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VOL. 20 ISSUE 12

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Nothing Has Changed When It Comes to Policing Blacks!

What Happened to Us is Still Happening to Us, Know Your History! ~Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

OPEN SEASON CONTINUES ON BLACKS...

WILL JUSTICE FINALLY

BE

SERVED?

BLACKS SEE PG. 4

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African

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Edit rial & Opini n

“It’s PRESIDENT Obama, You Rude Bastards…”

Before I Lay it Down...

By “Coach” Mark Spivey

M

y mom and dad taught me one thing that has stuck with me my entire life, that is, to respect others. They said: “Mark, you gotta respect people even if they don’t like you.” Respect does not mean that you have to fear an individual, but you should at

Rev. Al Sharpton President, National Action Network

F

reedom of religion -- the ability to practice our faith without fear of persecution -- is a basic right that we as Americans hold dearly. But what we also cherish -- and have fought tremendously to achieve -- is the equal protection of the right of all to eat, shop, walk, work and live where

Roy Douglas Malonson Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson

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least notice that there is someone around that has the power to change yo life drastically.

They’re near you and if you’re not careful, they could be a threat to you. That is why it is always important to know who your enemies are. “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer” is a saying that respectful people often quote. You gotta keep your eyes on those types.

When people lose respect for you, they’re liable to do or say anything even if you’re the President of the United States of America. What pisses me off beyond measure is the total

disrespect that people have given President Obama during his time in office. He is the President of these United States, the most powerful country in the world and he is due such respect. This man has been heckled, called a liar in the Congress chambers, stared down almost face-to-face in the debates, and hung in effigy in a Shell gasoline station in Houston. It makes me wish that during those disrespectful moments that this nation was communist. They don’t play that disrespect game with their leaders.

Muslims across the world

rioted when some idiot in the U.S. disgraced their spiritual leader, the prophet, Mohammed.

It was a sign of total disrespect.

Yet, the American people and our protective Constitution, allows freedom of speech so vile that a 5 year old can walk up to the POTUS and call him a nigga and nothing can be done. We were taught not to sass adults as children. If we did, the reward for that were loose teeth and a constant ringing inside our heads from being slapped silly by our parents. We weren’t allowed to interrupt grown folks’ conversation. That penalty, too, was stinging reminder of how powerful our mother’s hands were on our

preach at about 80 churches a year) were upset, and some threatened to not invite me to deliver sermons.

But I stood my ground, reminding them that since the age of 12, when I was appointed Youth Director of Operation Bread Basket by Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Jones, I had been a civil rights activist. That is when I first saw my civil rights and ministerial obligations as one and the same.

My religious conviction compels me to fight for civil rights and social justice; I don’t divide the two. Each and every one of us must speak out against this egregious Indiana law.

We cannot fight for civil rights for some; we must fight for all in order to protect our great nation and preserve what makes us so unique. Didn’t racists use religion to justify their belief in the inferiority of Blacks?

Didn’t misogynists misquote the Bible to justify gender inequality?

The blatant use of religion has always been a tool of bigots. It is important, religiously, to stand up and dramatically denounce this Indiana law and say that it in fact does not represent religion. Rather, it legalizes bigotry and discrimination.

It’s difficult to comprehend how such laws and antiquated actions can even be in existence in this day and age. Sadly, there are in fact 19 other states that have legislation similar to Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act. But as a piece in The Atlantic highlights, Indiana’s law is particularly troubling because it “makes a business’s ‘free exercise’ right a defense against a private lawsuit by another person, rather than simply against actions brought by government.”

In other words, businesses can use this law to protect themselves against any discrimination or civil rights lawsuits brought against them.

The road to equality is often paved with struggles and challenges. When the good people of this country fought for desegregation, for example, some argued that it was too much federal “government intrusion.” In fact, often when federal laws were enacted to protect citizens, those against progress would proclaim that states’ rights were somehow being trampled upon. This isn’t about government overreach or some notion of state or religious rights being infringed upon; rather, it

Real Religious Leaders Must Stand Up for Real Freedom

we choose without discrimination. So how is it that in 2015 the governing body of the state of Indiana has enacted legislation that leaves room for businesses to discriminate against members of the LGBT community under the guise of some sort of “religious liberty”? The Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act, signed

by Governor Mike Pence last week, is one of the most biased pieces of state legislation we’ve seen in our modern era. The fact that it is cloaked in the name of religious freedom is particularly offensive to me as a member of the clergy who has been engaged in ministry and social justice work my entire life. This is a pivotal moment when all religious leaders must stand in unity for real freedom for everyone.

I first began preaching when I was just a boy, at the age of 4. I was initially ordained in the Church of God and Christ, a fundamentalist Christian denomination, and was rebaptized in 1994 by Rev. Dr. William Jones, a progressive Baptist who was a friend of the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 2003, when I came out publicly in support of marriage equality, many friends I preach for (I

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Texas • April 13 - 19, 2015 backs. After a while, we learned to just walk outha the room when grown folk gathered.

There should have been some ole school mommas around when President Obama is being disrespected. I can see the headlines in the Washington Post now: “Old Black Lady Punches a Heckler in the Eye for Disrespecting the POTUS” or “Senior Citizen Runs over Heckler in Motorized Chair for Disrespecting President Obama.” That’ll stop all of that ISH. There are people who may not like our president for one reason or another, but you will remember his name. It’s President Barack Hussein Obama. Say it with me, “President Obama”.

is about freedom and equality for all Americans. One has a right to their religious beliefs, but one does not have the right to make their beliefs the law in a democracy. We do not live in a theocracy and should resist any move toward that while we face theocracies in other parts of the world.

