African-American News&Issues

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Greater Houston/Southeast Texas

Vol. 19 Issue 2

February 3-9, 2014 | FREE

Black History Is 24/7/365 “If you don’t know your past, you don’t know your future!”

~Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher~

State of The Union: Opportunity For All “W

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“PRO N E M O W ” R !

O F R O AY P L L A O “EQU FC O EN M LP E “H

“Let’s Do Something For The People!” ~President Obama See UNION pg. 4

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Read us online! www.a f r a m n e ws .c om

Health Care Law Contraceptive Coverage Requirement

The contraceptive coverage requirement in the Affordable Care Act furthers the compelling governmental interests in promoting public health and gender equality and does not substantial burden the exercise of religion.

In 1965, the Supreme Court decided Griswold v. Connecticut, which held that access to contraceptives is a constitutionally protected right and, along with the landmark 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade, helped secure the right for women to make private reproductive decisions.

In 2014, we should not be taking steps against the tide of progress and liberty, but rather we should be working to balance these freedoms with other long-standing principles of our nation,” said Congresswoman Jackson Lee.“My colleagues and I strongly believe that the contraceptive coverage requirement does not violate the free exercise of religion and will ensure that all Americans receive vital preventive health care services.

The amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court details how the legislative history of the ACA supports the conclusion that the contraceptive coverage require-

The Magnitude of Black History Month

ment of the ACA satisfies the test applicable to a free exercise of religion challenge under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). As the amicus brief notes: The contraceptive coverage requirement does not . . . compel the Corporations to administer or use the contraceptive methods to which they object, nor does it require them to adhere to, affirm, or abandon a particular belief.

The contraceptive coverage requirement maintains constitutional guarantees of reproductive privacy rights while also maintaining the integrity of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. “Congress should not be in the business of unduly infringing upon women’s health and private reproductive rights,” said Congresswoman Jackson Lee. We have not come this far in establishing women’s equality to turn back the hands of time.

During the month of February the nation pauses to acknowledge the significant contributions made by people of African-American ancestry to American greatness.

The practice began in 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard trained Black historian, proclaimed that a time should be set aside to reflect on the achievements of Blacks in America.

Dr. Woodson, who headed the Washington D.C. based Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, chose February because President Abraham Lincoln and the great abolitionist Frederick Douglass were born during that month.

Originally, the recognition occurred for a period of one week. In 1976 it was extended to an entire month.

From its very inception, those who promulgated Black History Month articulated that the celebration was not only important to African-Americans, but to all Americans. The Black inventors, writers, engineers, business owners, political leaders, lawyers, medical professionals, clergy and athletes who have made monumental contributions to American life have enriched all of our citizens.

Those who have contributed

When Republican states decided not to expand Medicaid, they didn’t hurt President Obama or the federal government; they hurt themselves. A growing number of Republican states are beginning to figure that out, according to this report by Kaiser.

Medicaid Expansion has been one of the biggest successes of the Affordable Care Act. Over 6 million Americans gained coverage through Medicaid since October 1 of last year.

That lessens the burden on state and local governments as well as hospitals by turning what was previously uncompensated care into compensated care. The expansion provides millions of

Americans with the security and dignity of knowing that they can bring their children to the doctor if they get sick or be covered if they themselves fall ill.

Texas has the highest uninsured rate and the highest number of uninsured children in the country, so we need Medicaid Expansion more than any other state. The failure to expand the program here will cause real harm. It will of course deny coverage to those who otherwise would have qualified for the program, but it will also harm Texas businesses and Texans with insurance.

Many Republicans like to say that “anyone can get care in the Emergency Room.” While this isn’t exactly true (you can’t use

Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee TX 18th Dist.

Medicaid Expansion – When, Not If

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Politics

Texas • December 9-15, Texas February 3-9,2013 2014 Texas • •August 12-18, 2013

are not simply African-American heroes, they are American heroes.

Their accomplishments were not simply made for Black people in this country. They were made for all people. When the World War II war hero, Doris Miller, a cook in the U.S. Navy left his ship’s kitchen to operate a machine gun to battle attacking enemy planes, he acted to protect the lives of all his fellow seamen. Many of those who were saved because of his heroics were not African-Americans.

