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CLAUDE CUMMINGS, JR.

HOUSTON - As John the Baptist was described as“a VOICE of one crying in the wilderness”, Houston’s Kashmere Gardens own born and raised Claude Cummings, Jr.’s life runs parallel with that inference. Since as early as he can remember he has lended his VOICE to the community, corporate America and political world. With that same VOICE, he has been used as a mouthpiece to rightfully detest the ills, discriminations and prejudices that have arisen within the workforce by way of serving as a union leader. Furthermore, the Lord has used his VOICE to minister to the body of Christ through the soothing sounds of melodies produced by his nationally recognized quartet group, Endurance.

However, the journey to this destination has not come without a cost, much hard work, and dedication.

Cummings was one of three sons born to the late Gladys and Claude Cummings, Sr. His father worked as a janitor for Southwestern Bell (now AT&T) and was very instrumental in his life. After the Consent Decree in the late 1960’s, his

father was named as one of the first AfricanAmericans to go from a janitorial position to a non-janitorial position. At which point he became a Crossbar Switchman. Claude’s father maintained a good reputation while employed

by AT&T and was known by many fellow employees. Although his father worked a lot to support their family, Cummings declared that his mother instilled within he and his brothers values and morals that have taken him to many places. Therefore, he reverences both of his parents as “true inspirations” in his life.

Claude Cummings, Jr. attended Kashmere High School and was very active while in school. He served as President of his graduating class, Company Commander in ROTC, and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed.” He graduated from Kashmere High School in January of 1970. Afterwards, he attended Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. It was there that he met his wife of 43-years Ruth, who is a native of Selma, Alabama. Eventually, the two of them moved to Houston and began a life and family together. It was during this time that Cummings worked a variety of jobs, but experienced being laid off at many of them.

However, he was determined to excel, and one day he put in an application with AT&T. After growing impatient of waiting for AT&T to make contact with him, he made a decision to enlist in the service.

He proceeded to take a physical and obtained the required prerequisites to enlist.

The very day that he was supposed to report to fill out his final paperwork, he remembers that he was sidetracked. He was on the bus on his way to complete the process for his enlistment and passed by the AT&T employment office. He said, “It was just like a voice in my head that admonished me to get off of the bus and go check on the status of the application I’d put in.” Upon heeding to that voice and

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entering the office the first person he saw was Zorna Jefferson (wife of Howard Jefferson).

Ironically, she was working in the employment office, and he introduced himself. She explained that she was going to give him a call that very same day. She gave him the paperwork to go and take a physical and other employment documentation to fill out. Needless to state, on August 20, 1973, he began a career with AT&T at 1401 Jefferson Street. During his initial employment with AT&T, he worked as a Frame Attendant and Communications Technician, maintaining systems for NASA. Cummings shared that his father had already encouraged him to join the union, so he did and became familiar with others, and was involved in the elections. At that time, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to run for any offices, but he was very supportive of the people who did, and assisted them with getting elected. But, after arrogance rose its head up in some of the officers, he begin to take a step back.

As time passed, one day while in his office he happened to look outside. Immediately, he zoomed in on three secretaries that were sitting under an umbrella outside eating. Two were White and the other Italian. He thought to himself that it was awfully strange, but then dismissed the thought and said within himself, “Well, I guess if they want to eat outside, then they can.” But as the days passed, he realized that they continued to sit outside even in the rain. Finally, he made up his mind to go and inquire of why they were outside eating in the rain. They responded by informing him that members of the union were using up all the money. Many people were calling in about the mis-management and they were told that they couldn’t eat in the restaurant, nor take breaks where the officers took breaks. Instead ,they were told to take their lunches and breaks in the women’s restroom.

AMERICA DISTRICT 6

CONTINUE CUMMINGS PG 4

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African

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Before I lay it down: “Imitation of Life...”

Before I Lay it Down...

By “Coach” Mark Spivey

H

ow can parents go years without talking to their kids? How can children find/contact those parents to get things right? For those of you who have seen the movie called “The Imitation of Life,” you know that it was about the love/hate relationship of a young woman who “passed” for White, even though her mother was Black like me. The daughter was so intrigued by the lives of White folk that she forsook her mom, casting her away like an insignificant creature in the role of

a maid. She denied her lineage, her race, and her ethnicity in order to keep fooling her fiance (who was White) into thinking that she, too, was of the Caucasian persuasion.

With her mom lovingly helping her to conceal the secret, she finally realizes that her decision came with a price. Her mom falls ill, she’s too busy/prideful/selfish to go and see about her until it’s too late. Dear mom dies, forgiving her of her rejective sins as baby girl wallows in a sea of tears...the curtain closes.

I hope that this Spiveytorial touches families similar to the one I just described with a happier ending.

Here goes: Death happens every second of every minute of every hour of every day. Once it has entered the building, only God has the power to remove it by snatching away it’s “sting.” Sooner or later, however,

God allows death to complete its mission to bring His children home.

I’m not sure how God finally decides on who enters heaven and who doesn’t, but I believe in my heart that how we treat each other as parents and children may have a little bit to do with eternity or damnation.

God sanctions the love of the family as highly as He sanctions His love for the church. How then, can family members decide who’s wrong or who’s right when communication between “bloodlines” cease?

I mean how can mothers go four and five years without speaking to their daughters, or how can fathers go generations without talking to their sons? How much pain and/or hate can there be to erase the joys of parenthood and the love of children?

Help me to understand.

Certainly, there will be times

when young people start to “smell themselves” as they enter into adulthood, even to the point where they would dare challenge their parents over the “do-you-think­you’regrown” question. There may even be times that distance is in order while cooler heads prevail, but how long is too long?

There are some unforgiveable things that families do to each other; things that can tear at the very fabric of life itself. And sometimes, that fabric will be torn to the extent that death is the only thing that can stitch it closed. God forbid.

My goal tonight is to get those of you who fit the descriptions of what I have described in this segment to ask yo’self this one question: “What gives me (you) the right to hate your mom/dad/son/daughter soooooo much, that you’d wish that they would die?” If you don’t fix it, you ARE dying, possibly a little faster

Texas • March 2 - 8, 2015 than you assume.

It’s hard for me to fathom that one day I will be parentless; not that I’m hoping that this happens any day soon, but I know it will.

I’ve followed many tributes and memories of those of you who have experienced this already, and I will someday have to ask some of you to pray for me when that time comes. I don’t know if I could handle it. I’m so used to my parents being a phone call away that I sometimes take it for granted. I love seeing my mom smile, marveling at the fact that she had 13 of us, one at a time ..........no twins or triplets. You already know about my dad, the patriarch of the family, who has done an outstanding job of supporting all of his children without my mom ever having to work a day in her life is she didn’t want to.

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Fifty Years Later, Questions About Malcolm X’s Assassination Remain Earl Ofari Hutchinson Author & Political Analyst Read us online! w w w. a f r a m n e w s .c o m

Roy Douglas Malonson Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson

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Chandra Jarmon

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Assistant Editor

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ive years ago Thomas Hagan was paroled after having served 44 years in prison for his part in the murder of Black nationalist leader Malcolm X. Hagan, who went by the name “Talmadge Hayer” at the time of the murder, is the only one of a trio of convicted assassins who ever publicly admitted to killing Malcolm. He bluntly said that he joined the assassination team because of Malcolm’s public attacks on the Nation of Islam.