Following our National Action Network annual convention next week, I hope to travel to Indiana and stand with religious leaders to rally against this law. Gays, lesbians and all members of the LGBT community must not be alone in this fight. And as a preacher, I want them to know that I unequivocally stand alongside them.

May all religious leaders do the same.

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African

Texas • April 13 - 19, 2015

Edit rial & Opini n California Dreamin:

How Racism Has Destroyed the Citadel of Racial Progressivism Manhood, Race & Culture

I

By Dr. James Thomas Jones III

admit that working with young people can be taxing. I often muse that these young people could try Job’s patience with their inefficiency and foolishness. So I have always made it a point to acknowledge our youth when they are standing for a significant cause.

One of the most important moments in any young person’s life is when they are living the comforts of home and venturing out to engage an often hostile world alone. I have always hoped that their fear would be immediately extinguished by the exhilaration and wonderment of the world. Unfortunately for many African-American children who are attending predominantly White institutions; their collegiate experience has been less than welcoming or encouraging. Such appears to be the situation unfolding at what has historically been the most notable pillar of American radical thought and liberalism, the University of California-Berkeley.

California at Berkeley, is the same institution that inspired the Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton, the co-founders of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, supported Angela Davis and allowed Eldridge Cleaver to speak while he combated California’s Conservative Governor Ronald Reagan. So it is heartbreaking to hear the things unfolding at what many hoped would always serve as the epicenter of American radicalism.

Blake Simons, a senior at the University of California-Berkley, related how far Cal-Berkeley has migrated from its aforementioned racial progressivism when he related why he chose this campus over all others, “I came to Berkeley and I

thought that it was a progressive liberal environment, but the N-word was written on the dorm wall and my White professors were openly using the N-word.”

Simons experience was not unique as others have related similar problems. Matters have gotten so egregious that system Chancellor Dirks issued an apology for an unacceptable racial climate. Dirks remarked that “Too many (black) students have told us about being excluded from study groups, ignored during class discussions, verbally harassed at parties and social events, and feeling, in a general sense, vulnerable, isolated and invisible. This is something we deplore.”

Brewing racial matters have forced university officials to meet with Black student groups who have presented a host of demands aimed at making the campus more hospitable to their kind. The aggrieved students are issuing a serious demand for the following alterations to campus life: (1) a Black only meeting place for students, (2) the hiring of two African-American admissions staff persons, (3) one staff person who will be solely dedicated to retaining the current Black students, (4) two Black psychologists who have been trained to deal with the African-American experience on a racially hostile White campus, (5) two Black advisors assigned to mentor African-American studentathletes, (6) a fully-funded ‘Get into Graduate School’ program, and (7) the renaming of Barrows Hall, a structure that was named after former Chancellor David Barrows, in honor of former Black Liberation Army leader Assata Shakur.

Assata Shakur is the most polarizing figure remaining from the highly volatile 1960s Black Power Era. Radicals and revolutionaryminded individuals champion her, while opponents denounce her with an equally zealous vigor.

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American News&Issues

3

Please Do Not Forget Our History! Forgetting What Happened to Us Can Destroy Us! - Roy Douglas Malonson

Everybody Black ain’t Black!

W

e MUST Understand that every Black person that grows up right in the community, goes to school amongst other African-Americans and some even in our homes are not necessarily Black. Maybe by definition but as far as the race in its truest terms, there are those who have completely neglected their own culture and heritage.

This is no new phenomenon, it is an element that has been in existence for centuries. The late Malcolm X touched on this subject in depth and great detail in a speech that he gave many years ago.

He said, “The slave master took Tom and dressed him well and fed him well and even gave him a ‘little education’, a ‘little education’! Gave him a long coat and a top hat and made all the other slaves look up to him.

Then he used Tom to control them. The same strategy that was used in those days is still used today, by the same White men.

He take a so called Negro and make him prominent, build him up, publicize him, make him a celebrity and then he becomes a spokesman for Negroes and a Negro leader.”

Malcolm continues in his speech to state how the White man used this type of person against his own people. “The method that the White man uses - how the White man uses these ‘big guns’ or ‘Negro leaders’ against the Black Revolution.

They are not apart of the Black Revolution, they are used against the Black revolution. Just as the slave master in that day used Tom the house Negro, to keep the field Negro in check; the same old slave master today has Negroes who are nothing but modern ‘Uncle Tom’s’ - ‘20th century Uncle Tom’s’ - to keep you and me in check, keep us under control - keep us passive and peaceful and non-violent.”

He went on to compare the vice of using ‘Uncle Toms’ within the Black race to dentist’s using novocaine to perform dentistry work. An allegory of which he alludes that, “someone has taught you to suffer peacefully.”

Finally, Malcolm addresses another type of Negro that is very similar to the character portrayed by ‘Uncle Toms’. He continues, “This ‘not-in-house Negro’ loves his Master - he wants to live near him. He’ll pay three times as much as the house is worth just to live near his Master and then brag about, ‘I’m the only Negro’. ‘I’m the only one on my job, I’m the only one at this school’ - you’re nothing but a ‘House Negro’! And if someone come to you right now and say, ‘let’s separate’ you say that same thing that the ‘House Negro’ said on the plantation!”

I agree with the deceased Muslim minister and human rights activist, because I have seen this type of mentality and character amongst many Africans living in America far too many times. Now, please make no mistake I am not talking about no one person in particular.

Nevertheless, the personality of the type of person that I am referring to is found throughout the African-American race on a massive scale.

There are many individuals that are out there, that are only Black as long as they are around other Black people. But, the moment they get in front of those of other races and nationalities they appear to have denied their own heritage. A person that is like this is extremely dangerous, because it is people like this, that will sell out their own family and associates at an attempt to appease the ego of other people who look nothing like them and definitely care nothing for them.

