African-American News&Issues

THE EAGLES NEWSPAPER PAGE 9

POLITICS PAGE 11

WE MUST UNDERSTAND PAGE 3

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VOL. 21 ISSUE 3

Going Back to Our Old Land Mark

PHOTO CREDIT: SANDRA DAVIS

GREATER WARD AME SEE PG. 4

(l-r) Robert Flake, Jr., Rev. Debbie Ward, Mary Brewer, Cora Dawson, Chiquita Jones-Mott, Charlotte Newman-McGrough, Mary Brewer, Cathy Franklin-Turner and Ruth Eastland

THE HISTORICAL GREATER WARD A.M.E. CHURCH RECEIVES A HISTORICAL MARKER IN RECOGNITION OF 103 YEARS OF SERVICE

happening to you today!” ~ROY DOUGLAS MALONSON, PUBLISHER~

HEALTH

Legacy Community Health to Screen Pregnant Women for Zika Virus

HOUSTON - In light of the confirmed cases of Zika virus in Harris County, Legacy Community Health, one of the nation’s largest Federally Qualified Health Centers, is now offering its pregnant patients clinical screening for the mosquito-borne virus. With 22 clinics across southeast Texas, Legacy provides prenatal care to about 300 pregnant women per day, some of whom travel to Zika-affected Latin American countries.

"Given the patient population we serve and the confirmed cases in Houston, we are taking the precautionary measure of screening our pregnant patients by asking their travel history and if they are experiencing possible symptoms of Zika virus," said Dr. Ann Barnes, chief medical officer at Legacy Community Health. "In addition, we are ramping up our patient communications through individual letters and a radio ad to reiterate our guidance that pregnant women not travel to Central and South American countries where the virus is an epidemic as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control."

Zika is most commonly transmitted through mosquito bites, and most patients are unaware they have been infected. Symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes. The best prevention method is to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellant, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and staying in air-conditioned spaces.

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Edit rial & Opini n

BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY RENDITIONS Property Value Matters

By Sands Stiefer Chief Appraiser of HCAD

I have been focusing on information for homeowners over the past several months, so I wanted to discuss a topic for those of you who own a business.

If you are a business owner and you own tangible personal property that is used to produce income, then you must file a rendition with the appraisal district

by April 15.

Tangible personal property

Before I Lay it Down...

By “Coach” Mark Spivey, M.Ed

Roy Douglas Malonson Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson

President/C.E.O.

Chandra Jarmon

Production/Editor

Shawn Hunter

Production Asst

James Jones III, Ph.D

Content Editor

Rebecca S. Jones

Contributing Writer

Mark Spivey

Contributing Writer

Taylor Tolbert

Contributing Writer

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

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

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

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

is physical property that you can touch. This would include any inventory and equipment used by a business to produce income.

Examples would be office furniture, computer equipment, supplies, inventory, raw materials, work in process and business vehicles, vessels or aircraft.

A rendition is a report that lists all the taxable personal property you owned or controlled on January 1 of this year.

If you filed a rendition last year, we mail you a rendition packet. However all business owners are required to file renditions whether or not they have received a notice of value.

We started mailing rendition forms mid-December so many of

you should have received your rendition forms. If you have not or do not receive one by the beginning of March, a rendition form is available on the appraisal district’s website at www.hcad. org under the “Forms” tab along with information on the rules of the process.

Some renditions may be filed electronically using HCAD’s iFile system. If a unique iFile number is printed on your rendition form below the account number, then you may submit your rendition online by going to www.hcad.org/ifile. If no iFile number is printed on your rendition form, then you will have to complete and file the form manually.

If you do have questions, the appraisal district is offering six rendition workshops throughout the county starting on March 17. Four will be held at the appraisal district offices at 13013 Northwest Freeway, while the others will be held at the Trini Mendenhall Community Center at 1414 Wirt Road and at the Galena Park ISD Administrative Building at 14705 Woodforest Blvd. A complete schedule with times and locations is available on the appraisal district website at www.hcad.org.

Business owners can attend the free workshops at any time during the scheduled hours and receive individual help.

Typically the business owner can get help and complete the rendition in about an hour.

“WHEN WOMEN CAN’T GET ALONG…”

In 1920, women who fought for suffrage (the right to vote) finally obtained it. Remember, former slaves freed by the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865 enjoyed these liberties way before women did. Only men could vote prior to women gaining this right, but it didn’t come easy.

They had to fight, march, organize, and pray for this basic opportunity.

Just imagine what would have happened if they couldn’t get along and the whole movement failed. Since I am and have always been “pro-women”, I’d like to offer some words of encouragement for those women who believe in sticking together and making things happen. Here goes: Did you know that there are more women in the United States than men? Were you also aware that more women are registered and eligible to vote than their male

counterparts? Why then, I must ask, do we not have a female president? Why can’t all of you women come together and form your own party, choose a candidate, and come out in record numbers to vote her in? I’m glad you asked……..

I’m gonna be sexist here, therefore, be nice. Valentine’s Day is around the corner and I gotchall’s presents picked out…… Women can’t win because ALL of y’all’s pretty asses want to be the boss.

You can’t stick together because you’re too easily persuaded by outside sources to turn on each other.

You might have a plan initially, but you often lose sight of the bigger picture because you’re not truly “team” players. Errrr’body wants to lead; very few want to follow.

I give big props out to the women who have big balls and stick with the plan INSPITE of a few weak ones who want to quit.

Just imagine if all of the female sororities and other major organizations headed by women fell a part because of a few who lost sight of the main goal? The bad part about that is you have some men out there who still believe you belong in the kitchen and in the bedroom birthing babies. Sexist bastards! But, if it’s true, go make yo man a sammitch and throw away the birth control. The fellers might be right……

My wife and daughters are STRONG, professional women.

My sons married women who are cut in the some mold. They are all leaders and they’re good at what they do. They learned that by being good followers. Not every woman is cut to lead; that doesn’t mean that being a follower/partner is a bad thing. The plan is to work TOGETHER and not lose sight of your goal(s). There’s nothing more powerful than a team of women who recognize their

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.

TEXAS • FEBRUARY 8 - 14, 2016

The business owner will be able to consult individually with appraisal district staff who will explain personal property taxation and rendition requirements and answer questions about completion of the rendition forms.

It is important to fill out the rendition because there is a 10 percent tax penalty for those businesses that fail to render or render late. Filing a fraudulent rendition carries a 50 percent penalty if the business owner is found guilty.

Feel free to call us at 713.957.7800 or email us at help@hcad.org if you have any questions.