Hagan’s explanation still doesn’t satisfy many who see much more than a killing by a disaffected, misguided, rogue group of Black assassins. Fifty years after Hagan and the others gunned down Malcolm on Feb. 21, 1965, questions linger around whether there was more -- much more -- to the killing than what Hagan has said. A petition through the White House’s online petition

site has been launched to demand that the federal government release all files related to the Malcolm X assassination. The point of this effort is twofold: 1) to toss the spotlight back on the federal government to determine to what extent, if any, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, other intelligence agencies, and/or police agencies were involved, either knowingly or tacitly, in the killing; and 2) to force government transparency in its dealings with radical activists.

For now, though, the official answer is that Malcolm’s murder was a revenge killing for the bitter and contentious attacks he made on his former mentor and father figure, Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad. Louis Farrakhan candidly admitted years later, “There was not a Muslim who loved the Honorable Elijah Muhammad that did not want to kill Malcolm.” At the time, Farrakhan repeatedly

lambasted Malcolm as a betrayer of the faith. Years later, though, Farrakhan attempted a public reconciliation with Betty Shabazz, Malcolm’s widow, and other family members.

Hagan and his two known accomplices were indeed fanatic followers of Muhammad. But did they really kill Malcolm out of blind vengefulness? Were there others involved? And who stood to benefit the most from Malcolm’s death? Those are the tough questions that demand answers but remain shrouded in mystery.

The men almost certainly hated Malcolm and believed they were being good Muslims by killing him. However, the FBI and the New York City Police Department’s super-secret, elite undercover unit, the Bureau of Special Services (BOSS), also hated Malcolm. They waged a fierce, shadowy, illegal campaign

all original responses from Letter to the Editor Weourwelcome readers to content found in the

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

to undermine Malcolm and the Nation of Islam. They riddled the Nation of Islam and Malcolm’s group, the Organization of AfroAmerican Unity (OAAU), with informants and police agents.

They tailed him on his travels in Africa and the Middle East. FBI and BOSS agents reported every word of his speeches and press conferences.

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979-921-9908 28820 FM 1736 Road Hempstead, TX 77445 Waller County

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Do You Hear What I Hear?: Manhood, Race & Culture

By Dr. James Thomas Jones III

The Despicable Discourse of Our Youth in The Public Arena

O

ne of the most common refrains I remember from the many Sunday School sessions I participated in at Mount Calvary Baptist Church was a partial warning embedded in Proverbs 23:7-- “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...” This scripture has not only transformed into the popular saying of “as a man thinketh, so shall he be,” but also was created to remind the parishioners of Mount Calvary Baptist Church to be mindful of the language they use in the public arena. This lesson admonishes African-Americans to never behave in a manner that would lead to a Black eye being cast upon the race.

Such an occurrence would validate the saying that “a little bit of bad (your individual behavior) will tear down a whole lot of good (all of the race’s achievements).”

It is the potential that the negative antics of a few may mar the entire race that leads me to speak against these foolish individuals who behave in a manner that is generally foreign to African-Americans’ existence. Unfortunately, it is rare for me to be in the presence of African-American youth and not be bombarded with language that would make a sailor blush and antics that would make the most savage individual pause momentarily.

Making matters worse is the reality that the aforementioned uncivilized behavior extends well beyond mere language and actions.

The alluded to incivility now affects the manner that many AfricanAmerican youth and young adults present themselves. It appears that for this latest generation, there is little understanding of the purpose of clothing. For many of our young

women, the skimpier their outfit the better, and for males, even those on collegiate campuses, there appears to be an endless contest to determine who can show the most underwear without their pants falling to the ground.

Although many of our youth would prefer that my generation turn our heads and ignore their displays of incivility, unfortunately, I am unable to ignore their offensive language, inappropriate dress, or gross absence of common sense for one simple reason: this nation’s dastardly record on racial matters has inextricably linked me, and my socially adjusted child, to their foolishness. Although there are few certainties regarding race in America, one thing is certain-- African-Americans, regardless of differing educational levels and economic strata, are inextricably linked together. Hence, the incivility that far too many young AfricanAmericans have made an integral part of their existence, stains not only the uncivilized horde, but also millions of other African-Americans that the horde has no linkage to.

Although I commonly resist the assertion that there is little hope to be found among African-Americans, it does appear that the pride that our ancestors imbued themselves with has slowly eroded to a point of non-existence among many, certainly not all, African-American youth and young adults. In past times, there was a pride to be found among AfricanAmericans. The alluded to pride was expressed through myriad ways; posture, walk, talk, academic achievement, and physical appearance.

Considering the contemporary plight of African-Americans one is left with many unanswered questions. Quite possibly, the most significant query that must be answered is this: is it too late to reverse this well-developed culture of inefficiency and uncivilized living? I pray for all of our sakes that we can reverse it, because if we fail at this endeavor, both they and I are doomed, because we are still inextricably linked together.

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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!

Wanting Something for Nothing Can be Dangerous!

W

hy do so many ‘Black Folk’ want something for Nothing? Maria Bartiromo stated some time ago.

She said, “Don’t ever, ever, believe anyone who tells you that you can just get by, by doing the easiest thing possible. Because there’s always somebody behind you who really wants to do what you’re doing. And they’re going to work harder than you if you’re not working hard.”

I could not agree with this statement more. Not trying to be repetitious, but I just don’t understand why so many Black people just always want something for nothing. There was a time when Black people would work all day long for a little bit of nothing.

Even though only a little was made, it was stretched as far as it could be. Single mothers raised whole families on salaries less than minimum wage and somehow were still able to put their children through college.

During those days, I must add that Black businesses were established as well, and did well in the community. This lets me know that it is not about the amount of money that a person makes, rather it has a lot to do with the decisions, judgements and choices that he or she choses to make with the money they have.

On the other hand, it appears now that too many of the members of our community won’t even try to put forth an effort. I don’t know the reasoning behind it, and even if I did, there is no justification for it, because these different traits and attitudes are being seen by our children and passed down to other generations.

The affects of the damage that this situation is incurring in our communities is growing rapidly, and the only ones

suffering are the people right in our own communities. I must admit that our Brown brothers and sisters are taking advantage of the things that a lot of African-Americans have taken for granted.

They have no problem working as construction workers, janitors, at restaurants and a vast majority of jobs that some Blacks won’t even think twice about doing. As a result, our communities are becoming more impoverished and less able to sustain themselves. Historically Black communities are being taken over and sold out to other cultures because of this element as well.

We MUST Understand that we have an obligation to teach our children to work honestly.

So how can this goal be reached if they do not see the proper role models in the home and in our communities? The“wanting something for nothing” attitude has more affects than most people realize. Addressing the faithful readers of AfricanAmerican News&Issues, if you really want something worth while having, you are going to have to get up and go work for it.

Nothing in this life comes free. Now, please make no mistake of my inferences, because I am not referring to every member of our community, and if it does not apply to you, then I am quite sure that you know someone who it does apply to.

Continuing, in some of our communities there are teenagers breaking into people’s homes, mugging and killing folks for something that someone else has went out to work hard to obtain.

I just don’t get it. Then envy and jealousy swells up in some folk’s heads, just because someone worked for something that they could have, but just failed to do.

- Roy Douglas Malonson

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

This is just the completely wrong attitude to have.

We MUST absolutely understand that these are ills that are currently ruining our neighborhoods, schools, communities and ultimately our youth. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad if it were just the youth but we have grown folks that have the audacity to want “something for nothing,” and then get offended when it is not given to them.

I have no problem with education at all. In fact, I encourage it to the utmost. But there are some of our so-called ‘educated folk’ who are jobless and in the unemployment line right now, because they think that they are too good to take jobs that they feel are beneath them. As a result, our Hispanic counterparts are constantly making money doing the things that Blacks have become to good to do. At the end of the day, I would just really like to reiterate that some members of our communities need to check themselves.

