African-American News&Issues

Vol. 17 Issue 51

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January 14-20, 2013 | FREE

A Legendary Giant

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As we get ready to celebrate what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King’s 84th birthday, we take a look back over his life and the legacy.

As stated from The King Center in Atlanta, Georgia, during the less than 13 years of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s leadership of the modern American Civil Rights Movement, from December, 1955 until April 4, 1968, AfricanAmericans achieved more genuine progress toward racial equality in America than the previous 350 years had produced. Dr. King is widely regarded as America’s pre-eminent advocate of nonviolence and one of the greatest nonviolent leaders in world history.

Born at noon on Tuesday, January 15, 1929 at the family home in Atlanta, Martin Luther King, Jr. was the first son and second child born to the Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. and Alberta Williams King. He married Coretta Scott, the younger daughter of Obadiah and Bernice McMurry Scott of Marion, Alabama, on June 18, 1953. The marriage ceremony took place on the lawn of the Scott’s home in Marion, Alabama.

The Rev. King, Sr. performed the service, with Mrs. Edythe Bagley, the sister of Coretta Scott King as maid of honor, and the Rev. A.D. King, the brother of Martin Luther King, Jr., as best man.

Four children were born to Dr. and Mrs. King: Yolanda Denise (November 17, 1955, Montgomery, Alabama); Martin Luther III (October 23, 1957, Montgomery, Alabama); Dexter Scott (January 30, 1961, Atlanta, Georgia); Bernice Albertine (March 28, 1963, Atlanta, Georgia).

Drawing inspiration from both his Christian faith and the peaceful teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. King led a nonviolent movement in the late 1950’s and ‘60s to achieve legal equality for African-Americans in the United States.

See Life and Legacy on page 2

Rev. Floyd Nathaniel Williams, Sr., Antioch Missionary Baptist Church See Legendary Giant on page 10

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Celebrating the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Life and Legacy from page 1

While others were advocating for freedom by “any means necessary,” including violence, Martin Luther King, Jr. used the power of words and acts of nonviolent resistance, such as protests, grassroots organizing, and civil disobedience to achieve seemingly-impossible goals. He went on to lead similar campaigns against poverty and international conflict, always maintaining fidelity to his principles that men and women everywhere, regardless of color or creed, are equal members of the human family.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

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Dr. King’s most important achievements include: ~In 1955, he was recruited to serve as spokesman for the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was a campaign by the African-American population of Montgomery, Alabama to force integration of the city’s bus lines. After 381 days of nearly universal participation by citizens of the Black community, many of whom had to walk miles to work each day as a result, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in transportation was unconstitutional. ~In 1957, Dr. King was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), an organization designed to provide new leadership for the now burgeoning civil rights movement. He would serve as head of the SCLC until his assassination in 1968, a period during which he would emerge as the most important social leader of the modern American civil rights movement.

In 1963, he led a coalition of numerous civil rights groups in a nonviolent campaign aimed at Birmingham, Alabama, which at the time was described as the “most segregated city in America.” The subsequent brutality of the city’s police, illustrated most vividly by television images of young Blacks being assaulted by dogs and water hoses, led to a national outrage resulting in a push for unprecedented civil rights legislation. It was during this campaign that Dr. King drafted the “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” the manifesto of Dr. King’s philosophy and tactics, which is today required-reading in universities worldwide. Later in 1963, Dr. King was one of the driving forces behind the March for Jobs and Freedom, more commonly known as the “March on Washington,” which drew over a quartermillion people to the national mall. It was at this march that Dr. King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which cemented his status as a social change leader and helped inspire the nation to act on civil rights. Dr. King was later named Time magazine’s “Man of the Year.”

In 1964, at 35 years old, Martin Luther King, Jr. became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize. His acceptance speech in Oslo is thought by many to be among the most powerful remarks ever delivered at the event, climaxing at one point with the oft-quoted phrase “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.” Also in 1964, partly due to the March on Washington, Congress passed the landmark Civil Rights Act, essentially eliminating legalized racial segregation in the United States.

At 6:01 p.m. on April 4, 1968, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was hit by a sniper’s bullet. King had been standing on the balcony in front of his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee was shot. The .30-caliber rifle bullet entered King’s right cheek, traveled through his neck, and finally stopped at his shoulder blade. King was immediately taken to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead at 7:05 p.m.

The nation’s first Black president Barack Obama will be sworn in for a second term on January 21st, which is also the federal holiday that we celebrate Dr. King’s birthday. He is putting a symbolic twist on a time-honored tradition, taking the oath of office for his second term with his hand placed not on a single Bible but on two – one owned by Martin Luther King, Jr. and the other owned by Abraham Lincoln. The use of King’s Bible is particularly significant. President Obama will be facing the King Memorial as he takes the oath. King’s Bible, which he used early in his career as a preacher, has never been part of a presidential inauguration.

“Before you have a government, you must have the people. Without the people there can be no government. The government must be, therefore, an expression of the will of the people.” ~ Marcus Garvey~ TX-2

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Edit rial

Call them the ‘Radicals’

The Republicans used to be a grand, or at least a “governing” old party.

Agree or disagree with their policies, you could at least take them seriously.

Not anymore.