When Bessie Coleman became the first black women in the world to earn a pilot’s license, she made a significant contribution to the struggle of all women in this country for dignity and self-determination. When Alvin Ailey choreographed dance his desire was to touch the hearts and the spirits of people throughout the world who were moved by his majestic artistry.

When Barbara Jordan became the first African-American female from the south to serve in the House of Representatives she encouraged legions of women, Black, brown and White who had been told that there was no place for them in the halls of power where decisions that affected the lives of people, including their own, were made.

Honorable Garnet Coleman TX 147th Dist.

the E.R. to manage your diabetes or breast cancer, for example), what is true is that someone has to pay for uncompensated visits to the E.R., and that cost is generally borne by the hospitals and passed on to those who can pay. By failing to expand Medicaid, Texas hospitals, local governments, and taxpayers will continue to bear the burden of providing inefficient care to an unnecessarily large uncompensated population.

Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson TX 30th Dist.

I could fill countless numbers of pages with the names of African-Americans who have accomplished great things in their lifetimes. It is vitally important that we remember them and their work as they have helped to change all of our lives, and the life of a nation.

Even today, AfricanAmericans make vital contributions to American life. The president of our nation, an African-American, leads the most powerful nation on the face of the earth. When he makes a decision he makes it in the best interests of all Americans.

We must always remember, however, that these amazing achievements belong to all of us.

The history of African-American people, like the history of other ethnic groups in our country, has enriched all of our citizens, and has contributed to the standing that America has in the world today.

R.D. Malonson S.A. Malonson Darwin Campbell Chandra Jarmon Bria Taylor-Johns Rebecca S. Jones

Publisher President/C.E.O. Managing Editor Production Web

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by African-American News & Issues, Inc., 6130 Wheatley Street, Houston, Texas 77091, (713) 692-1892. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:15am - 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.

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African

Texas • February 3-9, 2014

American News&Issues

Edit rial & Opini n

“We MUST never forget slavery, lynching, Jim Crow Laws, the disrespect of the Black race and the first Black president.”

A bipartisan group that includes Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), Sen. Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) and Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wisc.) last week unveiled legislation that would rewrite the Voting Rights Act after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of it last year. The bill would require four states to seek approval from the U.S. Department of Justice for any changes to their voting laws, creates a new formula to determine if states other than those four should also be required to “pre-clear” their voting provisions and in a nod to conservatives, generally exempts “voter ID” laws from federal scrutiny.

Can this actually be passed in a Congress divided by partisanship on nearly every issue?

Here’s a closer look: Why it may pass: 1. Defending the voting rights of minorities, at least in today’s politics, is generally an issue promoted more by Democrats than Republicans.

But this new VRA push has an official Republican sponsor, Sensenbrenner. And according to The Hill, GOP lawmakers from Alabama, Ohio and Wisconsin have also already endorsed the bill.

Four of the 233 House Republicans (and zero of the 45 Republicans in the Senate) so far embracing the legislation is hardly a groundswell. But the support of conservatives like Sensenbrenner and Alabama’s Spencer Bachus suggests this issue could avoid the partisan lines that result in most bills in today’s Congress being dead from almost the moment they are written.

2. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, the No. 2 Republican in the chamber, is a potential supporter of this legislation, according to sources.

“There is no more powerful force than a people steeped in their history...” Lonnie Bunch BLACK HISTORY... no greater words can be spoken when describing the value of understanding where you come from. Knowing and respecting Black History is not only precious knowledge, but also is a special kind of power AfricanAmericans desperately need to revive us and help us persevere.

We MUST Understand that history is 24/7/365! Limiting it to February, the shortest month of the year – a mere 28 days – is shortchanging our contributions, sacrifices accomplishments and successes as a people to America.

I reject the idea of a Black History Month because Black History should be more than paying lip service, doing programs or school assignments emphasizing a few crumbs of history and some hand-picked Black heroes picked out by Whites along the way for us to recognize year in and year out.

True Black history to America is what the iceberg was to the Titanic. It sinks and destroys the old stereotypes about Black folk and exposes decades of cover ups and White lies that for years have bent Black history and made us appear as inferior, idle-minded and lazy people. Even today, some radio and talk show hosts and even in the Congress of the United States still want to keep African-Americans in the dark about how intelligent and talented we are as a race of people.

