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LAMIK

SEE PG 4 Photo Credit: Alvina Nicole

Budding Youth Actor Christian Zerangue Shares Wisdom, Goals, Dreams On and Off Life’s Stage

HOUSTON - Often times, as humans, we tend to judge a person by their appearance and not by their character. This happens more than it should because a person’s looks are the first thing an individual will see. However, the talented and phenomenal Grammy Award winning singing group The Temptations said it best when they stated that, “Beauty is only skin-deep.” Although a person may look pleasing to the eye on the outside, they may not have a pleasing character on the inside.

But what if you could have both?

LAMIK Beauty, which stands for Love and Makeup in Kindness, is the first eco-chic makeup brand, which gives women a healthy platform to build on, which includes beauty, confidence, integrity, and so much more.

CONTINUE READING ON PAGE 4

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American News&Issues

Excerpts from Afram’s Year in Review

1. Police Shootings 2016 was a year of high profile policeinvolved shootings where both the police and the community lost loved ones, suffered deeply and grieved.

According to statistics from The Guardian, 2016 was a bloody year for African-American who has run-ins with police. Of the 1,045 persons killed by police in 2016, 245 were African-American

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

Production/Editor

LaToya Hamer

Production Asst.

Rebecca S. Jones

Contributing Writer

Mark Spivey

Contributing Writer

Chelsea Davis-Bibb

Contributing Writer

Darwin Campbell

Contributing Writer

Sandra Davis

Distribution

DeMarcus Hubert

Distribution

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

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

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

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

Letter to the Editor

W

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.

Afram’s Year In Review

and 18 of those were Texas residents.

• Ivory Pantallion III The last incident reported in Texas occurred on Nov. 22, when Ivory Pantallion III, allegedly led police on a vehicle pursuit after refusing to pull over for a traffic violation, authorities said.

He ended the chase after he crashed his car and was killed in an exchange of gunfire with officers, according to reports from the Jefferson County Sheriffs Department.

Some other more high profile incidents include: • Shooting of Alton Sterling Alton Sterling was shot and killed by police outside a convenience store where he was selling CDs in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on July 5, 2016. His death led to Black Lives Matter demonstrations and protests across the country.

• - Shooting of Philando Castile A day after Alton Sterling’s death, on July 6, 2016, Philando Castile was shot and killed during a traffic stop in suburban Minneapolis. The killing further inflamed debate over policing practices and the Black Lives Matter movement. Castile’s girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, broadcast the moments after the killing on Facebook Live.

2. Mayor Turner – Acres Homes Proud – Visionary It was a year for an Acres Homes visionary to take the helm of the city.

In his first year in office Sylvester Turner, has proven that being elected office is about work and results more than prestige and power.

Turner is managing the 4th largest city in the nation and the former state representative has taken the bull by the horns and did

more than just make political pie in the sky promises.

So far, he has fostered a new level of cooperation first surfaced in January when City departments long used to operating independently of one another came together to solve our pothole problem A year later, we are maintaining this performance standard 95 percent of the time. Overall, more than 40,000 potholes have been filled.

He appointed the City’s first ever flood czar and we are gearing up to move forward with flood relief projects early in 2017.

Turner brought the Houston City

Council came together to eliminate a $160 million budget shortfall, the worst since the Great Recession.

Now with personal sacrifice by our municipal employees, police officers and firefighters, we have a pension reform plan ready for the state legislature to approve that provides certainty and reliability now and for the future.

The crime rate was also a priority this year. When it appeared as if Houston was headed toward a dramatic year-over-year increase in homicides, an extra $2 million was allocated for police overtime.

He added that under his watch, the Houston that existed before the November election still exists today.

“We are a city where residents and law enforcement work hand in hand, where neighbor looks out for neighbor and where hate and intolerance are not accepted,” he said.

3. Black Women in Texas Sports Three Gold performances at the Olympics in Rio by AfricanAmerican women athletes from Texas present outstanding examples for Black youth and teens and should inspire many to

dream, set and achieve even greater personal goals in life.

Olympic athletes Simone Biles, Simone Manuel and Michelle Carter historic performances in Rio put the “I Can” in African- American.

