African-American News&Issues

WE MUST UNDERSTAND PAGE 3

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S.H.A.P.E. COMMUNITY CENTER BUILT ON THE PRINCIPLES OF KWANZAA

VOL. 20 ISSUE 47

~Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

MOTHER, DAUGHTERS FLEE BOKO HARAM, GRADUATE FROM TSU

(L-R) SIDAMARI, RABI AND MAGDALENE MIDALA SEE PG 8

THE WIZ - SEE PG 3

DELOYD PARKER - SEE PG 4

RETIRED U.S. ARMY COLONEL, RALPH PETERS - SEE PG 2

2

African

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“He called President Obama a WHAT?!!!”

Before I Lay it Down...

By “Coach” Mark Spivey

F

acebook and other media outlets are abuzz over what a Fox News “analyst” blurted out on live television earlier today.

Retired U.S. Army Colonel, Ralph Peters called President Obama “a total pussy” during a live interview because of his disdain on how the POTUS is responding to the threat of radical Islamic extremist and terrorism. Describing the most powerful man in the world in this manner makes me wonder if Peters truly understands the scope of his comments. It was both insulting and unprofessional and it should have raised the ire of many Americans across the nation on all sides of the political spectrum. It was tasteless, but also on par with the classless, backwoods-trailer park reporting that FOX News is infamous for. Even more so, that idiot of a former military

Roy Douglas Malonson Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson

President/C.E.O.

Chandra Jarmon

Production/Editor

Sandra Davis

Production Asst

James Jones III, Ph.D

Staff Writer

Shelondra Peavy

Staff Writer

Mark Spivey

Contributing Writer

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man used the wrong terminology to describe his hatred for a man who has done his best to be non-partisan and fair. Let me tell you why…

The female vagina is a beautiful thing. It has a wonderful purpose.

Anybody who is alive and breathing came out of one. Just the mentioning of the word sends shockwaves through “ordinary “men and some women alike. To some folk, the “word” that the colonel used is derogatory. To others, depending on how you use it, it’s erotic. I don’t think Ralph Peters meant to use it that way. No-siree-bob; this foul-mouthed military man went “full metal jacket” on his assault of the President. It’s quite evident that he’s used to spewing out this word often based on how he continued the interview. He just kept on bashing and talking about President Obama, never wincing at what he said some thirty seconds earlier. It is with that blunder that I will note with the following assumptions: 1. Colonel Peters must have been called a “pussy” for the majority of his life in order for him to use the word in such a negative manner.

2. Perhaps he has a bad history with vaginas. It’s possible that he’s not endowed with the right “equipment” to fully understand the beauty of them.

Continue reading online Source: Aframnews.com

Edit rial & Opini n

Texas • December 14 - December 20, 2015

The Property Tax Calendar Property Value Matters

By Sands Stiefer Chief Appraiser of HCAD

Since we are quickly coming up on the beginning of a new year, I thought this would be a good time to discuss the property tax calendar.

The activities in the calendar happen every year at approximately the same time of year. If you know what these activities are and when they occur, then it is easier to remember what your responsibilities are so you don’t miss a deadline.

I have talked about some of these activities in my previous columns.

The tax calendar is a schedule of property tax activities. Some dates on the calendar are fixed by law. Other activities are not set on a calendar date but are tied to events.

We are coming up on a good example of an activity connected to a date - - January 1. Appraisal districts are required by law to appraise property according to its value on January 1. The chief appraiser adds new property to the

records and reappraises property value added by improvement or other changes in the value of the property.

At this same time, the chief appraiser also grants or denies exemptions. Those of you with an exemption on your property – either a homestead exemption, over-65 exemption or disability exemption – either have received or soon will receive a post card in January listing the exemption. We send these out to verify that you still own and occupy the property in order to make sure you are entitled to the exemption on that property.

An example of a an activity tied to an event is the chief appraiser’s responsibility to notify property owners in writing of increased or new appraisals so the owner has a chance to file a protest.

Here in Harris County, the appraisal district notifies every property owner of the value of their property each year. The property value notices are usually mailed at the end of March.

If you own a business, you must submit a report listing the business property you own to the appraisal district by April 15. The appraisal district hosts workshops each year

to help business owners with this process and answer any questions they might have.

Another very important date is the protest deadline of May 31.

If you do not file your property value protest by May 31, you have missed your opportunity to contest the value of your property for that year. As you might remember from my previous column, it is this protest phase that allows the property owner to resolve concerns with their property value.

When more than 90 percent of the property is free from protest, the chief appraiser certifies the appraisal roll to the taxing units.

The taxing unit then sets its tax rate, and the tax assessor-collector’s office mails tax bills at the end of October or early November. While these bills are due immediately upon receipt, the payment is not considered late until February 1 of the next year.

If you have any questions about the property tax calendar or the tax process, I encourage you to please call us at 713.957.7800 or email us at help@hcad.org.

Sands Stiefer is the Chief Appraiser of the Harris County Appraisal District

Business Card for Paper 14_Layout 1 12/11/14

Why We Must Affirm Affirmative Action Rev. Al Sharpton President, National Action Network

Wednesday morning National Action Network (NAN) and I, along with others in the civil rights community, will be rallying outside the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. as they listen to oral arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin yet again.

This case, which is set up to eliminate race as a factor in places of higher education, is an attempt to chip away

at the very core of affirmative action.

The University of Texas already only considers race in a limited number of admission decisions, and if the Supreme Court rules in Fisher’s favor, then that means not only will race be eliminated altogether in admission decisions there and eventually elsewhere, but this will also carry over into employment, contracts and effectively end affirmative action as we know it.