Sands Stiefer is the Chief Appraiser of the Harris County Appraisal District strength and/or potential.

In closing, Hillary Clinton will be the next POTUS. I’m gonna vote for her. Not because she’s Bill’s wife, nor because she’s a staunch Democrat. I’m voting for her because she’s ferocious, gritty, smart, and strong. She stood behind her husband when everyone was telling her to leave and she’s weathered the storm. Any woman who can do that deserves my vote.

Lead, follow, or get outtha way!

God bless, good night, and keep yo Business Card for Paper 14_Layout 1 12/11/14 families together.

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

Breeder of Trophy Whitetail Deer, High End Beef-Type Registered Brahmans and Herefords Cattle.

Trophy Hunting Whitetails, Axis and Blackbuck Nature Tours and Photography

www.rsdeerranch.com malonson@rsdeerranch.com

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Edit rial & Opini n

RESPONSE TO LETTER TO EDITOR:

Good afternoon, Not sure who Mr. Dan Freeman is but he has no idea about the people and the community of the City of Prairie View. The statement he mad “African American community possesses the political clout to control the entire county” shows he has no idea where PV is really located or what makes up Waller County. Furthermore the tax paying citizens have the same right to protest for what they want in their city as the individuals who marched for the changing of the street. Everyone wants to jump on the Sandra Bland band wagon and just make the families accept what they want and the minute we disagree with what we don’t want it’s a problem. The reality is the city of Prairie View don’t owe Sandra Bland anything as far as a street. One thing for sure renaming a street in PV won’t change the hearts of Waller County jail or the District Attorney.

W. Williams Dear W. Williams, I must admit that I had receded to the background of AfricanAmerican News&Issues after dealing with Prairie View and the Sandra Bland issue in what I thought was a definitive manner; especially in light of the fact that not a single resident stepped forward to challenge me on even a single assertion, so I applaud your courage to step forward in regards to this matter.

I must also admit to you that I love a great debate, particularly one that provides ample room for the illumination of a pressing issue within the African-American community.

So I have read your response with a fine-tooth comb and emerged with the following response that I hope you and the others whose sentiments you represented in your communication can digest and consider regarding this issue.

You began by stating that you did not know who Dan Freeman is? I must tell you, that therein lies much of your problem; although I am not willing to reveal “who Dan Freeman is” rest assured that he has spent years dealing with your community and

is only conveying what he knows to be true, particularly the sad reality that the local “tax paying” residents of Prairie View have often unwisely situated themselves in an adversarial posture against local collegians in regards to even developing that area into a more comely place for those attending PVAMU. It is a sad state of ‘town vs. gown’ relations if I have ever seen one.

You accuse me of having “… no idea where PV is really located or what makes up Waller County.”

Nothing could be further from the truth as I have spent copious amounts of time within that community, even been invited so lecture on that campus with some regularity. However, you coupled your above erroneous assertion with an implicit questioning of my contention that the “African American community possesses the political clout to control the entire county”. I not only stand by that assertion, but also must admit that I understand your difficulty with comprehending the statement. I realize that the “tax paying citizens” of Prairie View, Texas, have consciously decided against aligning themselves with what amounts to as a campusbased electoral superpower --- Prairie View A & M University has over 8,000 students, the vast majority of whom could cast a vote and alter the outcome of county-wide Waller County elections in an unprecedented way --- however, that possibility is a veritable impossibility because of local residents refusal to consider the students’ for what they actually are; that being ‘tax paying citizens’ lone political ally. It is this political ally that you and those of your ilk choose to foolishly either ignore or attack who holds your only opportunity to remove a District Attorney and jailers who you admit have unchanging hearts of stone in regards to their dealings with local Blacks.

And you conclude your ‘Letter to the Editor’ by charging that “The reality is the city of Prairie View don’t owe Sandra Bland anything”.

Continue Reading Online Online @ Aframnews.com Fom: #WhoIsDanFreeman

African

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! Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full ~ Calvin Coolidge of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM OUR PAST ABOUT BLACK CONTRIBUTIONS I have learned while living this life on Earth that so much of it is based upon things that happen on an annual basis, events that you can set your clock by. For example, the season change on an annual basis and there is absolutely nothing that we can do to prevent it, nor should we attempt to. Just as importantly, this nation has cultural celebrations and holiday’s that every American should participate in on an annual basis; this month it is Black History Month.

As I am sure that you can imagine, as an African-American, born and raised in the historic Acres Home, Black History Month holds a special significance for me. It serves as an opportunity for the entire nation to take a moment and learn about our ancestors’ historic contributions and achievements that have undoubtedly gone a great measure toward aiding America in its quest to be the leading nation in the world.

It is only ignorance that would lead anyone to question persons of African descent contribution to this nation.

The greatest mind that the American academy has ever produced, William Edward Burghardt DuBois once presented the following question; “What would America be without her Negro citizens?”

DuBois’ question is a particularly scary thought when one considers the contributions of persons of African descent to this nation. Without the labor of stolen Africans there is little doubt that whites would have survived on the North American continent, let

alone prospered in the way that they have prospered.

Although it is one of the most misunderstood aspects of American History, most Americans believe that Jamestown was the first colony started on the North American continent. It was not! The historical record indicates that the first attempt, made by the British, to settle the North America continent began with the establishment of the Roanoke Colony. Historians often by-pass talking about Roanoke for one simple reason, it failed; and is today remembered by historians as ‘the lost colony’ as they remain uncertain to this very moment about what occurred to either the colony or its inhabitants. What we do know for certain about ‘the lost colony’ is that the unfortunate souls who were involved with its creation lived a horrible existence that unfortunately included cannibalism during the lean winter months when food was unavailable.

The failure of Roanoke as a colony leaves one with a reasonable and logical question of what was the primary difference between ‘the lost colony’ and the Jamestown colony that eventually paved the way for unfathomable British success in the ‘New World’. The answer to this question will make some Americans proud and throw others into fits of shame.

The primary difference between a failed colony and a prosperous one was the introduction to African labor which initially worked alongside European indentured servants, but in time found itself as a permanent source

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

of labor. Put simply, they were enslaved, not slaves, but enslaved; and there is a major difference between the two.

It did not take the European long to realize that the stolen African was integral to both his sheer survival and material success. Without the labor of enslaved Africans, the ‘cash crops’ (cotton, sugar, tobacco) that wealthy Europeans were so eager to invest in because the enormous profit potential was obvious, would have never been a viable option. And without a constant flood of monetary resources and goods, the Jamestown colony would have found itself in the same predicament as the Roanoke colony; in fact, there were times that they were not very far from that situation at times, only to be saved by generous indigenous populations.