Concluding, if I can share anything with our youth who remain the future of tomorrow, it would be the wise words of James Baldwin. He stated, “the world is before you and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in.”

Ultimately, we should not settle for just anything, but we should strive to make a difference that will positively impact the lives of our young leaders.

They are watching, and if they continue to see the “wanting something for nothing” attitude displayed, it will gravely affect them and the generations that are to follow them.

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Cummings from pg. 1

l-r:

(Backrow) Michael Robertson, Claude Cummings, Jr., (Front row) Earl Sampson & Dave Botts

Much to his chagrin, the ladies even took him to the restroom and showed him where there was a table and a couch set up for the purpose of them eating lunch in there.

Hearing the grave injustice being committed to these women, the following week at the union meeting, Cummings made it his business to speak out about how the union were treating the members. Undoubtably, he gave quite a compelling argument. Because once he finished, there was over 75 women behind him rooting him on. By the time he finished, they simply said, “A leader is born!” It was from that experience that those women took to him and ran a campaign in his honor and he won the election as Vice President of Communication Workers of America, District 6 on a major scale. This proved to be a major accomplishment, because he had no previous knowledge about leading a union, nor had he ever served as a steward like other union candidates seeking this type of position. Cummings stated, “I was just a man that looked out and saw wrong and decided to confront it head on.”

It is also vital to denote that during this era, the local union consisted of predominately White males, so his election to such a seat really spoke volumes.

While serving as Vice President for the union, Cummings was pulled off of his job one day. At that time he was appointed as the Quality of Work Life facilitator.

This position was developed off of a union-company partnership. It served to give employees a voice on

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the job, whereas AT&T wanted to engage employees in the business.

From there, Cummings and his team formed committees where they would discuss issues which decreased the need for people filing grievances and created a platform where employees could address their concerns on a different level. Operating as a facilitator in this sector yielded Cummings with his own office located at 3100 North Main. It enabled him to cross the city talking to various individuals about the Quality of Work Life program.

This feat created a path and avenue for him to build relationships with all types of politicians and contacts. He would go on to serve in this capacity for 12 years.

After continually being shaped

by God, Cummings revealed that there was a White man named BJ Etzel who was the president of the local union at that time. During an interview, Cummings, reminisced of Etzel’s humility and warm personality. Etzel intentionally took off for a year which gave Cummings the opportunity to gain even more exposure. This exposure served to assist him when he ran for president of Communication Workers of America, Local 6222 (representing more than 4,000 members), and won.

Another incident occurred which further complimented his leadership qualities. One of the functions that the union adhered to was the distribution of donations to politicians. There arose a time during Cummings’ administration that he found out certain African-American politicians were not receiving the full amount of their donations, because certain members

C ver St ry

of the union believed that “their seats were safe.” So he took the initiative to change the unbalances to ensure that everyone in his union were treated fairly, regardless of race, gender or any other factors. Another occasion arose and AT&T solicited his help for getting state-wide approval for the newly launched AT&T Uverse at the time. It was a task that could only be done through legislation. Cummings took on the challenge, and went to Austin and lobbied with State Representative Sylvester Turner, Senator Rodney Ellis and other African-American legislators.

Collectively, they were able to get the bill passed. He would go on to remain president for over 11 years.

At a time when Cummings announced that he would be retiring to assist his wife with a printing business that she decided to start, another door was opened. A group of White men within his region from varying states called him and asked him if he would be a candidate for the Regional Executive Vice President of the union, representing members of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. Just being considered for such an appointment was an amazing feat. Primarily because the natural progression of the hierarchical structure to obtain such a seat was that there are several appointed positions that one would serve on first and then become an assistant to the Vice President. At that point, the assistant would be the heir to the position, so it is very seldom that a local president would run for office. Yet, the group that approached Cummings were convinced that he “could better represent them, help rebuild the district, because they were losing jobs, and secure better contracts.” As a result, he was elected in 2011. Two years later, he was able to bargain his first contract.

This entitlement deemed him as the first African-American to negotiate a contract for the union. During his tenure as Regional Executive Vice President, he has already seen great success.

The mild-mannered Cummings rests assured that his father had a great deal of influence with him initiating a career with AT&T, as well as being elected into some of the positions that he found himself

serving in. He stated, “There were times when people thought that I was my father, based merely off of the name similarity. But once they found out that it was his son, they still supported me, noting that if I was anything like him, then I must be alright.” He continued to say, “Through it all, I truly believe that God has always had His hands on me, because there were times when I was unsure of what direction I was going to go in but whenever I made a decision on where I think I was going to go God opened up another door.

I have been blessed with leadership qualities from elementary to junior high to high school.” He added, “To say that some man took me by the hand and guided me through life is just not a true statement. But what I have had was parents who instilled values in me such as integrity, honesty, teachings of making sure your mouth and feet move in the same direction, and above all they kept me grounded in the church.”

Throughout the years, Cummings stated that there have been several individuals who have served as inspirations to him. Amongst them is the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Cummings stated, “I followed Dr. King for many years and remember vividly the day that he was killed.

It was the first time I saw my father cry.” Another motivational character in his life is his brother-in-law, Rev. James Nelson Turifoy, of Chicago, Illinois. “He always gave me advice in life and taught me a great deal as it relates to business.” One of the key things that Rev. Turifoy taught him was “In life when you’re dealing with people with authority and power, it’s best that you put yourself in a position, where they owe you and you don’t owe them.” To this day, Cummings expressed that this method has been one that he has adapted into his own personal and professional life, and it has brought him a long way. He also regards Andrew Burks as a friend that he worked with in his early professional career and they still remain friends to this day.

In regards to his career as a union leader, Cummings expressed, “The joy of my job is being able to help people, especially young Black people. I get asked all the time, when

Texas••August March 12-18, 2 - 8, 2015 Texas 2013

am I going to retire and I tell them, ‘I’m going to retire when I get to the point where I feel like I don’t want to help people anymore.’ He continued to say, “Unions are the last line of defense for the middle-class. Unions built the middle-class, and it’s shrinking. When one percent of the people in a country own the wealth, at what point will the 99 percent wake up and say, ‘enough is enough?’”

When asked of advice to the Black community, he stated, “We should be ashamed of ourselves, because other ethnicities know the power of our vote, but we don’t. We need to wake up and vote and start putting people in office that care about us and our community. I don’t care how rich you are, your vote is no better than mine if I’m poor. Voting is one thing that equals everyone across the border. Something that really bothered me was when the Supreme Court knocked down Section Four of the Voting Rights Act. It was at that time that there should have been rioting all over the country.

But no one barely said a word.” He believes that moments that resulted from slayings such as the Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and James Byrd, Jr. incidents should be turned into movements. To that regard, he has personally committed himself to working actively to put in place Although Cummings tends to operate under a very stressful routine having served as Vice President and President he noted that a person has to be rooted and grounded in something. “That outlet for me is my family and Endurance,” he said, referring to the infamous quartet group that he started with two other friends that he’s sung with since high school (Michael Robertson and Earl Sampson). “When I have gone through a stressful period of time or any difficulty in my life, Endurance brings me all the joy in the world it’s my exhale,” the Vice President assured. He regards that his best experience out of criss-crossing the nation singing the powerful news of the gospel, occurred when they were singing at a prison.

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All African People’s Development and Empowerment Project Celebrates African Martyrs Day

Mother Demba & Ashira Adwoa

HOUSTON - Malcolm X once stated, “If you’re not ready to die for it, put the word ‘freedom’ out of your vocabulary.”