Each has given youth hope that dreams still matter and that even in the face of challenges, maintaining a positive attitude and not giving up still brings winning results and inspired by teaching valuable lessons about beating odds, positive thinking, dedication to details and also stirred discussions about racial and gender equality.

Biles is a gifted American artistic gymnast whose performances as the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil can only be described as superhuman.

From Spring, Texas, she is the first African American to win an all-around World title ,winning four Olympic Gold

Medals and a medal, she individual allvault and champion. Biles part of the gold winning team

Bronze is the around, floor also was medal-

dubbed the “final five” at the 2106 Summer Olympic in Rio. Manuel’s talents were on full display in Rio as she became the first AfricanAmerican woman to win an individual Olympic gold in swimming and set an Olympic record and an American record.

The Sugarland native graduated from Fort Bend Austin High School, and is a competition swimmer specializing in sprint freestyle. She won two gold and two silver medals: gold in the 100-meter freestyle and the 4x100-meter medley, and silver in the 50-meter freestyle, according to Team USA website.

Manuel has benefited from that rich history and allowed it to motivate her to achieve her goal and raise her to the level of a modern trailblazer and social pioneer seeking to break down barriers for AfricanAmericans and women.

Carter is the strong Black woman who preaches to youth and adults alike to never give up on yourself - a message that travels far and is as powerful as the shot put throw that put her in the 2016 Rio Olympics record books.

4. The Return of Hate The polarizing rhetoric of the 2016 political campaigns emboldened those weak minded and prone to fall prey to hate and propaganda to rise up in 2016 to help usher

in a new era of hate.

Hate crimes and hate speech are sweeping across the United States like a brush fire.

Hundreds of people are being victimized — men, women and children of various ethnicities, faiths and sexual identities.

The Southern Poverty Law Center reported 867 acts of racial or sexual harassment in the 10 days after the election.

TEXAS • JANUARY 2 - 8, 2017

The Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism, which tracks activities on both the far right and far left, conducted a study of social media and found there had been more than 2.6 million anti-Semitic tweets over a 12-month period around the election.

The bureau’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program data showed 5,850 hate crime incidents reported to police in 2015, a 6.8% increase from the 5,479 incidents reported in 2014.

The report recorded 5,818 “single-bias” incidents, incidents in which one or more offense types are motivated by the same bias. Of those, 59.2% were motivated by a racial, ethnic and/or ancestry bias; 19.7% by a religious bias; 17.7% by a sexual orientation bias; and 3.3% by a gender identity, disability or gender bias.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation tracks hate crime statistics and releases an annual report, but the one covering this year won’t come out until late 2017.

The latest FBI annual hate crime report shows a sharp spike in the number of hate crimes nationwide, with attacks against Muslims increasing the most sharply.

In one year, anti-Muslim hate crimes in the United States rose 67%, from 154 incidents in 2014 to 257 in 2015, according to the latest numbers released in the bureau’s Hate Crime Statistics report on Monday.

5. Harris County Turns Blue Everything may be BIG in TEXAS, but nothing bigger than the largest political spoils for Election 2016 – that belongs to the Harris County Democratic Party.

The shake up in turning the county from “RED” to “BLUES” not only has caused a political earthquake, but also has put Harris County in the state and national spotlight shining as bright as a “SUPER MOON.” “We are truly excited about the outcome in Harris County,” said Lane Lewis, Chair of the Harris County Democratic Party. “Democrats are unstoppable when we all work together in a team effort.”

Democrats literally swept Harris County winning key offices including the offices of District Attorney, Sheriff, Tax Assessor and numerous other Judge positions.

Democrats rolled to the polls in numbers that stunned Republicans who saw the wands of power removed from their hands after years of political dominance in the county.

Big Changes Over the Horizon One of the key things the Lewis envisions is changes in the way the county looks at justice.

Continue reading online @ @ www.aframnews.com

By Darwin Campbell

Read us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX-2

TEXAS • JANUARY 2 - 8, 2017

Editorial & Opinion

Exemption Verification Cards Property Value Matters

By Roland Altinger

T

Chief Appraiser of HCAD

his is the time of year that the appraisal district makes sure that you are still entitled to the exemptions you have on your property.

You either have received or soon will receive a post card in early January listing the exemption you have. We send these postcards to make sure that you still own and occupy the property in order to confirm you are entitled to the exemption on that property.