There are also AfricanAmerican men and women that

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

have inherited powerful seats, roles of employment and positions due to other Black people’s support, Affirmative Action methods and diversity rules that have been put in place by the workforce to make employers diversify their companies. Some people get into these positions because there is a certain quota that has to be met to ensure that a company is adhering to diversity policies that have been set in place. However, once they find themselves in such a position they feel that, they are better than others from the same place as them and who look like them.

Once again, I state that this is a very dangerous individual.

It really bothers me that so many people look like us, but do not have our best interest in mind or at heart. Individuals such as these are usually the ones that are sold to the highest bidder without no regard for their own race, creed or culture. I would rather deal with a White person that tells me right up front that they don’t like Black people because at least I know where they are coming from. But that Black person that is Black and feels just as them, but chooses to hide their true feelings is worst.

Because it is often after they have betrayed members of their race and community that it is manifested that they are only adorned with the color of Blackness but in their heart they wish they were another race. But eventually their actions, decisions and demonstrations will ultimately prove exactly how they truly feel. So just be careful and know that, Everybody Black Ain’t Black!

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African

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Blacks from pg. 1

ellow police tape, red white and blue lights flashing, officers of the law standing around and a Black male body laid face down has been the highlight of various media outlets, over the course of this past week. It is a scene that African-Americans around the United States, have become all too familiar with. The horrendous ordeal has left many members from the Black community wondering, “Will Justice Finally be Served?”

Last Tuesday, North Charleston police officer Michael Slager was arrested in connection with the murder and execution of 50-year-old Walter Scott. This arrest came only after the release of a video by the New York Times, which depicts an unarmed Scott fleeing from the officer, after what should have been an ordinary traffic stop. The incident involved Scott, a Black man breaking free from Slager. Seconds later, Officer Slager commences to firing eight rounds, which left Scott’s lifeless body laying in the mother’s carpet of the Earth.

Scott was described as having been well known. He served the United States of America for two years in the Coast Guard and was the father of four children.

In a statement issued to the press, Mayor Keith Sumney of North Charleston said, “I can tell you that as the result of that video and the bad decision made by our officer, he will be charged with murder.”

Sumney’s thoughts are synonymous with Senator Tim Scott, who is also African-American. Senator Scott of South Carolina said “the senseless shooting and taking of Walter Scott’s life was absolutely unnecessary and avoidable.” He further expressed, “My heart aches for the family and our North Charleston community. I will be watching this case closely.”

Despite the promises, investigations and statements issued by the Justice Department and the South Carolina Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; members of the African-American community will be like Senator Scott, “watching this case closely.” As the open season of fire upon Black males within the community continues, many would like to remain hopeful that justice will be done. However, the reality is that too many instances involving officers TX- 4

shooting unarmed Black males and not being indicted by grand juries or never receiving no real justice has left the Black community faithless in the judicial system.

When asked Bishop BL Moran, President of the Jena Branch of the NAACP offered the following statement. “To view an unarmed Black male fleeing from authorities in 2015, is just as equal as a man running from a ferocious dog; in whom he knows means him no good. Slager should not have used any force in pursuing Scott, with the exception of appropriate measures outlined for apprehension.

Even if there was a struggle, of which the dash cam showed that there was not; it would have been wise for the Slager to have used his training from the academy to subdue the suspect.

But to fire multiple shots proves a couple things to me: previous officers actions’ on Black males are accepted and the execution of gun fire resulting in murder is merely one of the White man’s ways of making the Black male race extinct.”

Bishop Moran went to Washington to speak before Congress on behalf of the Jean Six. A case that sparked attention nationwide when, Mychal Bell and five other teens who faced overly aggressive prosecution and extended incarceration for fighting with a White classmate in their community. A series of racial incidents preceded the uproar within the small Louisiana town, including the hanging of nooses in a tree at the local high school.

“These types of situations happen too many times. Jordan Baker, Trayvon Martin, Robbie Tolan and Anthony James Johnson... It’s very unfortunate that Walter Scott, another Black man and another mother with a broken heart has been highlighted and sacrificed to shed light on the cancers of law enforcement...” These were the words rendered by Kathy Ballard Blueford-Daniels. Daniels is a longtime Houston community activist and founder of BLAC MoM, which is an acronym for Black, Latino, Asian, Caucasian - Mourners of Murder. She was inspired to establish the group due to the tragic murder of her 20-year-old son in 2006, Patrick Murphy.

Daniels makes reference to other White officer involved fatal shootings in conjunction with the loss of Black

C ver St ry

life. Walter Scott’s murder is merely one more link in a string of controversial deaths that have led to an outpour of protests and instances of racial profiling within Black communities across the country. The correlation between the associations with cases of other Black males such as: Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Eric Garner; can not help but to be sewed together with a case such as this one.

Primarily because, the instances are all yoked together by several common threads: a White officer, use of deadly force by a protected police shield, a Black male and ultimately murder.

Such was the case of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri who was shot by Officer Darren Wilson, a White officer in 2014.

Wilson faced charges in the killing of an unarmed Michael Brown. Brown is allegedly said to have stolen cigarillos from a local store, which is what sparked the confrontation between he and Wilson. After being notified by dispatch, Wilson approached Brown and another friend, Dorian Johnson in the middle of the street.

An altercation between Brown and Wilson emerged. Ultimately, the situation resulted in Wilson firing a total of twelve bullets at Brown, causing his untimely demise. On November 24, 2014, it was announced that a St. Louis County grand jury had decided not to indict Officer Wilson.