These sentiments were expressed and demonstrated at the recently celebrated 2nd Annual Houston African Martyrs Day. The Annual Houston African Martyrs Day took place at Dupree Park, located at 2400 Dowling Street, 77004. The day’s activities included speakers, dancers, music and veterans of the Black freedom struggle.

A martyr is someone who experiences persecution and death because of their beliefs for a cause they are fighting for. Black martyrs have typically suffered greatly for their beliefs and advocacy for African descendants. Thus, this event has been set aside to remember and pay homage to those individuals who have laid down their lives to ensure that freedom would be bestowed upon the generations that followed them.

The International Day of the African Martyr was first initiated

All African People’s Development and Empowerment Project

by Chairman Omali Yeshitela and the Uhuru Movement in Oakland, California in 1981.

The commemorative day was enacted due to a resolution passing at the First Congress of the African People’s Socialist Party that marked the significance of Malcolm X’s leadership and dedication toward the freedom of Black people.

Ashira Adwoa, the chairwoman of the All African People’s Development and Empowerment Project (AAPDEP), stated that “The day is commemorated on the assassination date of African patriot and martyr Malcolm X, who was killed in Harlem, New York on February 21, 1965.” Although the day signifies the importance of Malcolm X’s life and assassination, it also signifies the struggle and fight by other activists and martyrs of the movement to liberate Black people from oppression, exploitation and inequality.

Adwoa further stated that “since that infamous day, we

have lost many more in the struggle for Black freedom and total liberation from colonialism all over the world. African Martyrs Day is now celebrated all over the world, from here in the U.S., in Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, Sweden, France and on the African continent.”

Adwoa mentioned advocates that contributed to the fight for equality. She stated that “Some of those who paid the ultimate price for freedom include: Houston’s own Carl Hampton, Steve Biko in Occupied Azania, Walter Rodney in Guyana, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, Mike Brown in Ferguson, and the list goes on.”

Adwoa said that celebrating African Martyrs Day is important, because “it is up to us, the living, to keep their legacies alive through struggle. We say they did not die in vain, and we will struggle until social justice is won for every African on the planet earth. Long live the African Martyr. This is a fitting

Mother Aja Zola Dancing to the Tunes of Jonell “The Soulul Violinist”

commemoration for Malcolm and Black history.”

Omowale Kefing, a coordinator for the African Martyrs Day event, has been heavily involved in the Uhuru Movement since 1974 as an activist, writer and organizer. Kefing believes in what the event stands for, because, “it acknowledges that there are those who came before us who have given their lives for Black freedom.” He elaborated by saying that, “I think that first of all it acknowledges the 50th anniversary of the assassination of one of the greatest leaders that have come among us. It pays homage to those who fought for freedom, and Malcolm X was one. It lets our community know that we’re not going to stop until this war is won, and I think it has a positive influence on the community.”

Kefing believes that it will take more than African Martyrs Day to make sure the movement has a lasting impact. “What we’re going to have to do is involve our people in the day-

to-day struggles of our people, because it’s not good enough for us just to come out during Black History Month or a commemoration for Malcolm X, because we need to be together for 365 days a year, and we need to come together for economic development... We are joining the rest of the people in the world in terms of fighting pretty much the same enemy,” he said.

Black martyrs can be traced back as far as the continent of Africa. Their presence and impact have continued from the Middle Passage, throughout slavery, as Jim Crow Laws were in effect, during the Civil Rights Movement, and while the Black Liberation Movement took place. In order to minimize the significance of the Black martyr, many of their names have been forgotten throughout Black history, in hopes that their impact isn’t known. African Martyrs Day helps to honor those known and unknown heroes.

Story By: Erica Ponder Photos Submitted By: Ashira Adwoa TX- 5

6

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

EDITION DATE: MarchRate 2 - 8,and 2015 (Vol. 20 to Issue 6)in• MAAN&I’s size of Ad run Grea T 2 - 8, 2015 Read us online! w w w. a fr a m n e w s. c o m Marketplace EDITION DATE: March 2 - 8, 2015 (V PUBLIC NOTICE EXAS

ACCOUNTANTS

ELECTRONIC Member AICPA

MICHAEL LOVE, CPA

CHEMICAL

PUBLIC NOTICE

Citywide Chemical Janitorial & Commercial Pest Control Company

Request for Qualifications Houston Community College System Northeast College Northline Campus Central Plant as part of the Academic Building and Parking Garage Project I

3521 Jensen St. Houston, TX 77026

Email: mlovecpa@yahoo.com www.michaellovecpa.net 713-666-2900 Office 713-666-2932 Fax 2626 South LoopW, #420 Houston,TX 77054

ALUMNI

B.T. Washington Houston ISD Alumni 281-723-1656 P.O. Box 10625

713/227-4808 or 4809 Janitorial Supplies

Charles SAME DAY FREE DELIVERY Dawson US METRO Dawson Chemical Chemical & Janitorial Supply Company

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

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CHURCH

Antioch M.B.C.

Houston, Tx 77206 -American News&Issues • Texas •(713) February 10-16, 2010• 7 Antioch 692-5333

G.W. Carver School Alumni of Aldine ISD 713-806-9889

Missionary 5902 Beall St. Baptist

CHURCH ADS Houston, Tx 77091 Church 5902 Beall St.

antiochmbc85@yahoo.com

BAPTIST 77091 Houston, Tx

P.O. Box 551056

SUNDAY SUNDAY SERVICES Sunday School ~ 9am SERVICE Morning Worship ~ 10:45am

ATTORNEY’S

8 AM and 11 AM 713 692-5333 BIBLE STUDIES

Evening Worship ~ 7pm

Barnes & Turner Attorneys At Law

1880 Lyric Centre’ Houston, Texas 77002 (713) 650-3688/ office (713) 650-0308/fax bbarnes@barnesturner.com

SUPPORT

Rev. F.N. Williams, Sr. Pastor

“A Traditional Church with the Anointing”

Houston, Tx 77055

440 Louisiana Street

Request for Proposals Houston Community College System Northeast College Northline Campus Central Plant as part of the Academic Building and ParkingTitle: Garage Heading Project I Public Notices

Sales-Service-Supplies Wholesale-Retail

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

antiochmbc85@yahoo.com

Wednesday 7:30PM

Leonard N. Barksdale, Pastor Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church

Tribble & Stephens Construction, Ltd. is soliciting qualifications from certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Subcontractors and Suppliers for the HCCS Northeast College Northline Campus Central Plant Project, located at 8001 Fulton Street Houston, Texas 77022.

Competitive proposals are currently being solicited for all Divisions of Work for this project to be received by 2:00 pm on Thursday March 12, 2015. Please visit us at our website at www.tribblestephens.com to obtain the necessary prequalification forms. Interested firms should send their completed prequalification information package to: Tribble & Stephens Construction, Ltd. Attn: Estimating 8588 Katy Freeway, Suite 100 Houston, Texas 77024 Please submit all questions via email to Justin Harris at jharris@tribblestephens.com.

P.O.#

Aldine ISD 11718Photo: South Wilcrest Houston, TX 77099

elimination. Other schools would be Smith, Stovall, Harris and Hill, BLACK CHAMBER all based on the same criteria. Students of magnet that had Acresprograms Homes Chamber been eliminated would &return to for Business Eco. Dev. their home campus and given first 713-692-7161 priority for available slots in other Wheatley St magnet programs,6112 with the excepHouston, TX 77091who tion of 4th grade students, will be given the option of continuing at Houston Academy. Staff will be placed intoHIS vacantSHOULD positions on other campuses.

