African-American News&Issues

JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2017 | FREE

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VOL. 22 ISSUE 2

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Is Speaking Freely Too Dangerous for Black Administrators & Professionals?

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Booker T Washington Alumni Ann Thompson SEE PAGE 4

THE “WELCOMING CITY” OPENS ITS ARMS & GREETS SUPERBOWL CELEBRANTS

SEE PAGE 10

CDM Youth & Wellness Center presents a Super Bowl Experience

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American News&Issues

Hon. Sylvester Turner Houston Mayor

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t’s a brand new year and there is a whole new list of things to get done at Houston City Hall. We are starting by tackling flooding. In what is truly an unparalleled move, the City of Houston is stepping in to provide the funds the Harris County Flood Control District needs to help speed up long-awaited flood relief projects along Brays, Hunting and White Oak Bayous.

Roy Douglas Malonson Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson President/C.E.O. Chandra Jarmon

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Editorial & Opinion just how committed everyone is to solving our flooding issues. I said flood relief would be a priority for the City in 2017; however, we would not be moving forward without Harris County, the Texas Water Development Board and the federal government.

When the bayou improvements are coupled with the $10 million of quick action projects anticipated to be done by the Storm Water Action Team, or SWAT program, we announced two weeks ago, we will be making a significant dent in Houston’s flooding problem.

Approximately 100 deferred maintenance projects spread throughout the city have been initially identified for inclusion in the SWAT program. The work encompasses everything from replacing sewer inlets and grates to regrading ditches and resizing culverts to minor erosion repairs and regular mowing.

I know residents in neighborhoods all over Houston have been waiting a very long time for flood relief. Thanks to everyone coming to the table and being willing to work cooperatively, we are finally beginning to make prog-

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e welcome all original responses from our 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.

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Understanding the Law: Suit to Quiet Title

Solving our Flooding Problem

It is important to note that these projects are not the City’s responsibility; the City is providing the financing to help speed up the work, but they are ultimately Harris County projects. We are stepping in to help because I believe we must do everything possible to mitigate the risk of flooding, even if it is not our sole responsibility.

Brays Bayou is the first in line for improvements because it has already received federal approval.

The work on Hunting and White Oak Bayous will follow, pending Congressional approval and separate agreements with the flood control district. The total estimated cost of all three projects is $130 million.

The money the City will provide to the flood control district will come via a loan application to the Texas Water Development Board. If approved, the loan proceeds will be advanced to Harris County, which will in turn repay the City once federal reimbursement is received. The work will involve bridge replacements and channel widening along Brays Bayou from Buffalo Bayou to Fondren

Road.

These projects will greatly reduce the flood threat for residents along the targeted bayous and remove hundreds of properties out of the 100-year floodplain.

I want to thank the multiple governmental entities that have come to the table to make this happen. The level of cooperation is unprecedented and a sign of

ress in this area. My hope is that residents will no longer have to rush to get furniture and carpets off the floor when heavy rain is forecast. We can’t eliminate the possibility entirely, but you have my commitment to do all we can to keep water out of homes and businesses.

Read more columns online @ www.aframnews.com

TEXAS • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2017

Krystin Collins Attorney at Law

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uying a piece of property is a major milestone for some and sometimes just a great investment decision for others, but nothing can taint this experience more than finding out there is

someone else claiming title to the same piece of property that you have purchased.

Oftentimes people contact my office in a helpless state because they feel they have been scammed, taken advantage of, or a victim of misfortune, because they have expended funds to purchase property that they still do not outright own. Texas law does provide legal recourse through a suit to quiet title. A Suit to Quiet Title is a civil lawsuit that can be brought against a defendant when there is a discrepancy as to the title owner of a piece of property.

Several situations can arise when an action to Quiet Title is the appropriate legal remedy. For example, if a person buys property from a land owner and before the deed is signed the owner passes without recording a deed, this will create a situation where the purchaser and the owner’s heirs both

have a legitimate claim to the same piece of property. Other common occurrences are if someone has sold property that they either have a partial interest in or no interest at all, without the other interest holder’s consent; or if the county sales a piece of property in a tax sale, without locating all living heirs that have an interest in the property. In all these instances, a Suit to Quiet Title would be the appropriate action to bring the matter before a court of law.

The effect of a Suit to Quiet Title is for the court to make a determination as to who retains sole ownership of a piece of property by declaring any competing claims to title invalid or ineffective. In order to bring a Suit to Quiet Title the plaintiff must show that their ownership rights to a piece of property are superior to all other claims.

Before instituting a Suit to Quiet Title, always consult with an attorney to get a better understanding of your ownership rights under Texas law.

Attorney Krystin Collins is a native of the Acres Homes Community. She is a graduate of Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law and has been a licensed attorney since 2009. Her primary practice areas include criminal, civil, family, probate, estate planning, and personal injury. She may be contacted at 713-775-0332 or krystin. collins@gmail.com.

By: Attorney Krystin Collins

TEXAS • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2017

Editorial & Opinion

Lewis Called Trump’s Presidency Illegitimate, But So Did Trump About Obama Earl Ofari Hutchinson

T

Author & Political Analyst

he attacks by Trump, Trump’s Chief of Staff, Reince Priebus, and some GOP leaders on Georgia Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis for flatly calling Trump’s presidency “not legitimate” was predictable. What wasn’t expected was the criticism from a few Democrats who voiced some dismay at Lewis’s broadside against Trump.

