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WE MUST UNDERSTAND ~ ROY DOUGLAS MALONSON PAGE 3

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PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR HISTORY! FORGETTING WHAT HAPPENED TO US CAN DESTROY US! ~Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman~

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l-r: Lieutenant Kevin Malonson, Harold Carter, Chazlee Jackson, Cameron Green, Roy Douglas Malonson (Publisher of African-American News&Issues), Joseph Harkless, Michael Skelton of MeekoTV, Kariss Gordon, Shirley Ann Malonson of Shirley Ann's Black Kollectibles & Flowers, Brittany Tarver, Ronica McNealy, Elon Lee, Roxanne Colon, Melanie Malonson of Natural Kreations, India Foster, Juanita Walker, Jarette & Brooke Grady

BLACK HISTORY OVER TIME THROUGH

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African

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Edit rial & Opini n

“Don’t Let Yo Family Members Ruin Yo Marriage…”

Before I Lay it Down...

By “Coach” Mark Spivey

T

he best thing for couples who are trying to solidify their marriages (in my opinion) is to move away from both sides of their families.

Why? I’m glad you asked...

I’m fortunate to have one of the greatest mother-in-laws in history that cares about my marriage to her daughter without interfering in it.

My father-in-law echoes those sentiments. I can honestly go to them for advice and receive it unbiased.

Julle can say the same things about Earl Ofari Hutchinson Author & Political Analyst Read us online! w ww. a f r a m n e w s .c o m

Roy Douglas Malonson

Chairman

Shirley Ann Malonson

President/C.E.O

Chandra Jarmon

Production/Editor

Rebecca S. Jones

Copy Editor

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Assistant Editor

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my parents. Not every couple is as fortunate as we are. I have heard my share of complaints from close friends about how meddlesome their family members are. Nothing can tear a marriage apart faster than messy, nosy, ignant kinfolk who love starting ISH. Couples who are not strong and fail to trust, love and depend on each other in times of trials normally fall prey to the advice of these “experts” who have usually ruined their own relationships by listening to negative outside influences. Don’t do that. The worst thing a struggling couple can do is take advice from someone who has the same problems and doesn’t have a clue on how to remedy it.

It’s that “blind leading the blind” adage where both of those bastards

will fall in a ditch. Why would anybody want to follow someone who doesn’t know where they’re going?

When married couples say “I do,” there should also be a part in those wedding vows that say “We don’t.” We don’t want mommas telling their son’s wives how to raise their husbands. That bastard, in turn, should not be trying to compare his wife to his mother.

She ain’t gonna cook like yo mom. She ain’t gonna clean like yo mom. She ain’t gonna pick up after you like your mom. She ain’t gonna treat you like a spoiled brat like yo mom. She ain’tcho damn momma. If you want a wife who’s just like yo momma, just go marry yo momma. She might even breast feed you... Fathers, stop telling yo

daughters that they shouldn’t work since they have husbands who do.

Don’t be instructing yo daughters to talk ish to your son-in –laws, encouraging them to come back home if things aren’t “right” or if they are having issues. Don’t compare your sonin-law to your daughter’s old boyfriend (who you wish she should have married in the first place).

AND don’t give yo daughter refuge in yo home because you’ve spoiled her so damn much where she can never take “no” for an answer. If you want yo husband to be like yo daddy, just go marry yo daddy. Share him witcho momma.

Just stock up on his Cialis.

Evil sister-in-laws are of the devil. Those skantches will tear up yo relationship only because they’re jealous of what you got.

Don’t let them anywhere near

Texas • February 16 - 22, 2015 yo families if you are working out issues. No-siree-bob! (Bob’s wife knocked the hell outta her sister.) They nosey asses will only complicate matters worse, and the next thing you know, they’ll be all up in yo business. And, all up in yo man. But, that ain’t none of my business. Right, Olivia Pope?

In closing, get married and move far, far away. Depend solely on each other, especially if you have family members like I just warned you about. There are exceptions to the rule, however, because you have some family members who will give you sound advice, honest answers, and prayers.

Still, go far, far away. When you have each other, that’s all you’ll ever need to get by. God bless, goodnight, and keep yo families together.

GOP Hammers Obama Again With the Taxing the Rich Myth

T

he ink was barely dry on President Obama’s projected 2016 budget proposal when GOP leaders virtually declared the proposals DOA. The real issue is not the amount Obama wants to spend on domestic and defense programs. But his audacity to again say that some of the funding on these programs should be paid for by a tax hike on the rich. The notion that the rich doesn’t pay their fair share has stuck in the craw of GOP leaders and conservatives every time Obama has dared suggest that the rich don’t pay enough and that’s been the big reason for government red ink in years past and the looming prospect of that happening again in the future.

Obama’s tax increases have been anything but drastic. They are little more than a marginal increase in the capital gains tax and modest proposals for closing some of the canyon wide loopholes that permit corporations to pay little, and in some cases, no taxes on excess their profits. It also allows

them to park more than $2 trillion in profits in off shore havens in Europe and the Caribbean. The GOP’s standard counter is that tax hikes will stunt job growth, business investment, and expansion, and this in turn will depress wages and consumer spending. This is a sure prescription, so the argument goes, that the economy will remain in a near financial catatonic state of slow to no growth, with the real danger of a slide downward again.

The banks are a near textbook example of this nonsense. They got billions from the taxpayer floated bailout, and they have been Scrooge like in their lending. The Wall Street whiz boys are even worse. They reaped a bonanza from the Bush tax cuts and still nearly crashed the economy. Estimates are that the banks and corporations have hoarded nearly two trillion dollars of profit made possible to a degree by taxpayer bailout dollars. Yet small and medium sized businesses still wither

on the vine for lack of business loans.

There’s another compelling reason to raise taxes on the wealthy. One, that ironically the GOP screams about.

It’s the deficit. Obama have repeatedly warned that the nation simply can’t afford to retain the cuts for the rich. They will cost the treasury $700 billion. That kind of Treasury hit ultimately means even more slashes, cutbacks and elimination in and of funding for education, health, energy, and public works programs to state and local governments, all of which create jobs. Now the politics of why the wealthy should not get another dime from the tax breaks.

Some polls have shown that the overwhelming majority of Americans want the cuts on the upper income earners ended, and the cuts on middle income earners extended. So scrapping the cuts for the wealthy far from being a political lose-lose for the Obama administration is a win-win.

But the GOP and its big booster, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have

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.

done a media and public master spin job and pounded home the message that if the cuts are ended then all sorts of dire things will happen to the economy, and Obama will and should get the blame for it.