Carter G. Woodson tried to jump start the idea of keeping Black connected to history when he created Negro History Week in 1926. He not only wanted to connect children to the history, but also highlight the beauty and contributions of blackness to science, military, writing, music and art.

Can this ‘do-nothing’ Congress pass a new Voting Rights Act? Perry Bacon, Jr. On-Air Analyst, MSNBC

Cantor, to be sure, is not going to back a bill that is doomed for failure, as he has his eye on eventually becoming House Speaker. But he, more than other party leaders, speaks often about finding ways for Republicans to start attracting minority voters. And Cantor went to Alabama last year for the annual event organized by Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) in which members of Congress from both parties visit key sites of the civil rights movement of the 1960’s, such as Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. When the Supreme Court struck down Section 4 last year, Cantor was one of a handful of Republicans who issued a statement saying Congress should consider legislation to address the court’s concerns.

If some bloc of Republicans, but not a majority, support this bill, Cantor could ensure it gets a vote on the House floor, where it would likely pass with Democratic votes.

3. Republicans don’t hold great hopes of winning the black vote anytime soon. But the party would like to avoid another drubbing among minority voters overall. And blocking the VRA and refusing to move forward on immigration reform in the same year would allow Democrats to again cast the GOP as a party dominated by white men.

4. This new version of the Voting Rights Act makes two key concessions to Republicans.

Black History is 24/7/365

Woodson hoped to make that point by increasing Black visibility and prove to White America that Blacks played an important role in creating America and state the case for equality.

That was only suppose to be the beginning. Black folk failed to build on that foundation and our forward progress and momentum slowed to a crawl.

We allowed racist government policies and desegregation to hide the shining truths about our rich heritage, creative spirits and perseverance. Hidden in our history is the legacy of a great and intelligent people!!!

DID YOU KNOW there is list of African-American inventors and scientists who created many things we use daily and take for granted. Some of the hundreds of Black inventors who have made our lives easier are: Sarah Boone, who invented the ironing board; Heavyweight boxing champion Jack Johnson, the wrench; L. C. Bailey, the wind powered clothes dryer; John A. Burr, the lawn mower; Garrett Morgan, the traffic signal and gas mask; Phil Brooks, the disposable syringe; William B. Purvis, the fountain pen; G.F. Grant, the golf tee; J.F. Love, pencil sharpener; Charles Banks, the jack and hydraulic jack; Otis Boykin, artificial heart pacemaker control; Frederick M. Jones, refrigerated truck systems; and David Crosthwait Jr., heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to name a few.

Their work and discoveries are the tip of the iceberg and have been shadowed and overlooked because many White companies stole their inventions, took advantage, made millions and failed to share the wealth and give credit where credit is due.

These accomplishments are proof that African-American history is vital.

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- Roy Douglas Malonson

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

Black history tells us we as a people have endured, despite 350 years of murders, rapes, brutal treatment and slavery at the hands of White plantation bullies. It tells us we survived over 100 Black men being lynched annually from 1881 to 1917 and thousands being put in prison and on chain gangs. We have survived Jim Crow Era, segregation and the assassination of intelligent leaders.

Now, we live in an age where some in White America are working hard to tarnish the image of the nation's first Black president – Barack Obama.

Black America cannot allow people to change our history or confine it to 28 days a year.

We MUST Understand that knowing our history and focusing on it 24/7/365 breeds pride for all of our accomplishments and sends a strong message that we as African-Americans are a proud people of purpose and a people with a bright future.

The physical chains of slavery are gone. The only ones that remain are the ones we allow to chain our own will, mind and spirit. African-American history 24/7/365 should inspire each of us to draw inspiration and guidance from our ancestors. We MUST Understand that finding our real path to true greatness means using ALL of our history as a lightning rod to spark a new creative spirit and intelligence into a generation that will spread like a wildfire through the community and reignite that power in our homes, schools, streets and churches.

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American News&Issues

UNION from pg. 1

Today in America, a teacher spent extra time with a student who needed it, and did her part to lift America’s graduation rate to its highest level in more than three decades.

