.

Booker T. Washington High School, which opened in 1893, is the oldest school in Texas originally established for African American students. The High School for the Engineering Professions (HSEP) was established as a school within a school in 1976. It was one of the four original magnet programs created in HISD to achieve desegregation.

HSEP now has a diverse population of 300 students representing 17 nationalities. Ethnically, the HSEP student body consists of 50 percent African American students, 35 percent Hispanic students, with the remaining 15 percent made up of White and Asian students.

The average SAT score for HSEP graduates is just under 1150. In 2005, the school’s graduating class of 65 seniors garnered more than $5,000,000.00 in scholarship opportunities. HSEP students have gone on to attend such colleges as M.I.T., Stanford, Rice, Cal Tech, Southern Cal, Drexel University, Tufts, Cornell, Dartmouth and West Point.

HISD Superintendent Aberlardo Saavedra said, “Franklyn Wesley was working for HISD six months before I was even born. For me, that really puts his lifetime of service and achievement into perspective. HISD is a better school district today because of the dedication and innovation of Franklyn Wesley.”

HISD Board President Manuel Rodriguez said, “HISD’s pioneering magnet school program is in part, due to the efforts of Franklin Wesley along with Dr. R.L. Bright and current trustee Larry Marshall. Mr. Marshall and Dr. Bright designed the engineering magnet concept and Franklin Wesley successfully implanted the program at Booker T. Washington.

That magnet school has introduced many minority students to the field of engineering. It was one of HISD’s first magnet schools. Today, there are more than 100 magnet programs in the school district.”

#VTI *") &YQSFTT HOURS OF OPERATION FREQUENCY OF SERVICE (in minutes)

Northbound

Southbound

Weekday

4:20 a.m. - 11:17 p.m.

5:41 a.m. - 12:07 p.m.

Weekend

4:35 a.m. - 11:11 p.m.

5:16 a.m. - 10:47 p.m.

AM

Midday

PM

LE

10 50

45 50

10 50

45 50

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.)

Houston Fire Department open stations for children immunizations HOUSTON- It’s never too early to get children vaccinated just in time for the next school year. It’s necessary for children to get this protection so the Houston Fire Department is opening up some of its stations to offer immunizations for children for FREE. Thoughout the year, The BlueCross BlueShield Care Van administers vaccinations to children from newborn to 18 years. All parents or guardians need to do is provide all prior immunization records. Immunizations will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Upcoming immunization sites: August 2 - Station 15- 5306 North Main August 16 - Station 11- 460 T. C. Jester September 6 - Station 56- 5820 E. Little York September 20 - Station 44 - 675 Maxey Road October 4 - Station 5 - 2020 Hollister October 18 - Station 76 - 7200 Cook Road November 1 - Station 59 - 13925 S. Post Oak November 15 - Station 82 - 11250 Brarsridge December 6 - Station 23 - 8005 Lawndale

Mayor’s 2007 Jazz Scholarship Brunch

HOUSTON- Mayor Bill White, along with Shelia Jackson Lee and Lee Brown, will host the Mayor’s 2007 Jazz Scholarship Brunch, on Sunday, August 5, 2007, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., at The Wortham Theatre, 510 Preston. The brunch will benefit the summer Jazz workshop. They will also hold a live and silent auction. To purchase tickets or for more information regarding this event, contact Talia Washington at (832)541-7948.

Read us online at www.aframnews.com.

TX-8

AAN_Greenspoint_ad.indd 3

Prairie View A&M University artists’ work featured in upcoming exhibit

7/16/07 1:18:30 PM

PRAIRIE VIEW-The work of three Prairie View A&M University faculty artists, Clarence Talley, Sr., Ann Johnson and Tracey Moore, will be featured in a ground breaking multi-media exhibit titled “Coming By Force: Overcoming By Choice” during the upcoming 2007 National Black Arts Festival.