There were two glaring problems with this. The first is that this feeds the deep suspicion that more than a few Democrats, especially Democratic senators, are more than willing to make nice with Trump and the GOP on vital legislative and public policy issues ranging from his jaded cabinet picks to their big-ticket assault on the Affordable Care Act. The fear level jumped when the GOP fast tracked the confirmation hearing of Trump’s Justice Department head pick, Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, and HUD pick, Ben Carson, that brought only a tepid challenge from Democratic senate committee members. The fear level jumped even higher when some Democrats talk about seeking compromise measures to soften the GOP’s gut or outright scrap of Obamacare.

The other problem is the collective amnesia some Democrats exhibit when they stoop to criticizing Lewis for hammering Trump. Trump first ran for president in 2012, not 2016.

Initially, his candidacy was widely regarded as a cross between a media oddity and PT Barnum self-promotion stunt. That is until he managed to figure out the one angle that was a surefire way to get attention. That was to dredge up the birthers’ lie about President Obama citizenship.

Trump knew it would get the

tongues wagging and oodles of attention and invites on network talk shows. Trump’s revisit to the bogus issue in 2012 did not mark him as a serious contender for the GOP presidential nomination then. However, it did put a quasi-public figure, who had become something of a household name, on record that the birther issue had enough merit to become a campaign issue. No matter that it had been thoroughly debunked and discredited that it soon joined the pantheon of politically correct no-no’s for any of the pack of would-be GOP presidential contenders to raise. Trump knew that but that was partly why he blurted it out. He also knew that while it was a taboo subject to raise in polite political circles, a significant number, if not majority of Republicans, actually believed or wanted to believe that Obama’s birth was a legitimate issue to dump back on the political table.

The point was really not Obama’s birthplace or citizenship. The point was to tag Obama’s presidency as illegitimate. If Trump and the GOP could drive that notion deep into the thinking of millions, then it could become a backdoor way to destabilize the Obama administration on any and every policy initiative he pushed on health care, the economy, and a softer foreign policy outreach. It worked to perfection in the 2014 mid-term elections. The GOP took back the Senate and tightened its grip on the House.

With the Congressional numbers in its favor, it now could keep the issue of repealing the Affordable Care Act alive long enough to hope that a GOP president could win the White House in 2017 and deal the final coup de grace to the law.

Even after Trump withdrew from the GOP presidential hunt in 2012, he did not back away from still taunting Obama as an illegitimate president.

Whenever he did, it stirred media attention and kept the Trump name out there.

To continue reading online visit Source: HuffingtonPost.com

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Be Careful What You Ask For… President

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resident Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th leader of this country once made reference to a thought that is very true in nature. In it he conveyed that, “A President's hardest task is not to do what is right, but to know what is right!”

Undoubtedly, this statement imposes upon the character of a person who has assumed the role of a leadership position.

We MUST Understand that just because a person throws his or her hat in the ring for a certain position; it does not automatically guarantee that such a person is the right candidate for the job. However, a leader’s decisions, actions and commands, assists with helping the people determine just what manner of leader has been chosen.

A righteous leader that is for the people and by the people will most definitely do what is best for all of the people inclusively. And that is… with no respect or regard to: gender,

of this country.”

It has been said that there is no White America or Black America but that there is the United States of America. We MUST Understand that these words sound really good to those who don’t know any better, but truth is…. There has always been a division in these United States, in regards to race relations and no matter what anyone else says or does this factor has not disappeared overnight and is not likely to do so either. However, in terms of governing the country, it is best that President Trump be careful in regards to what he asks for. The seat of presidency is no easy job and the business of politics is a completely different ballgame when you are actually elected to be the Head Man in Charge. It would not be a wise effort to look at things through a tunnel vision spectrum. When one is elected president it is expected that he will be president for the whole country

race, religion, sexual preference or otherwise.

As it is, “WE” have elected a new president, none other than President Donald Trump. And when I state the word, “WE” that is exactly what I mean. Even if a person did not vote in the past election, the motion of doing nothing at all is relinquished to those who did choose to have a voice in the matter. President Franklin D. Roosevelt said it best. He exclaimed, “Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us… The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters

and do what is right in that regard.

With that being stated, I would like to digress on a subject that has caught the attention of many people.

NBC News in their segment of “Meet the Press”, held an exclusive interview with Representative John Lewis out of the State of Georgia.

In that exclusive, Rep. Lewis stated that he did not believe that President Trump was a, "legitimate president".

As the interview continued, he supported his opinion with details from the Russian interference, on behalf of President Trump that took place in the latest presidential election. While many argue that Congressman comments are deserv-

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

ing of an apology, I think that it is safe to state that the current President is capable of defending himself.

As it was recorded by NBC News that he did in fact respond to Rep. Lewis comments. He said that Lewis should, “spend more time on fixing and helping his district, which is in horrible shape and falling apart (not to mention crime infested) rather than falsely complaining about the election results."

Now in response to Representative John Lewis’ statements about President Trump there has been much talk about him being wrong for him expressing his own thoughts and opinions on the subject. But then again we must remember that we live in a country who subscribes to the idea that we as a people have freedom of speech. In the same regard, those who believe that the President is owed an apology from Rep. Lewis, should merely take a step back into the past and remind President Barack Obama, that he is due an apology as well. Because from my understanding it has never went on record that President Trump ever apologized or even had a sense of remorse in reference to the controversy that was continuously stirred up regarding the birth certificate or sly remarks made about former President Obama.

Concluding I would just like to echo the words of our former First Lady, Michelle Obama. She said, “I’ve seen firsthand that being president doesn’t change who you are…

It reveals who you are!” I couldn’t agree with her more. Just like the old saying, “What’s done in the dark, will always come to the light.” So, be that as it may, whatever the intentions are of our current POTUS, believe it or not over the course of the next four years it will certainly reveal what they are and who he is in the process.