Despite the fact that we still have blatant racial inequality in campuses and places of employment (and many other areas), the Court is listening to this case for the second time. We will be there Wednesday to have our voices heard; we must end racial exclusion in all facets of our society, and affirma-

tive action was set up specifically to at least begin the process of achieving this goal -- we cannot reverse course now.

The right-wing and others often try to pretend that we are somehow in some sort of post-racial society when the reality is we still have our work cut out for us. In the realm of education itself, we see a severe disparity in access to quality schools and avenues that lead to higher learning. And on college campuses across the country, there are still racial inequalities that exist, and we all know that discrimination is a reality in employment, housing and other areas.

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Texas • December 14 - December 20, 2015

Edit rial & Opini n

WHat a WHite tanGled Web We Have:

HOW WHite criticism Of ‘tHe WiZ’ is truly irOnic Manhood, Race & Culture

By Dr. James Thomas Jones III

It has been commonly said that “Karma is a bitch.” This popular saying is an efficient way of stating that what we put out into the universe will invariably make its way back to us in some of the most unexpected and unusual ways; many within the white community are learning this lesson the hard way.

In the wake of NBC’s live showing of The Wiz, the African-American version of L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz many segments of white America has taken to Twitter to issue what they consider a significant protest. What follows are a few of the tweets that were issued in protest of The Wiz. I just learned there is a black version of The Wizard of Oz called “The Wiz” - how is this not racist?

— Evan (@MJTM) November 23, 2015 Can you imagine the outrage if a show advertised an “All White Cast”?! But #TheWizLive is getting praised for having an “All Black Cast”...

— Melly (@4princessmel) November 27, 2015 Want to point out that #TheWizLive has changed cast to all black actors yet there’s no outrage from the whites. #BlackLivesMatter Just sayin — Jeff Kelso (@boottapper) December 1, 2015 Although there is much that can be stated about the cultural literacy being displayed by huge swaths of the white community in their admission that NBC’s recent airing of The Wiz was their initial exposure to the classic play; however, I am trying to not digress. I find it interesting that the outcries of whites’ regarding the

remake of The Wizard of Oz with a nearly all-Black cast, there was one white dancer in the production, is truly ironic for two reasons: (1) there was no outcry from this same source when nary an African-American was included in either the stage or cinematic productions of The Wizard of Oz and (2) whites’ are failing to realize that cultural events and entities such as (a) The Wiz, (b) Miss Black America, and (c) Historically Black Colleges and Universities were generated to serve as an alternative to (a) The Wizard of Oz, (b) Miss America, (c) any Southern college or University --- University of Alabama, Clemson University, University of Oklahoma (I must add that these three universities are now heavily relying upon AfricanAmerican athletes as they pursue a College Football Championship).

The impetus behind the generation of each of these Black entities must be attributed to whites who refused to allow our participation in their cultural events.

It is in many ways hilarious that whites have chosen The Wiz as a means of issuing commentary regarding race in America as it makes their collective ignorance regarding American cultural matters unmistakable.

The alluded to segment of white America that is aghast at what they erroneously refer to as “reverse racism” are in desperate need of a serious course over American racial matters.

Such a course would highlight for them that it was their ancestors’ repudiation of all things Black, at least when they were in the public sphere, which left a segregated Black community with no recourse other than to begin their own cultural traditions.

Ironically, one of the clearest examples is found in the fact that every performance (stage and screen) of L. Frank Baum’s, The Wizard of Oz was performed by an all-white cast. Now it goes without saying that Baum’s fictional story did not include African-Americans.

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PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR HISTORY! FORGETTING WHAT - ROY DOUGLAS MALONSON HAPPENED TO US CAN DESTROY US!

I

Ben CarSon

must admit that it is not everyday that one receives correspondence from an individual who is seeking to be this nation’s next President. However, that is what just occurred to me.

GOP Presidential hopeful Ben Carson has extended an ‘olive branch’ in hopes of myself and the staff of African-American News & Issues assisting him in his efforts to capture the White House. Here are a few of the highlights from Carson’s letter to me.

• For some reason, the media and the political class in our country just don’t understand me.

• I detest political correctness, because the truth matters more.

• I’m concerned about the future we are leaving our children and grandchildren…

I am certain that most of you would be shocked to learn that I agree with much of what Carson penned as I often feel that neither the American media nor its political class either understand or represent my perspective. It is this failure to represent not only my, but also the African-American communities perspective, that I demand African-American News and Issues continues to be not my or your paper, rather the People’s Paper. It is this commitment to the AfricanAmerican communities in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin that energizes everyone associated with

African-American News and Issues.

There are other AfricanAmerican periodicals who seek to bring the news to the community through a mild voice that will not anger the outside community. The alluded to papers are in effect trying to serve two masters, a situation that has never worked out very well for African-American leaders or newspapers. The primary problem with such an approach is that they often censor themselves and curtail the truth in the name of not offending

GOP Presidential Candidate Ben Carson

the outside community.

I pledge to you that you will never see such occurring within the pages of African-American News&Issues as we have historically and will continue to speak the truth regardless of who is offended by our words. During moments when we have to attack others for their evil wrongdoings, I always remind my writers that those who

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

perpetrated the offense did not give any consideration for our feelings or future while perpetrating the act.

It is the realization that ‘the truth matters the most’ that prods me and my staff to continue telling it like it is, regardless of who may be offended by our words or perspective.

We realize the stakes of this game that is being played today. Make no mistake about it; we are involved in a high-stakes political game that most definitely has winners’ and losers’ at its conclusion.

The staff and writers of AfricanAmerican News and Issues realize that losing will be disastrous not just to ourselves as individuals, but also the future that we are leaving for our children, grandchildren, and the generations that will come after them.

So Mr. Carson, thank you for reaching out to me, I guess that we are actually not that different from one another; a point that was made in your communication. However, my focus, unlike yours, has been and will continue to be on the uplifting of the African-American community today, tomorrow, and forever.