Exemptions are important because they exclude all or part of your property’s value from taxation,

which can significantly lower tax bills for some people.

If nothing has changed and you still own and occupy the property, then you should just check that the exemptions listed at the top of the card are correct. If they are, you do not have to do anything. Your exemption will be automatically renewed for 2017.

But you should read the card carefully because if you have recently turned 65 or have become disabled under Social Security rules, you may qualify for an additional exemption.

So in addition to your homestead exemption, you could apply for an over-65 exemption or a disability exemption. However, to be clear, the state tax code does not allow you to

have both an over-65 exemption and a disability exemption.

Yes, it does seem complicated.

However, if you believe you qualify and the exemption is not shown on the card, then you should contact the appraisal district. Contact information will be listed on the card.

If the postcard is returned to us, then by law, we have to cancel the exemption. If we do, we will send you a letter saying your exemption was cancelled, and we will provide a protest form to fill out and return.

If you still own the home but are not currently living there, you may still qualify for the exemption if you can show that you are only away temporarily. For example, if you were in the hospital or even living with a relative because of illness, yet you still planned to return to your home within two years, then you may still qualify. If you were absent

because you were serving in the U.S. military or living in a facility related to health, infirmity or aging, you also may still qualify.

The state tax code is very specific about qualifications for these exemptions, but if you plan to return to your home within two years, you may still qualify. So if you do get a letter that we have cancelled your homestead, over-65 or disability exemption, it’s best to contact the appraisal district as soon as possible so we can get the issue resolved.

You can call us at 713.957.7800 or email us at help@hcad.org.

Roland Altinger is the Chief Appraiser of the Harris County Appraisal District

African

American News&Issues

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“Freedom is never given. It is won.” We cannot expect them to stop treating us as second class citizens until and unless we stop believing that we are second class citizens and until we stop behaving as second class citizens. - A Philip Randolph

The Gift of Leadership

As we celebrate this holiday season and recognize the meanings associated with them; I would like to encourage our faithful and loyal readers of AfricanAmerican News&Issues to take inventory on the sentiments that all of these holidays represent.

We just recently celebrated Christmas. Christmas is the one holiday that was set aside to reverence the birth of Christ and all of the details that surround this magnificent event. I think that it is necessary to include a brief history of the holiday in order for our readers to best understand what I am trying to convey here.

The Holy Bible is broken up into two parts. The first includes the Old Testament which starts out on the origin of mankind as it relates to the Christian faith. The Old Testament records the fall of man, God’s establishment of his covenant with Abraham who is known as the Father of Faith.

It continues on with his seed of which God renews his covenant with, hence the entrance of Isaac and Jacob. Jacob had twelve sons who produced the tribes of Israel.

Israel was Jacob’s religious name which was inherited after his encounter of wrestling with an angel. As the scenes continue to unfold in the Old Testament, the children of Israel over the years would grow from 12 sons to a generation of people who became known as God’s chosen people.

After being in exile for years, they were released from their oppressors. During that time, God raised up judges and kings to deliver them out of the hands of their enemies, repeatedly. He also initiated priests and prophets as a means to communicate with the people and for the people to communicate with Him. The New Testament starts with the genealogy of Christ who came through the lineage of Judah according to Joseph, his Earthly Father’s genealogical

make-up. Jesus birth has been regarded as the Immaculate Conception as His mother, Mary was a virgin who had never been intimate with a man before. For she was only espoused (engaged) to Joseph at the time but they had not yet consummated their marriage. Moving forward, Jesus’ birth was just one of many miracles that would be demonstrated in the New Testament. As time progressed, he later became known for performing endless miracles, having a humble demeanor and ultimately giving His life for the sins of the world even though he is said to be the only person who walked the face of the Earth and never committed sin.

So today families and friends have made a tradition out of upholding Christmas as the time of the year to give gifts and to come together in love and fellowship one with the other. The symbolism of the gift-giving season is a representation of the greatest gift to humanity according to the Christian belief. God the Father gave His only begotten son to die for the sins of the world. It was because of that gift that man’s fellowship with God is supposed to be restored through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ the Savior of the world. So today Christmas and Easter are celebrated in commemoration of the birth and death of Christ, respectively.