Read More columns online @ AframNews.com!

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SUPER BOWL LI FROM PAGE 1

time to promote the event leading up to the big game.

For the past several months, The Touchdown Tour was the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee’s traveling celebration of football. It traveled all over Houston throughout the fall, raising awareness and excitement in the community for upcoming Super Bowl LI, which will be played at NRG Stadium on Feb. 5, 2017. The Touchdown Tour offered a wide variety of games, many exhibits, appearances, food and fun for people of all ages all used to generate excitement for the big day.

Now, Cooper projects and expects over 1 million football fans to visit and take part in the 10-day Super Bowl LIVE fan festival.

SUPER BOWL LIVE SOLANGE KNOWLES

HOUSTON - Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has dubbed Houston, a “Welcoming City” and that phrase will be put to the test as hundreds of thousands from all over the United States and from around the world and local neighborhoods pour into the Bayou City and downtown as Super Bowl LI fast approaches.

Awaiting visitors is a potpourri of events, parties, celebrations, vibrant night life destinations and tour opportunities.

“Houstonians love to show visitors a good time,” Turner said. “We are going to showcase our southern hospitality, our cultural diversity, our culinary delights, our beautiful downtown and everything else that makes Houston a forwardthinking destination for business or leisure travel.”

Houston has previously hosted Super Bowls in 1974 and 2004. This year, with it being the 51st Super Bowl, Houston considers itself as hosting the “first Super Bowl of the future.”

“We have to be prepared because all eyes will be on Houston,” Mayor Turner said. “... It will be a fantastic opportunity to reintroduce our great City to the rest of the world and we want to make a good impression.”

Super Bowl LI will bring 10 days of concerts, festivals, a big fan experience and other events all culminating in the big game February 5 at NRG Stadium.

SUPER BOWL FOR HOUSTONIANS Kevin Cooper, Director of Media Relations for the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee said, “the goal is for Houstonians to come out, join the party and have fun with neighbors and friends and the fans from New England and Atlanta areas.”

Cooper said, “with so much to do and so many great performances, there is something for everyone who visits.”

“This is your Super Bowl Houston so come out here and have a good time,” Cooper said. “We have put our best foot forward and we encourage all Houstonians to come down, show our Southern hospitality and welcome our visitors and enjoy the celebrations.”

According to Cooper, the committee spent a great deal of TX- 4

Anchoring this year’s celebrations that promises to be fun central for sports fans and families is Super Bowl Live events.

Super Bowl LIVE presented by Verizon is a free nine-day family-friendly fan festival in downtown Houston celebrating Super Bowl LI. “We are pleased to partner with Verizon at Super Bowl Live,” Host Committee President and CEO Sallie Sargent said. “Super Bowl Live is a celebration of the city of Houston and all that it represents: inclusiveness, ingenuity, and the drive to always be great – the same traits shared by Verizon.”

From Discovery Green, it encompasses more than 750,000 square feet, approximately the size of 13 football fields to Root Square Park.

The free festival will include and features two concert stages, exhibits, live music and performances, interactive exhibits, great food and a 90-foot tall virtual reality trip to Mars.

The experience combines virtual reality and a drop tower to take passengers on a space flight to Mars and back. Built with the help of NASA and leading aerospace companies, Future Flight lifts riders in the air as they experience lift-off through virtual reality goggles. Riders will then land on the Red Planet, seeing actual footage from the surface of Mars, courtesy of NASA, before plunging from the top of the tower back to Earth, landing on the 50-yard line of NRG Stadium in time for Super Bowl LI. “At Verizon, we are always focused on technology and innovation…,” said Kristin Rooney, Executive Director of Partnerships and Social Media at Verizon. “Visitors are going to be amazed by what they experience at Super Bowl Live, and we’re proud to play an important role.”

Super Bowl LIVE will be open to the public from January 28 to February 5 in Discovery Green. This free festival will include two concert stages, many exhibits and attractions.

HOURS OF OPERATION: SAT SUN MON TUES

Jan. 28, 2017 Jan. 29, 2017 Jan. 30, 2017 Jan. 31, 2017

10am - 11pm 10am - 9pm 3pm - 9pm 3pm - 9pm

WED THUR FRI SAT SUN

TEXAS • JANUARY 30• August - FEBRUARY 5, 2017 Texas 12-18, 2013

Feb. 1, 2017 Feb. 2, 2017 Feb. 3, 2017 Feb. 4, 2017 Feb. 5, 2017

3pm - 11pm 3pm - 11pm 10am - 11pm 10am - 11pm 10am - 3pm

CONCERT AND PERFORMANCES Concert Lineup at Super Bowl LIVE presented by Verizon has strong Texas ties in every artist.

The artists, covering a wide range of styles and genres, share one common bond – all hail from the Lone Star State.

Super Bowl LIVE is a celebration “Super of football and the city of Houston,” Sargent said. “With so many performers from the Houston area and Texas, we believe we have accomplished this. This is an amazing lineup of performers that will entertain our guests at Super Bowl LIVE . I couldn’t be happier and I believe the audience will be extremely pleased as well.”

There will be two stages at Super Bowl LIVE with the main concert stage located in front of the Toyota Center in the city block bordered by LaBranch, Clay, Austin and Polk Streets.

The second stage will be located in Discovery Green, near the George R. Brown Convention Center.

PERFORMERS Ryan Bingham, Blue October, Lecrae, Hayes Carll, Grupo Fantasma and Los Skarnales are among the top names added to the list of performers.