Having fought off the radical John Birchers during the 1950s and survived Barry Goldwater’s disastrous presidential run in 1964, in which the far right candidate lost in an epic landslide to Lyndon Johnson, the GOP decided to let the radicals in the door after Barack Obama’s election in 2008. In fact, in the fever over health and financial reform, they let them take over the joint. As a result, the GOP is a shadow of its former self. In fact, the Republican Party is today, for all intents and purposes, the Radical Party. Republicans control the House of Representatives, but their speaker, John Boehner, cannot govern it. Under Boehner, the 112th Congress has passed fewer pieces of legislation than any Congress since 1947. Boehner has gaveled in about one-third of the number of roll calls as Nancy Pelosi did, when she led the 111th Congress to be the most productive since the 1965 Congress that passed Medicare and the Voting Rights Act. On tax cuts, their radicalism is so pristine; the House was unable to even take a vote on their own leader’s proposal to shield the first million dollars of income from a 4% tax increase.

The failure of Boehner’s “Plan B” to avert the fiscal cliff — the result of one of the few things Republicans did pass: the automatic spending cuts and tax hikes tied to sequestration — was the latest personal humiliation delivered to Boehner by his caucus. But to millions of Americans who are depending on unemployment insurance, who must file taxes in the coming months, doctors awaiting Medicare payments for their patients and those who are otherwise concerned about a second recession, Mr. Boehner’s pride is the least of their concerns.

Republicans couldn’t accept the president’s offer to spurn his winning campaign theme of raising taxes on income over $250,000 by raising the cap to $400,000.

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Joy-Ann Reid Editor of The Reid Report Meanwhile, the right’s Big Ideas: slashing spending on the elderly and the poor, and tearing into Social Security and Medicare, are so unpopular, even their own base opposes them.

On the state level, Republicans control 27 state legislatures to the Democrats’ 17, and they have full control of 24 states, including the governorships. They control key blue and swing states like Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

But outside of the deep South, their presence seems to have helped keep those states in Barack Obama’s column in 2012.

Whether it’s Virginia’s bizarre push to force women to undergo invasive ultrasounds in order to exercise their right to an abortion, or Michigan’s Orwellian law allowing for the seizure of local governments by unelected “managers,” or Ohio’s thwarted attempt to roll back labor organizing rights, Wisconsin style, or Florida and Ohio’s all-out push to halt early voting, “backlash” has the been the operative word for those living under Republican state rule.

Throw in Michigan’s lame-duck purge of not just union rights, but also abortion rights, and it is becoming axiomatic that to be governed by Republicans is to learn of their radicalism. On immigration, Republicans have in recent years sounded more like the radical right wing parties of Europe, crushing the party’s prospects with fastgrowing American demographics.

Even on ground that used to be solid for Republicans, the earth is beginning to move beneath their feet. Americans are cringing at the extremist position of the gun industry lobbyists at the NRA that the Second Amendment gives Americans a green light, a second look.

“Our paper will keep dealing with Injustice until it is Balanced.”

L

- Mr. Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher, African-American News&Issues

Rev. F.N. Williams, Sr.

ouis Farrakhan once stated that, “Black leadership has to recognize that principles more than speech, character more than a claim, is greater in advancing the cause of our liberation than what has transpired thus far.” I couldn’t agree with him more and I believe that one way we can achieve advancing our liberation is through supporting each other within our own communities.

For years, I have always focused on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the impact that he left on not only the Black community but also society as a whole. For he has become an iconic figure that is known around the world for the stance of which he took, the courage that he showed, the vision he shared and the tenacity of which he demonstrated.

However, it dawned on me this year that since African-American News&Issues is a publication that thrives off of reporting current and historical realities affecting our communities; that I would objectively refocus the target of this edition. Thus, I was led to honor a legendary giant who is literally a few feet away from our office, Rev. F.N. Williams Sr. I can remember in my youth seeing the works and close involvement of his father (Rev. M.C. Williams) and the strides that he made for the Acres Home residents and community. As it has been written, “A tree is known by the fruit it bears” and never before have I seen this expression reign true within the Acres Home community; than the torch that was passed on and carried out by his son. He picked up right where his father left off, in terms of helping and being dedicated to the issues that heavily impacted our community in the past and even until now. Notwithstanding, he has been a mentor and his church has remained a cornerstone of the Acres Home community.

Granted, Rev. F.N. Williams Sr. has built quite the resume of being a voice

and catalyst for members of the Black community. Pastor F.N. Williams, Sr. and the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church will always hold a special place in the history of my life.

During my adolescent years, I was a member of the Cub and Boy Scouts, which was sponsored through Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.

Additionally, I have always held an admirable view of Rev. F.N. Williams, Sr. One of the reasons being the fact that, majority of the political figures that have ran for office have always sought after him.

Yet, amongst all that he has done one of the more memorable events that stand out for me is the fact that he initiated the very first Dr. Martin

Rev. F.N. Williams, 4th generation Minister - 3rd generation Pastor Luther King, Jr. celebration. Before Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday was ever recognized as an official holiday, Rev. F. N. Williams, Sr. deemed it necessary to honor him.

As a result, he became the founder of Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration. This feat alone I believe is enough alone to acknowledge him as one of our living legends and honor him while he lives.