So as this nation embarks upon yet another Black History Month, it is imperative that we all learn about the historic heroic contributions of persons of African descent on the North American continent.

Trust me when I say to you that if you investigate this matter in a serious matter you will be able to answer the aforementioned question of ‘What would America be without her Negro citizens?’ presented to the nation by W.E.B. DuBois, with a resounding answer of “Nothing!!!!!!” because she would not even exist were it not for the contributions of enslaved Africans.

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African

American News&Issues

Greater Ward AME From pg. 1

HOUSTON – “Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (St. Matthew 16:16 and 18).

It was on Peter’s bold and fearless confession of faith that the Christian church was founded on.

This belief stems from the fact that Jesus Christ was born, lived, died and was resurrected to redeem the sins that had long alienated humanity from God. As it was, sacrificial offerings were no longer an acceptable atonement for the transgressions of sin. There was only One who contained the saving power to restore the abundant mercies and grace of God back to mankind.

From this belief emerged a multitude of denominations that profess and actively believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of the world. Amongst those many include the African Methodist Episcopal faith. A church system that is deeply rooted in the hearts of African-Americans around the

world, the AME church evolved out of the Free African Society.

Confronted with the strenuous grips of slavery a few vigilant slaves had a mind to worship God in the midst of controversial turmoil. According to the AME Church official website, “Richard Allen, Absalom Jones, and others established it in Philadelphia in 1787.” The ancestral heritage of the AME church holds Richard Allen as having pastored the first church of its’ kind, Bethel AME. Hence, yields the history of one Houston’s greatest landmarks. With the celebration of 103 years of existence, Greater Ward African Methodist Episcopal Church through the efforts of Debra Blacklock-Sloan, will be receiving a historical marker on February 14.

HISTORY OF GREATER WARD AME Greater Ward African Methodist Episcopal Church was established in February of 1913 in the heart of Acres Homes. Receiving its name from the tenth Bishop of the AME Church, Bishop Thomas M.D.

CYNTHIA RATLIFF AT WORK BEFORE HER COMPUTER At her day job, Cynthia Ratliff is a senior clerk in the Harris County District Clerk’s call center. Ratliff will sing “We Shall Overcome” with the District Clerk’s Choir at an annual county Black History Month commemoration Feb. 26.

CHANNELVIEW - At Harris County’s annual commemoration of Black History Month last year, the program closed with the District Clerk’s Choir singing “We Shall Overcome.”

The rendition started off sedately – the choir has dwindled in numbers in recent years, and the audience, which joined in the singing, mouthed the words quietly as if they were in a buttoned-down church.

That is, until Cynthia Ratliff, choir member and a TX- 4

C over St ry

Ward. Originally Ward Chapel, the church was founded in the home of the late Rev. John T. and Mrs. Cassie Williams. Through much work and dedication the founding members were able to build their first church which was destroyed by an unfortunate fire in 1934. Following, Ward Chapel was donated two lots of land by the Wright Land Company which was located on Sherman Street. By unanimous vote the church opted to exchange lots with Mr. and Mrs. Ware, which resulted in the relocation to its present site.

According to the church history, Ward was a part of a circuit which included two other churches, Green and Jones Chapels. The charter members were: Rev. Morgan, Fannie Houston, Mattie HoustonPatterson, Willie Blount, Rev. John T. Williams, Cassie Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Wylie Adams, Mr. Willie, Annie Daniels and Mary Steward. As time went on, the members under the direction of great leaders and men such as: Rev. C.L. Boyd, B.W. Wiseman

Texas •F -14, 2016 Texas •ebruary August 812-18, 2013

and C.J. Alexander; were able to reconstruct the church. Pastor A.T. Harris and Pastor X. L. Williams initiated the first monetary efforts towards the purpose of a new sanctuary. On January 27, 1957, Pastor O.L. Dawson and the Ward family entered into their new sanctuary, with Bishop H. Thomas Primm conducting the service. Five years later, Pastor Dawson and the church family purchased another lot for purposes of a new sanctuary and fellowship hall. That mission was accomplished and in October of 1964; the dedication ceremony was held with Bishop O.L. Sherman conducting that service.

With a culmination of many blessed years of pastorate, under great leaders Ward has become an outstanding pillar of the Acres Homes’ community. Pastors that have aided in that regard include: A.T. Harris, T.L. Singleton, X.L. Williams, O.L. Dawson, I.C. Gordon, L.E. Reid, S.E. Braziel, Sr., A.V. Hawkins, W.L. Brown, M.C. Cooper, Bennie Wilson, James McLaughlin, Richard Tankerson and Eddie L. Everline,

Jr. The church history entails that, “In the 5th Session of the Texas Annual Conference, Presiding Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram granted a resolution to rename the church to Greater Ward AME Church”. Over the years, it has seen much progress, renovations, advancements, growth and success.

To that regard, it has birthed many potent and influential ministers which include: Dr. Floyd Harold Flake, Alfred James Baker, Jr., William Anderson, Joan Cooper, Debbie Waddell Ward, Sandra Flake Dever, Claude Lewis, Jr.; and the late Reverends: Green Heard, Steve Morrison, Marvin Dawson and Dave Ward, Sr. In 2011, Pastor David Israel Madison became shepherd under the appointment of Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram. Through his leadership, Greater Ward has adapted a new church motto, “Moving Forward”!

To continue reading visit us online @ www.aframnews.com

By: Rebecca S. Jones, Contributing Writer

Polite at Call Center & Known for Big, Soulful Voice on Stage

senior clerk in the District Clerk’s call center, stepped forward and seemed to pierce a hole in the ceiling, and all the way up through the roof, with her voice.

The song took on a different rhythm – and volume – as she riffed and performed vocal somersaults and handstands with the civil rights and gospel standard. In the front row, U.S. District Judge George Hanks looked at the person next to him and chuckled with delight – everyone in the room knew that Ratliff, of Channelview, was the real deal.

“I was trying to get the audience and the choir more engaged in the song – to feel it,” she said. “It’s a song about coming together and overcoming obstacles. (It’s) one of my favorites.”

Ratliff has not been performing as much lately. She typically has held day jobs – first at Pennzoil and since 2001, at the District Clerk’s Office. But outside of work, she sang in churches, at weddings, banquets and even funerals for decades until recently, when she cut down on her performances. Usually, she performed with her siblings – they were and still are known as The Norman Sisters. But she also has sung solos and performed with other groups. Since 2002, she has been a key member of the DCO Choir.