Bingham, whose first two studio releases, Mescolito in 2007 and Roadhouse Sun in 2009 gained critical acclaim, earned an Oscar, Golden Globe, Critic’s Choice and Grammy Award for his song “The Weary Kind” in the film Crazy Heart.

The alternative rock group Blue October has been around more than 20 years and has had a host of hits through the years, including platinum singles “Hate Me” and “Into the Ocean” platinum album Foiled.

Christian hip hop performer and three-time Grammy winner Lecrae, who is also the co-owner, co-founder and president of the independent label Reach Records, has released seven albums as a solo artist.

In 2016, Lecrae signed to Colombia Records, which will SUPER BOWL LI CONT. TO PAGE 5

TEXAS • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2017 SUPER BOWL LI FROM PAGE 4

release future recordings in conjunction with Reach.

He became the first hip hop artist to win the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album and first rapper to win the BET Award for Best Gospel Artist.

A 2016 Grammy Nominee for “Chances Are” performed

by Lee Ann Womack, Hayes Carll earned Song of the Year from American Songwriter for “Another Like You” in 2011.

The Woodlands native is known for his simple prose and sarcastic wit in his songs.

The Grammy-winning Grupo Fantasma has been praised as one of the most important independent acts in the Latin genre.

They have won more than a dozen American Music Awards and earned a Grammy with their album ““El Existential Existential”.

A legend in Houston, Los Skarnales was part of the inaugural class of the Houston Music Hall of Fame and has been performing to sellout audiences in the United States and Mexico for more than two decades.

Headlining artists for the final three nights of the event, include ZZ Jr Leon Top, Gary Clark Jr, Bridges and Solange, as part of the countdown celebration.

Other artists added to the concert schedule are Nick Gaitan, Bright Light Social Hour, Sarah Jaffe, Walker Lukens and more than 40 other local and regional acts.

The entire concert schedule, including performance times and stages can be found on the Host Committee website at www.housuperbowl.com/super-bowl-live.

SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW Lady Gaga who has been confirmed and will be this year's halftime entertainer.

NFL EXPERIENCE A second great and memorable Super Bowl week experience is the NFL Experience.

It will be open to the public from Saturday, January 28 to Sunday, January 29 and Wednesday, February 1 to Sunday, February 5, at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

It is the 24th edition of NFL Experience and serves as Pro football’s interactive theme park offering fans a unique chance to get involved in the festivities surrounding Super Bowl LI with interactive games, youth football clinics, merchandise from NFL Shop presented by Visa, player autograph sessions and more.

Cover Story

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“The NFL is very excited to bring NFL Experience Driven

by Genesis to Houston. There is no better way for fans to experience the energy of Super Bowl Week than by visiting this ultimate NFL theme park,” said NFL Senior Vice President of Events Peter O’Reilly. “We have designed new games and attractions that will transport fans of all ages onto the field, under the helmet and closer to all of the fun and excitement surrounding Super Bowl LI.” According to O’Reilly, this experience is special and memorable and offers fans a unique chance to get involved in the festivities surrounding Super Bowl LI, offering interactive games, youth football clinics, merchandise from NFL Shop presented by Visa, player autograph sessions and more.Tickets to NFL Experience Driven by Genesis can be purchased online exclusively through Ticketmaster.com.

Tickets are $35.00 for adults and $25.00 for children 12 and under, and permit entry for a particular day and time. An NFLXtra Fast Pass may be purchased for $55.00.

Tickets are in high demand with thousands of fans expected to visit NFL Experience and take part in the excitement surrounding Super Bowl LI. Cooper said that the NFL Experience Driven by Genesis, the hub of fan activity in Houston, provides visitors of all ages with the chance to participate in NFL-themed games and activities.

Fans can also test their football skills, view live game action using virtual reality technology, get a photo with the most prestigious trophy in sports, the Vince Lombardi Trophy, and take part in a range of other football-themed experiences, he added

renovated George R. Brown Convention Center included upgrades to the wireless technology in and around that building. The GRB is part of the new Avenida Houston that will serve as headquarters for Super Bowl Live! Officials worked with the company Crown Castle International to dramatically improve the area's connectivity through the use of small cell technology. That will allow the hundreds of thousands expected to visit the NFL Experience and Super Bowl Live! to share without a backup.

HOUSTON LIVE

TRANSPORTATION TO DOWNTOWN

Houston LIVE is a first-of-its-kind exhibit at the Super Bowl, that shares the history of and tells the story of Super Bowl LI's host city. Houston LIVE was brought to life by sponsors of the Host Committee, focusing on key neighborhoods and themes to “Celebrate,” “Inspire” and “Energize.”

The custom space will also feature Houston-area performers throughout the event.

The Greater Houston area has been working diligently to create a safe and enjoyable experience for fans, according to Houston Super Bowl Host Committee Communications Coordinator Dolores Lozano.

TASTE OF THE NFL You don't want to miss the 26th Annual Taste of the NFL on Saturday, February 4th at the University of Houston.

Enjoy a night of food, football and fun.

All proceeds of the event benefit the Houston Food Bank.

SUPER TECHNOLOGY In 2017, Mayor Turner said sharing the Super Bowl will be easier than ever.

Reliant and its parent company NRG Energy, the namesake of NRG Stadium, have installed a dozen NRG Go stations across the facilities.

These stations each have 120 portable power chargers

available for free on game days, so fans can grab a charger and keep using their phones to take action shots, share moments and keep connected. Additionally, the recently

LECRAE

Whether you’re here from out of town cheering on your favorite team, a local resident coming downtown for events or participating in other activities, shows and concerts, this guide is for you: Drivers are encouraged to park on the West side of downtown Houston and shuttle or walk to Avenida Houston and Super Bowl LIVE presented by Verizon. Street closures may impact your commute on the East side of town.