He was also, later cleared by the U.S. Department of Justice and said to have acted in self-defense.

Such was the case of 17-yearold, Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida who was killed by George Zimmerman, a volunteer neighborhood watch man, who attempted to act as an officer. Martin had been visiting with his father when he left to purchase candy and juice from a convenience store. On his way back to his father, Zimmerman, spotted him and called the Sanford Police to report him. He made claims that Martin looked suspicious, due to a string of robberies that had been occurring.

Although Zimmerman was told by authorities not to do anything, he incited an altercation which led to the teenager being shot in his chest and killed.

To continue reading visit www.aframnews.com By: Rebbeca S. Jones

TTexas exas • pril 1312-18, - 19, 2015 •A August 2013

JUSTICE DENIED !

George Zimmerman

Trayvon Martin

Darren Wilson

Michael Brown

Daniel Pantaleo

Eric Garner

Michael Slager

Walter Scott

JUSTICE ???

Capital Corner

Texas • April 13 - 19, 2015

$3,000,000 Housing & Urban Development Jobs Plus Pilot Program Grant

WASHINGTON - “Today I am pleased to announce a $3,000,000 grant for the Jobs Plus Pilot program here in Houston, Texas. The purpose of the program is to develop locally based, job driven approaches to increase earnings and advance employment out comes through work readiness, employer linkages, job placement, educational technology skills and financial literacy for residents of public housing.

“The place based Jobs Plus Pilot program addresses poverty among public housing residents by incentivizing and enabling employment through oncome disregards for working families and a set of services designed to support work including employer linkages, job placement and counseling, educational advancement, and financial counseling. Ideally, these incentives will saturate the target developments, building a culture of work and making working families the norm.

“Houston’s economy is booming and many businesses are struggling to fill middle skill job openings. In fact, Houston will add nearly 75,000 middle skill jobs annually through 2017, a rate nearly double the national average. This need, coupled with the fact that Cuney Homes, the targeted Jobs Plus site, has

Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee TX 18th Dist.

423 non-disabled working age residents that are unemployed or under employed, lead the Houston Housing Authority (HHA) to believe a significant impact can be made to both the employers and residents of the City of Houston.

“In the past I have supported such HUD programs such as funding for Community Planning and Development whose office seeks to develop viable communities by promoting integrated approaches that provide decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expand economic opportunities for low and moderate income persons.

The primary means towards this end is the development of partnerships among all levels of government and the private sector, including for-profit and non-profit organizations.

“Partners in this important project include: Cuney Homes, Texas Southern University, Houston Community College, Furr High School, United Way and the Houston Area Urban

Capitol Report - 84th Legislature

Governor Abbott List Early Education as His Top Priority arlier this year, The 84th Texas Legislature convened in Austin.

For the first 60 days, the Texas Constitution prohibits bills from being considered by either the full House or Senate. During this time, members are busy setting up their offices, hiring staff, filing legislation and getting to know one another. The Texas House of Representatives is made up of 150 members with each once representing different parts of Texas and each district having its own different needs.

Recently, Governor Greg Abbott delivered his State of the State address to the Texas Legislature. As a part of his address, he listed five emergency items to be considered before the 60th day prohibition, listing early education as his first priority. This year, the 60th day of the legislative session falls on Friday, March 13th. This is also the final day members can file bills and joint resolutions for either chamber.

Governor Abbott pointed out that Texas needs better schools, more roads, better health care, less government and ethics reform. His top five priorities, in order, are 1.

Early Education, 2. Higher Education Research Initiatives, 3.Transportation Funding, 4.

Border Security Funding, 5.

Ethics Reform.

Currently, free prekindergarten is provided if a school district can identify 15 or

E

Top 10% of Community College Students

AUSTIN – State Representative Eric Johnson (D-Dallas) filed House Bill 3384 to grant the top 10% of community college students who achieve junior standing automatic acceptance at Texas public universities. The program would mirror the current top 10% admissions program for graduating Texas high school students.

"Community college degree programs offer a critical opportunity at a better life," Rep. Johnson said. "But many young Texans don't even consider pursuing a four-year degree either because they have underperformed in high school or they don't have many friends or family who have gone to a fouryear institution. This bill offers a simple deal: work hard and

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do well in community college, and there will be a spot for you at a Texas public university."

Compared to four-year university students, community college students are more likely to be lower-income, come from under-represented racial or ethnic groups, or be the first in their families to attend college.

In Texas, 14% of community college students are African

more children who are at least four years old and eligible.

To be eligible, the child must be at least three years of age; unable to speak and comprehend English; educationally disadvantaged; homeless; is or has been under conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services; or has a parent that is a member or active duty member of the armed forces. Rep. Senfronia Thompson filed House Bill 186 which will provide free prekindergarten to all children who are at least four years of age and removes the eligibility requirement.

Governor Abbott would like schools districts to have more freedom on their policy and be able to opt out of parts of the Texas Education Code so they can design an education plan that best fits their community needs. Without providing a specific dollar figure on funding public education, Governor Abbott did mentioned he would like to set aside $4 billion of the proposed budget for transportation funding but made no mention as far as details on what type of transportation policies he would like the Legislature to look at.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht Discusses His Top Issues; Truancy, CPS & Legal Aid Were Chief Among Them The Texas Legislature also heard from Chief Justice Nathan Hecht when he delivered the

State of the Judiciary speech on February 18, 2015. The State of the Judiciary message is required to be given every two years by the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court to promote a better understanding between the legislative and judicial branches of government.

The message provides for an evaluation of the public's access, the need and the future direction of Texas courts.