Whether she’s singing ballads such as Patti LaBelle’s “When You’ve Been Blessed” at weddings or church songs such as “Trouble of the World,” Ratliff

brings the earnestness of a gospel singer channeling words and experience of importance. She has never been a dabbler in gospel music as an interesting folk genre.

Gospel music has always been an expression of faith for her.

“My singing, lyrics convey my personal testimony and also convey that, all that the Lord has is not just for me, but it is for all who turn to him,” she said.

During a recent interview, she reflected on her long, rich career outside the District Clerk’s Office and her previous day job.

Harris County District Clerk Chris Daniel said, “Cynthia is a great employee who was kind enough to help make my landing softer after I was first elected district clerk. And like everybody else who hears her, I am amazed by her singing talent.”

Ratliff grew up in southeast Houston in a stable house with two working parents. Her grandmother, a Protestant missionary sister who devoted much of her life to charitable work in Houston, learned early on that her five granddaughters were well-received when she brought them to sing at local churches.

“I’ve been performing since I was 5 years old. As I got older, I performed with the church choir on Christian TV,” said Ratliff, who was baptized in a river at age 12.

To continue reading visit us online @ www.aframnews.com

Story & Photo By: Bill Murphy

C mmunity

TEXAS • FEBRUARY 8 - 14, 2016

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“900 Pretty Women and Two Men; 2016 Alpha Kappa Alpha Founders Day”

Standing (L-R): Jocelyn Green, Kawanna Phillips, Lori Williams, Rosita Oliver, Heather Allen, Sherylle Fuller, Eula Richard Seated (L-R): Equilla Jackson, Glenda Chachere, Travette Webster, Erica Scott, Jullette Spivey

MIDTOWN - Over the years I have made it my business to attend the annual Founders Day Celebration of the beautiful ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I was reluctant to attend at first, but my wife made me go with her. I told her that I didn’t want to be in a room filled with hundreds of females listening to them talk about “women’s stuff”. “Just come on” she would say. “If you come with me, I’ll give you a “treat” later on”. Now, all men know when a woman tells you that she’s gonna give you “treat” in early February, she’s not talking about the Halloween variety. Especially, if she’s yo wife. Married men don’t get “treats” as often as we used to, therefore, I hopped my happy ass up and put on a bowtie and a suit before she changed her mind. This was about five years ago…

Julle doesn’t have to ask me to go with her anymore. As a matter a fact, I look forward to attending their Founders’ Day now on a yearly basis and I went today. Let me tell you why: Women know how to organize an event.

It’s not an easy thing to do. How they pull off a function of this magnitude with ease, year after year, is beyond my wildest comprehension.

Don’t get me wrong, I know I could probably organize something of this caliber if I had enough time to do it, but women (as all men know) are

the masters of planning. That’s why they’re the bosses and us fellers are the role players.

They just “allow” us to flex our muscles every now and then to make us feel good, but women know how to run shit. (Excuse my French). I guess that’s why things run better/smoother when they’re in control. But still, it has to start somewhere…

My wife introduced me to some special women of Alpha Kappa Alpha a few years ago who worked in the leadership positions of their Southeast Texas Cluster of AKA Chapters.

Former International Presidents, Mattelia B. Grays and Faye B. Bryant along with two former Regional Directors, Polly Sparks-Turner and Gwendolyn J. Brinkley played major roles in continuing the vision of the nine founding members and seven honor student sophomores who established the nation’s first AfricanAmerican sorority on January 15th, 1908. I could tell right away that these were some lovely and highly dedicated women of the “first class”. But more importantly, in typical AKA fashion, they are genuine ladies with pure hearts and caring souls. They are business-minded and professional. This is how the leadership continues.

TO CONTINUE READING VISIT US ONLINE @ WWW.AFRAMNEWS.COM BY: MARK SPIVEY, M.ED.

Celebrating the Life & Legacy of

Mrs. Lois Ann Hunter Maxie

FIRST BREATH JANUARY 20, 1948

Lois Ann Hunter was born to George A. and Oveta L. Hunter on January 20, 1948.

She attended Wesley Elementary and Harper Jr. High. Afterwards, she went on to graduate from MC Williams Jr. Senior

High School in 1967.

Upon graduating from high school, Lois sparked with an entrepreneurial spirit decided to become a business owner. She owned and operated, “Ms. Lois Daycare” for many years.

Many within the community grew to love and adore for the love that she displayed and the services she rendered throughout.

She successfully operated this daycare until 2012, when she retired.

Mr. Matthew James Maxie, was the love of

LAST SMILE JANUARY 26, 2016

her life. To their union three children were born, Matthews J. Maxie II, Brisheck Shantel Maxie Harrell and Gladys Oveta Maxie Wooten. Mrs. Lois Ann Hunter Maxie leaves behind a host of friends, family and loved ones.

She was a jewel within the community and her presence will be missed and her spirit never forgotten. African-American News&Issues extends our deepest sympathy to her family and acquaintances.

May she ever rest in peace.

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Rateinand size of Ad to run Rate and size of Ad to run AAN&I’s Houston T 8 - 14, 2016 EDITION DATE: Februa EDITION DATE: February 8 •-F14, 2016 (Vol. 21 Marketplace EXAS

PUBLIC NOTICE

Boyd Funeral Home

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

7411 WHEATLEY ST. HOUSTON, TX 77088

Carl Barnes

The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 •

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SHOE REPAIR MIGHTY FINE SHOE REPAIR Men & Ladies - Boots & Shoes Shined, Waxed, Glazed, Dyed & Repaired

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Major Credit Cards ACCEPTED 1400 South Victory Houston, TX 77088

African-American News&Issues now offers E-Blast to over 20,000 business professionals and community subcribers for a very low price.Let us promote your next event!

For more information contact (713) 692-1892 or visit www.aframnews.com HOU-6

PUBLIC NOTICE

FUNERAL HOME

281-445-0971

•

EBRUARY

Project 16-01-11 RFP FIRE PROTECTION SPRINKLER SYSTEM: INSPECTION, TESTING & REPAIR SERVICES with a deadline of 11:00 A.M. CST, February 26, 2016. The proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2NE32 at the above stated address on February 12, 2016 at 2:00 PM.