To ensure the easiest path into downtown we have provided preferred entrance routes to downtown from every direction. Please note that certain exits, streets, and parking areas may not be available during special events downtown.

From the West 1-10 East to Smith Street From the East To continue reading visit us online @ aframnews.com By: Darwin Campbell TX- 5

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TEXAS • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2017

Is Lack of Assertiveness Preventing Black People from Accomplishing Goals & Leading a Life they Deserve?

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Most articles begin by defining their terms.

In my case that would be Assertiveness Training – What is it? Assertiveness training gives us the ability to make ourselves known, to make our desires and needs known, and to accept responsibility for the consequences of being known. People oftentimes find “assertiveness” to be fairly frightening. When we see others assert themselves we can feel terrified for them, and terrified by them. We worry over the consequences of being heard, or for having a point of view. While many think ourselves sufficiently assertive e.g. (to order food in a restaurant), we can become quite coy (sheepish, sly, elusive) when it comes to sharing our feelings and views on personal or sensitive topics, with family members, friends and coworkers, or making our desires known to lovers, we resort to little lies which we hope will keep the peace. We can satisfactorily return a meal that is not cooked to perfection and perhaps even dismiss a salesperson who is annoying us. But in our personal relationships we fall flat on our faces when it comes to being straight forward, forthright, and civil, when we are dissatisfied and must confront a situation or a developing pattern of disrespect.

Here are some situations that test our assertiveness: (1) Dealing with the over-bearing, underpaying boss who bullies his/her employees; or the slothful but charismatic employee who can’t seem to complete a task.

(2) Then there is, the lover who can’t seem to commit or be loyal; (3) The guilt-riding mother who won’t let her children become independent; (4) The put-down wielding relatives who don’t help you build but always want favors from you.

These are common/everyday situations in which your assertiveness can mean the difference between a peaceful state of mind and outrage; between a civil come-to-truth conversation and a brawling argument that you later regret.

The task of becoming more assertive may be as simple as learning to listen to the little voice inside all of us. Some of us have that little voice over-ridden by our much

louder voice of self-doubt. Self-confidence is something we are born with, and most of us have it drummed out of us when we are small children by parents, teachers, pastors etc., all seeking to “protect us” from ourselves, unwittingly destroy our ability to trust our own guts. So, the first task in learning to develop healthy assertive behaviors: Learn to listen for that inner voice and recognize that we must heed that little voice, if you hope to succeed. Most of us recognize that little-voice

coming from the “gut.” If you think about it, you can probably remember that little-voice spoke up just before you entered into that doomed relationship, and before you took that job with a tyrant-boss, or bought something that turned out to be a lemon. Most times, the difference between peace and regret is ignoring that little voice.

What does that little voice have to do with Assertiveness? A lot. The little voice that speaks to you from your gut, is actually the” voice of knowing.” Those who learn to hear the little voice and listen to it, are much more confident. Confidence is the core of assertiveness. That’s right, the little voice knows.

It is the part of each of us, that is still connected to the Great ALL, the universe, that which has seen and done it all. It knows all your weaknesses and wishes and needs and how you fall for that trick over and over again, it knows you, because it IS you. So next time you have to make an important decision, or any decision, wait for that little voice to download on your consciousness. The little voice does not fail.

By: Carol M. Cummings Ph.D. Social Psychology

Public Notice

TEXAS • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2017

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munity Relations Forum Antioch Baptist Church Downtown 500 Clay St., Houston, TX AD 77002COST From 10:30am - 12:30pm $135.00 For more info contact: Edward Pollard or Steve Ashy via Facebook

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THURSDAY Greater Houston Black Chamber 7th Annual Houston Black Leadership Forum” University of Houston 4188 Elgin St. Houston, TX 77004 From 6pm - 9pm For more info contact: www.eventbrite.com

SATURDAY 25 Anthony Deprey 4 and Ruben Moreno Please sign for approval fax back to (713) 692-1183 Jackson

SATURDAY

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THURSDAY Magnet Schools of Aldine Grand Opening Ceremony of Our STEM Smart Labs Reed Academy 1616 Lauder Rd. Houston, TX 77039 Beginning at 5:30pm For more info contact: 281-985-6670 AldineISD.org Read us online @ www.aframnews.com

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SATURDAY Army of Sistahz & Army of Brothaz Social & Riding Club Red & White Party Oakton Place 5011 Griggs Rd Houston, TX 77021 Starts at 8pm For more info contact: 713-291-6886

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SATURDAY 35th Annual Northeastern Trail Riders Assoc.

2017 Kick Off Dance Eden Events Center 7450 North Wayside Dr. Houston, TX 77028 Beginning at 7PM For more info contact: 713-633-1497

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SATURDAY Elevation Ressurect Allah The Taste of Black Houston Food Tour Metro Park and Ride 6220 Southwest Houston Freeway Houston, TX 77074 From 1pm - 5pm For more info contact: 832-707-5057 SATURDAY Houston Alumni Greek Show 1st Annual Houston Alumni Greek Show Sawyer Auditorium 3100 Cleburne St Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 7pm For more info contact: EventBrite.com

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AFRICAN NEWS & ISSUES (HOUSTON)

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Mardi Gras Parade Discovery Green 1500 Mckinney St. Houston, TX 77010 Starts at 8am - 9pm For more info contact: 713-235-0156

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African

American News&Issues

HCDE’s role in innovative ‘Women in Construction’ model recognized through $20,000 Texas Workforce Commission Award HARRIS COUNTY - A $20,000 award given to the Gulf Coast Adult Education Consortium at the Texas Workforce Conference highlights the work of Harris County Department of Education in supporting a construction training program for women. The innovative, workforce-context classes supported the S&B Engineers and Constructors “Women in Construction” training program.