This is smoke and mirrors bluster but it has resonance with so many Americans nervous and fearful about what tomorrow will bring in terms of their jobs and businesses.

Continue Reading Online

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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.

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www.rsdeerranch.com malonson@rsdeerranch.com

African

Texas • February 16 - 22, 2015

Edit rial & Opini n

What Crazy Looks Like on a Normal Day: Manhood, Race & Culture

By Dr. James Thomas Jones III

How Blacks Continually Lose at the High-Stakes Game of Life The greatest analogy for the competition that groups engage in for politico economic resources and educational opportunities in America is to liken the process to a high stakes poker game with players of differing skills intentions and desires. Winning at this high-stakes game occurs when you are able to increase your share of political and economic currency by taking another’s resources.

I love this analogy, because it reveals an unabashed truth that each and every racial/ethnic group in America is competing with one another to take care of their own.

Unfortunately, such matters are not spoken in the public arena, because denial is a phenomenal ‘Trojan horse strategy’ that can be utilized to undercut rivals. Anyone that denies this high-stakes game of life is occurring is either naïve or working against their group’s best interests.

Recently the group Bridging the Digital Divide released a disturbing article that stated Texas Southern University, a Historically Black University, failed to admit a single African-American male into the Thurgood Marshall School of Law for the upcoming academic year.

It’s a great gesture to give others a seat at your table, but no one would or should give away their whole table, thereby allowing their own children to starve. Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law was established in 1946. The Texas Legislature passed Texas State Senate Bill 140 in order to prevent the University

Of Texas School Of Law from having to admit Black Americans.

I’m sure our Black ancestors, TSU graduates and current students are proud that TSU’s School of Law has been consistently ranked number one in achieving diversification in its student body. But, there are no Black males in the 2015 incoming class! This is ridiculous and an academic crime against Black Americans as well as disenfranchisement of the community. Sixty Black males did apply for admission but were not accepted.

In their efforts to look politically correct TSU’s leadership is forcing Black Americans to commit academic suicide. TSU and other HBUCs were created and exist to ensure that African Americans have the academic opportunities afforded other Americans and foreigners. Otherwise, how would Blacks qualify for present and future high-tech jobs? (Bridging the Digital Divide 2/3/2015) If this article is correct, this decision is an injustice to the sixty African-American male applicants.

Considering the historic roots of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law as an answer to the State of Texas’ refusal to desegregate the University of Texas Law School, this matter is even more troubling.

Now I am certain that those who decided this matter will couch themselves in a bare-thread thin argument that incorporates a witches-brew of test scores, admission standards, and their commitment to diversity.

The African-American community should find any excuse insufficient as it is disingenuously flawed and runs contrary to current admission trends.

Although I have absolutely no interest in rehashing the prolonged arguments this nation underwent regarding “diversity” and the means that higher education institutions have taken to ensure a diverse academic class, this matter continually Continue Reading Online Source: Aframnews.com

American News&Issues

3

Nothing has changed when it comes to policing Blacks!

What happened to us is still happening to us! ~ Know your history!

I

The Color Game...

n the late 1960’s, world renowned singer and entertainer James Brown performed a song that was written by his band leader, Alfred Ellis. This particular song was one that would serve to change the Black culture in a way that it had never been changed before.

That song was “Say It Loud - I’m Black and I’m Proud!”

It sent waves across the Black community all throughout these United States of America. Black people developed a new meaning and love for themselves and their neighbors just from the lyrics and idea that the song itself implanted and promoted into the lives of Black people all over.

Though this song resonated volumes throughout our communities, it is sad to say that some members within our own communities created a prejudice within themselves to segregate individuals from the same race dependent upon the different tones of Black, Brown and Yellow that are found within our race.

This element is one that I have saw fit to name as “The Color Game.” It is not anything that just started in 2015. This issue is one that has actually plagued the Black community since the days of slavery. I find the thought despicable. The idea that one Black person would dare “play” or try to insult another based on the shade or tone that the other person is insane.

People have a tendency to complain about “the White man this and the White man that,” but I often wonder how many times do members from our communities actually take a seat and look around at the things that we do to each other. Yes, it is a true statement that many of our forefathers and ancestors endured a great deal of discrimination, slavery, injustice and

inequality, and even many of us Africans living in America have experienced certain situations and circumstances by our White counterparts ourselves, however, some members of our Black communities feel that because we are of the same color, race, culture or ethnicity that we can do, say and treat each other any kind of way, and it is not supposed to make a difference, but the truth is that myth is extremely far from reality.

Some of the worst pain and hurt that a person can feel and experience is not always imposed from those individuals who do not look like us, but in fact, from those individuals who do.

Addressing the faithful and loyal readers of AfricanAmerican News&Issues, there are just some things that you would expect from a stranger or an outsider, but from someone who you would consider a person that you would allow in your circle it can cause a lot more hurt, because some things you just do not expect people who have a history similar to yours or like yours to do or say about you.

Nevertheless, these things happen on an every day basis and many people have absolutely no regard for it. The reason I know, is because I can personally attest to the mean and evil things that Blacks can and will do to each other. Growing up as a light-skinned individual in the Acres Home community, there are not too many names that I was not called simply because of my complexion. I was called everything from Amazing Grace to Yellow Belly. I mean, I could never describe the things that I was called as a child.

The irony is that it was not White people who made a mockery of me. Instead, it was people from right within my

- Roy Douglas Malonson

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

own community. I know that I am not the only person that endured these type of things, because I have heard people with extremely dark shades and complexions criticized and made fun of by other Black people as well. It is sad, but definitely true!

We MUST Understand that it is time out for we Africans living in America to stop playing “The Color Game” with each other, because at the end of the day, it will not get you anywhere. I just believe that it is time that we get it together. It is mighty strange that many Black people were so excited at the fact and thought of integration, but then once integration came into existence, members of the Black community began to segregate themselves by color.

It ought to be a sin and a shame!

In closing, I would just like to echo the words of American civil rights leader Whitney Young, Jr. who made remarks about the Black and White race as it relates to color and mistreating one another.

He said, “Black is beautiful when it is a slum kid studying to enter college, when it is a man learning new skills for a new job , or a slum mother battling to give her kids a chance for a better life. But White is beautiful, too, when it helps change society to make our system work for Black people also. White is ugly when it oppresses Blacks -and so is black ugly when Black people exploit other Blacks. No race has a monopoly on vice or virtue, and the worth of an individual is not related to the color of his skin.”