During his speech, one of the key issues Chief Justice Hecht touched on was truancy. Chief Justice Hecht explained that for years his courthouse hallways were filled with young people who he felt belonged in schools and not in criminal court. In 2009, truancy and attendance legislation was passed that resulted in 90,000 fewer tickets issued in 2014 meaning less students are being treated as criminals for failure to attend school.

In Texas, nearly 100,000 schoolchildren are charged with criminal truancy each year.

Rep. Senfronia Thompson will be filing legislation that will allow for the record of a youth who was charged with truancy to be automatically expunged once he or she completes all conditions of their sentence.

Chief Justice Hecht also addressed the need for the legislature to improve the handling of Child Protective Services cases.

For instance, he recommended improving the procedures for transferring a case from one county to another so that placing

American, compared to 12% of four-year university students.

Similarly, 40% of Texas community college students are Hispanic, compared to 30% of four-year university students.

Under House Bill 3384, students who achieve junior standing - those who have completed 60 credit hours - and are in the top 10% of their class

by GPA, will be guaranteed acceptance at a Texas public four-year university. Like the

current high school top 10% system, students are not guaranteed admission to a particular campus.

There are currently about 20,000 community college students who transfer to four-year universities every year. A study of Texas State University students found that those who had attended community colleges were more likely to graduate on time compared to those who enrolled as freshmen.

5 Honorable Sefronia Thompson TX 141st Dist.

children in a stable environment is not delayed. Approximately 40,000 children are in state custody which places the courts in a critical role in determining the future of these children.

In addition, he recommended the creation of regional or county programs to help provide attorneys for low-income parents in CPS cases. Rep. Senfronia Thompson is currently working out language to create these regional or county programs and will be filing the bill as soon as it is available.

Decriminalizing schoolyard misconduct and improving rehabilitation efforts for juveniles charged with criminal offenses were among some of the other issues Justice Hecht addressed.

Chief Justice Hecht also spoke favorably of the legal aid proposal found in HB 1079 authored by Representative Senfronia Thompson. HB 1079 addresses the critical funding shortfall in civil legal aid programs which significantly help women, children, the disabled, and veterans. According to Representative Thompson, often times legal aid means the difference between living in a home or on the streets, being self-sufficient or needing to rely on governmental assistance.

Honorable Eric Johnson TX 100th Dist.

"We know high-performing community college students do well after transferring to a fouryear university, and Texas will prosper by having more of them do so," Rep. Johnson said.

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8 AM and 11 AM BIBLE STUDIES Wednesday 7:30PM Leonard N. Barksdale, Pastor Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church

NATURAL KREATIONS

4300 Noble Street, Houston TX 77020 Ph: 713/675-5111 • Fx: 713/675-1522

281-898-4716

Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church A d v ewill r tendeavor i s e otonprovide l i n ea members strong of w love;swe. will a f r foundation amne c ostand m on Biblical Truths; and we will equip one another to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our community and in our world.

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CARWASH elimination. Other schools would be Smith, Stovall, HarrisCARWASH and Hill, SPARKLE‛S all based on the same criteria.

Stu& DETAIL CENTER dents of magnet programs that had (832) 643-1008 been eliminated would return to WALLER COUNTY AREA their home campus and given first priority for available slots in other HISwith SHOULD magnet programs, the exception of 4th grade students, who will be givenBE the option of continuYOUR D ing at Houston Academy. Staff will be placedHOU-6 into vacant positions on other campuses.

The order would have given the

T

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Rev. Edwin A. FIDELITY CHURCH OF CHRIST Davisr, Pastor HOUSTON, TX 77091

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Morning Bible Class 9:30 a.m.

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Rev.Evening JosephWorship6719 COHN ST Baker, Pasor 6:00 p.m.HOUSTON, TX 77091 Chorus Group Rehearsal 7:30 p.m.

House of Wednesday Prayer Mid-Week Bible Class 7:00 p.m.

M.B.C.

MINISTER: Theaster Maloy, Sr.

OFFICE: 713/674-5131 (281) 773-2750

140DESOTO Fidelity Rd.ST Houston Tx 77029 3521 Rev. Lloyd

HOUSTON, TX 77091 Giles, Pastor

FIFTH WARD CHURCH OF CHRIST

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AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) helped working Texans collect more than $5.15 million in unpaid wages in 2014. TWC administers the Texas Payday Law, which requires private employers to provide workers with earned compensation in a complete and timely manner.

“The Texas Payday Law requires employers to pay their workers on time and in full for all work performed,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. “The Labor Law program provides workers a venue to effectively resolve wage disputes when they arise.”

TWC’s Labor Law program provides an alternative to costly litigation by resolving pay disputes and assisting claimants in obtaining unpaid wages. In 2014, TWC’s Labor Law investigators received

13,021 claims of employers not paying their employees’ due wages, and collected $5.15 million in unpaid wages on behalf of these workers.

“Texas workers deserve to be compensated fairly,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Workers should contact TWC to help collect unpaid wages if they believe they were not paid in accordance with the law.”

Affected workers should fill out a wage claim form and submit it to TWC’s Labor Law division. Once the wage claim form is filed, the employer is notified and a response to the claim is requested by TWC. After investigation, TWC issues a Preliminary Wage Determination Order, and both the claimant and the employer have 21 days from the mailing date to appeal.

"My office strongly encourages employers to stay informed on both Texas and federal wage payment laws.

Complying with these laws is essential for businesses of any size," said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Hope Andrade.