The award allows the consortium and HCDE to share an innovative, workforce and education training model which elevates women in the construction industry.

“We are proud of this model and the work we have done with our workforce partner S&B Engineers and Constructors,” said HCDE County School Superintendent James Colbert. “This award allows us to share this model and replicate it with other adult education providers through conferences and meetings.”

As an Adult Education and Literacy contractor for the Houston-Galveston Area Council, HCDE’s Adult Education division collaborated with United Way THRIVE of Houston and other organizations to implement the Women in Construction Project, a customized, hiring-and-training program. The program resulted in 15 women completing S&B Engineers and Constructor’s 12-week, on-the-job training program in pipefitting while the female students also gained contextualized math instruction from HCDE. This program led to jobs with S&B, a starting wage of $18, benefits and the possibility of additional training.

The award from Adult Education and Literacy State Leadership funds was given in December 2016 to recognize exemplary program performance and support innovation through dissemination of information about models and proven practices within the state.

“The funds will be used to develop conference presentations highlighting the Women in Construction Project in AEL and workforce development conferences across the state,” said Eduardo Honold, director of HCDE Adult Education.

For information about workforce-development GED or ESL classes offered through Harris County Department of Education Adult Education, visit www. hcde-texas.org/adulteducation.

TX-8

Youth & Education

TEXAS • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2017

“Hush Yo’ Mouth” and “Pick Yo’ Cotton”

Diaka Carter

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” - First Amendment – Bill of Rights HOUSTON-What exactly does Free Speech mean in a Democratic society? Let’s take quick look.

“Yes, I am outraged. Yes, I have thought an awful lot about blowing up the White House ... but I choose love,” Madonna said before a national television audience and tens of thousands from the main stage area near the National Mall at the 2017 Women’s March in Washington.

“To those who disregard this (Women’s march) movement…. “F- -K you….F- -k you.” - Madonna “While I was finishing up my run I realized that I can no longer just not watch the news, ignore the rhetoric and roll my eyes. I have to realize that expecting others to represent my disgust and views is exactly how the hell we elected this moron. I’m equally as disgusted to others who see a sea of white faces at his inauguration void of color, a cabinet full of non qualified white males as not an issue. So starting today I’m gonna do more than post...”

Spring Principal Diaka Carter’s Facebook pocsst reported by KHOU11 Houston.

That is the dilemma that landed Principal Carter in hot water for freely and honestly expressing her opinion, frustration about President Donald Trump, the election, the president’s cabinet and the state of the country on

her personal Facebook page.

Black Administrators seem to be locked into a system that is simply a new form of “Slavery” that controls their economy and their livelihoods.

Each must “Do What “MASTER” Says” or risk being removed from that school “Plantation”.

Carter’s small rant is nothing compared to the strong words of Artist Madonna and the millions of male and female principals, teachers, elected officials, doctors, lawyers, scientists and other business and civic leaders who gathered and went to Washington to march and express their discontent, concerns and fears at the Women’s March in Washington and the sister marches held in Houston and other major cities around the United States.

“Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us.”— Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas Is it Un-American to have an opinion or to write your feelings down or share your positions with the world?

Just because you serve as high school principal or serve downtown at City Hall, does it mean that you forfeit your own rights as a citizen to speak out, have an opinion, hold a position on controversial topics, worship at the church of your choice or champion a certain cause?

In her writing her opinion, Carter stated it as a full American citizen and - on her own time – not serving in the workplace in her capacity as principal.

CARTER THE EDUCATOR The African-American News&Issues investigation of Carter’s work indicates that she is a great educator and example and is making positive contributions to Spring High School. Her goals and visions for her students are notable.

It is tragic to think she now appears to be gripped with fear, and somewhat muzzled and neutralized.

This sets a dangerous precedent for free speech as an employee.

“We must teach students about their First Amendment rights rather than restrict their use of particular books and materials. As educators, we must encourage students to express their own opinions while respecting the

views of others.”— Pat Scales Despite encouraging free thought, nurturing a caring education environment at the school, the district is now looking into whether she violated its policies on social media use and released this statement: “Spring Independent School District is aware of concerns raised by several community members about a post on a Facebook page associated with a Spring ISD employee,” said Sheleah Reed, Communications Officer and District spokesperson. “As soon as we were alerted, we began reviewing the details of the posting and listening to concerns.”

However great thinkers and writers have said this about free speech and free thinking.

“First Amendment freedoms are most in danger when the government seeks to control thought or to justify its laws for that impermissible end.

The right to think is the beginning of freedom, and speech must be protected from the government because speech is the beginning of thought.”—Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, Ashcroft V. Free Speech Coalition (00-795) 198 F.3d 1083, affirmed.

Controlling free thought and intimidation is a danger to every American’s freedom.

“Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear.”— President Harry Truman According to District information.

Ms. Carter is serving her first years as principal of Spring High School.

By all accounts, she is an outstanding leader with past experiences in education that includes serving as a teacher at Nimitz Ninth Grade Center in Aldine ISD, and as Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal, and Associate Principal of Curriculum and Instruction in the Humble District.

Additionally, she has worked as a writing development adjunct instructor at Lone Star College-Kingwood.

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

By: Darwin Campbell

TEXAS • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2017

Youth & Education

The Eagle’s Nest

9

MISSION STATEMENT

“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.”