The order would have given the BE YOUR D magnet program a protected status HOU-6 and funds from the government would have been provided for their operation. Also, several events and

T

A !

N C Lt Fa A 85 H

Documents will be available (for download or to order hard copies) on iSqFt at www.isqft.com, or from B&E Reprographics, 3664 Walnut Bend Lane, Suite A, Houston, Texas 77042, Telephone: 713-243-7200, Fax: 888-513-6872, email: berepro@berepro.com.

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Competitive proposals will be received until 2:00 pm on Company: &atStephens Construction, Thursday MarchTribble 12, 2015 the offices of Tribble & Ltd. Stephens LtdPhone: 713-554-7024 located at 8588 Katy Freeway, Suite 100, Houston, Texas Fax: 713-973-7107 77024 for the following trade items: demolition, traffic Address for tearsheets/copies: control, earthwork, pavement markings, site utilities, fencing, landscaping andFreeway, irrigation, concrete, 8588 Katy Suite 100 masonry, structural steelHouston, & miscellaneous metals fabrication and erection, rough Texas 77024 carpentry, waterproofing, roofing, hollow metal doors, frames & finish hardware, glass & glazing, flooring, signage, fire extinguishers & cabinets,AD fire COST protection, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, fire alarm, data cabling, security systems, and $633.60 lightning protection. Faxed Proposals are acceptable. Please fax to 713-973-7107.

Large Round Bales Marketplace Heading Please281-445-0971 sign for approval andHay fax back to (713) 692-1183 Call 979-921-9908 PHOTOGRAPHY Help Wanted 7411 Wheatley St. T HIS SHOULD ( by 12 NOON Wednesday for next Monday’s publication.

Houston, TX 77088 8am-4pm) Please sign for approval and fax back to Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church members will endeavor to provide a CREATIVE COLOURS BY RJ HELP WANTED strong foundation of love; we will stand Galilee M.B. by 12 Wednesday forContact nextInformation Monda 713-734-1442 BENOON YOUR A D! on Biblical Truths; and Church we will equip Johnson Funeral Home Name: Ray Allen 4300 Noble Street, Houston TX 77020 Ph: 713/675-5111 • Fx: 713/675-1522

ils

BEAUTY SHOP

Tribble & Stephens Construction Ltd. is soliciting competitive proposals from qualified Subcontractors and Suppliers for the Central Plant Project, located at Houston Community College System’s Northeast College Northline Campus at 8001 Fulton Street Contact Houston, Information: Texas 77022.

This is the price and size for Help Wanted ad to run in Please submit allPrint questions viaEdition email to Justin Harris at jharGreater Houston ris@tribblestephens.com.

February 23 - March 1, 2015 Vol. 20 Issue 5 HAY FOR SALE Tribble & Stephens is committed to HCCS’s Small Business FUNERAL HOME Development Program and will strive to maximize established March 2 - March 8, 2015 Vol. 20goalsIssue 6 small business participation program for this project.

Horse Quality Boyd Funeral Home Tribble & Stephens is committed to HCCS’s Small Business Development Program and will strive to maximize established small business participation program goals for this project.

sus Christ in our community and in our back to 713-692-1183 Please sign for approval and fax 713-747-9604 THOSE WHOM world.

O run.

D D.S.before Bailey Lane 5730 Calhoun Rd. ad will not by 12 NOON Wednesday the6616 week Monday publication or the r Houston, TX 77021 Houston, TX 77091 P.O. Number SUPPORT YOU! CHURCH OF CHRIST e

er school Signature enrichment programs are of-5:45 daily. Reese will be unaffected by NATURAL KREATIONS

ARCH

Guiding Light Inspirational Sunday Church Morning BibleBaptist Class Signature

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9:30 a.m.

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Chorus Group Rehearsal 7:30 p.m.

LOCKWOOD Funeral Home, Inc.

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FLOWER SHOP

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MONDAY

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ReadWorship us online www.aframnews.com Bible Class Worship Worship

Date

Signature

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African-American News&Issues is searching for for community news chasers.

Follow what goes on in your community and report on it Call 713-692-1892 For more information

HUNTING

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Let Your Business Ad Be Seen Here

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

TEXAS • MARCH 2 - 8, 2015

C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T S

4 5

March

Wednesday Carnaval of Cultures University of Houston Lynn Eusan Park Houston, TX 77004 From 12pm - 7:00pm Thursday

What’s Happenin’ 7 Saturday 7 Saturday Pilgrim Rest MissionExcerpt Live ary Baptist Church 150th Church Anniversary Parade Walter Rasmus Park Jeanetta & :Lipan St. Houston, TX 77063 Beginning at 9:00am For more info contact (713) 782 - 3902 Saturday Woman be Restored

7

Christian Girlfriends Alliance

Guest Speaker Claude Cummings, Jr. Vice President, Communications Workers of America

Acres Home Chamber for Business & Economic Development, Inc. Networking Luncheon 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 11am -12:30pm For more info contact: Anthony Stewart (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org

Mar 6 - 8

Friday, Saturday & Sunday Je’Caryous Johnson’s Stageplay: “Things Your Man Won’t Do” Hobby Center 800 Bagby St. Houston, Texas 77002 For more info contact: (713) 315 - 2400

Crowne Park Plaza Hotel 12801 Northwest Freeway Houston, TX 77040 From 10:00am to 4:00pm For more info visit www.eventbrite.com Saturday It’s Your Time!!!

Leadership Symposium The Council on Alcohol & Drugs 303 Jackson Hill St Houston, TX 77007 From 11:00am to 1:00pm For more info visit www.freshspirit.org Saturday Excerpt Live featuring “Walking down the Aisle” By: Demez White The Ensemble Theater 3535 Main St Houston, TX 77002 From 3:30pm to 6:30pm For more info visit

7

7

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/theexcerpt-live-experience-tickets

7

7

Saturday Stop Child Hunger Event Hosted by: Tau Zeta Omega of Alpha Kappa Alpha 535 Portwall St. Houston, TX 77029 From 8:00am to 12:00pm For more info visit houstonfoodbank.civicore.com/ index.php?section=indGpRegis trations&action=conditional&f

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

7

Saturday Black Teen & Youth Explosion featuring Dr. Umar Johnson 5309 MLK Jr Dr Houston, TX 77021 From 11am to 2pm For more info contact: (832) 274-6691

Saturday Stoney the Road We Trod featuring Dr. Umar Johnson 5309 MLK Jr Dr Houston, TX 77021 From 6pm to 9pm For more info contact: (832) 274-6691

featuring “Walking down the Aisle” By: Demez White The Ensemble Theater 3535 Main St Houston, TX 77002 From 3:30pm to 6:30pm For more info visit

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/theexcerpt-live-experience-tickets

Mar 7 - 8

Saturday - Sunday Ultimate Louisiana Party Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar 1031 East 24th St..

Houston, Texas 77009 From 12:00pm - 1:00am.

For more info contact: (225) 802 - 9681

African

American News&Issues

7

Black Kollectibles & F lowers

Funerals * Hospitals * Birthdays * Anniversaries * Sympathy Weddings * Valentine’s * Easter * Mother’s/Father’s Day * Schools & More

We !

Deliver

Mar 7 - 8

Saturday -Sunday UH Student Program Board presents Six Flags Texas 4800 Calhoun Rd,.