Project 16-01-04 – Kitchen and Production Equipment – with a deadline of 2 P.M. March 21, 2016. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 1E02 at the above stated address on March 3, 2016 at 9:00 A.M. Project 16-01-03 – Printing of High School Diplomas – with a deadline of 3 P.M. 03/2/2016. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2NE51 at the above stated address on 02/17/2016 at 10:00 a.m.

Project 16-01-07 – Medical Administration FSA/HRA-Commuter Administration, Care Management, Stop Loss – with a deadline of 12 P.M. 3/9/2016. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2E26 at the above stated address on 2/17/2016 from 1 pm – 3 pm.

Project 15-11-02 – RFP / Two Way Radio System with Infrastructure Upgrades – with a deadline of 2 P.M. February 29, 2016. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2NE32 at the above stated address on February 12, 2016 at 8:30 A.M.

Project 16-01-05 – Student Assessment Platform – with a deadline of 3 P.M. March 7, 2016. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be February 18, 2016 in Room 1056 at 9AM, HISD Teledyne Building, 5827 Chimney Rock Road, Houston TX 77081

Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org. To access, go to Departments, Procurement Services, Bid Opportunities.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

Heading

Houston Independent School Public N District will receive Competitive Sealed Proposals from contractors for Kashmere High School Reno- Contact In Name: Ethel Kujimiy vations and Addition, Project Houston Number: 16-01-23 onCompany: Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 2:00 Phone: p.m. at (713) 556-65 4400 West 18th Street,Fax: Office713-556-6551 of Board Services, RoomEmail: 1C, Hous-EKUJIMIY@ Address for Tearshe ton, TX 77092. A Pre-Proposal 4400 West 18th Stree Conference will be held at 10:00 Houston,Texas 77092 a.m., Monday, February 15, 2016, Procurement Departm at Kashmere High School, 6900 Wileyvale Road, Houston, Texas 77028. For additional informaAD C tion regarding this project, access the HISD website: http://www.

TotalorCost to run A houstonisd.org/Page/68148 contact Mr. Raymond Hooks, rhooks@houstonisd.org. Draw$792 ings and Specifications for the RFCSP may be reviewed at the following Houston locations: Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, Houston, TX 77092, 713-843-3700

Please sign for ap back to (713 by 12 NOON W next Monday’s

HISD Construction and Facilities Services Office, 3200 Center, Houston, TX 77007, 713-5569250 McGraw Hill Construction/ Dodge, www.construction.com

Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, TX 77098, 832-613-0201

Adver tise online a f r a mSignature news.com Fo r m o r e in fo c a ll 7 1 3 -6 9 2 -1 1 7 8

H-E-B ISSUES VOLUNTARY RECALL Date H-E-B CREAMY CREATIONS CARAMEL PECAN TURTLE ICE CREAM VOLUNTARILY RECALLED DUE TO POSSIBLE FOREIGN MATERIAL IN THE PRODUCT

CONSUMER ALERT

In the abundance of caution, H-E-B is issuing a voluntary recall for H-E-B Creamy Creations Caramel Pecan Turtle Ice Cream due to the possible presence of wood pieces in the product.

H-E-B is committed to the quality of its products. There have been no reports of illness.

The voluntary recall impacts the following products: Description: H-E-B Creamy Creations Caramel Pecan Turtle Ice Cream UPC: 0 4122051877 7 SELL BY DATE: • SELL BY: 20 APR(ABR)16 • SELL BY: 10 MAY(MAY)16 • SELL BY: 07 JUN(JUN)16 • SELL BY:18 JUL(JUL)16

PO# 02 16-02-0

P.O. Number for this

Customers who purchased the product can return the product to the store for a full refund.

Customers with any questions or concerns may contact H-E-B Customer Service at 1-855-432-4438.

About H-E-B H-E-B operates more than 370 stores in Texas and Mexico. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at everyday low prices.

H-E-B employs more than 86,000 Partners in Texas and 9,000 Partners in Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit www.heb.com.

FEBRUARY 8 - 14, 2016

FEB

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Thursday - Sunday Ensemble Theatre Fences 3535 Main St. Houston, TX 77002 Times Vary For more info contact: (713) 520-0055

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Feb 8 - Feb 28

Feb 8 - Feb 21 Monday - Sunday

Discovery Green Field of Lights 1500 McKinney Street Houston, TX 77010 All Day For more indo contact:

www.visithoustontexas.com

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Tuesday Windsor Houston Networking Breakfast 6920 TC Jester Blvd Houston, TX 77091 Beginning at 9:20am For more info contact: (281) 224-0280

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Tuesday

FREE

Acres Home Chamber for Bus. & Eco. Dev, Inc. An Evening with the Mayor 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 5:30pm -7:30pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161

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info@acreshomecenter.org

Tuesday The Harris Ctr Foundation for MH & IDD Mardi Gras Fundraiser 9401 Knight Rd Houston, TX 77045 For more info contact: (713) 970-7667

Read us online aframnews.com

Saturday JoinOne AntiBullying Organization Dance Team Try-Outs 1520 Candlelight Ln Houston, TX 77018 Beginning at 10am For more info contact: (832)993-9916 Saturday HCC Dance Team Try-Outs 1520 Candlelight Ln Houston, TX 77018 Beginning at 10am For more info contact: (832)993-9916

African American News&Issues What’s Happenin’ 7 Feb 18 - Feb 20 20 Saturday 21 Sunday 27 Saturday New Hope MBC First Baptist of The Well New Life Thursday - Saturday Community of Faith Gospel Heritage International Worship Summit 2016 1024 Pinemont Dr Houston, TX 77091 Times Vary For more info contact: (770) 866-2427

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Mission Workshop The Bold & the Beautiful 4827 Creekmont Dr. Houston, TX 77091 Beginning at 9:15am For more info contact: (713) 498-5987

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Friday

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Saturday

HONORING BEN WILSON & CEDRICK HARDMAN

MAJOR GENERAL CHARLES FRANK BOLDEN JR., NASA ADMINISTRATOR

HCC 2016 Black History Scholarship Gala Hotel Zaza 3100 Main St Ste 12B12, MC 1148 Houston TX 77002 Beginning at 10am For more info contact: (713) 718-5242

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THIS SHOULD BE YOUR EVENT

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Lincoln City BC FBC Praise Dancers 844 Fortune St Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 11:30am For more info contact: (832)892-5078 Monday Aldine ISD Free Evening Meals During School Year All Middle & High School Students For more info contact: (281) 985-6213 Monday HCC State of the College 2016 Bayou City Event Ctr 9401 Knight Rd Houston, TX 77045 For more info contact: (281) 414 - 5123 Friday Antioch Baptist Church Sesquicentennial Celebration Gala 1200 Louisiana St Houston, TX 77002 For more indo contact: (713) 652-0739

Carver High School 50th Superbowl High School Honor Roll 2100 South Victory Dr Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 1pm For more info contact: (281) 878 - 0310

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ambchouston.org

Fellowship Tripple Celebration Pastor’s 60th Birthday, 35 Years in Ministry and 21 Years of Pastoral Care Brady’s Landing (Grand Ballroom) 8505 Cypress Street Houston, Texas 77012 For more indo contact: (281) 436-0930

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www.twnlf.org.