The exhibit will be on display in Atlanta’s Apex Museum in partnership with the National Alliance of Artists from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (NAAHBCU) and will run through December 2007. “Coming by Force,” is a dynamic visual portrayal of art and artifacts that characterizes the suffering and torment that Africans experienced prior to, during and after The Middle Passage to the Americas. Featuring a full scale replica of a slave vessel, the exhibit includes works by several noted artists and craftsmen from around the U.S. Clarence Talley, PVAMU director of art and professor, contribPrairie View A&M University faculty artists, uted two works entitled “Door of No Return” and “Door Ann Johnson, Clarence Talley, Sr., and Tracey Moore. of Return”. He states “Our fore parents had no idea as to what awaited them on the other side of the infamous Door of No Return. The immediate environment where these doors still hang was one of dread, suffering and uncertainty.” In “Aspects of Negro Life: The Remix,” also featured in the exhibit, artist Ann Johnson, visiting assistant professor reinterprets the work of Harlem Renaissance artist Aaron Douglass by using the Egyptian technique of encaustic, a method of painting with hot wax. By using beads, symbols, pictures and cowries shells, Johnson graphically retells the story of the “negro”.

Visiting assistant professor, Tracey Moore, photographically captures a slave’s view from the bowel of the slave ship in “Journey to America.”“The viewer,” Moore states “Becomes the enslaved African and although not chained, imagines themselves with others on the long journey to America.” For more information “Coming By Force” and the Apex Museum, please contact Michelle Mitchell at (404) 523-APEX or visit their website at www.apexmuseum.org.

ENTERTAINMENT/AUTOMOBILES African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 1-7, 2007 • 9 happen, if it’s to happen.” Roscoe encouraged young people to seek Movie about James Byrd’s death East Texas News and accomplish their goals life. The BILLY “HOLLYWOOD” GROVES African-American News&Issues

Nakeshia Thacker of Crockett is a hard working young lady with dreams of one day owning her own business. Nakeshia is a late 90s graduate of Alto High School and the daughter of Crockett busnessman, Eric Burleson. She calls her parents her role models and advises young people to “get an education and stay off drugs.”

Nakeshia Thacker Kudos goes out to former Huntsville High basketball standout Mike Williams who scored 25 points in a recent high school all-star basketball game at Mary Hardin Baylor College in Belton. Mike is the nephew of Huntsville “all everything” multiple sports hero, Lloyd Archie.This past season Mike, Broderick Purvis, Rayshon Johnson and the rest of the Huntsville High Hornets lost a thrilling overtime game to Beaumont’s Ozen High deep in the state’s bas-

ketball playoffs. McLennan College in Waco is where Mike will play his college basketball next season.

Speaking of Waco, former Kennard High in (East Texas) All American basketball player Ed “Big Eazy” Marshall of Waco, gave me this advice for young people.

“Keep your head straight and clear, believe in yourself, get a relationship with God and live your life.”

Big Ed is the son of the late Rev. Edward Marshall of East Texas.

He played basketball at McLennan College with NBA stars Vinnie “The Microwave” Johnson and Sam Wortham.

Ly’Tydrick “Doc” Riley has been invited back to training camp with the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. Ly’Tydrick is an early 2000’s graduate of Crockett High who earned all state honors in football and basketball. He played receiver for Texas A&M University the past four years. “Doc” is the son of Cynthia Riley of Crockett and a nephew of former Crocket High and Texas A&M basketball stalwart Claude Riley.

I had a great conversation with East Texas singing sensation Jessie Wade’s new management team.

Roscoe Owens of Pasadena, California and his son Key Johnna Owens of Dallas makes up a talented business-oriented family that is changing the landscape of entertainment in the southwest. Key Johnna, owner of the Mardi Gras Club in Dallas where Wade will perform on Thursday, August 30, 2007, gave me this advice for young people, “The person most responsible for your personal success is yourself. The person in the mirror (you) is the one who will make it

gathering nationwide support

Owens and Jessie can be reached at www.Jazzzone.net.