We are, and will continue to be, the people’s paper and there is not a damn thing that you or anyone else could ever do about it.

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.

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FROM PG. 1 ~ S.H.A.P.E.

HOUSTON - The S.H.A.P.E. Community Center has a very admirable mission: To improve the quality of life for people of African descent (all people) through programs and activities, with emphasis on Unity, Self-

Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. By leading the way toward justice, equal opportunity, and institution building in the city, state, nation, and

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world, S.H.A.P.E. has been one of the most visible and involved community centers in Houston’s African-American community and the Houston community as a whole. Along with this, S.H.A.P.E. has actively sought ways to oppose injustice and to better the community for all people because of its deep commitment to the community.

Founded in 1969, S.H.A.P.E. (Self-Help for African People through Education) is a longtime hub, located on Houston’s Southeast side of town, where citizens have access to all sorts of goodies, including family strengthening, year-round empowerment programs, parent support groups, and youth/family guidance and counseling.

Also on the annual roster of events and programs are holistic health activities, Kwanzaa celebrations, council of elders, Pan African Cultural Festival, Legal Assistance Clinics, computer classes, and forums for community issues, and other Empowerment Activities.

For more than 46 years, S.H.A.P.E. has survived the challenges of the civil rights movement and has transitioned from a small home-town organization to becoming one of international interest, where the scope of S.H.A.P.E.’s leadership methods have been mirrored as far away as the continent of Africa. In its birthplace of Houston, however, the center, which originally had a staff of two, now supports 20 full and part-time/seasonal staff and hundreds of volunteers. In fact, what began as local outreach, has now stretched across the globe and landed into even the minds and hearts of a group of people in Gambia, Africa who embraced the S.H.A.P.E. philosophy and have created their own rendition of the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center on their own soil.

TEXAS • DECEMBER 14 •- D ECEMBER 20, 2015 Texas August 12-18, 2013

With their aim centered on the revitalization and strengthening of the family, the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center puts forth tireless efforts towards effectively achieving these and other commendable goals. In a recent interview, Mr. Deloyd Parker stated in his usual firm but soft-spoken tone: “At the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center, we embrace and practice the 7 principles of Kwanzaa on a year-round basis and those principles are unity (Umoja / oo-MOH-jah), self-determination (Kujichagulia / koo-jeechah-goo-LEE-ah), collective work and responsibility (Ujima / oo-JEE-mah), cooperative and collective economics (Ujamaa / oo-jah-MAH), purpose (clearly defined purpose) (Nia / NEE-ah), creativity (Kuumba / koo-OOM-bah), and a whole lot of faith (Imani / ee-MAH-nee).”

After stressing the principle of faith, Mr. Parker continued by saying “Institutional growth and development is determined by a set of views and values, and for S.H.A.P.E., our views and values are embodied by the seven principles of Kwanzaa.”

Having said that, it’s clear that the foundation of the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center is a solid one, not to be shaken by the numerous and failed attempts of any individuals or agencies that are guided by ill-intentions with the hopes of blocking the center’s outreach and influence within the community. For decades now, S.H.A.P.E. has worked, fought, struggled and endured the tests of time. And from this, they have acquired many milestones.

A few of the most notable victories are as follows: Mobilization of the A.L.D. African Liberation Support Committee, Significant involvement in the Anti-Apartheid Movement / Winnie Mandela visits S.H.A.P.E., Served as a

host for Dick Gregory, Winnie Mandela, Martin Luther King III, Rubin Hurricane Carter, Maluana Karenga the Creator of Kwanzaa, Kalimu Ya Salaam, Dr. Sebi, Dr. Africa, and other great historians, Helped to stir awareness and activism within the community regarding the Hosea Campus Torres, Byron Gillian, and Ida Delaney Cases, Assisted in efforts to keep Texas Southern University alive, Mobilized hundreds of people in support of the Million Man March and also with the election of Houston’s first Black Mayor, Encouraging and promoting overall health among the people through hosting holistic food workshops and other health fairs... plus much more.

In fact, the above list represents merely a handful of victories that have been made possible

by S.H.A.P.E. and by the people who have actively supported their cause.

“Anybody from around here can tell you that the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center has always been a very vital part of Third Ward.” says Third Ward native, Mr. Christopher Johnson.

Keeping in mind that without a pulse, a body would surely die, we must remember the following: “A very vital (crucial, fundamental, necessary for life) part of the community” - This is how the people perceive S.H.A.P.E. and what they have to offer. Therefore, with unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative and collective economics, clearly defined purpose, creativity, and a whole lot of faith, we can band together and make sure that the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center remains in place so that they can continue to serve as the pulse of the body of people who reside in Third Ward community and beyond.

By : Shelondra Peavy

TEXAS • DECEMBER14 - DECEMBER 20, 2015 PHOTOS BY: SHELONDRA PEAVY

Community

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5

ACRES HOME ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING

Recently, Ashley Mosley and Robin Anderson (of Acres Homes Super Neighborhood # 6) spearheaded their Annual Tree-lighting and Toy Giveaway Ceremony. To name a few, the Buffalo Soldiers Museum, local schools (M.C. Williams Orchestra / Scarborough Band) and a host of families from across Houston were in attendance. “I just wanted to bring a sense of positivity and cheer to the community.” said Mr. Robin Anderson. The festivities brought holiday cheer to the participants just as planned. Happy Holidays! - From Acres Homes Super Neighborhood # 6

TX- 5

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se Academy, before school and after school enrichment programs are of713692- 1178 om 7 a.m.-8:30 a.m. and from 4:20-5:45 daily. Reese will be unaffected by the magnet schools.