Saturday Depelchin Children’s Center Relatives as Parents Conference 4950 Memorial Dr Houston, TX 77007 For more indo contact: (713) 682-8911

houstonboardroom@mch.org

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Sunday Antioch Baptist Church Sesquicentennial Celebration 500 Clay St Houston, TX 77002 Beginning at 10:15am For more indo contact: (713) 652-0739 ambchouston.org

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

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Sunday Greater Ward AME 103 years of Christian Leadership and Service HISTORICAL LANDMARKER DEDICATION 6822 Arabella St Houston, TX 77091 ANNIVERSAY: 10am HISTORICAL MARKER: 3pm For more info contact: (713)491-0971 HOU-7

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African

Religion

American News&Issues

Black Kollectibles

& F lowers

MINISTER SANDRA PEAVY MOSLEY FOUNDER OF THE COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS IN CHRIST

Blackshear’s Collection

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New

By Thomas

Blackshear II

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First New Angel from “The Warring Angel” Series

Gift Shop: 713-692-1195

The Sound of Victory 3 1/2” x 11”

Store Hours: Open: Thursday 11:30am - 4pm | Friday & Saturday 11am - 5pm 6130 Wheatley Street | Houston, Texas 77091

TEXAS • FEBRUARY 8 - 14, 2016

Sandra Peavy Mosley

Minister Sandra Mosley is a native Houstonian. She graduated from Jack Yates Senior High School, located in South East Houston. She attended Prairie View A&M University with her Major in Child development.

Minister Mosley later attended Houston Community College with studies in Practical Nursing. She’s the mother of two, wife of James Mosley, grandmother of Symphony Jonae & Amya.

Sandra, by Divine order of God, began with an Evangelical opportunity to minister to women incarcerated at Jefferson Correctional Women’s Facility in Pensacola Florida in 1995. The following year, she became the first daughter in the ministry of The Gospel licensed under the leadership of Senior Pastor, Dr. John D. Ogletree, Jr. of First Metropolitan Church in Houston, Texas.

God opened doors for her to minister to women in Chicago, Indiana, Florida and Houston, Texas. He gave Minister Mosley a vision of an outreach ministry to reach people in the community through

the Gospel of Christ, and to touch their lives with hope and healing for their souls.

This ministry was birth in August of 2003, and God gave her the name, Community Of Believers In Christ, Ministries (C.O.B.I.C.). She shared her vision with her Pastor, Dr. Ogletree who gave her Godly council and support.

Shortly thereafter, God open the door for Minister Mosley to began a home bible study in which there were seven faithful members.

Within a few weeks, seven became eleven. After walking by faith, God has since blessed her to air on a local gospel radio station weekly which began February 1, 2004. In addition to that, He enlarged her territory by miraculously providing a fully furnished church within just seven months of walking by faith in Him. Minister Mosley further shared the divine developments with her father in the ministry, Dr.Ogletree and God led him to ordain Minister Mosley, who now serves as Pastor & Founder ofC.O.B.LC. Ministries.

Because of Gods’ grace, Minister Mosley has completed training in Pastoral Care from the Texas Baptist Volunteer Chaplaincy Region.

She’s had contectual training in Adult Restorative Justice, and Chaplaincy Training with Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fm·t Worth, Texas. She is Board Certified by The International Christian Institute and Graduate School in Houston, Texas in the field of Christian

Counseling.

With all that God has done in her life, Minister Mosley takes no credit; “The glory belongs to GOD, without Him, I could do nothing. PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!”

THE BIRTH OF C.O.B.I.C.

After a year of grieving in the spirit for the dying souls who seem to be slipping through the cracks, the Lord planted a seed in the heart of Pastor Sandra P. Mosley. In early August of 2003, The Lord began preparing Pastor Mosley for Ministry to preach the Gospel to the poor, and to shed new light on those who live in darkness. In essence, He directed Pastor Mosley to preach salvation and deliverance to those that are lost and bound.

The Lord gave Pastor Mosley the name, “Community of Believers In Christ Ministries” known as C.O.B.I.C. God placed in her spirit to begin a home Bible Study. On September 4, 2003, the ministry’s name was officially registered with the State of Texas. The following day Pastor Mosley sowed the first seed offaith by opening an account for the ministry with $100.00. As it was, C.O.B.I.C. Ministries was born. Pastor Mosley was compelled to begin this mission by reaching the unsaved souls in her own family first.

To Continue reading visit us online @ www.aframnews.com

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The Eagle’s Newspaper

TEXAS • FEBRUARY 8 - 14, 2016

HIGH SCHOOL

FOR THE

If you don’t know anything else about Booker T. Washington, you know about our engineering program. The students enrolled in it are proud to be considered HSEP students and will quickly tell anyone else about it. HSEP students will learn valuable lessons in the engineering field of work, whether it be how to cooperate with a group of immature freshman, how to catch up to a senior with a lot more experience, how to create and pres-

PROFESSION

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ENGINEERING

ent a professional presentation, or how to get down and dirty with food scraps and oil. This program has formed partnerships throughout the years with companies such as ExxonMobil and NASA. Kids can choose almost any course from engineering graphics to rocketry after basic engineering training that each student must all take upon entry freshman year. The sky is literally the limit for HSEP, our goal is to be the first high school to launch a rocket to

orbit Earth, and we are slowly but surely reaching it.

The program was recently recognized for being the second high school to successfully launch a rocket at White Sands Missile Range. If that isn’t impressive enough, they’ve also built a prosthetic hand with a 3D printer for a 6 year old named Gracie. They’ve sure got a lot going on for high school students and we encourage every single one of their projects.

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL‛S MISSION

By: Tyrik Henry

A new partnership and collaboration amongst Booker T. Washington’s The Eagle’s Newpaper and African-American News&Issues - Photo Credit: Anthony Stewart

The Booker T. Washington Newspaper staff collaborated, and agreed that overall our high school’s mission statement amounted to the following, “The faculty and students of Booker T. Washington High School for the Engineering Profession are striving for the successful outcome of its students through learning, companionship, research, and diligence.”