An entrepreneur flipped on the lights in her tech startup, and did her part to add to the more than eight million new jobs our businesses have created over the past four years.

An auto worker fine-tuned some of the best, most fuelefficient cars in the world, and did his part to help America wean itself off foreign oil.

A farmer prepared for the spring after the strongest fiveyear stretch of farm exports in our history. A rural doctor gave a young child the first prescription to treat asthma that his mother could afford. A man took the bus home from the graveyard shift, bone-tired but dreaming big dreams for his son. And in tight-knit communities across America, fathers and mothers will tuck in their kids, put an arm around their spouse, remember fallen comrades, and give thanks for being home from a war that, after twelve long years, is finally coming to an end.

Tonight, this chamber speaks with one voice to the people we represent: it is you, our citizens, who make the state of our union strong.

Here are the results of your efforts: The lowest unemployment rate in over five years. A rebounding housing market. A manufacturing sector that’s adding jobs for the first time since the 1990s. More oil produced at home than we buy from the rest of the world – the first time that’s happened in nearly twenty years.

Our deficits – cut by more than TX- 4

half. And for the first time in over a decade, business leaders around the world have declared that China is no longer the world’s number one place to invest; America is.

That’s why I believe this can be a breakthrough year for America. After five years of grit and determined effort, the United States is better-positioned for the 21st century than any other nation on Earth.

The question for everyone in this chamber, running through every decision we make this year, is whether we are going to help or hinder this progress. For several years now, this town has been consumed by a rancorous argument over the proper size of the federal government. It’s an important debate – one that dates back to our very founding.

But when that debate prevents us from carrying out even the most basic functions of our democracy – when our differences shut down government or threaten the full faith and credit of the United States – then we are not doing right by the American people.

As President, I’m committed to making Washington work better, and rebuilding the trust of the people who sent us here. I believe most of you are, too. Last month, thanks to the work of Democrats and Republicans, this Congress finally produced a budget that undoes some of last year’s severe cuts to priorities like education.

Nobody got everything they wanted, and we can still do more to invest in this country’s future while bringing down our deficit in a balanced way. But the budget compromise should leave us freer to focus on creating new jobs, not creating new crises.

In the coming months, let’s see where else we can make

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progress together. Let’s make this a year of action. That’s what most Americans want – for all of us in this chamber to focus on their lives, their hopes, their aspirations. And what I believe unites the people of this nation, regardless of race or region or party, young or old, rich or poor, is the simple, profound belief in opportunity for all – the notion that if you work hard and take responsibility, you can get ahead.

Let’s face it: that belief has suffered some serious blows.

Over more than three decades, even before the Great Recession hit, massive shifts in technology and global competition had eliminated a lot of good, middle-class jobs, and weakened the economic foundations that families depend on.

Today, after four years of economic growth, corporate profits and stock prices have rarely been higher, and those at the top have never done better. But average wages have barely budged.

Inequality has deepened. Upward mobility has stalled. The cold, hard fact is that even in the midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by – let alone get ahead.

And too many still aren’t working at all.

Our job is to reverse these trends. It won’t happen right away, and we won’t agree on everything. But what I offer tonight is a set of concrete, practical proposals to speed up growth, strengthen the middle class, and build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class. Some require Congressional action, and I’m eager to work with all of you.

But America does not stand still – and neither will I. So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand

opportunity for more American families, that’s what I’m going to do.

As usual, our First Lady sets a good example. Michelle’s Let’s Move partnership with schools, businesses, and local leaders has helped bring down childhood obesity rates for the first time in thirty years – an achievement that will improve lives and reduce health care costs for decades to come. The Joining Forces alliance that Michelle and Jill Biden launched has already encouraged employers to hire or train nearly 400,000 veterans and military spouses. Taking a page from that playbook, the White House just organized a College Opportunity Summit where already, 150 universities, businesses, and nonprofits have made concrete commitments to reduce inequality in access to higher education – and help every hardworking kid go to college and succeed when they get to campus. Across the country, we’re partnering with mayors, governors, and state legislatures on issues from homelessness to marriage equality.