Newspaper

A Chat with a Former Eagle: Mrs. Ann Thompson

Read us online! www. aframnews. com

A History Erased

Forever Seen As…

From Pg. 1

By Jordan Lazard, BTW Student Ms. Ann Thompson was a 1974 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. She takes great pride in giving back to her community and church and believes that all things are possible with faith, the willingness to work hard and the guidance of those who care. We took a moment to chat with our former Eagle, Ann Thompson.

Jordan: How would you describe your time at Washington?

Mrs. Thompson: It was a time filled with great memories.

Washington was a place where bonds were created and strengthened because every teacher expected the best from you and even though they were tough, you knew they cared about you. I remember being involved in many activities and really soaking in what it meant to be a true Eagle which meant believing that you could accomplish anything in life with the right mindset. The relationships that I made have lasted until this day. My classmates and I still keep in touch and participate in organized activities. We are still very much a part of each other’s lives.

Jordan: Who was the person who had a lasting impact on your life?

Mrs. Thompson: Mrs. Aster Lee Mock is that person for me.

She made me think beyond Washington High School and was the one who influenced my work ethic, professionalism and the value of hard work and determination.

Mr. Wesley, my principal, also helped to mold me professionally. Because of him, I was able to win a scholarship to Prairie View A & M University where I earned my degree in nursing.

I wasn’t the only one either. It was commonplace for Mr. Wesley and other teachers to mentor students in a manner that later changed the path of their lives.

Jordan: Did coming of age during a time of turbulence and uncertainty have any effect on you or your outlook on life?

Mrs. Thompson: Because of our community, no it did not.

Even though the world around us was changing, we as young people were insulated from it. We did not feel down trodden or limited in any way and it was because of what and how we were taught. We believed that we could go into the world and be what we wanted to be. Also, unlike today, our communities were tight knit. Everyone knew each other. Our teachers, doctors, lawyers, and principals lived in our neighborhoods.

We saw them and they saw us outside of school, so those expectations were reinforced and we just knew we had to make them proud.

Jordan: Community has played an important role in your life.

In what ways have you been able to give back?

Mrs. Thompson: As a nurse, I have been fortunate to work with two organizations that have made some pretty valuable contributions to community. With MD Anderson and their Brighter Bites Campaign, I believe we have enlightened many families about the importance of adding fresh vegetables to To continue reading visit us online @ www.aframnews.com

By Tania Linscomb, BTW Student Last April, Booker T. Washington High School had a ground-breaking ceremony. It was complete with speakers, city officials and even a band. They were celebrating the new possibilities that were waiting for Washington and tossing dirt over the old ways of the past. The new school will help to enhance students’ learning. Many believe that the new building will attract many kids back to their neighborhood school. Our community has held many historic moments, and it would be great to see the city and the Houston Independent School District invest more into our neighborhood. By building a new school, they are investing more than just money. They are investing in us more pride, enthusiasm and the reassurance that we have not been forgotten. The new building will also put a spotlight on our engineering program, our focus on academic improvement, and how positive changes in our school culture are improving the vibe around Washington. We are upward bound and new facilities will be the icing on the cake.

As the construction of the building takes place, students have bitter sweet emotions about the new changes to come. So much history is in this building. When you walk through the building, you stumble upon reminders of past times like the few chalkboards that are still left, or the style of the water fountains or the fact that there are only two electrical outlets in some of my classrooms! The panoramic pictures that immortalize the graduating classes from the 1960’s all the way to the 2000’s are snapshots back in time.

Our bloodline runs deep and that makes us proud Eagles.

Coach Austin’s room alone could be a museum! With all of the artifacts and interesting pieces of information about the past, we were ready to learn about U.S. History, World History and Our history. What about our Black History...

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

By Raven Jones, BTW Student Exceprt from Raven Jones’ “Forever Seen” Read Full story online @ www.aframnews.com

I am the only race that endured 400 years of slavery, with rape, murder, and suicide. I am the only race that marched against water pressure, biting, vicious dogs, and was killed and injured by the people who were supposed to protect the city on that dreadful Bloody Sunday. I am the only race that walks around with last names that do not belong to my ancestors and so will my children and my children’s children.

So who are we, other than who we are told? Seen as the race with most of their Black male fathers not in the household, is this who we are? Are we the race with the highest percentage incarcerated in America or the race known for selling contraband and drugs? Who we truly are is rarely displayed. The media never acknowledges the fact that famous actresses such as Oprah Winfrey and Viola Davis reached out to the victim’s families of the Charleston Massacre. This is who we are. The African American men in my neighborhood who father kids who are not even their own. This is who we are. The preachers in my community, being the first to give donations and food whenever a family is struggling, is who we are.

Regardless of how good these actions are, we are still killed for wearing a Black hoodies and minding our own business. Despite protests, we are still attacked by the people who so call protect us every day in every city. Black people are still put in black suits and dresses, then put in black coffins, next in black limos, then put in their black holes that were dug just like they were in the 1800’s. History surely repeats itself.

Look at me with equality. My ancestors were shot and beaten and whipped for it. They didn’t risk their lives every day for a nobody.

TX-9

10

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

The Junior Golden Gloves

Community

“Young people need models, not critics.” - John Wooden GREENSPOINT - Many people talk down on today’s youth, but many will only talk, and never try to help our youth. In today’s society, our youth are faced with many things, and sometimes are often left to fend for themselves.

Although there are some who will never lend a helping hand, CDM Youth and Wellness Center is doing all they can “to help get kids off the streets and transform them into strong, smart young men and women with the characteristics and skills needed to excel in life.”