Booker T. Washington High School for the Engineering Profession has established its reputation in two ways: first, we are known because of our Magnet school’s rocketry program, and, unfortunately, the second reason why Washington High School is featured on the news (or is “storyworthy”) is because of the negative stereotypes that are associated with our school’s past. Booker T. Washington High School has been misjudged and labeled as a school filled with non-intellects who do not value education, and who are taught by incompetent teachers or administrators. This is the

THE IMPORTANCE

By Nytasha King, BTW Student

Now, I am sure everyone thinks they know what this article is going be about, but trust me – you should keep reading! Now as a person that has been singing, drawing, and playing the flute since before I can remember creativity is in my blood. Creativity is more than just you being good at something; it is a feeling of self-expression and gratification that cannot be matched! For a long time I kept my creativity and imagination locked up in a closet away from the world. I am here to warn you not to repeat my mistake.

Your creativity is one of the only things that makes you who you are…A CREATIVE, WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING. I never truly understood it until I tried it for myself. My ninth grade year I was in an art class (which made me super happy). In the class my teacher taught me not only how to push the limits of creativity, but how to go passed it. It’s all about

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furthest thing from the truth, and like others who have struggled to claim a positive and strong reputation we too endure the negative assumptions about our campus, because we know that we cannot facilitate change until we demonstrate the effort that will undoubtedly demonstrate our abilities to rise above labels and show the merit of our character. In the midst of all this high school cliché drama, we know that when it’s time to learn, it’s our responsibility to put forth the effort in order to be successful. The teachers and staff of this school works tirelessly to, not only teach their students, but to convey the theme of EFFORT when an obstacle comes out of nowhere. We may not have the best ratings, comments, or feedback from the district or from other people but we know, as a whole, that in due time we’ll reach our goal which is to have all of our students be successful.

knowing who you are and what you want to be. Now my creativity is not just confined to the “artsy stuff.”

No, I also apply my creativity to my “core classes”. I have seen how much technology has crippled people’s creativity. It happens all the time, you’re sitting with a large group of friends, and nobody is talking! Everyone is glued to their phones! It’s crazy how much I feel like I am losing connection with the people around me simply because of Angry Birds. This is why I feel as if creativity is such an important topic right now. The feeling of actually picking up a pencil and drawing or writing something that represents you as a person is so crucially important, and I fear that if we are practicing those skills our generation will be at a deficit. So please, I am not saying give of your social media, I am just saying know when to give it a rest. Your life is not on social media, it’s out there in the world. Instead of typing it, go out there and live it!

By Dante Angelo Tarzona, BTW Student

HIV/AIDS AWARENESS Written by: Tyesha Thomas, BTW Student

Acres Home has one of the highest HIV/AIDS populations in Houston, over three times the city rates; according to HoustonTx. Gov, it is also the forth ranked cause of death within the neighborhood.

How does this effect Booker T. Washington students? Well, because of Booker T. Washington’s diverse population, our students come from everywhere.

Humble, Pearland, Southwest, you name it, we probably have at least one student from there, but the majority of our students, despite the school being located in Independence Heights, come from Acres Homes. See how that ties in? Where do these kids stand in the population? Well, the number of people in Acres Homes with HIV coming from mother to child is 2%; however, sexual contact is the leading cause of the virus totaling 50%. So the real questions is, how many of these kids – our students- are sexually active? Once we get those answers, how many of them are aware of the potential consequences of the virus and protected? There are many factors that Booker T. Washington needs to look into, and I think if these students are honest with themselves, we’d be able to decrease the number of people infected in our area.

Safe sex is not stressed enough in most health classes, and Booker T. Washington does not currently have a sexual education class, which most would agree, is much needed.

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WITHOUT WORK ALL IS ROTTEN: THE MOST PRESSING PRESENT DILEMMA FACING YOUNG BLACK MALES

Young African-American Males sit in on a lecture concerning issues that are affecting thier gender

I have always counted myself as one of the lucky one’s to have been raised in a home with a father who was a hard-working member of the United Steel Workers of America. It was this

experience with the American Labor movement that undoubtedly led to my studies of Labor History at The Ohio State University under the tutelage of Dr. Warren Van Tine. Most importantly

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Education/Youth

it led to what many term my ‘radicalization’ in regards to Labor issues.

There is a great saying that emanates from the American Labor Movement that has always stuck with me, that saying is that “Without work, all is rotten.”

A recent report focusing upon the embattled city of Chicago, Illinois, has highlighted this very thing and gone a great distance toward linking up the absence of work with the occurrence of violent crimes among young African-American males. The alluded to report from the Universiy of Illinois at Chicago’s Great Cities Institute relates that nearly half of young Black men in Chicago are neither engaged in the educational system nor gainfully employed.

• 47 % of Black men (ages 20 – 24) were out of school and out of work.

• 20% of Hispanic men (ages 20 – 24) were out of school and out of work.

• 10% of white men (ages 20 – 24) were out of school and out of work.

Although the numbers in Chicago are particularly daunting, cities throughout this nation are not far behind as the national average is 32%.

The individuals that I speak of are afflicted by an American economic system that long ago transitioned from a manufacturing economy to its present status as a service economy.

Although I am not certain if figures such as Malcolm X, Booker T. Washington, Marcus Garvey, Claud Anderson, and Louis Farrakhan are the type of people who would stand in our presence, smirk, and say, “I TOLD YOU SO!!!!!!” The truth of the matter is that considering the present discord between gainful employment and young African-American males, the above leaders have every right to do so as their warnings that one day the American economy would no longer be willing to employ our people has come to fruition.

Now I am certain that there are many of you reading this who are allowing irrational seeds of doubt and distrust to lead you down a path that will not end until you label me a ‘racist’, however, I can not let your irrationalities stop me from addressing

this matter as we can no longer afford to ignore the cavernous gulf between young African-American males and their peer groups. In some cities, the unemployment rate for young AfricanAmerican males quadruples that of their white peers.

Anyone interested in saving the race should be prepared to ask the simple question of ‘Why is this so?’

The most basic answer to this query is that white folk have the means to employ their own whether it be via international corporations or local mom and pop stores, while young AfricanAmerican males are forced to go forth as little more than beggars with our hat in hand praying that someone will give us even a minimum wage job that we desperately need to provide for our families.