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TEXAS • APRIL 13 -19, 2015

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BLUE BELL PRODUCTS VOLUNTARILY WITHDRAWN BY H-E-B SAN ANTONIO –Blue Bell Ice Cream has voluntarily recalled some of its products while it continues to work with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. H-E-B has decided to withdraw all existing Blue Bell products on its shelves as a precautionary measure due to food safety concerns. Working with Blue Bell, we will replenish our shelves with new product as soon as feasible.

Customers with concerns may return the product to H-E-B stores for a full refund. Customers with questions can contact H-E-B Customer Relations at 1-855-432-4438 between the hours of 8AM and 5PM Monday through Friday.

TEXAS • APRIL 13 -19, 2015

13

April

Monday Houston Community College Systems STATE OF THE COLLEGE EVENT Historic Announcement 9401 Knight Rd Houston, TX 77045 Beginning at 7:30am For more info contact: (281) 414-5123 hccs.edu/stateofcollegeinvite

13

Monday Acres Home Chamber for Bus & Eco Dev, Inc. SENIORS- ARTS & CRAFTS 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 1pm - 3pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org

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Monday Acres Home Chamber for Bus & Eco Dev, Inc. STEM ACADEMIC TUTORIALS 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 4pm - 6pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org

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Wednesday Acres Home Chamber for Bus & Eco Dev, Inc. STEM ACADEMIC TUTORIALS 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 4pm - 6pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org

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Friday Empowerment of Women AWARDS GALA 12401 South Post Oak Rd Houston, TX 77045 Beginning at 6:00pm For more info contact (832) 524 - 9804 Saturday Acres Home Chamber for Bus & Eco Dev, Inc. COMPUTER CLASSES Into to Quickbooks 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 10am - 12pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161

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info@acreshomecenter.org

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Saturday Acres Home Chamber for Bus & Eco Dev, Inc. PEARLS FOR GIRLS MENTORING 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 1pm - 3pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org

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Saturday Acres Home Chamber for Bus & Eco Dev, Inc. LINE DANCING Houston Line Dance Queen 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 Beginning at 3:30pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org

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Saturday Evangelistic Temple COGIC PUBLISHING POTENTIAL WRITERS WORSKSHOP 11603 MLK Blvd.

Houston, TX 77048 From 4:00pm to 6:00pm Sunday First Baptist Church of Lincoln City FBC PRAISE DANCE 844 Fortune St Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 11:30am For more info contact (832) 892-5078 Monday Annie’s List HOUSTON LUNCHEON **GUEST SPEAKER** KAMALA HARRIS 5060 W.Alabama St Houston, TX 77056 From 12pm - 1:15pm For more info contact:

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info@annieslist.com

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Monday Acres Home Chamber for Bus & Eco Dev, Inc. STEM ACADEMIC TUTORIALS 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 4pm - 6pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org

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African What’s Happenin’ 20 Monday 25 25 Saturday Acres Home Chamber American Heart Assoc. for Bus & Eco Dev, Inc. SENIORS- BINGO 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 1pm - 3pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org

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Tuesday Acres Home Chamber for Bus & Eco Dev, Inc. BIZ SEMINAR SERIES Legal Business Requirements & Tips for Starting a Business 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 Beginning at 10am For more info contact: (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org

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Wednesday Acres Home Chamber for Bus & Eco Dev, Inc. STEM ACADEMIC TUTORIALS 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 4pm - 6pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161

& Houston Methodist CPR SAVE A LIFE COUSE Taylor High School 20700 Kingsland Blvd Katy, TxX77450 Times: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm & 1pm For more info contact apiyo.obala@heart.org (Free) **Ages 12 and up

Email Your Upcoming Events to: news@aframnews.com 4 weeks in advance!

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Saturday American Heart Assoc. & Houston Methodist CPR SAVE A LIFE COUSE Wheeler Field House 16403 Lexington Blvd Sugar Land, TX 77479 Times: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm & 1pm For more info contact apiyo.obala@heart.org (Free) **Ages 12 and up

American News&Issues

Saturday Iota Phi Lambda, Inc Alpha Kappa Chapter SCHOLARSHIP BUSINESS LUNCHEON 8686 Kirby Dr Houston, TX 77054 From 6pm - 9pm For more info contact: carolynjones918@yahoo.com

aframnews.com

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Saturday Sisters Network FAMILY AND FRIENDS WALK 1500 McKinney St. Houston, TX 77010 Beginning at 8am For more info visit: www.sistersnetworkinc.org

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Sunday New Hope MBC CHURCH ANNIVERSARY **GUEST SPEAKER** Rev. R.L. Hudspeth 4827 Creekmont St. Houston, TX 77091 Beginning at 3pm For more info contact: (713) 686-6884

7

27

Monday Acres Home Chamber for Bus & Eco Dev, Inc. STEM ACADEMIC TUTORIALS 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 4pm - 6pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org

Publish and Promote your Events through African-American News&Issues in print & online!

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Monday Acres Home Chamber for Bus & Eco Dev, Inc. SENIORS- HEALTH & WELLNESS 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 1pm - 3pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org

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23

Thursday D3 Veteran Co. NETWORKING FORUM 15700 JFK Blvd.

Houston, TX 77032 From 6:00pm to 9:00pm Friday Descendants of Olivewood,Inc HISTORIC OLIVEWOOD CEMETERY 140TH ANNIVERSARY Part 1:Trinity United 2600 Holman St. Houston, TX 77004 From 6pm - 7pm For more info contact:

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www.descendantsofolivewood.org

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Saturday Descendants of Olivewood,Inc HISTORIC OLIVEWOOD CEMETERY 140TH ANNIVERSARY Part 2: OLIVEWOOD CEMETERY 1300 Court St. Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 9:30am For more info contact: www.descendantsofolivewood.org

HOU-7

8

African

American News&Issues

DIRECTOR OF CENTER FOR SAFE & SECURE SCHOOLS

Ecomet Burley is the new director for the Center for Safe and Secure Schools, a division of Harris County Department of Education.