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Wednesday 7:30PM Leonard N. Barksdale, Pastor Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church 4300 Noble Street, Houston TX 77020 Ph: 713/675-5111 • Fx: 713/675-1522

Website: www.fwmbc.org

Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church R e a will d u s oton provide l i n ea members endeavor strong of w love;swe. will a f rfoundation amne c ostand m on Biblical Truths; and we will equip one another to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our community and in our world.

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“The Church That Cares” Sunday

Morning Bible Class 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:45 a.m.

Evening Bible Class 5:00 p.m.

Evening Worship 6:00 p.m.

Chorus Group Rehearsal 7:30 p.m.

rict administrators looked elimination. Other schools would ately for areas to cut that be Smith, Stovall, Harris and Hill, have the least impact on all based on the same criteria. Stus. Administrators made 12 dents of magnet programs that had nt of their cuts in district been eliminated would return to ments (central office, main- their home campus and given first Wednesday MINISTER: Mid-Week Bible Class ce, operations, and substi- priority for available slots in other Theaster Maloy, Sr. 7:00 p.m.

Although no one was laid off, magnet programs, with the excepGreat Christmas GiftsOFFICE: 713/674-5131 ppy sev- tion hose to deleteHorafreeze of 4th grade students, who 140 Fidelity Rd. Houston Tx 77029 s y ISD positions, as ithey were will be given the option of continua d l o . Reductions Hwere also made ing at Houston Academy. Staff will FIFTH WARD CHURCH OF CHRIST e use of paraprofessionals be placed into vacant positions on ! w ng assistants). The district other campuses. Ne SUNDAY made several board approved The order would have given the 8:00 a.m. Worship o stipends for educators in magnet program a protected status 10:00 a.m. Bible Class n areas. Incentive plans were and funds from the government 11:15 a.m. Worship ated, class sizes increased would have been provided for their 6:00 p.m. Worship pansion projects frozen. But operation. Also, several events and MONDAY budget changes would not be items were reduced or eliminat10:00 a.m.

Gary Smith ent to secure the future sol- ed, such as the magnet festival and Ladies Bible Class Minister of the district. technology fair. The proposed cuts WEDNESDAY rder to strengthen the bud- were approved by district trust7:30 p.m. Bible Class for all he district would propose ees at the January 25 school board r cuts and it would need the meeting before a packed house of Website www.fthwardcoc.org unities support for them. incensed parents and student. But magnet programs were next. HanDBaG Bamberg warns the cuts may still “GIVING, GROWING, & GAINING” 4308 Stonewall St. Hou. Tx 77020 strict scheduled meetings at not be enough to meet the needs J OURnaL 1 15 of/2the X 11 713-672-2654 Available Now! s academies from December nation’s 12th largest district.

128 PaGES SHOULDER StRaP 12” say they still need ugh January 7.

In addition to their other activities, the Administrators Fifth Ward COC also holds a Bible Gift toShop: first magnet school up for $18 million balance713-692-1195 the budget.

Class for non-members on Thursday nights at11am 7:30 PM. For more informaation was Carroll Academy’s “The only way we’re going to Store Hours: Thursday 11:30am - 4pm | Friday & Saturday - 5pm tion on the various special events or et program. It demonstrated get6130 activities you really should visit their additional revenue pointTexas 77091 Wheatley Streetat| this Houston, website, it is very well done, informative ast amount of interest from is to look to the community,” said and worth a visit even if you have anothHOU-6among mager church home. s and students Bamberg, alluding to the need for ograms on the primary level, increased property tax revenue, et, it had the greatest cost. which could be as much as 13 cents

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the Republican Party is grow The cognitive dissonance and listen and learn." Nobody of the Republican Party is doubts Priebus’ earnest efforts something to behold. As toward the party “establishthe Republican National ing a presence in African Committee Chairman courts American communities and Blacks, his staff continues to at Black organizations.” But, find ways to alienate them. at the same time Priebus was As national party chairman wooing Blacks in Central Reince Priebus was reaching Florida, back in Washington, out to Black Americans at the National Urban League and the D.C. RNC staff executives were telling leaders of the National Association of Black nations’ Black and Brown Journalists, the Republican publications to “get lost.” The National Committee (RNC) Black Press, aka National Communications’ staff was Newspaper Publishers giving Black and Brown press Association (NNPA) and executives the boot. the National Association of Priebus seems wellHispanic Publishers (NAHP) intended regarding getting have a National Advertising more Blacks on the Grand Task Force to tap into the 11.4 Old Party’s (GOP) rolls. In billion bucks that will be spent an autopsy Priebus commistoward the 2016 elections. sioned after Mitt Romney lost The Republicans have the 2012 presidential election been on the defensive regardthe message the party received ing Blacks for so long, they was that it desperately needed to build relations with minority can’t even fathom offensive messaging to us. What Priebus voters and be more responsive needs to do is take the message to the concerns of Latino, of freedom and economic Asian and Black communities. opportunity to communities The Republican Party’s boss is that rarely receive Republican trying to follow that script, but visitations. Why is it that you people in his employ are movRepublicans are never aligning ing in the opposite direction.