Growing up in a historically Black community, I saw the lifestyles of various people. I can remember seeing drunks, prostitutes, drug addicts, domestic abuse and violence, within the community. On the other hand, I

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

can also recall community activists, educators, doctors, lawyers, ministers, pastors and politicians to state the least, being produced and developed out of the same community. Reverend M.C. Williams and Reverend F.N. Williams, Sr. were among that gallery that contributed a positive influence to the Acres Home community.

Undoubtedly, witnessing such influential personalities that shared such a deep passion and concern for their fellowman helped to spark a passion of my own for the overall concern for the Black community.

Concluding, the Bible denotes that, “A prophet is without honor in his own country.” Therefore, I dare not give respect and honor to him of whom it is due. Pursuant, in this edition of African-American News&Issues, we would like to salute Pastor Floyd Nathaniel Williams Sr., for the contributions that he has made to the Acres Home community, the City of Houston, Harris County and onward. Let us also be mindful of the works and efforts of his son, Rev. F.N. Williams, Jr. As I always tell people it does not matter who you are, or what you have done in life, “Success without a successor is failure!”

Continuing, I would like to encourage others to do something that will allow others to remember your efforts and existence in a positive way. Doing so, will only serve to build and fortify the prominence of the Black community. We must pull together and learn to uplift, respect and encourage our own; for if WE don’t then, WHO will?

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C mmunity After-School Meal Program To Offer Free Snack & Supper For Youth

HOUSTON- Mayor Annise Parker and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) are happy to announce the addition of a new After-School Meal Program to be offered at HPARD Community Centers.

The program will offer youth ages 6 to 13 free snacks and suppers during the school year (January 22 through May 17, 2013). The program will be available at 49 HPARD Community Centers. All youth must be registered in HPARD’s After School Achievement Program to be eligible for the After-School Meal Program at HPARD Community Centers.

“Hunger is something no one should have to feel. Yet across our country and here in Houston this is a daily problem for many,” said Mayor Annise Parker. “That is why we are very pleased to be able to kick off this new After School Meal Program for Houston’s youth.”

The After-School Meal program is funded by a grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). All meals and program costs are funded by the grant. Sites were chosen by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) based on TDA eligibility requirements. Eligible areas were those served by a school in which 50% or more of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

“We’re thankful to the Texas Department of Agriculture and to the Child and Adult Care Food Program for this grant,” said Joe Turner, Director, Houston Parks and Recreation Department. “Their funding will make it possible for us to address the nutritional needs of many of the young people we serve every day.” Registration in HPARD’s After-School Achievement Program is required for youth to be eligible to receive a meal or snack at participating HPARD Community Centers. Snacks will be served to youth ages 6 to 13 from 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm and suppers will be served from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm during the week. Registration is open and ongoing in January for the spring and in September for fall at all designated After-School Achievement Program sites through the site managers.

Participating sites include: Alief Park Community Center, 11903 Bellaire, 77072; Lansdale Park Community Center, 8201 Roos, 770362; Almeda Park Community Center, 14201 Almeda School Road, 77047; Lincoln Park Community Center 979 Grenshaw, 77007; Bessie Swindle Community Center 11800 Scott, 77047; Linkwood Park Community Center 3699 Norris, 77025; Burnett Bayland Park Community Center, 6000 Chimney Rock, 77081; Love Park Community Center, 1000 West 12th, 77008; Candlelight Park Community Center, 1520 Candlelight, 77018; Marian Park Community Center, 11000 South Gessner, 77071; Carverdale Community Center, 9920 Porto Rico, 77041; Mason Park Community Center, 541 South 75th Street, 77023; Charlton Park Community Center, 8200 Park Place Blvd., 77017; Meadowcreek Park Community Center, 5333 Berry Creek, 77017; Cherryhurst Park Community Center,1700 Missouri, 77006; Melrose Park Community Center, 1001 Canino, 77076; Clark Park Community Center, 9718 Clark, 77076; Montie Beach Park Community Center, 915 Northwood, 77009; Clinton Park Community Center, 200 Mississippi, 77029; Crestmont Park Community Center, 5200 Selinsky Rd., 77048; Platou Community Center, 11655 Chimney Rock, 77053; DeZavala Park Community Center, 907 76th Street, 77012; Proctor Plaza Park Community Center, 803 West Temple, 77009; Eastwood Park Community Center, 5020 Harrisburg, 77011; Judson Robinson, Jr Community Center, 2020 Hermann Drive, 77004; Edgewood Park Community Center, 5803 Bellfort, 77033; Judson Robinson, Sr Community Center, 1422 Ledwicke, 77029; Emancipation Park Community Center, 3018 Dowling, 77004; Selena Quintanilla/Denver Harbor Park Community Center, 6402 Market, 77020; Finnigan Park Community Center, 4900 Providence, 77020; Settegast Park Community Center, 3000 Garrow, 77003; Freed Park Community Center, 3818 Shady Villa Lane, 77055; Shady Lane Park Community Center, 10220 Shady Lane, 77093; Garden Villas Park Community Center 6720 S. Haywood, 77061; Sunnyside Park Community Center, 3502 Bellfort, 77051; Godwin Park Community Center, 5101 Rutherglen, 77096; Swiney Park Community Center, 2812 Cline, 77020; Hartman Park Community Center, 9311 E. Avenue P., 77012; Tidwell Park Community Center, 9720 Spaulding, 77016; Highland Park Community Center, 3316 Desoto, 77091; Townwood Park Community Center, 3403 Simsbrook, 77045; Hobart Taylor Park Community Center, 8100 Kenton, 77028; Tuffly Park Community Center, 3200 Russell, 77026; Independent Heights Park Community Center, 603 East 35th, 77022; Windsor Park Community Center,14441 Croquet, 77085; Ingrando Park Community Center, 7302 Keller, 77012; Woodland Park Community Center, 212 Parkview, 77009 and Lakewood Park Community Center, 8811 Feland, 77028. For more information on the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, call (832) 395-7022.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. hosts a “Silver with a Centennial, Always Putting Service First”