Charles Brown aka Beastmode, Fred Crow, Coach Mo, Coach Duece, and Coach Ray are all founders of the gym, and their goal is to help every kid that they can.

CDM stands for courage, determination, and motivation, and through boxing, and other activities offered at the center, kids will learn each one of these characteristics, and how to apply them to their everyday life. The center offers a lot of activities that kids can participate in. They have boxing, MMA, karate, hip-hop dancing, Mexican wrestling, personal training, and mentoring.

Over the weekend, CDM hosted the Houston’s Junior Golden Gloves, and this is their second year hosting the event at Greenspoint Mall. The Junior Golden Gloves had participants that travelled from different areas to compete and are anywhere between 8 and 15 years of age.

During Super Bowl weekend, the Senior Golden Gloves will take place, and many celebrities will be in the building as well. You can expect to see Nichole Murphy, NeNe Leakes, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Idris Elba, just to name a few. In addition, Chris Brown will also be making an appearance and he will not only perform a song, but will train at CDM for the highly anticipated fight between he and Soulja Boy. The founders are doing a phenomenal job at CDM, and they plan to continue to help as many kids as they can. Instead of talking bad about the youth in our society, you can reach out and help through donations, endorsements, and even sponsorship. For more information about CDM, you can visit their website at www.cdmboxing.com.

Beulah Shepard Acres Homes Neighborhood Library

Acres Homes- Mayor Turner, Ashley Turner, Council Member Amanda Edwards, Janice Weaver, artist Reginald Adams, Super Bowl Host Committee, and many community members teamed up to paint the first mural in Acres Homes. The mural will be placed on the Beulah Shepard Library, and Reginald Adams was hand selected by the Super Bowl Committee to paint four murals in four different places such as; Cuney Homes Apartments, The Breakfast Klub, Capitol Tower, and The Beulah Shepard Library.

Recently, many kids were at the library painting items that will make up the mural. The dedication ceremony was held Saturday, January 28th at 3pm. Stay tuned for updates on completion pf project.

TX - 10

Texas • January 30 - February 5, 2017

Houston Flooding - Brings Millions for Flood Protection Projects

HOUSTON - With last week’s flooding still fresh in the minds of Houstonians, Mayor Sylvester Turner and the City of Houston are stepping in to provide the funds needed to help expedite long-awaited flood relief projects along Brays, Hunting and White Oak Bayous.

“These projects will greatly reduce the flood threat for residents along these bayous and remove hundreds of properties out of the 100 year flood plain.,” Turner said. “I want to thank the multiple governmental entities that have come to the table to make this happen.”

The total estimated cost of all three projects is $130 million.

The move, which relies on unprecedented cooperation by numerous governmental agencies, will end the delays that have prevented the Harris County Flood Control District from proceeding with planned improvements in these watersheds.

“The level of cooperation is unprecedented and a sign of just how committed everyone is to solving our flooding issues,” said Mayor Turner.

PROJECT BRAYS Because it has already received federal approval, Project Brays is the first in line for the improvements.

“I applaud the important step taken by City officials to address Houston’s recurring flood problem,” said Congressman Gene Green.

“The completion of Brays Bayou and others like it are examples of proactive solutions that reduce the risk of flooding and make increased safety the norm.”

Green said at the federal level, Congress has an obligation to do all that we can to match local efforts and reduce delays on reimbursements.

“To that end, I was pleased late last year with the passage of S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN),” he said. “The legislation prioritizes federal reimbursement and cost-sharing on flood mitigation projects like Brays and our entire bayou system. In the 114th Congress we introduced H.R. 5025, which

would increase access to federal funds for flood control projects and deliver $311 million for the completion of our local bayou projects.”

The bill achieved more than 100 co-sponsors and we are working to reintroduce the bill in the new Congress, according to Green.

The White Oak and Hunting Bayou projects will follow, pending Congressional authorization.

Upon receipt of that authorization, the City and Flood Control District will pursue separate agreements similar to the Brays Bayou project.

In a separate and unrelated move, the City is also studying potential improvements to Keegans Bayou, a Brays Bayou tributary, which exceeded its banks during last week’s heavy rain.

The analysis will look at options for creating additional detention and improving channel flow.

COUNTY AND STATE COOPERATION “While flooding will always be a part of life in southeast Texas, common sense demands that all levels of government work together as closely as possible in an effort to control it as much as we can,” said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. “This project is another example of cooperation and coordination that directly benefits residents throughout the area.”

The City Council will also consider a loan application to the Texas Water Development Board for the Brays Bayou improvements.

Upon approval of the loan by the state, the City will in turn advance $43 million to the flood control district to help pay for bridge replacements and extensions and channel widening in the Brays watershed.

"I applaud Mayor Turner and the Houston City Council for approving this $46 million dollar zero interest loan from the Texas Water Development Board,” said State Senator Borris Miles.

Continue reading online @ aframnews.com By: Darwin Campbell

TEXAS • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2017

Super Bowl LI

African

American News&Issues

11

AN EXPERIENCE 51 YEARS IN THE MAKING

Learn more at HouSuperBowl.com

Open January 28 – February 5

Take a virtual reality trip to Mars on our Future Flight ride, and then free-fall 90 feet.

Explore Houston LIVE. See all that makes us The City of the Future and an incredible place to live.

Enjoy Houston’s most iconic musicians with your favorite food and drinks.

Experience it for free again and again because we’re open to the public.

For exclusive access to Super Bowl LI event content, download the Super Bowl LI Houston – Fan Mobile Pass app.

Visit NFL.com/SBApp or the app store to download.

Super Bowl LI is produced by the NFL and the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee

TX-11

African

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American News&Issues

TEXAS • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2017

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