BEAUMONT− Interest and demand for a movie about an African American who was dragged and killed in June 1998 by racists Whites is growing nationwide.

“Byrd: The Life and Tragic Death of James Byrd Jr.”, is a documentary about one of the nation’s grisliest racial crimes.

The Houston debut last month drew record attention during the ninth anniversary of the killing.

Byrd was slain in an unspeakable lynching incident after three White men chained the 49-year old man to a pick up truck and dragged him about two miles down a country road in (Piney Woods) Jasper, Texas.

Two men were convicted in

This column is dedicated to the late Maxine Paxton of Crockett.

She was a great family lady and a super volunteer for community endeavors in East Texas. She is gone but she will be sorely missed.

Rest in Peace, we will see you at the crossroads.

East Texas thanks go out to Margeaux Fisher, Nathan Gardner, R.B. “Jackey Boy” Jones, Darius Kitchen, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Kitchen, Melvis Wooten, the Dead End Barbershop of Huntsville, Rev. John L. McKnight, Leslie “Pretty Les” Denman, Dr. Ianthia Fisher, Marsha Butler, Sis. Earlie Groves and Rev. and Sis. R.P. Taylor.

1999 and sentenced to death. A third man was given life in prison.

Not only have audience responses sparked growing interest, but word of mouth also has spokesman and producer Ricky Jason busy handling calls from all the country from organizations wanting to air the film in several major U.S. cities.

“Response has been great to the film,” Jason said. “We are looking forward to taking this on the road so that the world can know the truth about the personal and human side of the man, his family and the unspeakable pain and impact on those who knew and loved him. Many still hurt feel the loss as a result of this evil heinous crime.”

Tulisoma: South Dallas Book Fair & Arts Festival

DALLAS- Tulisoma, Swahili for “we read,” is a community-based literary festival promoting literacy and the arts in the South Dallas/ Fair Park area. Founded in 2003, by former City Councilman Leo V. Chaney, Jr., and Dr. Harry Robinson, President and CEO of the African American Museum, the goal of Tulisoma is to create a dynamic event tailored to engage local families, avid readers, aspiring writers and visitors to the city.

Newly elected Councilwoman Carolyn R. Davis recognizes the importance of reading and literacy and wants to continue the tradition.

This year’s event to be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 24-26, 2007, include the follow-

ing authors: Tananarive Due, Sonia hayes, Victoria Murray, Juan Williams, Lalita Tademy, Carole Boston Weatherford, Alexus Rhone, Juan Williams Colin Bootman and many more.

Breakfast with Lalita Tademy will be held Saturday, August 25, 2007, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Old Mill Inn Restaurant, 1112 1st Ave. Dallas, TX. R.S.V.P. by August 17.

Pork Chops & Politics will feature Juan Williams, Saturday, August 25, 2007 from 12:00 noon –

2:00 p.m. at the South Dallas Café.

R.S.V.P. by August 22. Due to limited space, advanced registration for Pork Chops and Politics. The event includes a lecture and meal purchase of $10.00, payable on-site.

Seating is limited to the first 50.

Coffee & Conversation featuring Tananarive Due will be held Saturday, August 25, 2007 from 3:00 p.m.

– 5:00 p.m at the.Emerald City Grill 2532 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

R.S.V.P. by August 22.

Due to limited space, advanced registration is required for Coffee and Conversation. The event includes a lecture, Q & A, and meal purchase minimum of $10.00, payable on-site. For more information, call (214)670-7800.

Deals & Wheels

Time is running out for deals on 2007 models GWENEVERE M. CLOUD Automotive Correspondent

HOUSTONThe new 2008 model vehicles are on their way. Although schedules vary at each dealership, we expect delivery the latter part of August. What’s the big deal you might ask?

For one, time is running out for consumers who want to save thousands of dollars on a new vehicle purchase. For example. On our 2007 Ram 1500 regular or quad cab trucks, the current rebate is $6,000.00.

The same rebate for the 2008 model may only be $1,000.00.