Houston, TX 77204 From 6:30am to 12:00pm For more info contact (832) 842-6217 or email studentprogramboard@uh.edu

Rubber Plant

March 7 - 8

$50.00

Saturday - Sunday The Urban Slide Minute Maid Park 501 Crawford St. Houston, TX 77002 From 10:00am to 5:00pm For more info contact: (713) 259-8000 or visit

8

Availa ble Now!

www.theurbanslide.com

Sunday Lakewood Church welcomes Bishop T.D. Jakes 3700 Southwest Fwy. Houston, TX 77027 From 11:00am to 12:30pm For more info visit www.lakewoodchurch.com Tuesday HBU Band Concert Houston Baptist University 7502 Fondren Rd. Houston, TX 77074 Beginning at 7:30pm For more info contact HBU (281) 649 - 3000

10

Corn Plant

$55.00

Flowers for All Occasions 100% Black Owned We A ppr eciate Our Customer s

Major s Card Credit ed Accept

Store Hours Mon. - Fri. 8am - 5pm

713-692-1100

6130 Wheatley Street Houston, Texas 77091

HOU-7

8

African

American News&Issues

New Macedonia M.B.C.

First Lady Alice E. & Pastor Danny R. Hector, Jr.

HOUSTON - African-American News&Issues presents the New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Danny R. Hector, Jr. as our religion profile of the week. The history of New Macedonia begins with the organization of the body of Christ through the late Rev. Ed Williams in January of 1942.

The area in which the church was organized was known as Sawdust Alley, which is currently an apartment complex now known as The Sumpter Plaza Apts. The initial meeting for the church was held at the home of Bro. Dial Gilmore.

Rev. Williams called the meeting to order. It was initiated with a hymn, scripture reading and prayer, along with ten dedicated people of God. The agenda included selecting officers and choosing a church name. Every one agreed to name their new organism New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Rev.

Williams was chosen as the first Pastor. During that meeting, their first member was received, which was Bro. C.B. Johnson, whom later became a deacon.

The church services were held at 2107 Lee Street for three months until property was purchased at 2106 Hailey. Initially, it was a tent-like structure with a sawdust floor. In 1947, a small wood-framed building was erected. Then in June of 1955, the building at 2106 Hailey Street was built. In December of 1955, Rev. Ed Williams went on to be with the Lord.

In 1956, the church called Rev. A.B. Thompson to pastor New Macedonia. He remained a faithful leader until his passing two years later. In November of 1958, the church then called Rev. George Willie Persons to lead the flock. Under his leadership, several auxiliaries were created. In 1972, additional land was purchased to further enhance the

RELIGI N

church. Rev. Persons was pastor until his passing on December 15, 1987.

Dr. Danny R. Hector, Sr. was chosen to be the shepherd over the New Macedonia flock in May of 1988. Under his leadership and guidance through the Holy Spirit, several auxiliaries were organized along with a scholarship fund.

Additionally, under his leadership the church was enhanced both spiritually and financially. Not only was the church able to purchase additional property, but in the spring of 1997, God allowed the members of New Macedonia to march into a brand new edifice located at it’s present address of 2107 Gregg Street. As time passed, many enhancements were made to the new facility and property, and with the aid of the Holy Ghost, as the Lord guided Dr. Hector, Sr. and his members; the building was paid off on Victory Sunday, July 6th, 2003.

Dr. Hector, Sr.’s tenure as pastor has proved to be a blessing, according to the flock that he shepherds.

During his administration, several milestones have been reached, which benefited the church tremendously.

Church by-laws were officially chartered with the State of Texas and several deacons were ordained. Five brothers confessed to the ministry, some of which were ordained by Pastor Hector, Sr., including: Rev. Sam Dominique, Jr., Rev. David Gray, Rev. Danny R. Hector, Jr., Rev. Charleston Williams and Rev. Adrian Wynn. Dr. Hector, Sr. was proud that several sons of the ministry have been called to higher heights and are now pastors of their own churches. Amongst them are: current Pastor Danny R. Hector, Jr., Pastor Darren Payne, Pastor B.K. Williams, and Pastor Charleston Williams.

Continuing, Dr. D.R. Hector, Sr.

continued to successfully enhance the growth of this church until he was called from “labor to reward” on November 4, 2005. Accordingly, the legacy is still ever present within the church today. Afterwards, Rev. D.R. Hector, Jr. was promoted from Youth Pastor to the Assistant Pastor in 1999.

Rev. D.R. Hector, Jr. was rewarded for his loyalty and faithful service to his father and this church by being voted unanimously as the next Pastor of New Macedonia on December 18, 2005. Rev. Hector was officially installed as pastor on April 2, 2006.

Since that time, he has proven his exceptional skills as a leader through the implementation and administration of strategic ministry. Also, the spiritual and numerical health of the church has increased, as well as the finances. Adamant about living the life he preaches and teaches about, Pastor Hector has ensured the churches finances and administrative records are corporately structured to meet state and federal requirements.

His vision also included implementing Project Trinity in July 2006, II Chronicles 2:4-5. This project involved three phases consisting of: renovation the current edifice, removal of the old edifice/fellowship center by clearing 2106 Hailey and the reconstruction of a modern facility. The purpose of the new facility is to accommodate the church’s needs for extra classrooms, banquet facility and a fellowship center. With the aid of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Hector, Jr. spear-headed the completion of Phase I of Project Trinity, which included internal and external renovations and improvements of the church. Under Pastor Hector’s spiritual guidance, the church continues to advance to higher heights. The teaching phases of the church are continually

Texas • March 2 - 8, 2015

OBITUARY In Loving Memory

Eloise Yvonne Hollomon 1921 - 2014 enhanced spiritually, financially and numerically as the church school and mission meetings are an exciting way for the church family to increase biblical knowledge and promote spiritual growth. Under Pastor Hector, Jr.’s leadership, the mission at New Macedonia is to“provide as a team the appropriate spiritual level of care that will nurture spiritual growth and development within the entire church family.” Throughout his years of service to the church, the city and the community, Pastor Hector, Jr., has solidified his reputation as an anointed teacher, an exceptional administrator and a gifted motivational speaker.

For more information about the church or to worship with New Macedonia, stop by 2107 Gregg St., 77026. To contact the church about upcoming events or services, contact (713) 225-6901, email youarewelcome@nmmbc-tx.org, or visit their website at www.nmmbc-tx.org.

A form of religion practiced by the millions, but as misunderstood, and unreal to the majority as gravitation is to the untutored savage. We profess to live in the atmosphere of Christianity, yet our acts are as barbarous as if we never knew Christ. He taught us to love, yet we hate; to forgive, yet we revenge; to be merciful, yet we condemn and punish, and still we are Christians. If hell is what we are taught it is, then there will be more Christians there than days in all creation. To be a true Christian one must be like Christ and practice Christianity, not as the Bishop does, but as he says, for if our lives were to be patterned after the other fellow’s all of us, Bishop, Priest and Layman would ultimately meet around the furnace of hell, and none of us, because of our sins, would see salvation. ~ Marcus Garvey TX-8

Educati n/Y uth HoFFMaN MiddLe ScHooL TSa Texas HBCU Corner

Texas • March 2 - 8, 2015

ALDINE ISD - Hoffman Technology Student Association (TSA) recently competed at the regional, state-qualifying competition held at Atascocita Middle School.

Hoffman’s teams competed in a problem-solving event to design a track for a marble to roll down, taking the longest time possible, without stopping or rolling off the board. Sirrianda Mbianda and Jeremiah Thompson were the winners of the middle school event, beating out Hoffman’s other team by approximately 5 seconds. Hoffman Middle School was the only middle school in the region competing in the event.