Cynthia Butler-McIntyre

HOUSTON- For more than nine decades, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has transformed several lives and has impacted countless communities in the United States and abroad. In the Greater Houston and suburban areas, we are extending an invitation to attend our joint celebration with the theme: “Celebrating a Silver with a Centennial, Always Putting Service First,” as we acknowledge our Centennial anniversary as a national organization and the 25th anniversary of our joint local celebration. The featured guest speaker will be our 24th National President, Mrs. Cynthia Butler-McIntyre. The event will be held on Saturday, January 26th, at 10:00 a.m. at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square located at 16090 City Walk Blvd, Sugar Land, Texas. We are already anticipating over 800 guests as news has circulated concerning this momentous occasion.

The Greater Houston Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. includes the following chapters: Bay Area Houston Alumnae, Houston Metropolitan Alumnae, North Harris County Alumnae, Suburban Houston – Fort Bend Alumnae, Delta Gamma Chapter at Texas Southern University, Rho Psi Chapter at the University of Houston Downtown and Zeta Sigma Chapter at the University of Houston – Central Campus. These chapters encompass the following cities / areas: Clear Lake, Pearland, Friendswood, Pasadena, Seabrook, Houston, Cypress, Jersey Village, Humble, Spring, Tomball, Arcola, Fresno, Fulshear, Katy, Kendleton, Meadows Place, Missouri City, Stafford, Sugar Land, Richmond and Rosenberg. We will hold a private Rededication ceremony prior to the lunch at 8:30 a.m., which is closed to Members only Please anticipate additional time for parking and traffic around the hotel.

For ticket information contact: Stephanie Collins 281-772-8895 (South West Houston), Andrea Barefield 832-723-3778 (North West Houston), Shani Dennis 832-326-8564 (Central Houston), or Tanya Smith 713-501-4462 (Southeast Houston) Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 13, 1913 by 22 collegiate women at Howard University in Washington, D.C. to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the underserved; to educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in communities. Today, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has more than 250,000 members in 900 chapters worldwide in the United States, England, Japan, Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Republic of Korea, and Jamaica.

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Traffic Stops Along the Border Statistics Study Act of 2013 HOUSTON-Racial profiling seems to be an ongoing problem. In an effort to collect information about racial profiling nationwide, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee introduced a bill that would collect data on stops for traffic violations by local law enforcement officers.

The Houston Democrat’s “Traffic Stops Along the Border Statistics Study Act of 2013″ would allow state and local police departments to trade their traffic-stop data for federal funds.

Jackson Lee submitted the measure to the House Judiciary Committee on January 3rd, the first day of the new Congress.

The proposal already is drawing criticism from conservatives and libertarians, who see it as another step by Big Government to collect information on average Americans. The libertarian web site American Vision News reported that Jackson Lee would “require state and local police departments to report broad information about all traffic stops into a national database Congresswoman under the control of the Justice Department.”

Shelia Jackson Lee Jackson Lee’s measure does not mention a new “national database,” but it does authorize the Justice Department to conduct a nationwide study of traffic violations. Jackson Lee’s proposal “authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to law enforcement agencies to collect and submit data.” To allay privacy concerns from law enforcement officials and civil liberties groups, the measure would forbid federal officials or the media from “revealing the identity of any individual who is stopped or any officer involved.” Jackson Lee has been an outspoken critic of racial profiling. She has raised questions about some police officers targeting African-American and Latino drivers.

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“If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl;

but whatever you do,

you have to keep moving forward.”

— R e v. D R . M a Rt i n Lu t h e R K i n g , J R .

Back to Work: The 83rd Texas Legislature is in Session

AUSTIN-Its back to work for State leaders, marking the start of its biennial 140-day session. This session as any other will be complete with great ideas, terrible bills being drafted and many disagreements. Lawmakers have filed more than 11,000 bills during some sessions, while they passed at least 5,000 new laws.

The 181 lawmakers in session, will begin their real work after all the committees have been assigned.

The State also enters the session with $8.8 billion more than they had thought they would recieve, which is welcoming news for a state that faced a $25 billion shortfall just two years ago.

The major issue the 83rd faces is setting the budget.