As we have celebrated Christmas we must be mindful of the events that followed in scripture. During this season I was reminded of my early years of education when we were taught out of the book of Exodus.

Remember we read from the book of Exodus because even with the birth of Christ, God also promised to raise up leaders for His people. Therefore, I would like to urge the faithful and loyal readers of African-American News&Issues to allow this

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

element to continue to penetrate the souls of people with truth.

Because in it you will find the Almighty’s gifts are abundant when you realize why he advances your Spirit. It is a sad reality but even with that there are still many who really don’t give a damn anymore, even when their very existence is at stake. But it is imperative to us to remember these things because the Bible states that there is nothing new under the sun. This means that everything that is happening now has already happened before. The same people that we read about in the scriptures are also here in the flesh entering into 2017.

Just as leaders were needed during those times to guide people, so they are needed today in various aspects. But even with that we have to be careful of those that we allow to lead us and we should be mindful of those that we elect to follow. We MUST Understand that just because people are in a position it does not mean that they have the best intention in mind for the people that they lead or serve.

We also must remember that anytime we are responsible for the welfare of a person that we ourselves become leaders. That translates into parents and guardians because everyone has a role in this thing. Not every person is meant to be a leader out in the fore-front, but each of us has our own platform and it is up to us what we choose to utilize it for!

Just let us remember this factor as we are approaching and entering into the New Year!

Read More We MUST Understand columns online @ AframNews.com!

TX-3

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African

American News&Issues

ZERANGUE FROM PAGE 1

Cover Story life skills and talents he garnered in life and training on the character and acted in a breakthrough performance in the movie.

THE BEGINNING

Christian Zerangue filming “Exit To Freedom” out, get and agent, train and pursue every avenue HOUSTON - While in Third Grade, Christian possible to break through the tough Hollywood Zerangue dreamed of being an NASA astronaut entertainment ceilings and get to the Oscar and traveling to Mars and possibly other places “promised land” someday. across the galaxy.

However, one day while sitting in class at Bethune Academy, he read an article that changed the course of his life. He learned in an article that the future for astronauts was in limbo because the government cut NASA’s budget leaving future space travel uncertain and the need for astronauts uncertain with no guarantees.

THE DREAM At 11 years old, Christian decided to pour his love and passion into another masterful art – Acting.

Since that time, the now 15-year old’s actor’s career is taking off and he has goals and plans to go where others fear to tread and explore bold new frontiers where few men dare to trek.

“Being an astronaut was my dream job,” he said. “When it appeared that might not be possible, I decided to look within myself and I discovered my love for acting.”

It was that self discovery that led him to step

LAMIK From Page 1

BIG BREAK

So far his work has landed him numerous television appearances in local advertising commercials, short films and shows, but his latest and biggest accomplishment to date is a very valued role in the movie, Exit to Freedom – A Docmovie of the Real Life Story of Randy Harden.

It is the story of Randy Harden story, a flirty teenage boy, who has a story to tell. He discovers his identity through an exit sign, not before many twist in learning the truth about his identity.

Exit to Freedom is the documentary story about Harden, who after six times in incarceration, was hopeless and lost; but had a praying mother and family to combat the demons in his life. It is a provocative story that will allow you to experience his story, his way.

Zerangue played the role of young Randy Harden and focused on using all his impressive

Kim Roxie, the founder of LAMIK, made it known that the company believes that “beauty is revealed and not applied.” The company does not make women beautiful; they simply reveal the beauty in a woman.

The company started 12 years ago in Sharpstown Mall, and after fours year there, they relocated to where they are now, which is located in River Oaks. They have continued to grow, and they plan to continue to expand not only as a company, but within their message to the world as well. The company is also a black led company and Roxie made it known that being a young African American entrepreneur wasn’t always easy. People didn’t always take her serious, and didn’t believe in what she was trying to do.

Now, Roxie looks back and reflects on how those trials and tribulations were just stepping stones to get to where she is today.

Although LAMIK is a makeup brand, Roxie identified LAMIK as being an empowerment tool. She expressed, “When you look at our packaging and you see LAMIK there, that’s like seeing the word beauty, or strength, or resilience…it’s an empowerment type of word and it reminds you to reveal your beauty in TX- 4

“I started out getting out there and doing interviews and doing the small jobs to build up my resume and increase my exposure,” he said.