Reince Priebus was recent- with Blacks on issues? It’s because the people charged to ly in Central Florida on Friday do the party’s messaging, evito meet with leaders and talk dently don’t see it worthwhile about growing the party. RNC reports herald that Priebus held to invest in mediums that service Blacks. roundtable discussion with When in comes to the 20/20 Leaders of America Republicans making inroads group of African-American community leaders and elected with Black, its sad but if you don’t know you just don’t officials. To which Priebus know. said "We're trying to do with Continue reading online Source: Aframnews.com

EDITION DATE: December 14 - 20, 2015 Vol. 20 Issue 47

EDITION DATE: December 14 - 20, 2015 (Vol. 20 Issue 47)

What’s Happenin’ PUBLIC NOTICE 20 Sunday First Baptist of Title: Heading

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Public African Notice

Texas • December 14 - December 20, 2015

PUBLIC NOTICE Technical Laboratory Systems is bidding on Project #15-11-03 and RFDP/ Career and Technology Education for the Houston Independent School District. We are looking for possible M/WBE subcontractors to provide the following products and/or services: 1) Heavy Equipment Simulators 2) Virtual Paint Simulators 3) Port Crane Simulators If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Lisa Gibson (lisa@tech-labs.com) 281-391-7010

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

Public Lincoln City BCNotice FBC Praise Dancers 844 Fortune St Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 11:30am Contact Information: For more info contact: Name: Dede Brown (832)892-5078 Company: Technical Laboratory Systems

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PUBLIC NOTICE PASCO scientifc is bidding on Project Number 15-09-05 Science Equipment and Supplies for the Houston Independent School District.

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HBCU COP21 ROAD TO PARIS

HUSTON-TILLOTSON UNIVERSITY - The Dillard University Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) in partnership with the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs has organized a delegation of HBCU students, faculty mentors, and environmental justice community leaders and youth to participate in the United Nations Framework Climate Change Convention Conference of the Parties 21st convening (COP21) in Paris, France from November 30 – December 13, 2015, as a project of the Historically Black Colleges and University Climate Change Initiative.

Students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) are underrepresented in climate change discourse, and need opportunities to engage with international researchers, scientists, policy makers, and grassroots organizations about the expected impacts of climate change. These students, many of whom are from disadvantaged communities, are encouraged to be theoretically and experientially versed in the impacts that climate change could have on the communities where they live, work, and study.

The HBCU Climate Change Initiative was founded in 2011 by Dr. Beverly Wright, Director of the Dillard University Deep South Center for

HBCU Corner

Environmental Justice in New Orleans, LA and Dr. Robert Bullard, Dean of the Barbara JordanMickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University in Houston, TX. The initiative was conceived to help raise awareness about the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable and marginalized communities and to develop HBCU students as leaders and advocates on issues related to environmental and climate justice policies, community resilience, adaptation and other major climate change topics (i.e. transportation fuels, energy sources, carbon emissions, green jobs/green economy, just transition, and community economic development).

The Initiative sponsors activities that provide opportunities for HBCU students to learn about climate change science, policy and advocacy and to present their research projects on topics relative to climate change issues.

The Initiative has organized a delegation of fifty-six (56) inclusive of twenty-nine (29) students and twenty-seven (27) mentors to participate in the COP21 Climate Change Conference in Paris, France, November 30 – December 13, 2015. Fifteen HBCU’s will be represented including: Alabama A & M, Alabama State University, To Continue Reading visit www.aframnews.com

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TEXAS • DECEMBER 14, - DECEMBER 20, 2015

Midala From Pg. 1

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY - Rabi Midala, 41, a Business major; Magdalene Midala, 24, a Biology major; and Sidmari Midala, 22, a Biology major had a special story to tell recently as they walke across the stage in Texas Southern University’s H&PE Arena having earned their bachelor’s degree together. The story will not only be that a mother is graduating college alongside her two daughters, but the story will be in the six-year journey that brought the three ladies from escaping the violence and female suppression of the Boko Haram terrorist insurgency in Adamawa State, Nigeria to the unregulated freedom of America and the empowerment of a Western education.

“I feel highly privileged to be here in America with my kids,” says Rabi. “This is unimaginable. Where I come from women are relegated to the background and not allowed to obtain an education. So for me to be able to stand on my own today and earn my degree from TSU with my daughters is beyond belief. I am just so privileged and thankful to God and I want people to rejoice with me.”

While adjusting to American life was made easier because they had family here who helped guide them in what to do and what not to do, adjusting to a Western form of education was a bit more challenging – specifically for Rabi.

Magdalene and Sidmari attended Westfield High School which made their acclimation to American education much easier, but Rabi painstakingly took developmental courses at Lone Star College to help her catch up to where she needed to be academically.

Once caught up and after graduating high school, the trio looked to continue their education, Rabi at University of Houston – Downtown and Magdalene and Sidmari at University of Texas –

San Antonio. However, it would be there brother/uncles, Umaru Yarima and Dahiru Yarima (graduates of TSU and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, respectively) who would open their eyes to the wonderful opportunities that abounded at Texas Southern University.

“The goal was to come to America to go to school,” Rabi said. “I was told by my brother that if you go to TSU and you work hard you will be recognized for your hard work and shine. That is what has meant the most to me. My professors and advisors in the School of Business has helped me tremendously along the way and have made me feel at home always.”

All three were on the honor roll for two consecutive semesters between Fall 2013-2014 and was honored during the 2014 Honors Day Convocation ceremony. Rabi posted a 3.75 GPA; Magdalene, a 3.8 GPA; and Sidmari, a perfect 4.0 GPA for 2013 and 2014.

Magdalene is happy that the family all graduated together.

“We were all surprised when we found out that we would be graduating together. It was not something that we planned. It is amazing to stop for a moment to see how far we have come in six short years. TSU is a tremendous school and I am glad that everyone in my family will have degrees from Texas Southern University,” she said.

The Midala daughters plan to continue their education. Sidmari has been accepted at The University of Texas - Medical Branch and Magdalene will continue at Texas Southern, enrolling in the Masters of Pharmacy program. Rabi is eager to begin a career in corporate America.

All three became U.S. citizens in 2015.

Sidamari Midala, Rabi Midala and Magdalene Midala all graduated from Texas Southern University December 12, 2015 with their bachelor’s degree. The mother and daughters fled Nigeria in the pursuit of a Western education and to flee the suppression of females in their country.

BASEBALL TEAM ANNOUNCES FIRST FIVE SIGNINGS FOR 2017 PRAIRIE VIEW – The November signing period has brought Prairie View A&M its first five incoming baseball players for the 2017 season.