The Center was established in 1999 at the request of area school superintendents to provide school safety and security training for school districts in greater Harris County.

Burley has 26 years of experience in school administration. He is the former, six-year superintendent of La Marque Independent School District. After earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas Tech University, he went on to graduate with a master’s degree in public administration from Stephen

D

By: Jana C. Justice

DOTTIE PEOPLES FEATURES IN TSU’S “CROWNS”

Texas Southern University has tapped one of the greatest voices in gospel music today to star in its annual presentation of the national stage play Crowns.

Dottie Peoples, best known in gospel circles for her rendition of “He’s an On Time God”, has agreed to join the cast of actors and musicians starring in the fast-moving celebratory musical play where HATS are everywhere and in exquisite variety. Crowns is coming to Texas Southern University’s Sawyer Auditorium Mother’s Day Weekend, Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.

Crowns is presented

by TSU’s HATS & TIES Committee. The acronym HATS & TIES stands for Honoring Academically Talented Scholars…To Impact and Engage Students. Proceeds from the event are used for student initiatives and university support programs like mentoring, tutoring and college readiness

initiatives.

Rehearsals have begun with the talented cast made up of some of Houston’s finest actors and singers. The characters use the hats to tell tales concerning everything from the etiquette of hats to their historical and contemporary social functioning. There is a hat for every occasion, from flirting to church-going to funerals to baptisms. The conclusion finds the standoffish young woman, whose cultural identity as a young black Brooklyn woman has been so at odds with the more traditional and older Southern blacks, embracing hats and their cultural significance as a part of her own fiercely independent identity becomes the story line.

Cast members include, Terrence Bolton, Gerra Gistand, Kirsteryn Gunter, Dottie Peoples, Manson Johnson, Jr, Latonya Earle, Liz Rachelle, Zedri Whaley, and Cedric Ballard. Stage

manager is Chaveria Williams, a TSU student with assistant stage manager, Jasmine Carter, a TSU student.

Ticket buyers can have their photos taken that day and receive their photos to same day…so come dressed to impress and shop our wonderful vendors. A complimentary buffet awaits VIP guests as well as an opportunity to meet Dottie Peoples and own a copy of her latest CD. Visit https://tsu.thankyou4caring.org/crowns2015 for more information on tickets, sponsorships, advertising, or to become a vendor.

ROGUE CULTURE AND LACK OF PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY ARE EXACERBATING CHALLENGES FOR EDUCATORS IN OUR COMMUNITY

o any of you remember the egg-frying commercial that said, “Okay, last time. This is drugs. This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?”

Well, I’m reminded of it every day when I step onto my school campus.

Educators throughout the country are witnessing the effects of the drug-infested, tattoo-laden, illiterate, chronically unemployed culture that is pervasive in many communities. Bullying is rampant and students are increasingly combative. In fact, fighting is often TX-8

F. Austin University.

Burley and his wife Frances reside in Pearland, where she is an elementary school principal. The Burleys have four children.

The goal of the Center for Safe and Secure Schools is to continue to be viewed as the best-in-class service provider for school safety and security training, said Burley. It serves districts through school safety audits, a website for emergency school closures and workshops and networking on emerging security concerns.

“Our training assists school districts in accomplishing their goal of having effective teaching and quality learning environments,” Burley said. “We will continue to endeavor to provide relevant services and products that are needs based as a result of member district feedback.”

About the Center for Safe and Secure Schools: Harris County Department of Education’s Center for Safe and Secure Schools understands that each school has unique and ever-evolving needs in the areas of safety and security. It is committed to helping schools assess and address those needs in all four phases of the emergency management cycle: mitigation, prevention, response and recovery. For more information, visit www.safeandsecureschools.org .

Educati n/Y uth Texas HBCU Corner

TEXAS • APRIL 13 - 19, 2015

encouraged by parents under the guise of teaching their children to stand up for themselves or in response to their own personal “beefs” with other adults. Also, a much larger percentage of our student population is labeled attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability (ID), or emotional disturbed (ED) than ever before and scientific research suggests that much of this is a direct result of drug abuse during pregnancy.

Some days the challenges educators face seem insurmountable.

Teaching professionals must matriculate through universities and perform successfully on state certification exams in order to obtain a teaching position.

Unfortunately, there is no such coursework or requirement for parenting. Behavior expectations are first taught at home. So here’s a message to today’s parents: You cannot fail to parent your children at home, then expect educators to work miracles with them in the classroom. When there is absence of parenting, children are unable to adapt to the structure that is

required in an academic setting.

It is imperative that parents assume the responsibility of raising their children by conveying an expectation of respect, effort, and accountability both at home and at school.

The school is an educational environment, not a day care facility. Educators are charged with a huge responsibility as it relates to helping students cultivate the tools that are required for academic and social development and for civic responsibility. This challenge is constantly undermined by parents

who choose to play the “blame game” rather than embrace their parental responsibility. When respect and responsibility are modeled and encouraged in the home environment, this mindset is usually transferred and evident in the school environment. The adage that “it takes a village” has never been more fitting than it is today. Parents, educators, and community members must embrace every opportunity to communicate, collaborate, and cooperate in order to develop the minds of our youth.

L cal & State

TEXAS • APRIL 13 - 19, 2015

Read us online! w w w. aframnew s. com

9

LegaL Notice

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Economic and Property Damages Settlement The Deadline to file a Claim is June 8, 2015 June 8, 2015 has been established as the deadline to submit a claim in the Economic and Property Damages (“E&PD”) Settlement with BP Exploration & Production Inc. and BP America Production Company (“BP”) related to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. So if you are eligible to file a claim, you must act soon.