“I focused on doing what it took to demonstrate my talents and worked hard to achieve the “right stuff” and have the right “look” to get the early jobs.”

His quest for success has taken him as far as Los Angeles, where he attended the International Modeling and Talent in 2011.

During those sessions, Zerangue did a series of monologues, cold (acting) reads, improvisations and runway walks to show his skills and demonstrate his talent potential.

While there, he won 2nd runner up for the most wanted male talent in his age group. He also picked up awards as Runaway winner, Improvisation Winner, Theatrical Headshot Winner.

Those efforts landed him notoriety to the point that over 100 agents from New York, LA and other parts of the world expressed interest in him and offered call backs.

It was from those auditions that interest in him blossomed into jobs. Some of the jobs include his first modeling job with Academy Sports and Outdoors to work in commercials with Academy Sports, Dell Computers, Conn’s, Children’s Hospital, HotWeb Commercials, short films and appearances on Date Wars. He also has done successful modeling for Academy Sports and Outdoors and Macy’s Disney Radio Fashions Show.

He is currently with and represented by the Neal Hamil Agency in Houston.

Zerangue particularly thrives playing and

everything that you do.” LAMIK is makeup with a message. Its makeup that can reveal your beauty through the message that the company is trying to convey.

Many people come to the store to purchase their products they do retail their products in the store. People also go to get a service done which can range from eyelashes, eyebrows, to people getting their makeup done as well, which is one of their top services.

They also extend their location for those who would like to rent their store for a photo shoot, party, book signing, etc. In addition, they do have an online store where people can shop and have their products mailed directly to their requested address. LAMIK has been featured in national and international magazines, and they not only have local customers, but customers from Canada, France, Columbia, and London just to name a few.

There are many makeup companies all over the world that sell great products, and you may be thinking, what makes LAMIK different from their competitors? Well, they are Paraben free.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug administration (http:// www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/ Ingredients/ucm128042.htm), “Parabens are commonly

TEXAS ANUARY 12-18, 2 - 8, 2017 Texas• •JAugust 2013

modeling roles that involve funny and humorous characters, but also has developed his ability to play more serious characters requiring more emotions, facial expression and tongue-twisting talk.

He also said a key to acting success is to be involved in doing good in the community.

“It is important to build that resume in and out of school,” he said. “Doing right and making positive impacts in the community demonstrates the kind of leadership and character that directors and producers look for.”

MOTIVATION While many African-American youth his age have tied their fortunes to sports like basketball or football, Zerangue sees the values of combining his knowledge of history, education and love for acting to drive his success.

“I am focused on pursuing my dream first,” he said. “My opportunity is now.

Allowing distractions would be the death of my dream.”

To continue reading visit us online @ www.aframnews.com By: Darwin Campbell

used as preservatives in cosmetics.” This chemical has been a debatable topic because many believe that it is linked to breast cancer, and other health issues. Despite the debates, scientists are still trying to gather information in regards to those claims.

In addition, the company has gluten free lipstick. Roxie stated, “Whatever you put on your lips, you eat. If you’re suppose to be gluten free, and you’re not wearing gluten free lipstick, you’re subjecting yourself to gluten.” They also use post-recycled paper (75%) in order to make their packaging. It is eco friendly, but the packaging is still glamorous. Last but not least, their product is all about women empowerment.

If you want to be beautiful then you can just where any makeup brand, but if you want to be beautiful with character, then I dare you to try LAMIK. For more information about this company, you can visit their website at http://www.lamik-beauty.com/.

LAMIK Beauty 2610 Greenbriar Houston, TX 77098 United States By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed.

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The H-Town Black Konnect

The Mission

The MISSION of the H-TOWN BLACK KONNECT is to assist in delivering solutions to problems affecting our communities throughout the state of Texas. We have determined two of those major obstacles are the lack of support for Black-owned businesses, and Black consumers lack of awareness of those products and services available from Black-owned institutions.

The H-Town Black Konnect is the solution to connecting our communities to the services they need!

Why should you ADVERTISE? The national buying power of African-Americans is 1.3 trillion and increasing. We spend signiďŹ cantly more time reading advertisements than Whites and other non-Black residents.