Prairie View A&M head baseball coach Auntwan Riggins began shoring up his infield and his pitching staff with the signings of two pitchers, two infielders, and a catcher. Three of these 2017 signees will come to Prairie View from the greater Chicago area, while the remaining two are from the Houston area.

"This is a good group of baseball players that have all come from some form of academy," first-year Prairie View A&M head coach Auntwan Riggins said. "These first five players were the ones I felt like I had to get."

The three Illinois signees – pitcher Tyler Laux, catcher Tyler Gordon, and shortstop Andrew Garcia – have ties to the Chicago White Sox' Amateur City Elite baseball

program. Third baseman Tyrone Thomas and pitcher Kaelon Woods have competed with the Houston Astros' Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) ™.

"All of these incoming freshman will be able to help us right away," Riggins said.

In addition to being a member of Astros' Urban Youth Academy and competing in the RBI World Series, Thomas was named the District 24-6A Comeback Player of the Year while competing for Clear Springs in 2015. He was diagnosed with a heart murmur at age 16, but after surgery and recovery time last winter, Thomas returned to the baseball field, and according to observers, has not seen any of his skills or athleticism regress.

Woods, who plays high school baseball at Houston's J. Frank Dobie High School (Pasadena ISD), has also competed in the RBI World Series.

TEXAS • DECEMBER14 - DECEMBER 20, 2015

Educati n/Y uth

NIMITZ THEATER TROUPE PRODUCES ‘LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’

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

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SAM’S CLUB MANAGERS LEAD FLEMING ELEMENTARY STUDENTS IN JR. ACHIEVEMENT LESSONS, PREPARING THEM FOR THE REAL WORLD

SAM’S CLUB ASSISTANT MANAGER DONALD FRAZIER (L) AND CO-MANAGER MARCEL COLEY (R) SPOKE TO STUDENTS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER ADVERTISING TO PROMOTE BUSINESSES.

Pedro Naranjo and Raneisha Morris play the roles of “Seymour” and “Audrey.” The production is double cast. Leon Green and Abby Gail Trino also take on the lead roles.

ALDINE ISD - The performing arts students at Nimitz High School are going GREEN. The theater troupe is taking on the cult classic Little Shop of Horrors.

Little Shop of Horrors is a comedy horror rock musical. It’s about a hapless florist shop worker who raises a giant man-eating plant. The musical is by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman. They based the musical on the low-budget 1960 black comedy film The Little Shop of Horrors. The movie was directed by Roger Corman.

Menken composed the music in the style of early 1960s rock and roll and early Motown. It includes several well-known tunes like “Skid Row (Downtown),” “Somewhere That’s Green,” and “Suddenly, Seymour.”

The musical premiered off Broadway in 1982. It moved to the Orpheum Theatre Off-Broadway, where it had a five-year run. It later received many productions in the U.S. and abroad. The musical also has a Broadway production.

In 1986, director Frank Oz made a film of the musical.

The retro-chic adaptation has become a mainstay of musical theater.

SEARCH FIRM HIRED TO FIND NEW SUPERINTENDENT

HOUSTON ISD - Recently, The Houston Independent School District Board of Education voted to hire a search firm to help find a replacement for outgoing Superintendent Terry Grier.

Trustees hired Ray and Associates, an Iowa-based firm that specializes in searches for educational executives and leaders. The firm was among four companies that responded to a request for proposals issued in October. All four were interviewed by the board last month.

FORT BEND ISD - FORT BEND ISD – Students at Fleming Elementary School are benefiting from a rewarding partnership with Sam’s Club that is preparing them for the real world. Sam’s Club managers visit the school each year to lead the students in Junior Achievement (JA) lessons designed to help them better understand business and economics.

Sam’s Club managers, representing stores throughout the state, recently visited the school to lead students in a series of lessons, including JA Our Region for fourth graders and JA Our Nation designed for fifth graders. The lessons gave the students an opportunity to learn: • key business terms (such

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as entrepreneur, consumer, region, natural resources, goods, soft skills and opportunity cost) which regions produce certain resources (such as citrus, minerals and timber) traits of a successful entrepreneur (determined, creative, self-confident, ambitious, people-person, experienced) how to calculate the average price of merchandise how to determine a career cluster based on their skills, interests and personal characteristics Students also brainstormed possible businesses they

could create using certain resources, names for the businesses, and ways to advertise those businesses.

During a discussion on promoting a business, Sam’s Club Co-Manager Marcel Coley reminded students of the importance of good customer service.

“When people have a positive experience at your establishment, they will support it and recommend it to other people,” he said.

Sam’s Club also sponsors an annual trip for Fleming fifth graders to JA’s Biz Town, which combines in-class learning with a day-long visit to a simulated town where they operate banks, manage restaurants, write checks and vote for mayor.

The search firm will be tasked with developing a superintendent candidate profile. The firm will help trustees host community meetings and gather input from various district stakeholders, including parents and students, schoolbased staff, district employees, and business and community members. The process is expected to begin in January.

Dr. Grier is currently in his seventh year as HISD superintendent. He plans to step down in March.

To Continue Reading visit www.aframnews.com

STORE MANAGER JOHNNYTRA RANDLE LED STUDENTS IN JA OUR REGION LESSONS.

Visit us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX-9

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Politics

U.S. SUPREME COURT HEARS STRONG ARGUMENT

“RACE SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE CONSIDERED IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS”

The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard compelling arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin that universities should retain the ability to build diverse student bodies made up of applicants from different backgrounds who meet their high standards. The University considers race as a modest factor, among many aspects of a student’s background.