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African

American News&Issues

Obstacles from pg. 1

C ver St ry

Texas • February 1612-18, - 22, 2015 Texas • August 2013

N’atasha Washington

Caleb Riggins

(l-r) Pastor Lloyd Giles of House of Prayer M.B.C, Charles Smith - Bro. C, Laymon Perrino

Gustava De La Garza

Malonson Showcases a 1963 article from “The Informer” that questions if Blacks Should Be Considered Property

“When Life Knocks You Down, Get Back Up”

Breunna Murray

Jasmine Hall

Deanna Stanley

Emanuel Becknel, Jr.

DaZha Jackson

Paris Ballard

PRAIRIE VIEW - Recently, Prairie View A&M University held a Black History Month celebration.

The university has designated the theme for the month as “A Century of Black Life, History and Culture.”

Students, Pastor Lloyd Giles of the House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church, Michael Skelton owner of MeekoTV, Lieutenant Kevin Malonson, professors and a gallery of other inquisitive guests all gathered to listen to Publisher Roy Douglas Malonson deliver his address entitled “Overcoming Obstacles.” The event was held in the John B. Coleman Library located on the campus. Mr. Sammie Johnson, a graduate student, presided over the program of the day, while Dr. Rosie L. Albritton, Director of Library Services gave a

welcome to everyone in attendance.

Afterwards, Brittany Tarver, a senior majoring in Accounting, delivered a rendition of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Kariss Gordon, another senior of the university who is studying Business Marketing, gave an informative introduction as she announced the speaker for the afternoon.

Mr. Roy Douglas Malonson immediately captivated the attention of the audience with his witty personality and galvanizing sense of humor. He started his message off by stating, “I am who I am, and that’s where I’m coming from today.” He challenged the audience to understand that he was there to encourage and motivate by means of sharing Black history facts in addition to his own life experiences

over time.

Publisher Malonson explained that “During 1823, Mexico passed a general colonization law and Anglo Americans began to flood into Texas.”

He tied this fact into the elements that established Prairie View as a historically Black university into American history. He went on to inform that due to the Anglos flooding Texas, they outnumbered the residents that were already living there. In 1836, another law was passed to ban more Anglos from coming into Texas. This caused a rebellion, because the Mexicans also declared that there were to be no more slaves brought in either. “They were totally against slavery, so be careful how you treat your Brown brothers, because you got to know your history and get a quick understanding of

what’s going on today,” he revealed.

Malonson also connected the “Yellow Rose of Texas,” which was a “Black sister who was a mulatto that helped to win the battle,” he said.

The purpose of him giving this history was to inform the audience of the Civil War that these actions led to in the South which included states such as Texas, Louisiana, Alabama etc. Accordingly, a lot of slaves fought in this war to help win it and still were never accepted as equals. Malonson swiftly moved on to the year 1863 when Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, however, this proclamation did not make it to Southern states until two years later.

After yielding that fact, Malonson comically interrogated the audience by saying, “Now ain’t that a real

mother for ya?” causing the gathering to burst out into laughter.

He also expounded on the implementations of the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments that were passed simply to give the Negroes common rights like other races. Even after that Malonson explained that between 1890’s to the early 1900’s, there were still laws put in place to undermine the laws that were instituted to give Negroes some form of equality. Those laws became known as “Jim Crow” laws. “Even though we were free, we had to stay in our place,” he stated.

As he summed up the history that preceded him, he proceeded to go into his own family history.

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To Continue Reading, Visit: www.aframmews.com By: Rebecca S. Jones Photo Credit: Erica Ponder

Texas • February 16 - 22, 2015

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor:

My concern for America is still growing. Therfore, am submitting my latest article for your consideration, or as a letter to the editor. My motivation is service to God and country.

Thank You. A Second Letter to America

Dear Mr. Malonson: Please accept my congratulationsfor the twenty year anniversary of your newspaper. It is a very important information tool that is read by people throughout the state of Texas.

Your articles are insightful and provide a “true serevice” to your readership. Please extend my warmest regards to members of your family, your staff and to all of those who are touched by the excellent product that you produce each week.

By watching the daily news one can clearly see that America is getting farther away from God and still headed straight towards God's judgment and ultimate destruction. Too many in America have said, “there is no God.” One of the many reasons Americans have reached such a high point of unbelief, is because they were brought up in school systems which teaches man's false idea that every living being started from a single cell and evolved into millions, or even billions, of species, including humans. Some have theorized humans evolved from ape like beings.

But how a person, who is composed of 200, or 300 trillion highly specialized interrelated cells, can believe that it all started from a single cell, should be beyond belief. Actually, the single cell theory of evolution only proves Man's folly.

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

5

history of God dealing with mankind on Earth, where God again and again, demonstrated and proved his awesome supernatural powers.

Among these demonstrations of power, were turning the rivers and waters in Egypt into blood, parting the Red Sea while millions of Israelites crossed on dry ground, and then drowning in the very large pursuing Egyptian army. After that God proved himself again and again by providing food and water for forty years while His chosen people wandered in the desert.

In the Word of God, the Holy Bible, God showed his chosen people that he had complete control over Earth and the Heavens, because, he wanted them to be witnesses to the rest of the world. He wanted the people of the world to believe in Him so they would not perish.

This world would be a much better place is people believed in the Living God and followed his just commandments. We would love each other like the brothers and sisters that we are, because, we are all His children.

God gets no pleasure in His children going to hell. It is a great tragedy that so many in America are rejecting God and His son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins on the cross. Accepting Jesus and His sacrifice is a must to go to Heaven.

First, man totally dismissed God's legitimate claims that he, God, created Heaven and Earth and everything in them including the first man, Adam. Second, Man refused to believe the documented biblical Tickets are still available for the following performances: Tuesday