W ho

is included ?

The E&PD Settlement Class includes people, businesses, other entities, and properties in the states of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, and certain counties in Texas and Florida, that were harmed by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that occurred on April 20, 2010.

The website DeepwaterHorizonSettlements. com has detailed descriptions and maps of the included geographic locations to help you determine whether you are a part of the E&PD Settlement Class. Additionally, you can call 1-866-992-6174 or e-mail questions@ DeepwaterHorizonEconomicSettlement.com to find out if a geographic location is included.

W hat

are the payment categories ?

The settlement provides payments if you had economic loss or property damage because of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. By submitting a claim, you can request a payment in one or more of the following seven categories: 

Economic Damage  Loss of Subsistence  Vessel Physical Damage

Real

Property Sales Damage Vessels of Opportunity Charter Payment  Coastal Real Property Damage  Wetlands Real Property Damage Economic Damage payments are available for Individuals and Entities that lost profits or earnings as a result of the Deepwater Horizon Incident. Coastal Real Property payments are available for property that was physically damaged in connection with the Deepwater Horizon Incident. Detailed descriptions of all seven categories are available at the website.

There is no limit on the total dollar amount of the E&PD Settlement. All qualified and timely claims will be paid in full once they are approved. The Settlement also allowed for Seafood Compensation claims, but the deadline for those claims has passed.

h oW

do i request a payment ?

You must submit a Claim Form to request a payment.

You can get a copy of the various Claim Forms by visiting the website or by calling 1-866-992-6174. Claims can be submitted online or by mail. If you have questions about how to file your claim, you should call the tollfree number for assistance. The claims process can be complex, so if you are eligible to file a claim, you should act now so you may complete your claim before the June 8, 2015 deadline.

DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com



1-866-992-6174 TX-9

10

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

HOUSTON - The Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development recently held its Monthly Networking Luncheon at the Beulah Ann Shepard building, located at 6112 Wheatley St. 77091. Chairman Roy Douglas Malonson, started the luncheon off with a warm welcome. Following, he held a raffle drawing where several guests were the recipients of door prizes and gifts.

Afterwards, each guest had an opportunity to introduce themselves, their businesses and/or organizations. Once the introductions concluded, everyone was served lunch catered by Tiffany Parker and the staff of Tippy’s Soul Food. Guests also enjoyed melodies played by the George Washington Carver

Bus ness

George Washington Carver High School Jazz Band under the direction of, Instructor Mike McCullough

High School Jazz Band under the direction of Instructor, Mike McCullough.

As the luncheon continued, Mr. Riecke Beauman introduced the speaker of the afternoon, Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson.

In introducing her, he reverted back to his initial meeting with her when he was running for the position of Justice of the Peace. Beauman described the illustrious district attorney as simply being, “nice”. As Attorney Anderson eloquently approached the podium she graciously thanked Chairman Roy Douglas Malonson for inviting her as the speaker for the day. During her message, she divulged how the Harris County District Attorney’s office works.

She informed, “I believe that

our office is the district attorney for everyone in Harris County every one - every person - every group and every culture” she said.

She revealed that when she came into the office in 1992 there was a common attitude that everybody needed to go to prison. This was a mentality that she was not comfortable with at all. However, Attorney Anderson reported that since she has been there, it’s been a dramatic change in that attitude.

Equipped with 12 years in the District Attorney’s office, experience as a judge and defense attorney; Anderson laid out her strategic plan for their office to the audience. She stated, “What we have to figure out now in the Criminal Justice arena, is who we are scared of

and who we are mad at? The people we are scared of are the ones who are killing us, raping us and robbing us. Those are the people I would think y’all want me to lock up? You don’t want them out in your neighborhood putting their gun to your face demanding your money you don’t really care about why they are doing it, right?” With the audience fully attentive and in agreement she assured them that their office is serious about locking up individuals such as these.

She continued to expound on the other group that she made reference to. “We are mad at the people who are trespassing, addicted - we are mad at them; but do they need to be locked up? Not necessarily.

And I believe that with people,

TEXAS • APRIL 13 - 19, 2015

especially young people, they need a chance to not have that conviction tag right off the back”, she added It is for reasons such as this that the District Attorney’s office implemented a new initiative to assist first time offenders. As she explained the benefits of the program, it was very obvious that Anderson is passionate about marking first time offenders as convicts without having given them the opportunity at a second chance.

She informed the audience that the program that was initiated in 2009, has seen an 88% success rate so far.

To continue reading visit www.aframnews.com Story & Photos by Rebecca S. Jones

Mr.Charles Nelms, Deacon Ronald Morning, Rev. F.N. Williams, II, Pastor F.N. Williams, Sr., Willie Jean Jackson and Rev. Charles Ingram

AHCBED’s “April” Monthly Networking Luncheon TX-10

For More Photos See Pg. 11

Bus ness

TEXAS •APRIL 13 - 19, 2015

African

American News&Issues

11

Black Kollectibles & F lowers NEW! Devon Anderson, Harris Couty District Attorney & Chairman Roy Douglas Malonson

AVAILA BLE NOW!

Evangelist H. Hamilton and Evangelist Hamilton

5

Rev. Booker Stewart

Mary Etta Hall

Eliza Roberson Yolanda Calhoun

David Moore

Pastor Lloyd Giles

Principal Rosalyn Sweat

Rita Wallace, Feldon Bonner, II and Sara Kinney

Chisa Sallah

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Texas • April 13 - 19, 2015

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