Seated in the Court was Cissy Marshall, the widow of Thurgood Marshall, the founder of NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund who argued Brown vs. Board of Education before the Supreme Court and later became the first Black Supreme Court justice. Also in attendance were members of the U.S. Congress, including Bobby Scott and high-ranking members of the Obama administration including Valerie Jarrett.

LDF hopes that the justices will once again recognize the importance of universities securing a critical mass of minority students to combat racial stereotypes and the very real isolation of African-American students on campuses. African-American students have recounted numerous unsettling experiences at the University of Texas at Austin, and, by the University’s own admission, Black students numbered between zero and one in most commonly-sized classes during the most recent period that the University did not consider race. LDF was pleased that at today’s oral argument the University of Texas expressly referenced the “glaring racial isolation” of our clients, the Black Student Alliance, as conveyed in our amicus brief.

“We are making progress, but we have a long way to go. The Top Ten Percent Plan is not enough. I have White, Asian, Latino and Black friends at school who understand that it’s important to have diversity on campus,” said UT senior David McDonald from outside the Supreme Court. McDonald grew up in a single-parent house-

hold and is a first-generation college student. He’s the past president and current advisor to UT Austin’s Black Student Alliance, for whom NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund submitted an amicus brief.

Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the nation’s leading civil rights legal organization and a separate entity from the NAACP stated, “Conservative activist Ed Blum, who is behind this suit and similar ones, never questions the right of colleges to consider anything other than race – like hobbies, gender, age or hometown. To say to a student that everything about you is relevant except for your race, strips away a part of that student’s identity. It is racial closeting.

We need to embrace what makes us different and work to understand each other better. Bringing people together with different backgrounds helps break down racial stereotypes and benefits all people.”

Mary Bonauto from GLAD, who argued the 2015 marriage equality case before the Supreme Court and also submitted an amicus brief in Fisher remarked, “It would be very, very odd and indeed wrong if a student can write an application talking about all of his or her life experiences and attributes and culture including their gender, including their sexual orientation, including their gender identity and not their race. Must a black gay person have to be in the closet about their race? That would be a harshly regressive step for people of all races.”

Justice Breyer powerfully pointed out that just three years ago seven justices of the Court upheld longstanding constitutional precedents about the value and parameters of the use of the permissible use of race as a limited factor in admissions.

Justice Ginsburg specifically questioned the petitioner’s standing based on Fisher’s limited demand for refund of her original application fee

as damages in the case. In addition, Fisher was disqualified from admission due to her academic credentials (based on SAT and class ranking) and would not have been admitted to the University of Texas even in the absence of its affirmative action plan. Nothing in the several areas of her personal background and essays would have changed the outcome, according to the University.

Rachel Kleinman, a senior attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund added, “The University of Texas at Austin convincingly explained to the justices today how it carefully followed the Court’s guidelines when developing an admissions approach that considered race as a limited factor. Diverse learning environments enrich the college experience and better prepare students for success in the workplace and in the military. College opens doors to a lifetime of opportunity that should be in the reach of all children.”

Andy Escobar is a Latino UT student in Washington, D.C. today for the Supreme Court hearing.

Because he believes in UT’s raceconscious holistic admissions policy, he co-founded a student campaign at the University called “We Support UT.” He biked from Texas to Alaska to raise funds for cancer research.

He interned at the U.S. House of Representatives and the Sylvia Rivera Law Project. Andy has lived in poverty, is a first-generation college student and was admitted under the school’s holistic admissions process. His high school rank was very good, but just shy of being admitted automatically to UT under the plan that admits the top ranking students from Texas high schools. Andy stated, “I hope the Court realizes how important getting into a good college is for a person’s ability to succeed in life.

I have worked really hard and am To continue reading visit us online @ www.aframnews.com

Texas • December 14 - 20, 2015

UNDERSTANDING THE LAW: DEBT COLLECTION DEFENSE

H

ave you received notice in the mail from a debt collector that you are being sued for an unpaid debt? Don’t fret, there are certain steps that you can take to protect your rights and defend yourself against debt collectors.

File an Answer- It is a common occurrence for people to receive notice that they are being sued and to ignore that notice hoping that the problem will eventually go away. This is not the case when you are being sued, you must respond to the lawsuit by filing an answer to the lawsuit with the court. If you choose to ignore the lawsuit, the collection agency suing you will be able to pursue a default judgment. A default judgment will allow collection agencies to actively recover the debt owed through several avenues such as: wage garnishment or removing funds from your bank account. If you respond to the lawsuit within the time allowed by law you have the option of negotiating a settlement with the collection agency which will most likely be less than the actual amount owed.

Challenge the Lawsuit- Make the collection agency prove that they are the proper party to bring a lawsuit against you for the debt owed. It is common for collection agencies to buy debt from companies; if they are not able to show proof of a transfer of the signed credit card agreement from the original creditors to them then they are not authorized to collect on your original debt. The proper challenge in court would be “standing”, which is notifying the court that the collection agency

Krystin Collins Attorney at Law does not have the right to sue you for the debt owed.

Verify the Debt- Request that the collection agency attempting to sue you provide to you all documentation associated with your account. This includes the original signed agreement and a statement showing an up to date balance on the account. When companies sell debt, they usually fail to transfer all of the paperwork associated with the debt. If they are unable to verify your debt then request that the court dismiss your case.

Statute of Limitations- Texas has a four year statute of limitations, meaning a debt collector cannot attempt to collect on a debt that is old and outside of the statute of limitations. This is also a defense that must be raised in court.

Consult an Attorney- Being sued by a debt collector can be a very stressful and trying experience. Consult with an attorney to insure that your rights are being protected.

Attorney Krystin Collins is a native of the Acres Homes Community. She is a graduate of Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law and has been a licensed attorney since 2009.

Her primary practice areas are criminal defense, civil litigation, personal injury, estate planning, and divorce. She may be contacted at 713-775-0332 or krystin. collins@gmail.com.