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Emmett Till was only 14 years old when he was visiting relatives (a great uncle Mose Wright) in Money, Mississippi, on August 24, 5902 Beall St. Baptist 1955, when he reportedly 713-692-1195 Houston, Tx 77091 Church G.W. Carver School 6130 Wheatley St. flirted with a white cashier 5902 Beall St. Alumni of Aldine ISD antiochmbc85@yahoo.com Houston, TX 77091 at a grocery store. Four CHURCH ADS Rev. F.N. Williams, Houston, Tx Sr. Pastor 77091 days later, two white men 713-806-9889 “A Traditional Church HAY FOR SALE kidnapped Till, beat him and BAPTIST with the Anointing” P.O. Box 551056 www.aframnews.com shot him in the head. And just SUNDAY SERVICES Horse Quality Houston, Tx 77055 Sunday School ~ 9am it still is today, the men SUNDAY Morning Worship ~ 10:45am Large Round Hay Bales like Evening Worship ~ 7pm were tried for murder, but an SERVICE Support those whom Call 979-921-9908 713 692-5333 all-white, male jury acquitted 8 AM and 11 AM support you! antiochmbc85@yahoo.com (8am-4pm) them. But, because they knew BIBLE STUDIES ATTORNEY’S that they could not be tried This should be Wednesday 7:30PM twice for the same crime, they Barnes & Turner your Ad! later confessed to the murders Leonard N. Barksdale, Pastor Attorneys At Law to Look Magazine. Till’s Fifth Ward Missionary murder and open casket fuHUNTING Baptist Church 440 Louisiana Street 4300 Noble Street, Houston TX 77020 neral solidified the emerging 1880 Lyric Centre’ Ph: 713/675-5111 • Fx: 713/675-1522 RS DEER & Civil Rights Movement Website: www.fwmbc.org Houston, Texas 77002 Emmett Louis Till (July CATTLE RANCH (713) 650-3688/ office Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church 25, 1941 – August 28, 1955), Whitetail, Axis, & members will endeavor to provide a (713) 650-0308/fax strong foundation of love;Church we will stand was an only child, born to Galilee M.B. Blackbuck Deer bbarnes@barnesturner.com Please sign approval and on for Biblical Truths; and we will fax equip back to 713-692-1183 parents Louis and Mamie Hunt All Year Round one another to spread the Gospel of Je713-697-1758 by 12 NOON Wednesdaysus the week beforeand Monday publication or the ad will not Christ in our community in our Tillrun. on July 25, 1941, in www.rsdeerranch.com BEAUTY SHOP world.6616 D.S. Bailey Lane Chicago, Illinois. Emmett Till 979-921-9908 Houston, TX 77091 never knew his father, who NATURAL KREATIONS CHURCH OF CHRIST Date Signature was a private in the United Melanie Malonson PHOTOGRAPHY FLOWER SHOP States Army during World FIDELITY CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-898-4716 er school enrichment programs are of11718 South Wilcrest War II. His parents later CREATIVE COLOURS BY RJ “The Church That Cares” Shirley Ann’s 0-5:45 daily. Reese will be unaffected Houston, TX 77099 by separated in 1942 and 3 years 713-734-1442 Black SundayKollectibles P.O.# 4925 Richfield Lane later received word that his Media Kit Available at Morning Bible Class Photo: Aldine ISD 9:30 a.m.Flowers & Houston, Tx 77048 father had been executed for www.aframnews.com Morning Worship elimination. Other would Online schools Advertisment 10:45 a.m. misconduct while in Italy. On 713-692-1100 Evening Bible Class be Smith, Stovall, HarrisNOW! and Hill, SHOE REPAIR available 6130 August 19, 1955—the day 5:00 p.m. Wheatley St. all based on the same criteria. StuEvening Worship TX 77091 Houston, before Till left with his uncle MIGHTY FINE SHOE REPAIR 6:00 p.m.

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Texas • February 16 - 22, 2015

Mississippi. It was the last time they ever saw each other.

Three days after he arrived in Money, Mississippi, the 14 year old Emmett Till was visiting his relatives, a great-uncle Mose Wright and his family, on August 24, 1955—Emmett Till and a group of teenagers entered Bryant’s Grocery and Meat Market to buy refreshments after a long day picking cotton in the hot afternoon sun. What exactly transpired inside the grocery store that afternoon will never be known. Till purchased bubble gum, and some of the kids with him would later report that he either whistled at, flirted with or touched the hand of the store’s white female clerk—and wife of the owner—Carolyn Bryant.

Several nights later, Carolyn Bryant’s husband Roy Bryant, who was away at the time the incident occurred and his half-brother J. W. Milam went to Till’s uncle’s house. They took Till away to a barn, where they beat him and gouged out one of his eyes, before shooting him through the head and disposing of his body in the Tallahatchie River, using a 70-pound (32 kg) cotton gin fan tied around his neck with barbed wire for weight.

Moses Wright reported Till’s disappearance to the local authorities, and three days later, his corpse was pulled out of the river. Till’s face was mutilated beyond recognition, and Wright only managed to positively identify him by the ring on his finger, engraved with his father’s initials—”L.T.” Three days later, Emmett Till’s body was discovered and retrieved from the river. The fourteen year old’s body was returned to Chicago to his mother, who had pretty much raised him by herself. She insisted on a

public funeral service with an open casket to show the world the brutality of the killing.

“The open-coffin funeral exposed the world to more than her son Emmett Till’s bloated, mutilated body. Her decision focused attention not only on American racism and the barbarism of lynching but also on the limitations and vulnerabilities of American democracy”. It was recorded that tens of thousands attended his funeral or viewed his casket and images of his mutilated body were published in black-oriented magazines and newspapers, rallying popular black support and white sympathy across the United States.

Till’s murder trial attracted a vast amount of press and media who responded due to national criticism and public outcry for justice, and shed light on the condition of black civil rights in Mississippi.

Just as it is today, with Travon Martin, Michael Brown and other blacks who were murdered by white men, in September 1955, Roy Bryant and J.W. Milan were aquitted of Emmett Till’s kidnapping and murder, partially because Till’s body was so badly disfigured, it affected the trial, they had problems identifying his body in court except for a ring Till’s mother had given him, this partially lead to Bryant’s and Milam’s acquittals.

Because Bryant and Milan were protected against double jeopardy, they both publicly admitted in an interview with Look Magazine that they killed Emmett Till. The case was officially reopened by the United States Department of Justice in 2004 and the body was exhumed. Till’s original casket was donated to the Smithsonian Institution. “I Can’t Breathe” To continue reading visit Aframnews.com By: Sandra Massie Hines

African American News&Issues 7 What’s Happenin’ Mar 6 - 8 13 Friday 27 Friday 28 Saturday 22 Sunday Annual Awards The Forever “Throwback Sunday” 6th Annual Black Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Texas • February 16 - 22, 2015

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February

Monday Just for Seniors “Fun & Games” Acres Home Chamber for Business & Economic Development, Inc. 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 Beginning at 1:00pm For more info contact: Anthony Stewart (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org

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Saturday Basic Session: Navigating the MS Word Toolbar Acres Home Chamber for Business & Economic Development, Inc. 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 10:00am - 12:00pm For more info contact: Anthony Stewart (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org

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Saturday HCC Black History Scholarship Gala” Guest Speaker Spencer Tillman 5701 Main St Houston, TX 77005 Beginning at 6pm For more info contact: (713) 718 - 6226

www.hccs.edu/blackhistory

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Saturday Monthly Pastors & Ministers Conference International Pastoral Alliance (I.P.A.) 2800 Antoine Dr. Ste. 2284 Houston, TX 77092 From 9:00am to 12:00pm

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Saturday 2015 Houston Roller Derby Bayou Music Center 520 Texas St Houston, TX 77002 From 6pm - 10:30pm For more info visit

www.houstonrollerderby.com

THIS SHOULD BE YOUR EVENT !!!