The point is, there are millions of Americans outside Washington who are tired of stale political arguments, and are moving this country forward. They believe, and I believe, that here in America, our success should depend not on accident of birth, but the strength of our work ethic and the scope of our dreams. That’s what drew our forebears here.

It’s how the daughter of a factory worker is CEO of America’s largest auto-maker; how the son of a barkeeper is Speaker of the House; how the son of a single mom can be President of the greatest nation on Earth.

Opportunity is who we are.

And the defining project of our

Texas 12-18, 2013 Texas••August February 3-9, 2014 President Barack Obama President of The United States

generation is to restore that promise.

We know where to start: the best measure of opportunity is access to a good job. With the economy picking up speed, companies say they intend to hire more people this year. And over half of big manufacturers say they’re thinking of insourcing jobs from abroad.

So let’s make that decision easier for more companies. Both Democrats and Republicans have argued that our tax code is riddled with wasteful, complicated loopholes that punish businesses investing here, and reward companies that keep profits abroad.

Let’s flip that equation. Let’s work together to close those loopholes, end those incentives to ship jobs overseas, and lower tax rates for businesses that create jobs here at home.

Moreover, we can take the money we save with this transition to tax reform to create jobs rebuilding our roads, upgrading our ports, unclogging our commutes – because in today’s global economy, first-class jobs gravitate to first-class infrastructure. We’ll need Congress to protect more than three million jobs by finishing transportation and waterways bills this summer. But I will act on my own to slash bureaucracy and streamline the permitting process for key projects, so we can get more construction workers on the job as fast as possible.

To continue reading more of the President’s State of the Union Address visit www.aframnews.com

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The next generation of T:11”

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safe drivers begins with you.

Your child’s first year behind the wheel can be one of the most dangerous of their young life.

That’s why we’ve created TeenDrive365: education, events and innovative tools to help start the conversation and keep you involved. Every mile. Every day.

Visit TeenDrive365.com today.

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Project 13-12-03 RFP – Insulation/Abatement Supplies & Materials with a deadline of 10 A.M., February 19, 2014.

The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2NE51 at the above stated address on February 12, 2014 at 10 AM.

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Date

RFP – Project 14-01-07 Appliances – District Wide with a deadline of 3:00 PM CST, Friday, February 14, 2014.

Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org.

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

The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSuprlus.com.

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Texas • February 3-9, 2014

American News&Issues

What’s Happenin’ in 2014 7 Friday Galilee MBC February 26th Pastorial Anniversary

“it should be the power of our vote, not the size of our bank account, that drives our democracy.”

Feb. 4 - Feb. 5 Tuesday - Wednesday

PVAMU Ministers Conference Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium Prairie View, TX 77446 Beginning at 9:30am For more info contact: (936) 261-3590 Thursday

– President Barack Obama

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HPD

Chief Charles A. McClelland

Feb. 8 - Feb. 9 Saturday - Sunday

Feb. 6 - Feb. 23 Thursday - Sunday

achievements of African Americans in Houston and America — and reflect on the important work that still lies ahead.

call to Congress to support bipartisan efforts to strengthen the Voting Rights Act. No person should be denied the right to vote.

POL. ADV. ANNISE PARKER CAMPAIGN

CONTACT your member of Congress or sign the NAACP Petition

Mayor Annise Parker

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I INVITE ALL HOUSTONIANS to join President Barack Obama’s

Warm regards,

St. Paul AME Church Exhibition 1554 Gears Road Houston, TX 77067 (2/8/14) From 10am - 5pm (2/9/14) From 1pm - 5pm For more info contact: (832) 722-1905 Sunday Mt. Corinth MBC Black History Celebration “Dr. George C. Wright” 290 & 7th St Hempstead, TX 77093 Beginning at 11am 1213_FAST_Ad_2x2.pdf 1 6/21/2013 9:30:31 AM For more info contact: (936) 499-4062

Ensemble Theatre The Meeting 3535 Main St Houston, TX 77002 *Various Showtimes* For more info contact: (713)520-0055 www.ensembletheatre.com

IT’S BLACK HISTORY MONTH! Let’s celebrate together the

Friday St. Paul AME Church “God’s Army...The Fighting AME of St. Paul” 1554 Gears Road Houston, TX 77067 Beginning at 7:30pm For more info contact: (832) 722-1905 admin@stpaulamehouston.org