Because we need to move the 2007 inventory, the discount on those vehicles may be up to $4,000.00, bringing you a total savings of up to $10,000.00 and that’s a pretty good piece of change. The 2008 models will not be discounted nearly as deep.

Although I am always making great deals on automobiles, it will be months, possibly January 2008, before discounts start getting bigger. It boils down to a matter of personal preference. Many people can not wait to get their hands on the new models. Other consumers may need to be more budget-conscious.

Neither way is wrong, but one will definitely add to your bottom line.

Come see me - today!

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.

�����

�����

FIVE STAR DEALER

FIVE STAR DEALER DODGE NITRO

Over 100 Nitros In Stock!

James Davis, Owner

Great Sales

Great Service African American Owned & Operated

0 DOWN

289

$

*per

mo.

“Professionalism

Makes a World of Difference” 2007 DODGE CHARGER

2007 DODGE CALIBER

2007 DODGE CARAVAN

2007 DODGE DURANGO

2007 DODGE MAGNUM

2007 DODGE 1500 QUAD CAB

OVER 100

PRE-OWNED VEHICLES IN STOCK! Good Credit, Bad Credit, No Credit No matter what your Credit Situation is ... we will get you approved, guaranteed!

2007 DODGE AVENGER

*39 month lease at $289 per month. First payment plus TT&L due at signing.

Art for illustration purposes only.

www.gulfgatedodge.com

DODGE’S DISCOUNT DEALER!

7250 GULF FRWY.

281.477.6767

LIFETIME POWERTRAIN LIMITED WARRANTY - 2007 Model Year Vehicles and 2008 Model Year Vehicles Sold and Delivered On or After July 26, 2007

Read us online at www.aframnews.com.

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

TX-9

CHURCH/COMMUNITY NEWS

10 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 1-7, 2007 CHURCHES DUNCAN MEMORIAL

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

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

FIDELITY CHURCH OF CHRIST “The Church That Cares” 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.

Wednesday

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

OFFICE: 713/674-5131

140 Fidelity Rd. Houston Tx 77029

AAN&I wants to be your media partner!

Call 713-692-1892

Receive additional exposure with the purchase of any

26-week ad.

Profile your church or pastor in our church/religion news: email to news@ aframnews.com

Independence Heights leader left his mark on the world

CHURCHES

Greater Progressive Missionary Baptist Church 840 Ringold Houston 77088 (281) 445-8603 Hope in Christ Church 10310 Antoine Drive Suite A Houston 77091 (832) 882-7925 Mt. Ararat Baptist Church 5801 W. Montgomery Houston 77073 (713) 692-9954 Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and School 1055 W. Tidwell Rd. Houston 77091 (713) 680-1419 Progressive Missionary Baptist Church 944 Reverend B.J. Lewis Dr. Houston 77088 (281) 447-2342 St. Monica Catholic Church 8421 West Montgomery Rd. Houston 77088 (281) 447-5837

MINISTRY PROFILE Dr. JacquelynDonald-Mims

AUSTIN -Dr. Jacquelyn DonaldMims is founder and pastor of the Imani Community Church of Austin. Organized under the anointing of the Holy Spirit in 1995, the church’s pivotal aim is to evangelize and Dr. Jacquelyn to convert famDonald-Mims ilies to become disciples of Jesus Christ with primary focus upon the unchurched, the de-churched, multi-racial-cultural, in a diverse rapid growth high-tech geographic community. Pastor Donald-Mims is formerly a triple career professional, as corporate executive manager of International Business Machines Corporation, real estate investor/executive, and preacher-teacher of the Gospel of grace, salvation and the power of the Holy Spirit.

An ordained elder, she is also founder and Board Chairperson of the Imani Community Foundation; and serves on the Board Trustees of Paul Quinn College of Dallas, Texas. As corporate business executive manager for global operations for a major international corporation, she broke corporate glass ceilings as a dynamic new female in the management ranks with innovative leadership. She is highly recognized as keynote speaker, preacher, women’s conference convener, guest speaker in the University of Texas related universities, at other colleges and universities, and among interreligious ministries groups in Austin, and as an author.