African-Americans consider reading advertisements in the newspaper as part of their reading experience and need to know where they can infuse their dollars to stimulate our Black economic growth. H-Town Black Konnect is the resource to bridge the gap between your business and our readership that expands over 150,000 readers throughout the Greater Houston area. Let US KONNECT YOU to MORE CUSTOMERS!

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TEXAS • JANUARY 2 - 8, 2017

5

Read us online! www. aframnews. com

The Eagle’s Nest Newspaper

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.”

Too Much Tech?

By: By Kristian Johnson, BTW Student

A

s a teenager and someone who goes crazy when the new IPhone comes out or saves money all year to prepare for Black Friday discounts on the latest electronics, I am not a person who is likely to say that we use too much technology, but we are quickly getting there fast. Most parents and teachers cannot keep up with the newest social media sites like Snap Chat, Kikk, Vine. com, and Instagram. Although they managed to live their younger lives without the thought of cell phones, laptops or IPads, this generation cannot imagine their lives without it. But are we too dependent on technology? Think about it. How many times have you left your phone at

home and had to turn around and go all the way back home to get it despite being short on time just because you cannot go all day without it? How many times has a computer system gone down at a company or restaurant and no one could do their jobs. And finally, just how many times have you had your cell phone out in class, even though it is against school rules, and had to ask the teacher to repeat something that was just said because you were distracted?

It happens every day. We check out, zone out and tap into our self-created digital reality. One eye-opening moment did not happen the millions of times my parents had told me to get off the phone, but it happened when we travelled to my grandmother’s house for a family function in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was the first reunion that my family had organized since I was very young. Many of my cousins, aunts and uncles had come from across the state to visit with family. We had planned activities, that I’m sure someone spent quite a bit of time organizing so that longtime relatives could get reacquainted with one another while learning about our family history. It wasn’t until I saw that every single teenager in the room had their heads buried in their phones, playing various types games or texting, so much that even I was amazed and a little embarrassed. Big eye opener! The next time you would rather spend hours online or you are on your phone texting paragraphs instead having a conversation with someone face to face, remember to engage. Put the phone down, take a breath and v reconnect. Time wasted can

never be brought back. That day, I realized that inappropriate technology use can be rude and insensitive and should be kept in check.

Is there such thing as being too connected? Oh, yes.

After watching kids walk into walls or miss the directions for today’s lesson, our principal said enough is enough. Dr. Phillips and just about every teacher on campus seemed to think so as well. Secretly, I agree. In the classroom, there are boundaries that should be respected because the loud music you play could stop someone else from focusing on their work. How would I know this? It took being on the receiving end of hearing someone else’s loud music to notice just how distracting and annoying it can be.

It seems like every activity and guest speaker we have had this year has a message of self improvement and setting higher goals. Dr. Phillips has taken it a step further. There is a new rule at Washington High that I hate but understand at the same time. There will be no headphones in the hallways, classrooms or even in the cafeteria at Washington High for the Spring of 2018! Will this really work? I don’t know, but even though many will try to break this new rule, maybe some good will come out of it. Only time will tell just how much technology and setting priorities will mix together. Go Eagles!

PHOTO CREDIT: https://textually.org/textually/archives/2011/11/29/inline-teen-text-for-good.jpeg

“Celebrating a New Start on a New Foundation ”

by James Powell, BTW Student

Recently, Booker T. Washington High School hosted their 3rd Annual Community Trail Ride and Parade. The theme for this year’s event was “Building On A Solid Foundation.” The purpose of the event was to bring the community and school together to build a stronger relationship. A lot of planning went into this event with Ms. Danetta Hill taking the lead.

Many students looked forward to the event and especially wanted to see Dr. Phillip riding his horse in the parade!

The support from our local government was evident as well. Our mayor, Sylvester Turner, was there and he told of his support for his former District 139 which he cared for as a state representative.

Also in attendance was School Support Officer, Felicia Renee

McKinnon.

The students enjoyed the activities and did not want to leave although the weather was inclement. The festivities began with the trail ride. Dr. Phillips looked really good on a horse.

The ROTC marching cadets really made the parade look official. The band and cheerleaders entertained the crowd once everyone made it into the school’s gym. School clubs and organizations contributed by selling food that everyone enjoyed.