Fallbrook Church 12512 Walters Rd. Houston, TX 77014 Beginning 8:00am For more info contact: (281) 444-2733

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Sunday Joyful Comedy Jam starring “Blame the Comic” The Difference 13334 Almeda Rd. Houston, TX 77045 From 6:30pm to 9:30pm For more info contact:

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(281) 467 - 1784

Monday Just for Seniors “Fitness & Wellness” Acres Home Chamber for Business & Economic Development, Inc. 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 Beginning at 1:00pm For more info contact: Anthony Stewart (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org

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Tuesday Houston Community College in partnership with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center hosts Spring Blood Drive 5407 Gulfton Rd Houston, TX 77081 From 9:00am to 3:00pm For more info contact: (713) 718 - 7750 or visit,

College Expo Hosted by: The National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) J.W. Marriott (Galleria) 5150 Westheimer Road Houston, TX 77056 From 10:00am to 5:00pm For more info contact: (909) 396 - 0151, or visit www.thecollegeexpo.org

SUBSCRIBE 28 Saturday Winter Jam 2015

Houston Toyota Center 1510 Polk St. Houston, TX 77002 Begins at 6:00pm For more info contact: www.jamtour.com/jam_nation

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Saturday Lady Media Cole Avery & Andre M. James An Evening of Soul

Acres Home Multi-Purpose Ctr

6719 W. Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77091 Beginning at 7pm For more info contact: (713) 290-8030

4 5

March

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

www.southwest.hccs.edu

Email Your Upcoming Events to: news@aframnews.com

4 weeks in advance!

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Friday The Worship Shed Palace of Praise Church 121 Lou Ln. Spring, TX 77338 Beginning at 8:00pm For more info contact: (281) 288-7520

www.palaceofpraisechurch.com

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

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

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

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Saturday Woman be Restored Hosted by:

Christian Girlfriends Alliance

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

Leadership Symposium The Council on Alcohol & Drugs 303 Jackson Hill St Houston, TX 77007 From 11:00am to 1:00pm For more info visit www.freshspirit.org

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Mar 7 - 8

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

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

For more info contact: (225) 802 - 9681 or visit

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www.ulparty.com

Sunday Lakewood Church welcomes Bishop T.D. Jakes 3700 Southwest Fwy. Houston, TX 77027 From 11:00am to 12:30pm For more info visit www.lakewoodchurch.com Sunday Heart of Faith Worship Center 20th Church Year Anniversary, Family & Friends Day 12275 Homestead Houston, TX 77050 Beginning at 3:30pm For more info contact Bishop John Baines, Sr.

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Charlie Tour with Kem & Joe Verizon Theatre 1001 Performance Place Grand Prairie, TX 75050 Beginning at 7pm For more info visit: www.charliewilsonmusic.com

Mar 19 - Apr 12 Thursday - Sunday Stageplay “What I Learned in Paris” The Ensemble Theatre Houston 3535 Main St. Houston, TX 77002 Various Showtimes For more info contact: (713) 520-0055 www.ensemblehouston.com

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Sunday Lady Bea Ward & Angelic Voices Celebrates 33 Years in Ministry St. Matthews Church 7701 Jutland St. Houston, TX 77033 From 5:00pm to 9:00pm For more info contact Lady Bea (832) 283 - 2087 Sunday Houston Livestock and Rodeo Reliant Park 8400 Kirby Dr. .

Houston, TX 77054 For more info visit www.rodeohouston.com Thursday Erykah Badu in Concert The Bomb Factory 2713 Canton St. Dallas, TX 75226 Beginning at 7:00pm For more info visitt: www.treesdallas.com

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Mar 27 - 28

Friday - Saturday 300 Men’s Conference 3700 Southwest Fwy. Houston, Texas 77027 Fri. @ 7:30pm, Sat. @2:00pm For more info visit: www.lakewoodchurch.com/ men

Banquet “Reclaiming, Reframing & Rebuilding Acres Home” Acres Home Chamber for Business & Economic Development, Inc. 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 For more info contact: (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org

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Friday The Wailers LIVE 2709 Elm St. Dallas, TX 75226 Beginning at 7:00 pm For more info visit: www.treesdallas.com

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

27 Friday 2015 NCAA Division

Men’s Basketball South Regional NRG Stadium 1 NRG Park Houston, TX 77054 Beginning at 12:00pm For more info contact: (832) 667 - 1400 www.ncaa.com/mbbtickets.

March 28 - 29

Saturday - Sunday McDonald’s Houston Children’s Festival Tranquility Park 400 Rusk St. Houston, TX 77002 From 10:30am to 6:30pm For more info contact:

www.houstonchildrensfestival.com

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RELIGI N

TEXAS • FEBRUARY 16 - 22, 2015

BACK TO THE BASICS WITH MEN: KNOWING WHERE YOU COME FROM (PART 2)

The photo depicted above is retrieved from the second part of the ministries of “The Bible” series that aired on the History Channel. In the series, this character played the strongest man recorded in the Holy Bible who is named as Samson. He was one of the judges chosen by God from birth (in the form of a Nazarite) to deliver the children of Israel out of the hands of their enemies. He had unimaginable strength as well as two weaknesses of which became the death of him, but not before exemplifying his God-given strength and capability.

Photo Credit: Blackchristiannews.com

M

asculinity and endurance are two traits that have always been found within the Black male race. The muscles, endurance and ingenuity that Black men possesses were used by European descendants to build these United States of America into the country that it has become. Howbeit, these distinctive attributes even date back to the Biblical origination of humanity. There are many Black men found in the scripture, however, I will only list a few as space will not allow for the mentioning of all of them and their works to be recorded here.

In the beginning of creation (as it relates to the Holy Bible), God created Adam who was known as the first man. He later created a “help meet” for him which was Eve, who became the “mother of all living.” After the fall of man and expulsion from the Garden of Eden, the human race came into existence by way of procreation amongst Adam and Eve. As the years went on, man continued to gravitate further away from God and there arose a time TX-8

when every imagination in the eyesight of man was continually wicked and evil.