It has to consider using the State’s Rainy Day Fund for infrastructure improvements for water and roads. Funding for education will also be important. More than 600 Texas school districts are suing the state because of the way Texas State Rep. Scott Turner, R-Frisco, shook hands with friends after being sworn on funds schools. And against the 1st day od the 83rd Legislature. He represents the newly created Texas House that backdrop, a program to District 33, which serves Rockwall and portions of Collin County. incentivize business support of Photo credit: Louis DeLuca private schools is also on tap.

Let’s honor Dr. King’s legacy by continuing to move forward together to keep Houston the best place for all Americans to live, work and raise a family. Happy Martin Luther King Day! Mayor a n n i s e Pa r Ke r

P o l . a dv. a n n i s e Pa r k e r C a m Pa i g n

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Houston Citizens Chamber Of Commerce Launches Re-Branding Initiative

HOUSTON- After 78 years of serving Houston’s African-American business community, the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce (HCCC) is unveiling new programs, new logo and its new website on Thursday, January 17, 2013 to kick-off the Chamber’s re-imaging campaign for 2013.

“We’re excited about the new changes the chamber is launching,” Eric Lyons, HCCC President & CEO said. “This is a great opportunity to revitalize our image and increase ours visibility to Black-owned businesses that can benefit from our resources.”

During the days leading up to the official launch, the chamber will highlight the details of the importance of the image re-brand and upcoming events.

Eric Lyons “The Chamber’s board and members understand the importance of maintaining HCCC President & CEO relevancy in a society that is constantly changing,” Lyons said. “With this understanding, we have to make sure we are consistently meeting the needs of our constituents while maintaining our foundation within the community.”

The Chamber will launch several programs that will encourage local African-American business owners to support each other through economic empowerment initiatives. Additionally, the new website will feature enhanced capability to engage with members and stakeholders.

Since 1935, the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce has served as an advocate for African-American business owners and professionals in the Houston area. Seventy-five years later, the organization’s mission and vision has flourished, reflecting the needs and growth of its members. HCCC has provided value to members, area businesses and the community and has remained committed to assisting African-American businesses succeed within the local community.

With much of the nation’s attention focused on the economic state of the country, HCCC has kept the needs of Black business owners on the forefront, proving itself to be a premier organization focused on the prosperity and growth of Black entrepreneurs. Today, the Chamber remains focused on how to impact and provide advocacy, awareness and access to African-American businesses within the community.

Houston Community College Request for Proposal for Program Management Services, Project No. 13-09 Houston Community College (“HCC”) is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified firms for Request for Proposal (RFP) for Program Management Services. The solicitation documents can be obtained in Procurement Operations, 3100 Main Street, (11th Floor), Houston, TX 77002, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM (local time), Monday through Friday or by calling at (713) 718-5029 or by visiting the HCC website at www.hccs. edu (Click on: Business & Community / Doing Business with HCC / Procurement Operations / Current Bids and RFPs).

Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (Room No. 11A06) until 3:00 PM (local time) on February 1, 2013.

HCC is an equal opportunity/ educational institution, which does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, or disability.

Houston Community College Request for Proposal for Small Business Consulting Services, Project No. 13-17

Houston Community College INVITATION FOR BID Invitation for Bid for Three Ultrasound Systems (Philips Model iU22 or equivalent), Project No. 13-19

Houston Community College Marketplace Hea (“HCC”) is solicitingMarketplace sealed Heading: Houston Community CollegePublic Notic proposals from qualified firms Public Notice (“HCC”) is soliciting sealed bids for Request for Proposal (RFP) from qualified firms for Invitafor Small Business Consulttion for Bid (IFB) for Ultrasound ing Services. The solicitation Equipment (Philips Model Contact iu22 Inform documents can be obtained or equivalent). The solicitation Name: Reginald Harmo in Procurement Operations, Contact Information documents can be obtained in 3100 Main Street, (11th Floor),Harmon Phone: 713-718-5029 Name: Reginald Procurement Operations, 3100 Houston, TX 77002, between Fax: 713-718-2113 Phone: 713-718-5029 Main Street, (11th Floor), Housthe hours of 8:00 AM and Address for ton, TX 77002, between the Tearsheet/ Fax: 713-718-2113 5:00 PM (local time), Monday 3100 Main Street hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Address Tearsheet/Copies: through Friday or by for calling at (local time), Monday through Houston, Texas 77002 (713) 718-5138 or by visiting 3100 Main Street Friday or by calling at (713) the HCC website at www.hccs.

Houston, Texas 77002 718-5138 or by visiting the HCC edu (Click on: Business & Comwebsite at www.hccs.edu (Click munity / Doing Business with on: Business & Community/ Do- AD COS HCC / Procurement Operations AD COST ing Business with HCC / Pro/ Current Bids and RFPs).

Net Rate: $90 x 5.15 curement Operations / Current Net Rate: $454.50 Sealed proposals will be $90 x 5.05”= Discount: Bids and RFPs). received in Procurement Opera-20% Discount: $ 90.96 will-20% Sealed proposals be retions (Room No. 11A06) until Cost to run ad totime) runonad for one week: $363.54 Opera- for one ceived in Procurement 2:00Cost PM (local January TOTAL FOR TWO 31, 2013.