From childhood Baptism through graduate school, nurtured in Birmingham’s largest Sixth Avenue Baptist Church and cited in Rev. Dr. John T. Porter’s 2005 book, a historical account, Keep Looking Up; then St. Luke Community United Methodist Church’s Reverend Dr. Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr. as mentor and ultimately by her spiritual father A.M.E Bishop John Bryant. Cited for her expert influence in organizational diversity in the University of Texas’ first textbook on diversity, Diversity in Organizations by Dr. Myrtle P. Bell, (Thomson, 2007), and in Dr. Ella P. Mitchell’s book, Those Preaching Women , Volume 3. David A. Mims, Jr., intellectual property law attorney is her spouse; their son is Devon Christian, college coed, and percussionist.

For more information, call (512) 343 9300.

HOUSTON− Nathaniel Burleson was born September 30, 1929, to Tom & Rachel Burleson of Milam County, TX. He was educated in the public schools of Gause and Hearne, TX. He enlisted in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge. Then, after being called to ministry in 1960, he completed his education by attending Union Theological Seminary of Houston.

On May 3rd, 1947, Nathaniel Burleson married Thelma L. Webb and his death leaves them 3 months shy of having been married 60 years. During the tumultuous years that America was experiencing overt segregation and discrimination. Nathaniel Burleson was an entrepreneur and trailblazer. In Hearne, TX, He worked as a flagman and pilot for a crop-dusting company.

He owned a grocery store for many years, and he started a community improvement association. In Houston, he made successful investments in real estate, was owner/operator of Burleson & Sons Trucking Company, and worked to retire from Reed Roller Bit. As a community leader, Rev. Burleson served as president of the independent Heights Neighborhood Council. The group that petitioned the state recognized that they were then known as Studewood was actually begun as a separate municipality known as the Independence Heights- the First totally Black settlement in the state of Texas. As a result, a historical marker was placed on the corner of North Main and 38th streets and Houston then allowed the area to reclaim its historical name, Independence Heights.

Pastor Burleson displayed earnest passion for ministry when, for five years, he would get off work at 7a.m. and drive his family an average of 140 miles one way every Sunday to pastor churches in Calvert, Jewett, Centerville, and Thornton, Texas. Later, he was called to the Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church of Houston and pastored there for 33 years. Under his leadership, Burleson moved the church from Campbell Street to its present location and he also licensed 19 sons in the ministry. His retirement in 2002 marked the end of 39 continuous years of pastoral ministry.

Burleson was preceded in death by his parents, the uncle and aunt that reared him, Johnnie and Bennie Taylor, his three brothers, I.V., Rufus and Earnest, one sister, Ruth Henderson, and an adopted daughter, Revar GainesBurleson. To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife, Thelma, one sister, Sharon Sims, and the 13 biological children that he raised without public assistance: Nathaniel “Nate” Burleson, Jr. (Frida) of Honolulu, Hi; Lillian M. Harrold, Brenda Lynch (Norman); Kathy L. Blass (Joe) of Phoenix AZ, Thelma Yvonne Rogers of Baton Rouge, LA, Melvin E. Burleson (Ruth); Gloria E. Burleson, Timothy W. Burleson (Cheryle), John Quincy Burleson of Colorado Springs, CO; Marcus B. Burleson (Nassera) of Seoul, Korea; Kevin D. Burleson of Colorado Springs, CO; Marcus B. Burleson (Tineska) and Miracle R. Henry. To continue his legacy, Burleson leaves 28 grandchildren and 22-great grandchildren. To also mourn his death are a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and countless children who affectionately call him “Dad-de” or Uncle Baby.

Fathers For Equal Justices provides answers and help for embattled fathers MALIK KENYATTA

African-American News&Issues

HOUSTON− If someone would ask you what is the oldest civil rights organization in the State of Texas, that works on behalf of fathers, children, and families, it is highly probable that your answer would be the NAACP. That is a very logical answer, but it would not be the right answer. The correct answer is, Fathers For Equal Rights Inc. Fathers For Equal Rights, Inc., is a non-profit organization serving Houston and surrounding counties.