Mbianda and Thompson will represent Hoffman at the State Competition being held in Waco this April. They will join other students from Hoffman who are advancing to state, competing in Student Designed Rocket Launch, Junior Solar Sprint, and Artistic Graphic Design. So far, Sirrianda and Jeremiah will be joined by Nicole Franco and Bobianna Hill, competing in Junior Solar Sprint. Sirrianda will also be joined by Elijah Kearney and Nicholas Adams to compete in Student Designed Rocket Launch.

Club sponsor and CTE teacher Richard Houdek said “I am extremely proud to have such hard working youth on our team.” Hoffman’s current TSA teams are the first teams attending state competition.

ideNTiFYiNG GiFTed & TaLeNTed KiNdeRGaRTeN STUdeNTS

HOUSTON ISD - HISD’s work to identify gifted and talented kindergarten students will be completed on schedule, now that a testing company has addressed the district’s concerns about the credibility of one of the exams used in the G/T identification process.

HISD administrators began reviewing the G/T identification process earlier this month after being informed by the testing company of an anomaly in the scoring of the kindergarten Iowa Test of Basic Skills. The test — which places students on a national scale and shows how they compare with their peers across the country — is one of several factors used to identify students for HISD’s G/T Program.

Other factors include report cards, teacher recommendations, and performance on the Cognitive Abilities Test.

District administrators, as well as the test makers, believe this is an acceptable solution for this year. HISD has asked the testing company to provide parents with revised scores. Families who have applied for Vanguard magnet programs for G/T students will be notified of the results at the end of March.

9

HoRace a. YoUNG LeaViNG TSU

TEXAS SOUTHERN - Horace Alexander Young, a jazz musician and former educator at Texas Southern University, has joined Santa Fe University of Art and Design (SFUAD) as chair of the university’s Contemporary Music Department.

Young holds a Bachelor of Music degree from TSU. His teaching roles were first as visiting associate professor of Jazz Studies and later as interim director of Jazz Studies. He conducted the award-winning Jazz Experience Big Band and served as the musical director of the Joe Sample Jazz Orchestra.

In addition to performing and recording with artists all over the world, Young authored the book Improvising Jazz Flute and has bylined articles in journals such as Flute Talk, American Music Teacher, Flute Focus and Gig Magazine. In 1993, Young was invited to conduct the National Symphony of South Africa for a televised concert to honor the South African–born Abdullah Ibrahim (formerly known as “Dollar Brand”). In so doing, Young became the first African American to conduct an orchestra in that country.

PVaMU aRcHiTecTURe GRadUaTe aSSiGNed To $165 MiLLioN PRoJecT

STePHaNie HeRNaNdeZ

PRAIRIE VIEW - Stephanie Hernandez, a brand new graduate from the School of Architecture, is featured in the Fall 2014 BARA Building Parkland Project Newsletter. Hernandez landed a coveted internship to work with BARA, a joint venture team formed to provide construction management services, on a large hospital project last summer. Her duties included assisting the inspection team with the final punch list and close-out for the project. Upon her graduation in December, Hernandez was hired permanently by Azteca Enterprises, a member of the BARA joint venture team, as a project engineer and assigned to $165 million Irving Music Factory project.

PVAMU congratulates its Productive Engineer and recent alum, Stephanie Hernandez!

Support OUR Texas HBCUs! If WE don’t, then who will?

adVaNceS To STaTe coMPeTiTioN

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

TX-9

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

CHILDREN MUST BE VACCINATED! Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson TX 30th Dist.

In 1796, Edward Jenner propelled medical research and public health forward when he invented the first vaccine. Cowpox, a less deadly form of smallpox, infected milkmaids via sores on a cow’s body. Jenner correctly tested his hypothesis that a cowpox infection could protect a person from smallpox. Until the true development and distribution of vaccines, epidemics such as whooping cough, smallpox, measles, yellow

fever, and rubella had ravaged cities throughout the world.

Even with Jenner’s discovery, the 1800s was a difficult time for public health. While the National Vaccine Agency was established in the United States in order to encourage individuals to vaccinate themselves in 1813, poor hygiene practices and the emergence of additional infectious diseases slowed the development of vaccines and increased global outbreaks. Two thirds of the soldiers who lost their lives in the American Civil War were killed by uncontrolled infectious diseases. Yellow fever crippled the Mississippi Valley while measles ravaged Native American tribes in Arizona. At the end of the century the U.S. faced its first polio epidemic.

BITE INTO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The theme for 2015 is “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle,” which encourages everyone to adopt eating and physical activity plans that are focused on consuming fewer calories, making informed food choices and getting daily exercise in order to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic disease and promote overall health.

TX-10

It is important for AfricanAmericans to take a closer look into maintaing their health due to the high statstics of poor health.

Cultural factors, including traditional diets and exercise habits, can increase obesity among some minority groups, particularly African-Americans and Hispanics. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), only about one-fourth of U.S. adults eat the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. African-Americans consume less than half the amount of vegetables that Caucasians consume.

Health organizations estimate that

Health

During the 1900s, vaccine research and development experienced significant progress.

Scientists discovered methods for growing and treating viruses in the laboratory. Researchers not only created the first polio vaccine, they were also able to focus on common infectious diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella. U.S. law also backed vaccinations. In 1905, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of mandatory smallpox vaccines to preserve public health. By 1922, many schools required a smallpox vaccine before a child could attend.

Because of vaccine research and routine immunizations, an infectious disease that was categorized as uncontrollable a century earlier was successfully eradicated.

Since the implementation of vaccines, instances of whooping cough

300,000 people in the United States die each year from obesity-related diseases. Obesity can lead to diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even some cancers. Obesity rates have doubled among children and tripled among teenagers since 1980, with unhealthy diet and lack of exercise contributing to this epidemic. Obesity could soon overtake smoking as the leading killer of Americans.

ACCORDING TO HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS: • More than half of African-American.

• One in four AfricanAmerican women over age 55 has diabetes.

• 2.7 million AfricanAmericans over age 20 have been diagnosed with diabetes.

That accounts for 13 percent of all African-Americans.

• African-American women have the highest prevalence of obesity at 50.8 percent.

• Among women, the black population has the highest prevalence of overweight (78 percent) and obesity (50.8 percent).

• African-Americans are at higher risk for hypertension than any other race or ethnic group.

SOURCE: nationalnutritionmonth.org & freshfromflorida.com

TEXAS • MARCH 2 - 8, 2015

have decreased by 81 percent, measles by 99 percent, and mumps by 99 percent.

While many countries still struggle with outbreaks of diseases eradicated from the U.S. decades ago, some in our country choose to forego the availability of state-ofthe-art medicines and choose not to vaccinate their children. Ultimately, this jeopardizes the health of the general public. Just last month, visitors to Disneyland in California were exposed to measles, causing at least 100 cases identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Unfortunately, parents who choose not to vaccinate their children are also making a choice for the individuals that their children contact. Herd immunity, an important benefit of widespread vaccination, helps to protect

DID YOU KNOW?

The month of March has been set aside in observance of one of the most important anniversaries for deaf Americans.

April 15, 1817 was the establishment of the first public school for the deaf in America, later known as The American School for the Deaf.

In Texas, the estimated population ages 18-64 with hearing disability is 357,574 out of 15,858,474.

BLACK DEAF CULTURE THROUGH THE LENS OF BLACK DEAF HISTORY In case you did not know, Black Deaf people have one of the most unique cultures in the world. The Black Deaf Community is largely shaped by two cultures and communities: Deaf and African-American.