(RoomWEEK No. COST 11A06) until TO TOTAL COST FORtions TWO HCC is an equal opportunity/ 3:00 PM (local time) on January ADwhich RUN: $727.08 educational institution, 24, 2013. does not discriminate on the HCC is an equal opportunity/edbasis of race, color, religion, ucational institution, which does national origin, gender, age, or not discriminate on the basis of disability. race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, or disability.

$741.62

National Urban League Launches $70 Please sign for approval and Please fax back to for 713-692-1183 sign approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 IRS Plans Jan. 30 Tax Season Opening by 12 NOON Wednesday the week before Monday publication or thesign ad will notpublication run. and fax Please for approval bac NOON Wednesday the week before Monday or the Million Jobs Rebuild America Initiative by 12For by 12 NOON Wednesday the week before Monday p 1040 Filers

NEW ORLEANS, LA- The December jobs report has confirmed what Urban America has known for a Following the January tax law changes made by Congress under the American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA), very long time: The “fierce urgency of now” is overtaking the slow pace of the economic recovery and continuthe Internal Revenue Service recently announced it plans to open the 2013 filing season and begin processing ing partisan gridlock in Washington. The jobsP.O. report released last week reveals that 155,000 jobs were created Number P.O. Number individual income tax returns on Jan. 30. The IRS will begin accepting tax returns on that date after updating last month and overall unemployment remained at a steady and still too high rate of 7.8%. But the unemployforms and completing programming and testing of its processing systems. This will reflect the bulk of the late ment picture in urban America tells a decidedly different story.

P.O. Number tax law changes enacted Jan. 2. The announcement means that the vast majority of tax filers, more than 120 African-American unemployment, which has hovered at twice the national average for decades, has now million households, should be able to start filing tax returns starting Jan 30. The IRS estimates that remaining climbed to 14% and the Hispanic jobless rate of 9.6% also continues to exceed the national average. Despite Date Signature the need for more extensive form Signaturehouseholds will be able to start filing in late February or into March because of Date the efforts of the Congressional Black Caucus and other progressive voices in Congress, the jobs crisis in and processing systems changes. This group includes people claiming residential energy credits, depreciation of Date Signature urban America has reached emergency proportions and is tearing at the economic and social fabric of many property or general business credits. Most of those in this group file more complex tax returns and typically file communities. That is why this week, the National Urban League announced a new $70 million “Jobs Rebuild closer to the April 15 deadline or obtain an extension.

America” initiative designed to employ, educate and empower communities that have been hardest hit by the “We have worked hard to open tax season as soon as possible,” IRS Acting Commissioner Steven T. Miller Great Recession. Our campaign is a two-pronged effort. First, through a $70 million public-private expansion said. “This date ensures we have the time we need to update and test our processing systems.” “The best option of existing Urban League job training, education and business development programs, we intend to directly for taxpayers is to file electronically,” Miller added. assist thousands of job seekers and entrepreneurs in dozens of cities over the next five years. The second The IRS will not process paper tax returns before the anticipated Jan. 30 opening date. There is no advantage component of the Jobs Rebuild America initiative is a public engagement campaign to increase pressure on Washington to invest in the education and skills enhancement of at-risk youth and disadvantaged young adults. to filing on paper before the opening date, and taxpayers will receive their tax refunds much faster by using We also call for passage of targeted jobs legislation and a responsible fiscal plan and deficit reduction initiatives e-file with direct deposit. The IRS originally planned to open electronic filing this year on Jan. 22; more than 80 percent of taxpayers filed electronically last year. The IRS will be able to accept tax returns affected by the late that do not exacerbate the unemployment crisis.

Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) patch as well as the three major “extender” provisions for people claiming the This effort is an outgrowth of the National Urban League’s historic mission of economic empowerment for state and local sales tax deduction, higher education tuition and fees deduction and educator expenses deduction.

African-Americans and other hard-pressed urban citizens.

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HBCU Corner

Sixth Annual Huston-Tillotson University Bishop E.T. Dixon Lecture

AUSTIN– The Sixth Annual Huston-Tillotson University Bishop E.T. Dixon Lecture, featuring Dr. Albert Mosley, President of Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, GA, will be held on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the campus in the Agard-Lovinggood Auditorium, 900 Chicon Street.

Mosley will address the faith community’s response to human sexuality, especially Dr. Albert Mosley sexual pluralism and non-hetero expressions of sexuality under the topic, “Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby: Human Sexuality and the Black Church Experience.”

Mosley mentions that the Black faith community must address issues of human sexuality, if the church desires to retain its historic prominence in Black life.

Gammon, the United Methodist component of The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), is considered by many as the world’s premier resource for Black religious scholarship and faithbased solutions to the spiritual and socio-economic challenges confronting the African American community.

Prior to being named the President of Gammon, Mosley served as the University Chaplain and Director of the Multi-Faith Studies Program at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. Mosley was born and raised in rural Mississippi. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of United Methodist-related Millsaps College and has also earned degrees from Duke University and Yale University. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the William J. Griffith Distinguished University Service Award given by Duke University.

Dixon, for which the lecture is named, is one of two HT graduates to receive “bishop” status. He graduated magna cum laude from what was Samuel Huston College in 1943 before earning a degree from Drew Theological Seminary.