The basic belief of the organization is that children have a right to grow up with both parents in their lives. They offer education, support, mediation services, referrals to attorneys, and typing services to their members. Meetings and educational seminars are held weekly to help their members to become educated in family law while saving them thousands of dollars in attorneys fees.

The meeting and educational seminars focus on experiencesharing and self-education. They also help members resolve family and lifestyle problems. Statistics show that a child without a father is more likely to commit suicide, run away, and demonstrate behavioral disorders, exhibit inappropriate sexual behavior, drop out of school, serve time in prison, and/ or become a teen parent.

Many fathers come to them after they have finally figured out that the legal system is not designed to protect fathers’ rights or their childrens’ rights. Most of them ask, “Do fathers have any rights?”

“Does anyone care about me?”

“How can I protect my precious children?” “Where do I go for the answers?”

The president of the Houston Branch, located at 1314 Texas Ste. 609 is Attorney Crosby Hebert, III. Hebert was born in San Antonio Texas, and moved to Houston five years ago. Hebert said, “We help smooth out custody battles and put children first.”

Atty. Hebert seems to be a very busy man, but he seems to have time to entertain a passer by or stranger by doing what ever can to help them, with pertinent information about critical Family matters. In June, the group urged Attorney General Greg Abbott to enforce children’s right to see their fathers. The organization challenged Abbott, and Harris County Precinct 7 Constable May Walker to enforce children’s rights to see their fathers with the same vigor with which they enforce child support orders.

That came about after John David Adams was arrested just prior to Fathers Day weekend for allegedly failing to pay child support. According to a statement releases then by Christopher J. Maurer, the organization believed that “the timing of this arrest was designed to garner maximum publicity. If Mr. Abbott and Ms. Walker truly desire to benefit children, it would have been much more appropriate to arrest a custodial parent for refusing to allow children to spend Father’s Day with their father.”

The people at “Fathers for Equal Rights Inc., have a high mountain to climb, in their holistic and human approach to an American epidemic called family divorce. A divorce or break up of a family, in most cases will lead to an increase in alcoholism, drug use, criminal behavior and a host of other anti social behavior. In addition to divorce, the organization help its members with custody cases, child support disputes, paternity cases,

Read us online at www.aframnews.com.

Crosby Hebert III, president of the Houston Branch of Fathers For Equal Rights, Inc., and City Councilwoman Ada Edwards. litigation, including false accusations of domestic violence or child abuse.

Thanks to good people like Hebert, and the supporting staff of several other summeritans at Fathers for Equal Rights, the common, everyday father has a chance for justice. For more information, call (713)226 8485.

HOUSTON− Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, 5801 W. Montgomery Rd., hosts a “Back to School Revival,” Wednesday and Thursday, August 1 and 2, 2007 at 7p.m. Guest minister is Rev. Chris Clemons. For more information, call (713) 692-9954.

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

TX-10

YOUTH/EDUCATION Bubbha Thomas; Jazz Education Inc., August festival

HOUSTON- Jazz Education, Inc. will kick off “August Jazz Month” with the 17th Annual Houston International Jazz Festival on Friday through Sunday, August 3-5, 2007.

The internationally acclaimed artist lineup will bring a diverse mix of smooth and neo-jazz styles to Jones Plaza in downtown Houston located at 600 Louisiana. The gates open at 4 p.m. on Aug. 4-5 at Jones Plaza and the program begins at 5 p.m.

Ticket, vending, and sponsorship details are available online at www.jazzeducation.org. Drummer Bubbha Thomas, executive director of Jazz Education, Inc., founded the first Houston International Jazz Festival in 1991 with the support and inspiration of the late Congressman Mickey Leland. Leland died on Aug. 6, 1989, while on a humanitarian mission to Ethiopia and did not see the fruition of the project which lives on as a tribute to Leland’s philanthropic spirit.