It was at such a time when God decided to destroy that life as it was known and replenish the earth. He did so by the efforts of one man (Noah) who preached to the inhabitants of the land to turn from their wicked ways, and stressed to the rebellious generation that it was going to rain. Rather than the people of the land adhering to his words, they disregarded his sayings and continued on in their iniquities and various lifestyles. Noah was a carpenter who had three sons, and they built an ark according to a specific layout, plan and design given to Noah by God himself. The gigantic ark took 120 years to build.

After the completion thereof, Noah gathered his family which included his wife and their three sons, along with their wives and two of each living species that lived upon the earth at that time. He closed the door to the ark and it rained for 40 days and 40 nights. Needless to say, God destroyed every living cell in that era by the puissance of a great flood, save Noah and those that remain on the ark. Once the waters succeeded, there came a time when Noah, being a husbandman, became drunk of the vineyard that he had planted.

According to Genesis 9:21 -27,”he was uncovered within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without. And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father, and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father’s nakedness. And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him. And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.

God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.”

Ham was the father of Cush (Ethiopia), Mizraim (Egypt), Phut and Canaan.

Accordingly, many European descendants have used the act of Noah cursing Canaan, as a means of justification for slavery and bigotry.

Not withstanding Canaan being cursed, his son

Zidon, also a Black man, fathered skillful and talented builders. They engineered amazing and fascinating vessels, and were highly intelligent dwellers in the land of Phut. The land of Phut was Canaan’s brother’s land, but his son settled there, and that’s how his seeds’ name was developed, the Phutnicians/Phoenicians.

They taught the Jews and the Greeks the 22 alphabets that are known today.

Though many people associate a curse with Ham because of Canaan, it is often forgotten that Ham had more than one son which ultimately produced other nations from his loins. Those offsprings collectively make up the Black race. His son Mizraim inhabited his land, which later became Egypt. Many people also know Ham’s other descendants from Moses’ experience when he was before Pharoah. The Pharoahs were actually a line of Black kings that ruled the land. Noah’s other sons, Japheth and Shem, are responsible for the other races that are found throughout the world as it is known.

King Tirhakah was a pharaoh of the Ancient Egyptian 25th dynasty and king of the Kingdom of Kush. The Bible refers to him as a King of Ethiopia in Isaiah 37:9. It states, “And he heard say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, He is come forth to make war with thee. And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying.” This scripture makes reference to the fact that God used this Black king to protect the nation of Judah (Israel’s sister) during the time that Hezekiah was king. At a time when Sennacherib wanted to destroy Judah, King Tirhakah waged war against him, preventing the nation’s devastation.

One of the mightiest men that the Bible bares record of is said to be a man of Black descent, Goliath of Gath. While many attempts were made in early years to ensconce such history from the Black heritage, thorough disquisition from notable researches have since uncovered certain facts as it relates to the Black race which prove that Goliath was indeed Black. Goliath was a mighty giant who appeared in the Old Testament. He was eventually killed by the second king of Israel, David, as a child with merely a sack of rocks and a slingshot. He is believed to have been buried on Golgotha, known by many as Calvary’s

Hill. For it was this same place that another Black man was impressed upon to help Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, bear His cross.

As indicated in St. Matthew 27:32, “And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.” Simon was from a region of North Africa that rested upon the borders of Egypt named Libya.

It is of no accident that this task was imposed upon by a Black man. Throughout history, if one was to run parallel the accounts of the Jews during Biblical history as well as the struggles of the Black race, there is a slight similarity between the two cultures.

Nevertheless, the Black race has been noted as one of the races that did not readily participate in the atrocious crucifixion and murder of the only begotten of the Father.

Concluding, this Cyrenian should provide an absolute form of encouragement and motivation to the modern day Black man. Although Jesus Christ has already bore the sins of the world by the way of on old rugged cross on his back, many Black men would be wise to learn from Simon and take up that cross likewise and follow Him.

STORY BY REBECCA S. JONES

A TRIBUTE TO MY SON CHARLES G. REDDICK, JR.

1976 - 2013

You are Gone But Not Forgotten

A mother’s love will never end.

It is there from beginning to end.

TEXAS • FEBRUARY 16 - 22, 2015

Texas HBCU Corner

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

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AT USDA ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITIES

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(l-r) Jimmy Henry, Dr. Alton Johnson, Jillian Semaan, Dr. Joe Leonard, Jr.- USDA’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Dr. Felicia Nave, Dr. Michael McFrazier & Archie Crawford

PRAIRIE VIEW - The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Dr. Joe Leonard, Jr., made an announcement at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) that on behalf of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) 1890 Institution Research, Extension, and Teaching Capacity Building Grants Program, over $18 million will be available to “strengthen the research, teaching and extension capabilities at 19 historically Black land-grant colleges and universities in an effort to recruit and train students for careers in agriculture.”

The money will be split between the land-grant universities that apply in order to receive funding for specific programs and organizations that fit the eligibility and requirements. Dr. Leonard told PVAMU officials that “I want to make sure that between you, I and everybody in the room, that you use up all this money. The federal government is supposed to be caring for people, and the money goes back to the federal treasury, so we want to make sure that this money is spent...”

Last fiscal year, 30 percent of applications were funded.

Dr. Leonard stated that “This support for the 1890 land-grant universities is an example of the Obama Administration and Secretary Vilsack’s commitment to the 1890 institutions.” He further stressed the importance of the grant money by saying that these grants are the “mother’s milk of all institutions” and

that the funding will “continue to positively impact students, professors and institutions for future generations.”

The USDA official said to select PVAMU faculty and staff that USDA often makes different announcements on grants, housing, loans and rural development. He further expressed, “What I’ve seen the lack of is these announcements at institutions that are NIFA, 1890 and HSI institutions.”

The assistant secretary also mentioned that PVAMU’s cooperation extension department and other officials have been very effective while working with USDA’s Jillian Semaan, and have ultimately made them want to come back and further cultivate relationships with the university. Semaan confirmed the statement by saying, “We’ve always had a great partnership with Prairie View, and I think it’s developed more over the years. They run an energy audit program and they’ve taken a pilate program and made it into something much bigger than we’ve ever anticipated. The highlight of that is hiring folks. People are actually receiving jobs from this program.

They’ve really been a model for the country and have done a superb job... We were honored to make the announcement there.”

Dr. Leonard said that he wants the 19 land-grant institutions to “continue the mission of those colleges” by using the grant money. “It will train teachers, it will help provide student internships for students to do their research, and it will help to STORY & PHOTO BY : ERICA PONDER

guide another generation of students at the 1890 institutions into the future,” he said.