He served the church and community in numerous positions while establishing innovative programs before and after becoming president of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. He retired in 1992 and died in 1996.

The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Rev. Donald E. Brewington, University Chaplain, 512-505-3054.

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Tyrone Obaseki: Overcoming all life obstacles HOUSTON– Motivational speaker Tyrone Obaseki had overwhelming life obstacles to overcome. According to his website, he was placed in Child Protective Services on 7-22-86 (a little over 2 months following his birth) until he aged out on 5-15-04 at age 18, because he was never adopted.

He states, “In care I was over-medicated. I was physically abused. I went through several foster homes. Before I was eight, I had already been in five different psychiatric hospitals.” He adds, “I was expected to be in the penitentiary, homeless or at Rusk State Hospital locked up.”

At 18 years old, he “aged out” of the system and was on his own. He was homeless and in college. He said there were times when he thought he was going to commit suicide. Despite the overwhelming odds against him, he made it. Less than 60 percent of kids in foster care graduate high school. Tyrone’s accomplishments are definitely worth taking notice. Not only did he finish high school, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University – Commerce in 2010 and received his Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University. He is dedicated to mentoring the young minds of the community.

Recognizing the need for more positive male role-models, Tyrone is dedicated to being a positive example for youth from all backgrounds and is a great resource and asset to the community as a whole. He currently works as a caseworker at CPS.

St. Phillip’s College hosts 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March

SAN ANTONIO – St. Phillip’s College will host their 26th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and March on Monday, January 21st, from 10am-12noon, beginning at the MLK Academy located at 3500 MLK Drive to PittmanSullivan Park at 1101 Iowa St.) On January 19, 1987, chaired by Aaronetta Pierce, the Commission and the City of San Antonio held its first official Martin Luther King, Jr. March.

St. Philip’s College is the only college to be federally designated as both a historically Black college and a Hispanic-serving institution.

For more information, call 210-486-2126.

We keep Houston working. enroll today at hccs.edu

The reasons people choose HCC are as diverse as the Houstonians we serve. And no institution does more to get students where they’re going faster than HCC. We keep Houston working with affordable tuition, innovative courses, and convenient locations.

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Religi n

A Legendary Giant: Rev. F.N. Williams, Sr.

HOUSTON – Born into a family of preachers, community activists’ prominent political affiliation was Floyd Nathaniel Williams.

As a lad, he watched his father (Rev. M.C. Williams) and grandfather (Rev. Mike Williams) face police brutality and all of the ills associated with Black leaders in that era that were vocal in the fight for equal rights. His father was a strong force within the community and held dominant ties in the political and educational areas of the city.

At one point there was only one school that residents of the Acres Home Community could attend, White Oak School that was located on West Montgomery. No matter how far of a distance a student had to walk or travel it was the only learning institution readily available to them. It was through the continued efforts and assistance of Rev. M.C. Williams that another school was eventually opened, Highland Heights which currently sits at 865 Paul Quinn. Ultimately, a school was named in his father’s honor that occupies the space located at: 6100 Knox Street, which is M.C. Williams Middle School.

Due to the exposure of being reared in a pastor’s home and growing up under such an influence, he began to sense a call to the ministry.

He surrendered to that call at the age of sixteen in 1945. First, he earned a Bachelor of Divinity Degree in extended studies from Bishop College. He began pastoring at Greater Union Baptist Church in Matthews, Texas. From 1951 to 1958, Rev. F.N. Williams Sr. served at Friendship Baptist Church in Eagle Lake, Texas and St. John Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas. After the passing of his father in 1958, he succeeded him as Pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, located at 5902 Beall Street, where he continues to serve today. Rev. Williams, was the first pastor to implement an athletic program outside of school at the church where he was entrusted as steward. Although criticized by other ministers, pastors and the Forward Times newspaper, he never forsook the God-given vision that he had to reach and restore the youth of the community. It was through that same vision that the Lord produced four ministers who were brought in off of the streets and changed their lives around.

Rev. Williams was responsible for the establishment of the Northwest Water District City of Houston. He took a stand to eliminate the residents of Acres Home facing the same turbulence as Bordersville did. Therefore, he felt the need to make noise to ensure that not one of the individuals in his community were affected in a harmful way nor taken advantage of. As a result, he was able to cease the tax hike that would have been infringed on the residents of Acres Home. Throughout the remarkable array of accomplishments that decorate Rev. F.N. Williams are religious affiliations such as: Moderator for the Independent Baptist General Association of Texas; 1st Vice President of the Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas; President of the Houston Baptist Pastors and Ministers Fellowship; Member of the Board of Directors of Rural and Urban Ministers Conference, Prairie View A&M University; Member of Board of Directors of Church College Relations Board at Bishop College in Dallas, Texas; 1st Vice President of the Baptist Ministers Association of Houston and surrounding vicinity; Member of the Houston Metropolitan Ministries; Advocate and Supporter of the Texas Youth Commission; Founder of the Houston Ministers Against Crime. On August 19, 2000, he was entered into the Religious Hall of Fame Elite in Dallas, Texas.