The mission of the Festival is to provide a unique cultural program that exposes Houstonians to musicians from outside the U.S. Since its inception, the Houston International Jazz Festival has placed Houston in the spotlight as the site of the nation’s only jazz festival focusing on international jazz musicians.

All proceeds from the festival go to fund Jazz Education Inc.’s educational programs, “Jazz & Poetry Series,” “Summer Jazz Workshop,” and “August Jazz Month.” The program serves more than 30,000 elementary school children, and the Summer Jazz Workshop trains over 100 teenage musicians.

African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 1-7, 2007 • 11

HCC names Chief Operating Officer/ Deputy Chancellor

HOUSTON– Effective Wednesday, August 1, the President of Sacramento City College, Dr. Arthur Q. Tyler, will join Houston Community College as Chief Operating Officer/Deputy Chancellor. Dr. Tyler has 20 years of combined experience at the senior executive level in higher education, business, and industry.

Tyler has been president of Sacramento City College since August 2005, with a student enrollment of more than 22,000 students and an annual budget of $75 million. He was appointed in May 2004 by the California Community College State Chancellor as the Dr. Arthur Tyler state’s first special trustee to take over and reform Compton Community College. He also served as Los Angles City College’s vice president of administration for seven years, where he led a staff of more than 250 people and managed $55 million in operational budgets.

He managed business support services for more than 20,000 students within the central urban area of Los Angeles, and he directed capital renovations and improvements, master planning, and more than $350 million in new construction. Dr. Tyler served for more than 20 years in the United States Air Force and with Joint Military Commands. Before deciding to retire from the military, he served as the Anti-terrorism Manager for the Air Force and developed a five-year plan for the first worldwide human resource and asset protection program that became a model for the U.S. Department of Defense.

“I look forward to Dr. Tyler joining our talented team of professionals led by a Board that is committed to our mission and initiatives to advance the college to the next level of excellence,” said Dr. Mary S. Spangler, Chancellor. “Dr. Tyler has an impressive and respected background, is committed to higher education, and will play an invaluable role in my senior leadership team. Together, we all share the goal of creating the best future possible for the community and the students this institution serves.” In his position, Tyler will oversee the areas of management administration, finance and budget, instruction, student services, human resources and information technology.

In addition, he will serve as chief of staff, assuming this duty in the absence of the Chancellor. Dr. Tyler received his bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Maryland and his master’s degree (with distinction) in national security policy development from the U.S. Naval Post Graduate School. He recently earned his doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.

Woodbine District-Longhorn Council honors Eagle Scout

FORT WORTH-The Boy Scouts of America, Longhorn Council, Woodbine District, proudly acknowledge New Eagle Scout Wyndell R. Madkins Jr. a member of Boy Scout Troop 515 Eagle Scout.

He will be honored on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. in an Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony at the Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, 5713 Forest Hill Dr., in Forest Hill, TX. Wyndell is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Wyndell Madkins, Sr. of Fort Worth. Since the age of nine, Wyndell has been a Cub Scout under the leadership of Mrs. Helen Colter’s Pack 216. Wyndell R. Madkins Jr. Currently, he continues his membership with the boy Scouts of America’s Troop 515, which is now under the leadership of Scout Master Frank E. Walker and Committee Chair Thomas Ray. Wyndell graduated from Oscar Dean Wyatt High School in May 2007. His academic schedule keeps him busy; he is a member of CSI, Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic team, plays the alto and tenor saxophone in the marching band and the All State Jazz Band, participated in (UIL) University Interscholastic League Ensemble Competition, received Ann Brannon Student Achievement Award, he received the Vital Link certificate of achievement award presented by Bob Ray Sanders, member of National Honor Society, Fannie Mae Heath Cultural Club Award, member of the Jack and Jill Beautillion Program, and received the Most Likely to Succeed Award.