Visit us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX-10

Texas • December 14 - 20, 2015

By Leslie Robinson

Life Style

Parenting Boundaries : Are You A Homie Mama Friend ?

In days gone by, there was a very distinct line drawn in the sand that had parent on one side and child on the other. Children knew to speak only when spoken to, and that disrespect of any kind was going to get them an eye, a

few choice words, or sometimes more.

It seems as though recently someone has not been playing nicely and has kicked up some sand which is blurring the line that once provided a clear delineation between parent and child.

African

American News&Issues

The growing trend today seems to support parents being “friends” with their children, also known as a homie mama friend. I didn’t consider my own mother a friend of mine until I was grown and had some life experiences to share with her. I never remember being able to hang out with my mother and her friends. Today, with loosened dynamics between moms and dads and children, I such behavior to be more detrimental to the child than the parent. We’ve all seen “grown” acting children; not only is it unattractive, it’s dangerous to their long-term well-being. Where are the boundaries? Children and teenagers need boundaries that are appropriate behaviors for their age group. Limiting their access to adult life issues early on allows them to fully appreciate the privileges that come with age and maturity.

I’m just not sure those boundaries are clear when your child is kicking it with you and your home girls at dinner and the nail salon.

The general consensus that I get from parents that find it okay to be in a “friendly” relationship with their children is they want to build a sense of trust that lets their child know it is okay to talk to them about anything. I truly think there are other logical ways to foster this trust in children without gaining a new friend. To be brutally honest, I think no matter how dedicated

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a parent is to creating a relationship where their child will feel comfortable coming to them, children will always view you as a parent when it comes to certain situations and more than likely will not seek your advice or guidance.

This is where teaching the importance of making wise decisions comes into play and making sure your actions as a parent mirror what you are teaching.

Children are always observing us and if you are at dinner with your child talking about your nonexistent dating life and how trifling men are, what are you teaching? Parents are free to live their lives but must take care in separating those things from their children.

I’m not a fan of sugar-coating life but I do believe in editing some of what I say and do around my children.

It is obvious that children are facing issues that we didn’t face in our generation; however I am not a fan of building a level of trust between parent and child that involves creating a friendly relationship over a parental one. If I see one more picture on Instagram or other social network with some sort of caption stating a child is the parent’s ace, boo or friend, I might scream!

Are you a homie mama friend with loose parenting boundaries? Do you see anything wrong with being friends with your child?

By Leslie Robinson

Jackson Lee: “In the past several weeks, our nation and the world have witnessed several tumultuous and mournful events from Paris to Nigeria to Mali to San Bernardino. It is appropriate that faith and civic leaders gather together in a moment of reflection and recognition of the innocent lives lost and to express the sense of our community that we are united in our resolve to reach out and embrace all of the members of our communities and work in solidarity to preserve our liberties and protect our homeland.

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, joined by civic and faith community leaders at a Prayer Vigil and Unity Press Conference, lead a Prayer Vigil and Unity Press Conference recently to reflect and recognize the innocent lives lost in the tragic event in San Bernardino, California, and to express the sense of their communities that we are united in our resolve to reach out and embrace all of the members of our communities and to work in solidarity to preserve our liberties and protect our homeland.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations.

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TEXAS • DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2015

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H-E-B Fully Cooked Boneless Prime Rib Roast, H-E-B Fully Cooked Brisket, H-E-B Spiral Sliced Bone-In-Half or Whole Ham, or H-E-B Boneless Spiral Sliced Ham, assorted varieties

7

with in-store coupons

buy

GET

free!

Bush’s Best White Hominy 108 oz.

with in-store coupon

H-E-B Corn Tortillas

That’s up to

$

36 ct. white or yellow

1.54

free! buy

GET Llévatelo

free! ¡gratis!

Fisher Baking Nuts

10 - 24 oz. assorted varieties

with in-store coupons • Betty Crocker Cookie Mix

14 - 21 oz. assorted varieties

That’s up to

• Wilton Decorating Icing, 4.25 oz.

3.77

$

• H-E-B Pure Cane Sugar Soft Drinks, 12 pk., 12 oz. cans assorted varieties

free! buy

assorted varieties

Post Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal, 13 - 18 oz.

• New! H-E-B Macaroni & Cheese 5.5 - 7.25 oz., assorted varieties

• H-E-B Decadently European Cake Mix, 19.4 - 22.8 oz.

assorted varieties

11 oz., assorted varieties

That’s up to

12 oz. clamshell

• H-E-B Glaze

10 oz., assorted varieties

• Jiffy Foil Giant Oval or Rectangular Roasting Pan

That’s up to

1.78

$

free! buy

H-E-B Fully Cooked Burgers

8 pk. assorted varieties Prices Good Wednesday, December 16 Thru Thursday, December 24, 2015 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.

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, 15-1083 visit www.heb.com

HOU-12

That’s up to

2.77

$

free!

with in-store coupon

Llévatelo GET

Texas Heritage Hot Dogs 12 - 16 oz. assorted varieties

¡gratis! free!

18 oz. canister

2.38

$

• H-E-B Sweet Potato Ribbons, Butternut free!

Squash Zig Zags, Shredded Squash & Carrots, Diced Cauliflower or Diced buy H-E-B Teriyaki Cauliflower Rice Blend

Llévatelo GET

H-E-B Organics® Old Fashioned or Quick Oats

assorted varieties

• H-E-B Ridged Potato Chips

FREE

12 in 6 items!

24

®

¡gratis! free! with in-store coupon

H-E-B Bake Shop® Hot Dog Buns 8 ct.

Llévatelo GET

¡gratis!

free! with in-store coupon

H-E-B Singles

12 oz. assorted varieties

Llévatelo

¡gratis!