Although the Bible bears witness that, a professed believer should be, “in the world but not of the world”; Rev. F. N. Williams, Sr. acknowledges the fact that Black communities have serious problems. Accordingly, he has taken initiatives outside of the church to extend his services to serve and take notice of civil issues that plague the Black communities. To that effect his civil organizational affiliations includes: Director of the Advisory Board Standard Savings Association; Director of Houston Council on Human Relations; Director of the Northwest Water District City of Houston; Editor of the Globe Advocate Newspaper; Member of the Human Relations Committee H.I.S.D; Member of the Harris Country Political Organization; Member of the Advisory Board KYOK Radio Station and Channel 13 among many others.

Rev. F.N. Williams, Sr. served in the U.S. military as a Warrant Officer during the Korean War. His background work experience includes working for the U.S. Post Office as a mail carrier in Trinity Gardens and a long time employee at Joske’s and Foley’s Department Stores in Houston; a long shore waterfront worker; and working for Weingarten’s Supermarket Chain before it was acquired by Safeway Stores in 1983. Rev. Williams became a close and personal friend to Former President George H.W. Bush. It was after a debate at Antioch M.B.C where Williams arranged for a face-off for the president and his running mate at the time.

A gallery of residents from the Acres Home and Garden Oaks communities, the Mayor and two commissioners amongst many others were present. Although, President Bush did not say what the gathering expected to hear, Rev. Williams encouraged the crowd to base their opinion and support off of the honesty that he had given. From that event, President Bush received the support of Rev. Williams and those who were present and he won the office of presidency.

Through the support of Rev. Williams many elected officials have obtained and retained their positions, of whom there is not enough space to record them all. Rev. F. N. Williams Sr. has built a reputation of being a mighty strong arm to confront and a force to be reckoned with. He dutifully upholds this title all while maintaining Biblical standards and principles conducive with leading and being a voice for the Black community. Some years ago, he challenged a request made by city officials, who will remain nameless, that were in support of establishing a bill to allow homosexuals to receive the same rights that Blacks fought and died for. Due to him standing firm in his decision he was threatened, his office was dismantled and furniture was destroyed. But, no matter the enmity that Williams faced and was encountered with, he always remained steadfast in that which he stood for.

In 1971, he initiated the first ever Martin Luther King Celebration, before it was ever officially declared an official holiday. As it relates to the origination of the Annual Martin See top of page 11 Luther King Day Celebration, Rev. F.N. Williams Sr. recollects of his inspiration to host such an event. In his recollection, he states that he and several other local pastors decided that,

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The 41st Annual Martin Luther King Celebration in North Houston at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 5902 Beall, Houston, Texas 77091, will be held Monday, January 21st from 6 to 8:30pm. The theme for this year’s event is “We are One” and will honor Dr. King’s vision in equality and unity among all as well as giving back to the community through service. For more information, call 713-692-0950.

Texas • January 14-20, 2013

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“We didn’t need the government to tell us when to celebrate our history.” Thus, the Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration was established and set in motion from that year forward. Among some of the prominent leaders and pastors that gathered to support this celebration were: Pastor Bill Lawson, Pastor Deleon Everett, Dr. A.W. Bill, Pastor A.A. McCardell, Pastor B.J. Lewis, Pastor S.B. Parker, Pastor Andy Young and Pastor J.T. Holcombe to name a few. However, as with anything of this sort, these individuals were not met with smiling faces nor a supportive force.

In fact, it was quite the opposite. Rev. F.N. Williams Sr. recalls the police force being called out and the KKK taunting the efforts of what these leaders came together to host. Rev. F.N. Williams Sr. believed and supported the vision of Dr. King, as he was a supporter in the Civil Rights Movement that he led as well. He was amongst one of the key players that was very instrumental in bringing Dr. King to Houston. Upon which he received a great deal of opposition from local ministers and pastors regarding his decision also. Rev. Williams also reminisced with delight of how he sat only three seats away from Dr. King as he delivered his infamous last speech, I have been to the Mountaintop. To date, he has held 40 Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebrations.

Aldine ISD George W. CarverAlumni Meeting

HOUSTON- This year promises to be a Great Year for the Alumni. We have exciting plans for three events that will become annual affairs. With these events well supported and the hard work of the Alumni Members, these events will help us to support Our School, Our Community and Our District. We are Panther’s on the prowl, looking for good people to join the Alumni and be a part of a moving venture in Acres Homes. Our first meeting of the new year will be Saturday, January 19th at 6112 Wheatley Street (Beulah Shepherd Building),77091.

The meeting will be held from 1– 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call Junell Cain at 713-806-9889.

Pleasantville Packers hosts Free Head Start Workout Camp

HOUSTON- The Pleasantville Packers will host a free Head Start Workout Camp for their 2013 Youth Football/Cheerleader Teams for boys and girls ages 4-12. The camp will consist of weight training, exercising, shaping and toning. Camp days will be Saturday, January 19 & 26th, from 11am-1pm, at the Judson Robinson, Sr. Park (Pleasamtville Park), located at 1422 Ledwicke, 77029. Lunch will be provided. Registration fees for the upcoming 2013 football season are $75 for returning player/cheerleaders and $125 for new players/cheerleaders.

For more information, call (281)830-2921 email ThePleasantvillePackers@Gmail.com

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