Dr. Leonard shared that it was important to make the announcement of available funds at PVAMU due to his connection to the university. “My mother, my father and my sister were all graduates of Prairie View, so I’m the beneficiary of not specifically this grant, but grants like it, so it was very important to me to make the announcement of this grant. I’m ecstatic at the relationship we have with Prairie View. They are such a willing partnership and USDA as a whole appreciates it. The Obama administration under the secretary of USDA endeavors to have a closer relationship with the 1890 universities and one of the most stunning examples of that is Prairie View,” he said.

The 1890 land-grant institutions are historically Black universities that were established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890. Under this act, southern states that did not have institutions for Blacks later established them. Multiple programs within these institutions focus on youth development, agriculture and natural resources, community and economic development and family and consumer sciences. Prairie View A&M University is the only historically Black land-grant institution in Texas.

According to USDA, the 1890 CBG program applications are due on March 26, 2015. More information can be found at www.nifa.usda.gov.

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Texas • February 16 - 22, 2015

AHCBED Monthly Networking Luncheon

Shirley Anne Malonson & Superintendent Dr. Wanda Bamberg Annie Lott

Diane Shepard & Riecke Baumann HOUSTON – The Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development recently held its February Monthly Networking Luncheon at 6112 Wheatley St. 77091. George Washington Carver High School’s Jazz Band played multiple selections for guests to enjoy.

Chairman Roy Douglas Malonson conducted a raffle drawing where several gifts were presented. Additionally, two bronze Barack Obama figurines were presented to a guest.

Following the raffle presentation, each guest had the opportunity to introduce themselves. Once the introductions concluded, everyone was served lunch.

Once all were seated in their perspective seats, the speaker of the day, Superintendent Wanda Bamberg of the Aldine

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Independent School District, was introduced by Malonson.

Dr. Bamberg gave the guests statistics and updates in regards to how the Aldine Independent School District has changed over time, and the things the community had done to improve the conditions and learning environments within the district.

According to the statistics presented, she showed that the school district is currently at 69,700 students. Dr. Bamberg stated that of those students, 71 percent are Hispanic, 24 percent are African-American, and 1.3 percent are Asian.

She also found that over time, “the Hispanic population has grown, the White population has decreased and the AfricanAmerican population has increased, but it’s been a little more stable and not as big of a

Clifford Johnson & Melvin Mc Gowen

Guest Networking at the Acres Home Chamber for Business & Economic Development February Luncheon change as other demographics.”

Dr. Bamberg also mentioned that there is a growing number of students from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.

Furthermore, Dr. Bamberg also talked about areas in which schools within the district needed improvement. Of the student population, 71 percent are at-risk, whereas ten years ago, 65 percent of 56,000 students were at-risk. According to Dr. Bamberg, at-risk students included students that are facing factors that would prevent them from passing their current grade level. Statistics further showed that 82 percent of students in the Aldine Independent School District are economically disadvantaged. The attendance rate is currently 95 percent.

Dr. Bamberg also showed that because of the district’s

thriving magnet programs, many children have been put on a waiting list. These students included students that currently don’t live within the Acres Homes’ community or the school district. She also mentioned that initially J. Ruth Smith Academy almost closed down due to a lack of students, but as a result of partnering with YES Prep, the school went from less than 350 students to 622 students. Dr. Bamberg mentioned that one of the things she is “excited” about is the college seminar program that will be implemented in the international baccalaureate program in order to “give our kids the same opportunities.”

She also expressed that although the populations have changed, the “popularity” of some of the schools have increased due to the growing number of students out-

side of the community that want to attend Aldine ISD schools.

Towards the end of the presentation, Dr. Bamberg addressed questions from attendees concerning educational programs and changes that would possibly be implemented throughout the school district. The Monthly Networking Luncheon proved to be an informative and insightful event.

For more information on upcoming events or how to become a member of the AHCBED, contact Anthony Stewart at (713) 692-7161.

Story By: Erica Ponder Photo Credit: Chandra Jarmon & Erica Ponder

Texas • February 16 - 22, 2015

L cal & State

HPD and Houstonians Discuss Body Cameras, Police Brutality, and Other Hot Button Issues

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HPD’s Third Annual Citywide Town Hall Meeting

n Saturday, February 7, the Houston Police Department hosted its Third Annual Townhall Meeting.

Chief Charles McClelland and District Attorney Devon Anderson were present to talk about issues such as overcrowded prisons, police body cameras, and grand jury selections. Krishunda Goodman, the host of KTSU's A Closer Look served as the MC for the town hall meeting. The town hall meeting also allowed the public to use a police shooting simulator to help the people understand why the police resort to shooting and to clear up some misconceptions people have about the use of guns among police offiers.

Outside of the building, people had the chance to view and take photos with a police helicopter, a SWAT truck, and several other police vehicles.

The town hall meeting begun with a prayer spoken by Ken Murray, the Pastor of Reach Center Church and member of the HPD Clergy Alliance and a brief presentation by John Rudley, President of Texas Southern University (TSU). Just as Rudley was wrapping up his speech, three anti-police protestors stormed into the meeting. They shouted “hands up, don’t shoot”, the same words uttered by Michal Brown before he was shot to death by Officer Darrin Wilson. The protestors were eventually escorted from the building.

Chief McClelland called the town hall meeting a “report card” for HPD where citizens had the chance to judge the actions of the Houston Police Department.

Although many people have a lot of negative things to say about the police right now, Chief McClelland wanted to start off the meeting by talking about some of the accomplishments HPD has made over the past year.

“HPD is one of the most diverse police departments in the

nation,” said McClelland. “Almost half of HPD is made up of minorities. Women make up about 15% of our police department. We want to make sure that HPD is a representation of Harris County and we think we have accomplished this goal by hiring a diverse group of officers. HPD has received the lowest number of complaints in its history this past year. In 2014, HPD only received 206 complaints from the public.vOver the past year, HPD has reduced crime in the city by 4%. We are proud of the accomplishments we’ve made over the past year. We’re also aware that we still have some major issues to address, and that’s what I want to get into now. Texas has the second largest prison system in the United States,” says McClelland. “Over 150,000 people are currently sitting in Texas prisons. Out of that 150,000, about 52,000 of those inmates are black, about 49,000 are Hispanic, and about 47,000 are white.The average educational attainment among Texas prisoners is an 8th grade education. Thirty years of age is the average age of prisoners. About 65,000 inmates are released from prison in Texas every year. Most of these inmates commit more crimes end up back in prison within a year because they cannot get a job and cannot get housing. With no education or job skills, commiting more crime is the only option for inmates. Some of these people are violent offenders who deserve to be locked up, but others are struggling with illnesses and addictions and need alternative interventions other than jail time."