One of the main features of the event was the essay contest.

For a few weeks, Dr. Phillips had encouraged all the students to enter the contest by writing an essay on the topic of “What is the value of building on a solid foundation?”

Mrs. Stokes, English teacher, thought the essay really

emphasized Habit #3, Putting First Things First, of the book the school has adopted this year, “Seven Traits of Highly Effective Teen” by Sean Covey.

She believed it relayed to students that even though the weather was not what we wanted it to be, it showed that once you make a commitment, you should follow through. Mrs. Stokes enjoyed discussing the importance of setting the right priorities and the advantages of building solid foundations in her class. She stated, “The essay was beneficial to the student body because it embodied the spirit of what more can be done to reach our goals as a school and as individuals.”

Students were very excited to participate in the event.

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

at Lone Star College-Victory Center

Spring Registration Now Open!

Whether you plan to earn a degree or gain new skills, LSC-Victory Center is here for you.

Choose from an Associate of Arts degree or certificates in high-demand fields including HVAC, machining and welding.

Spring Classes Begin January 17.

LSC-Victory Center • 4141 Victory Drive, Houston, TX 77088 LoneStar.edu/Victory-Center AANI_4.88x5_RegisterNow.indd 1

TX-5

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Health

Texas • January 2 - 8, 2017

A l l A b o u t G e t t i n g P r EP p e d What is Prep?

ONE PrEP PILL A DAY IS 92% EFFECTIVE AT PREVENTING HIV.

rEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is used in combination with other safer sex practices to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV in high-risk adults.

P

What does getting PrEPped require?

You’d need to have labs drawn, insurance verified OR get health care financial assistance through Legacy’s eligibility department. Then, you’ll attend an appointment with a medical provider and fill your prescription for PrEP. A HIV test is required every 3 months in order to remain on the regimen.

You’ll need to attend scheduled doctors appointments to remain on the regimen.

You’ll have to OWN IT, and remember it’s your responsibility to ensure PrEP prescription refills are filled in a timely manner.

What else should I do to stay PrEPped?

Be aware that adherence to PrEP is important, and taking the prescribed medication every day as directed is an important component of PrEP. Practicing safer sex and using condoms is important, because PrEP does not protect against sexually transmitted infections or prevent pregnancy.

PrEP: A Game changer in HIV Prevention

More info at PrEPtoPreventHIV.org HOUSTON HEALTH d e pa rt m e n t

Supported by funding from Gilead Sciences, Inc.

TX-6

In America, new HIV-infection rates continuing to rise in many at-risk communities, prevention is the key in getting to zero new HIV infections. A new option in HIV prevention is pre-exposure prophylaxis, also known as PrEP. PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool that, when combined with other prevention methods, can greatly reduce a person’s risk for HIV infection. Prescribed in the form of Truvada, PrEP is taken just once a day and has been shown to reduce a person’s risk for HIV infection by up to 96% when taken consistently.

PrEP is for those who are not HIV positive—it’s a preventative measure against HIV. Studies have shown that when taken daily, PrEP is highly effective. A recent UK study, known as PROUD, focused on two test groups: half prescribed PrEP at the study’s start in 2012, the other half started at a later date. Those who started later were found to contract HIV by 8.9 %; by

contrast those taking PrEP only contracted the virus by 1.3%.

Translation: This is a cut of 86% in the spread of HIV. Getting started on PrEP is possible for patients with or without insurance coverage and qualifying patients can enroll in an assistance program to pay for the medication.

PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool and can be combined with condoms and other prevention methods to provide even greater protection than when used alone.

For more information about PrEP or to get started, visit us here.

Our mission to getting to zero starts with education on preventing new diagnoses daily.

PrEP: A Game changer in HIV Prevention In America, new HIV-infection rates continuing to rise in many at-risk communities, prevention is the key in getting to zero new HIV infections. A new option in HIV prevention is pre-exposure prophylaxis, also known as PrEP. PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool that, when combined with other prevention methods, can greatly reduce a person’s risk for HIV infection. Prescribed in the form of Truvada, PrEP is taken just once a day and has been shown to reduce a person’s risk for HIV infection by up to 96% when taken consistently.