My primary question is haven’t we suffered enough, beaten our head against the wall enough, to come to the conclusion that whites have neither duty nor desire to employ young African-American males; the alluded to resistance grows exponentially more stringent when young Black males are towing around a criminal past with them. An African-American male with a criminal past is going to face a hurricane of frustration and disappointment in his pursuit of employment opportunities.

Fortunately for young AfricanAmerican males the solution to their employment woes is a relatively simple one. However, it can only occur if they, and by extension the entire African-American community, alter their present mindset regarding the real purpose and utility of education.

It is time for African-Americans to adopt the mindset that their foremost goal and preoccupation has to revolve around one primary question; “How do I start my own business?”

I am certain that the vast majority of readers have had an involuntary reaction to the suggestion that entrepreneurship should be young AfricanAmerican males ultimate objective due to no other reason than intra-racial social conditioning that has historically led to a “I just want a job” mindset.

Joy DeGruy would call such a BY: DR. JAMES THOMAS JONES, III TO CONTINUE READING VISIT US ONLINE @ WWW.AFRAMNEWS.COM

TEXAS • FEBRUARY 8 - 14, 2016

Tactics to Prevent Bullying: Workshop at HCDE helps teachers

HOUSTON - Bullying is both psychological and physical so safeguarding students against bullies has much to do about empowerment, says bullying prevention expert and presenter Fabian Ramirez. Recently, Ramirez talked to educators about bullying prevention at Harris County Department of Education, 6300 Irvington, Houston, Texas.

The national presenter who is a Houston native was victimized by bullying in middle school, and he uses that experience to talk to students about how to deal with bullies. His videos and lesson plans are directed to empower both students and teachers.

Ramirez says what you don’t talk out, you act out. Most bullies are dealing with internal issues that they project on others.

He points to studies from the Secret Service which show that 71 percent of school shooters were bullied themselves. Most were loners and got picked on during school.

Venting, Ramirez says, is one solution which helps unleash emotions. He urges students to vent, and he defines venting as releasing or transferring your emotions through words.

In a free lesson provided through his bullying prevention series called EveryOne Matters, Ramirez talks directly to students and empowers them with ways to vent: 1. Analyze: See where you are and work through it with the other party.

Sometimes it’s really not that bad.

2. Assume the best: Have a follow-up conversation with the person who is acting like a bully. Maybe you heard it wrong. Sometimes people don’t mean what they said.

3. Don’t take it personally: It’s about them and not you. Don’t think something is wrong with you.

TO CONTINUE READING VISIT US ONLINE @ WWW.AFRAMNEWS.COM

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Texas • February 8 - 14, 2016

Politics

Who I am & Why I am Running

My earliest childhood memories are of a small house on Mabel Street, in Acres Homes. We lived there on the land owned by my grandfather, Dr. Augustus Fitzgerald, among a row of houses, which he rented out. Eventually, a street in Acres Homes would be named after hiWhen I was seven years old, my parents built a new house on Carver Rd, which my father built with his own hands. We moved to the part of Acres Homes called “The Bottom”. One night I heard my mother crying.

It was more like wailing.

My cousin Tim would occasionally have mental breakdowns. On this night, as he was having a crisis, he got into a dispute with a cab driver while trying to get to our home, a place of safety and understanding. The cab driver called the police and the situation escalated. My cousin Tim was killed, shot by one of the officers. It was reported that he was beating the officer who shot him in self defense. The news devastated my family and I can still hear my mothers wailing in my mind to this day. But the thing is, that my mother allowed me to read his autopsy, which clearly stated cousin Tim was shot in the back. I knew something wrong had occurred. That was my first experience with the issue of Justice.

As I continued to grow, I became increasingly aware of the issues of race, segregation, the civil rights

movement and the Vietnam war. I attended Mabel B. Wesley Elementary School and then went on to M.C. Williams Jr. Sr. High. In the 11th grade at the age of 17, I began to seriously consider my purpose in life. I knew I wanted to work for myself and that I wanted to serve people. The issue of Justice and Fairness burned deeply in my heart. I determined that I wanted to be a lawyer, not just any lawyer, but one who was an advocate for change, a voice for the voiceless and a defender of the accused. That decision was a lifetime commitment which I have never waivered from to this day.

After graduating from high school, I got my BA degree in History from the University of Houston, then pursued my law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. I immediately went into the private practice of law where I excelled in Entertainment Law, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Business Transactions and Civil Litigation. Attorney Fitzgerald has engaged in Civil Litigation in both Federal and State courts involving Jury Trials, Writs, Temporary Restraining Orders and Appeals.

Throughout my career, I have mentored, supervised and trained several law students who are now practicing attorneys and numerous legal assistants/paralegals, some of which have gone on to work for major international law firms.

As part of my community service, I have hosted and lectured in free legal workshops all over the city and especially in the community of Acres Home.

These workshops include: Know Your Rights - a presentation teaching citizens on their rights when stopped by law enforcements and how to negotiate and survive the encounter Clearing Your Record - a workshop where a group of attorneys interview citizens with criminal records to determine if the record can be cleared or sealed so the they may be able to obtain employment and become productive citizens after they have paid their debt to society Wills and Probate seminars explaining the process of writing a will and the Probate and Estate Planning process In 2012, I was appointed by the Mayor as an Associate Judge in the Municipal Court for the City of Houston. In 2014, I was reappointed for a second term. My duties include, but are not limited to: • Handling arraignment and trial dockets • Juvenile dockets • Jail dockets • Magistrate Duties which include issuing Search Warrants, Magistrates Orders of Emergency Protection and 24

African

hour Arraignments after arrests • Performing Marriage Ceremonies While working as an Associate Judge, I began to realize the importance of having the opportunity to serve as Judge and its impact on people’s everyday lives. The Municipal Courts and the Justice of the Peace Courts see more people in the course of a year than all other courts in the State of Texas combined. The Justice courts sit in the communities that they serve and are truly “peoples courts’.

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I realized that this was the natural evolution of my lifelong passion for Justice and that I could truly play a vital part in the proper administration of Justice.

This seat as Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place1, is the ideal conduit through which I will continue a lifetime of service and bring to our community the benefit of decades of practical experience in the legal system and years of judicial experience. Your tax dollars have contributed to me being trained by the City of Houston in being a competent, efficient and ethically

11

The Matter of Justice Attorney and Judge Warren Fitzgerald, Jr.

sound Judge. It is my desire to give to you, the members of our community, Precinct 1, Place 1, all of my life experiences, legal experience and Judicial experience and training. I hope that you will support me and allow me to be of service to you.

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12

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Texas • February 8 - 14, 2016

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