To try to mitiagate this vicious cycle of releasing undereducated and unemployed former inmates back into society, Mayor Annise Parker signed an Executive Order to establish a re-entry program.

"The re-entry program allows the courts to partner with employers who are willing to hire people regardless of their criminal his-

Chief Charles McClelland tory," says McClelland. "These employers are willing to hire 15 and 20 time felons, because these employers understand that some felons have serious diseases and addictions and they can turn their lives around if they get the right help from the right resources," said Devon Anderson.

Body cameras have become a hot button issue in the wake of police shootings across the country.

“Many people assume that body cameras are a new concept, but body cameras are not new to HPD. ‘We’ve had some number of body cameras for over a year,’ said McClelland. “I’ve actually called for body cameras two years ago.

We are updating our body cameras as I speak, but I want everybody to know that we’ve had body cameras for over a year. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the Police Executive Research Forum have developed policies to govern our use of body cameras. There has to be training with the cameras, because there is no equipment that I know of that can turn on the camera and it can't be turned off. Officers may have to turn their camaras off when responding to certain situations.

A homeowner may not want an officer to have the camera on when responding to a home invasion for fear that the video of their home may end up on TV. To continue reading visit www.aframnews.com By: Amanda White

African

American News&Issues

Capital Corner

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Representative Senfronia Thompson Files Legislation to Improve Access to Justice for Those Who Need It Most

State Representative Sefronia Thompson District 141

Austin – State Representative Senfronia Thompson (DHouston) filed House Bill 1079 to broaden the reach of the Chief Justice Jack Pope Act to expand revenue for civil legal aid grants.

"A broad bipartisan group of Texas support this bill including many current and former Supreme Court Justices and Legislators, showing the importance of increasing funding to civil legal aid in Texas," said Thompson.

The bill is joint authored by Representatives Sarah Davis (R-Houston), Roberto Alonzo (D-Dallas), Kenneth Sheets (R-Dallas), and Jason Villalba (R-Dallas).

The proposed expansion of the Chief Justice Pope Act, in House Bill 1079, would include civil penalties in areas other than DTPA. Examples of such areas include violations of the Health and Safety Code, violations of environmental statutes, and whistle blower statues in which the Attorney General of Texas is a named party and obtains civil penalties. The bill would not capture funds already designated to other entities under separate statutes.

Civil legal service providers

assist low-income clients with family law issues such as domestic violence, child custody, protective orders, evictions, identity theft, and other necessary legal help. "Providing these services to families must to be a priority for our state,” said Thompson “This bill is just another small step in ensuring that legal services are provided to those who may need it most.”

Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman, the court’s liaison for access to justice, expressed her gratitude to Rep. Thompson, “We are grateful to Rep. Senfronia Thompson, once again, for helping provide access to justice for those in need by her efforts to expand the Chief Justice Jack Pope Act,” stated Justice Guzman. “Access to justice can be life changing for those facing critical civil legal issues and no person should be denied the right to access the civil justice system because they cannot afford it.”

Thanks to legislation like the Chief Justice Pope Act organizations like Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is the fourth largest service provider of free legal aid in the United States. Lone Star Legal Aid has 14 offices throughout east, southeast, and northeast Texas. LSLA serves 72 counties in Texas, Harris County among them, including almost 60,000 square miles from Texarkana, to the Louisiana-Texas Gulf Coast state-line. Lone Star Legal Aid service area has nearly 1.5 million income-eligible Texas residents.

For more information or help please visit http://texaslawhelp. org/ or http://www.lonestarlegal. org/.

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African

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American News&Issues

TEXAS • FEBRUARY 16 - 22, 2015

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

®

Get up to

$

meal deal!

save more than

7 BUY $ 01

in

FREE

15 in 6 items!

33

with in-store coupons

FREE X

buy

GET

free!

H-E-B Shake, Rattle & Bowl Salad

items!

with in-store coupon

6.65 - 11 oz. assorted varieties

with in-store coupons

Naked Juice

Striped 2.60 Pangasius free!

(Swai) Fillets

15.2 oz. assorted varieties

That’s up to

$

buy

4 lb. bag

4

GET Llévatelo

free! ¡gratis!

Thomas Better For You English Muffins, 6 ct. whole wheat, light multi grain, double protein or high fiber

with in-store coupon

H-E-B Made in Texas Peanut Butter

That’s up to

18 oz. assorted varieties

2.37

$

free!

• H-E-B Mixla Tortillas, 12 ct. buy Nestlé Coffee-mate • H-E-B Refrigerated Coffee 64 oz.

Snack Pico de Gallo Creamer, assorted varieties

Llévatelo GET

¡gratis! free! with in-store coupon

Nestlé Toll House DelightFulls

4 oz., assorted varieties

• Mott’s Clamato Cocktail

32 oz., regular or picante

• H-E-B Fish Coating or Fish Fry Mix 12 - 16 oz. assorted varieties

9 oz. assorted varieties

That’s up to

3.78

$

free! buy

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish 11 or 14.5 oz. bag assorted varieties

Llévatelo GET

¡gratis! free! with in-store coupons

• Pepperidge Farm Milano Cookies 5 - 7.5 oz. assorted varieties (Milano variety only)

That’s up to

• American Children’s Book

3.81

$

free! buy two (2) H-E-B Lunchmeats

7 - 9 oz. tub assorted varieties

CASH YOUR TAX REFUND CHECK OR CARD up to $9,500!

Some items may not be available in all stores. Items not valid at Central Market. Due to the popularity of our Extra Low Prices Every Day, we reserve the right to limit quantities. Limit Rights Reserved. We Accept Lone Star Card, WIC And Manufacturers’ Coupons. ©2015 HEB, 15-1147 visit www.heb.com

HOU-12

That’s up to

2.77

$

free!

assorted titles

Llévatelo GET

¡gratis!

free! with in-store coupon

Para niños bien listos ¡leéles 3 veces a la semana!

Subject to approval. For tax refunds issued on prepaid account cards, cashing fee may be in addition to any fees imposed by financial institution issuing your card. May be subject to issuer terms and conditions, including withdrawal limits.

Entry of PIN required for transaction. Not available at all locations.

Prices Good Wednesday, February 18 Thru Tuesday, February 24, 2015 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.

GROW YOUNG MINDS, READ 3 TIMES A WEEK

H-E-B Natural Cheese Slices

8 oz., thin or regular assorted varieties

Llévatelo

¡gratis!