PrEP is for those who are not HIV positive—it’s a preventative measure against HIV. Studies have shown that when taken daily, PrEP is highly effective. A recent UK study, known as PROUD, focused on two test groups: half prescribed PrEP at the study’s start in 2012, the other half started at a later date. Those who started later were found to contract HIV by 8.9 %; by contrast those taking PrEP only contracted the virus by 1.3%.

Translation: This is a cut of 86% in the spread of HIV. Getting started on PrEP is possible for patients with or without insurance coverage and qualifying patients can enroll in an assistance program to pay for the medication.

PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool and can be combined with condoms and other prevention methods to provide even greater protection than when used alone.

For more information about PrEP or to get started, visit us here.

Our mission to getting to zero starts with education on preventing new diagnoses daily.

By: Legacy Community Health & Amy Leonard, Vice President of Public Health Services

TEXAS • JANUARY 2 - 8, 2017

Community

African

American News&Issues

7

The Power to Inspire Change!

Welcome to The Power to Inspire Change! As African Americans we have a commitment to ourselves, our children and our community to be the absolute best that we can be! To achieve this goal we have to recognize our strengths and our weaknesses. We must celebrate and use our strengths, while we stay committed to improving our weaknesses. KYND Radio and Genuine Journey Network is a new place for you to connect, to be inspired, educated and motivated.

Tune in every day and you will discover inspiring programs that are powerful resources for information, events, and opportunities for you to grow individually and for us to grow as a collective. We have partnered with AFRAM News to connect with our community and grow in excellence.

Join us each month in AFRAM News in this feature called “The Power to Inspire Change,” to learn what KYND 1520, your Community Radio Station, is working on to keep you connected.

KYND 1520 is a Powerful 25000 WATT Talk Radio Station that covers Houston and All Surrounding areas.

Tune in every day on 1520AM, online at www.kyndradio.com, or Download our free KYND mobile APP from your app store - available for both Android and Apple devices. The Station also streams live everyday veryday on Facebook, find us at KYND 1520AM. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @KYND1520.

Genuine Journey TV Network offers unique Programming on Demand - find it on ROKU, AMAZON FIRE and ANDROID TV.

KYND 1520’s New Talk Show is shaking things up!

Life Talk Mornings with Trent & Richard Nothing is off limits for this dynamic duo, they are turning the talk show world upside down. Going where no talk show has gone before, Trent and Richard tackle all the taboo subjects in the black community that no one else is talking about. For The Life Talk Morning Show, political correctness is a foot note on a balance sheet. For this dynamic duo it’s about getting to Real Action and Real Solutions!

KYND callers are jumping in on the conversation and loving every minute of it!

From religion to politics, relationships to child rearing, no topic is off limits.

Houston, it’s time for a Wake-up Call and KYND’s Life Talk Mornings with Trent and Richard will get you thinking about old problems in a new way by challenging you. It’s time to disrupt old patterns and think about our power in a new way. The Mic is Open, every morning starting at 9:00am -11:00am on The Powerful KYND 1520, “The KYND of Talk that Inspires Change!”

Tune into KYND 1520 Every Thursday 8:00 AM Dr. Fisher, an alternative medicine practitioner with a proven method that will help reveal, restore, and rejuvenate your hormones for optimal health at any age. Your body already knows how to produce maximal amounts of hormones, and it’s just a matter of stimulating it to do so. You can discover you again and everything you need to know to balance your hormones, lose weight, and get healthy.

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“If you are taking synthetic prescription hormones or bio-identical hormones I strongly advise you to stop and get my book - Rejuvenate Your Hormones because it can potentially save your life.”

Hormones are powerful chemical messengers in the body, controlling everything from the reproductive system to mood, sleep, and appearance. Hormone replacement therapy is highly controversial and many women have refused it, but it has been scientifically proven there is a 100% natural way to restore your body’s hormonal balance, lose weight, and experience better libido.

Say good-bye to the out-of-whack hormones that’s robbing your health such as PCOS, Hot Flashes, Depression and even Thyroid Issues. Join me on the Road 2 Wellness on KYND and say hello to a younger body, healthy sex drive, and a good night’s sleep!

TX-7

African

8

American News&Issues

Texas • January 2 - 8, 2017

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