Some Black Deaf individuals view themselves as members of both communities. Since both communities are viewed by the larger, predomi-

people who cannot be vaccinated because of age or pre-existing medical conditions by ensuring that everyone they come in contact with is immunized. However, as more and more people refuse routine immunizations, the risk of outbreak is much worse. In 2014, the U.S. experienced the worst measles and whooping cough outbreaks in decades.

As a non-practicing registered nurse, parent, and grandparent, I assure my constituents that the benefit of routine immunization is invaluable. Like any medical procedure, vaccines can carry some risks. However, the benefit of vaccines certainly outweighs the risks.

The reality is that vaccines are the best defense we have against diseases that are both controllable and preventable.

nately hearing and White society as comprising a minority community, Black Deaf persons often experience double prejudice against them in terms of racial discrimination and communication barriers. Black Deaf women may experience three strikes of prejudice against them due to their race, Deafness, and sexist practices that prevail in our male dominated culture.

These discriminatory practices can be traced back to the segregation era during the 17th to mid 20th centuries. Black Deaf individuals were not accepted in either the Deaf or the African-American community.

Black organizations like the NAACP, the SCLC, and the National Urban League were focused exclusively on fighting for equality and equal rights for the African-American community. The concerns of the Black Deaf community were not the focus of national civil rights organizations such as NAACP, SCLC, and the National Urban League. The Black Deaf community had no communication access with these national civil rights organizations and their leaders. The ideal fight for equal access would point to joining with Deaf organizations. Unfortunately, Black Deaf people were prohibited from joining Deaf organizations and clubs.

CONTINUE READING AT: SOURCE: dcmp.org & metrocreativegraphics.com

TEXAS • MARCH 2 - 8, 2015

Capital Corner

L cal & State

“CAMPUS CARRY” & “OPEN CARRY” BILLS

State Senator Rodney Ellis District 13

AUSTIN - Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on State Affairs, released the following statement today regarding the Committee’s hearing on SB 11 and SB 17, the socalled “campus carry” and “open carry” bills: “There are an endless number of more pressing challenges facing this legislature, from investing in and improving our state’s neighborhood schools, to providing access to quality, affordable health care for the millions of uninsured Texans, to ensuring economic opportunity for all hard working Texas families. I’m disappointed we’re not working together to make progress in addressing these problems instead of making SB 11 and SB 17 the Senate’s first priorities.”

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM SCREENINGS FOR UNIVERSITY INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE

State Rep.Sylvester Turner District 139

AUSTIN - State Representative Sylvester Turner (Houston), State Representative Wayne Smith (Baytown), State Representative Dan Huberty (Houston), and Scott Stephens, President of the Cody Stephens Go Big or Go Home Memorial Foundation, urged the Texas Legislature to support legislation that will allow for electrocardiogram screenings (ECGs) as part of the University Interscholastic League (UIL) preparticipation requirements for student athletes.

The legislators have introduced HB 677, HB 767, and HB 779, respectively. Representatives of medical and educational entities joined today in support of the legislation, including Pat Shuff, CEO of Cypress ECG; Dr. Keith Moore, Superintendent of Crosby ISD; Holly Farmer and Pamela Velasco of August Heart, as well as numerous other medical professionals and supporters.

Sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of death among school-age athletes. Further, student athletes are 4.5 times more likely to die from sudden cardiac death than students not participating in competitive sports. Though

student athletes in Texas are currently required to receive a physical in order to participate in UIL activities, the traditional physical does not sufficiently detect the underlying cardiac abnormalities that can lead to sudden cardiac death. An ECG provides for greater detection of cardiovascular diseases that predispose athletes to sudden cardiac death.

"This bill would save the lives of student athletes who are currently in danger of sudden cardiac death because they have an undiagnosed condition", said Rep. Sylvester Turner.

"These deaths are preventable and we have the resources to inform Texas parents if their child is at risk. The legislation does not require parents to take any medical action in response to an ECG. Regardless of the information the ECG provides, any medical decisions regarding the student athlete remain at the parent's discretion."

Currently, student athletes are required to have physicals and parents are responsible for this cost. The cost of ECGs can range from $015 and many schools districts provide ECGs for free.

"It was an easy decision to author a bill that would require heart screenings for student athletes who already take physicals before they play. If we can save even one kid's life, it will be worth it, " said Rep. Wayne Smith.

"In an attempt to ensure the health and safety of our Texas students, I, and several other members, will be partnering with the Cody Stephens Foundation to monitor the heart health of UIL athletes - our children", said Rep. Dan Huberty. "It is essential that we protect every student's life to the best of our ability and the Cody Stephen's bill will go a long way to ensure that we do just that."

African

American News&Issues

11

INCREASE TEXAS’ MINIMUM WAGE

State Rep. Sefronia Thompson District 141

AUSTIN- State Representative Senfronia Thompson (D- Houston) filed House Bill 1590, to raise Texas’ minimum wage. In 2001, Rep. Thompson authored Texas’ last minimum wage bill and now with HB 1590, she continues her fight to help working Texans.

“With the high price of food, clothing and rent always on the rise, we must keep up with the fast changes our economy faces. This pay raise is way overdue,” Representative Thompson said, “It is ridiculous that a single parent with two to three

children working anywhere from 53-70 hours a week on minimum wage can still be living in poverty with the necessity to depend on governmental assistance.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 3 out of 5 small business owners surveyed in 2014 supported a minimum wage increase stating it will help boost the economy by putting more money in families’ pocketbooks, which will be spent on goods and services. In addition, economists have shown through various studies that raising the minimum wage has not had a negative effect on employment but instead increased business’ productivity in low-skilled workers and reduced employee turnover and training cost. Texans ages 20 years and older and women will benefit the most in raising the minimum wage.

“HB 1590 is a small price to pay for the working people of Texas. I’m trying to find a level we can pass given the current makeup of our legislature,” said Thompson, “Any increase will help.”

House Bill 1590 will set the minimum wage at $8.25. The U.S. Congress has failed at several attempts to raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10, despite overwhelmingly public support to increase it.

APPOINTMENT OF A SPECIAL PROSECUTOR

AUSTIN -- Texas House Democratic Whip Ron Reynolds (Fort Bend County-D, District 27) released the following statement after filing House Bill 1840: “Jordan Baker. Mike Brown. Eric Garner. There are blatant problems with the criminal justice system, and many of you have demanded change,” said Rep. Reynolds. “I want change as well. I am proud to announce the filing of HB 1840, which would require the appointment of a special prosecutor when there is an officer-involved injury or death.”

He continued,“The special prosecutor, appointed by the Attorney General, would be from a different area than that which is served by the officer. Texas needs an independent, impartial, specially appointed prosecutor to handle these most sensitive incidents. Fostering trust in the criminal justice system is a worthy reason to change procedure. The intent of HB 1840 is to take a positive step toward a better criminal justice system in Texas.”

State Rep.Ron Reynolds District 27

CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOUNDATION “I am pleased to announce that I will be serving on the Board of Directors for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. The CBCF is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization specifically positioned to carry out the mission of developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public to advance the Black community. I am delighted that several of these programs consistently touch lives in extraordinary ways such as their Internship and Fellowship program that prepares college students and young professionals to become principled leaders, skilled policy analysts, and informed advocates by exposing them to the processes by which national policies are State Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee District 18 developed and implemented on Capitol Hill and in the federal government.

I look forward to working closely with the community of Houston and the CBCF on various projects in the future. I am proud to be a part of a 40 year legacy of stakeholders committed to making a difference in the lives of the global Black community.

TX-11