As a Boy Scout, he also participated in the Katrina relief efforts by raising money and gathering clothes/food for hurricane evacuees.

He is a member of Fort Worth Sister Cities International, where he has traveled to the beautiful city of Budapest, Hungary, Nagoka and Tokyo, Japan, and Reggio Emilia and Venice, Italy in Spring of 2007. Madkins attends church at Forest Hill Church of Christ, where he’s an active member singing with the youth choir, serves on the communion table, attends the Annual Church of Christ Youth Conference and the annual Bible Bowls.

To complete his Eagle Scout, he had to present a presentation to a group of audience of all ages. The presentation was entitled, “How To Work The System To Receive Free Scholarships and Grants That Will Prepare You for College, University or Trade School.”

His ambitions are to own a Computer Technology Business, give back to the community, be a positive role model and to help mentor other young people. He plans to attend Prairie View A&M University, this coming fall.

AACM Spring News MEDC Commitments

African American News & Issues 9.8125" x 7.75"

Your needs have changed. Your tastes have changed.

And The Coca-Cola Company is changing right along with you.

When it comes to meeting the needs and the expectations of parents, educators, government, and, of course, the people who enjoy our products every day, we are listening. And we’re doing things to try and make a difference, like providing more options including those that can help people manage their weight.

We’re committed to offering products that answer your needs. The Coca-Cola Company now provides more than 80 different products in the United States. Over half of the drinks our customers now choose are low-calorie soft drinks, juices, sports drinks and waters. And the 15 new low-calorie options we added in 2005 provide even more choices.

We’re committed to supporting physical activity. Our support of programs that provide nutrition education and physical education help get over 4 million kids in this country informed and up and moving.

We’re committed to helping you make informed choices about nutrition. Beginning in 2006, we’ll be providing you with more useful information about our beverages and their ingredients beyond the label on the package. It’s information designed to help you decide the right role for our products for yourself and your family.

We’re committed to listening to your wishes in our advertising practices. Parents have told us that they prefer to be the gatekeeper when it comes to what to serve their children. And for over 50 years we’ve adhered to a company policy that prohibits advertising full-sugar carbonated soft drinks on television programs primarily viewed by children.

As your needs and tastes change, we’re changing right along with you. To find out more about what we’re doing, visit coca-cola.com.

© 2007 The Coca-Cola Company. “MAKE EVERY DROP COUNT” and the Droplet Design are trademarks and service marks of The Coca-Cola Company. The trademarks shown in this advertisement are the property of The Coca-Cola Company.

Read us online at www.aframnews.com.

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

TX-11

12 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 1-7, 2007

Low Prices every aisle…every day every aisle…every day

97

¢

lb.

2

$ 79

Season Select® Russet ea. Potatoes 10 lbs.

Fresh!

Beef Brisket

sold whole in the bag limit-1 with an additional $10 purchase

99

¢

lb.

Fresh!

Okra bulk

77 99

¢

¢

lb.

Fresh!

Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs

Hill Country Fare, value pack limit-2 with an additional $10 purchase

Hill Country Fare

Corn Flakes Cereal ea.18 oz.

3

1

$ 19 ea.

Hill Country Fare Mini Pack Raisins 14 ct.

$ 75 ea.

Motions Oil Moisturizer Shampoo 12 oz.

1

2$

for

Hill Country Fare

Frozen Shoestring Potatoes 20 oz.

1

$ 08 ea.

H-E-B Frozen Cut Okra 16 oz.

Prices Good Wednesday, August 1 Thru Tuesday, August 7, 2007 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.

Some items may not be available in all stores. Items not valid at Central Market.

Due to the popularity of our Extra Low Prices Every Day, we reserve the right to limit quantities. Limit Rights Reserved.

We Accept Lone Star Card, WIC And Manufacturers' Coupons. Printed on recycled paper. ©2007 H-E-B Food Stores, 07-4697CS

HOU-12

$

2

95 ea.

Sportin’ Waves Pomade 3.5 oz.

visit www.heb.com