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15747 JFK Blvd Houston, TX 77032 Beginning at 7:45pm For more info contact: (281) 848-4000 Saturday New Mt Olive BC Workshop 4706 E. Mt. Houston Rd Houston, TX 77093 Beginning at 6pm For more info contact: (713) 306-5020 deaconlgarvin@yahoo.com Saturday Houston Museum African-American Culture Film Screening “Brownstones to Red Dirt” 4807 Caroline St Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 1:30pm For more info contact: (713) 526-1015

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Acres Home Chamber for Bus. & Eco. Dev, Inc. Networking Luncheon 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 11am -12:30pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161 Fax: (713) 691-7131 info@acreshomecenter.org

to Congress at: www.naacp.org/page/s/vra-no-voting-rights.

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Friday Buffalo Soldiers Nat’l Museum Black History Month Essay Contest Essay Submission Deadline: February 7, 2014 For more info contact: (713) 942-8920 info@buffalosoldiermuseum.com

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African

American News&Issues

Educati n/Y uth

Hair Battle Royale 2014

Texas • February 3-9, 2014

Klein ISD Earns Five Stars on Recent Financial Study

Klein Independent School District is a recipient of the Texas Comptroller’s 2013 Texas Honors Circle Award, which recognizes districts and campuses that achieve academic success through cost-effective operations. Award recipients achieve strong academic performance while spending relatively less compared to their fiscal

peers.

“We are so proud of the employees of Klein ISD that manage our budgets so efficiently, in addition to supporting the implementation of a successful, quality instructional program,” stated Dr. Susan Borg, Associate Superintendent of instruction and student services.

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs has announced that 55 Texas school districts and 317 school campuses received the Texas Honors Circle Award as a result of their outstanding performance in the 2013 Financial Allocation Study for Texas (FAST).

It’s your future.

Recently, Jordan High School’s 17th annual citywide hairstyling competition took place, and many of the prizes were claimed by students from the host school’s own cosmetology program.

The team of Maribel Covarrubias, Alexus McGee, Tamela Phylow, Angelica Punkett, and Arlett Sanders earned first place in the fantasy category with an elaborately braided design that resembled the curving horns of a ram. Jordan students also swept the rest of the fantasy category, with memorable designs such as the second-place entry, which paired a bright red-and-blue wig topped by a hair net of bright yellow cord, with a dress shaped like a hairstyling-themed carousel in the same vibrant colors.

Jordan HS students also took home prizes in the other two categories: daytime and evening.

Below is the full list of winning schools in each category: Daytime 1. Worthing HS 2. Jordan HS 3. Jordan HS 4. Jordan HS Evening 1. Eisenhower HS (Aldine ISD) 2. Jordan HS 3. Jordan HS 4. Taylor Career Center (Beaumont ISD) Fantasy

1. Jordan HS 2. Jordan HS 3. Jordan HS 4. Jordan HS More than 700 people came to see the annual show, which is coordinated by Jordan HS cosmetology teachers Carolyn and Francine Lewis (no relation). Students come from districts all over the greater Houston metro area to take part in the competition. Judges this year included HISD Board of Education trustee-elect Wanda Adams and professional stylists from local salons.

No matter your passion, HCC can help turn your dreams into reality.

If you’re just getting started, or starting a new chapter, we have the skills and knowledge that meet your goals and your schedule. HCC has convenient locations and hundreds of programs and degree plans. What are you waiting for? Go get it.

It’s yours. Your journey begins here.

Register today at hccs.edu Learn about our logistics program, and many more at HCC.

TX-8 Its your Future African AM. News Spring 2014.indd 2

12/16/13 8:11 AM

Texas • February 3-9, 2014

Voter’s Beware: Photo ID Spells “Pain” at Polls The real truth about using the Texas photo identification law to cast ballots and make your voice heard has not been told. While some County officials around the state report that November 2013 elections went smoothly under low voter turnout conditions, others warn the system has not been tested in elections with large voter turnouts.

That fact has some worried that the new law will discourage turnout, cause greater frustration, longer lines at the polls and raise questions about the disenfranchisement of African-Americans, youth, the elderly and “seasonal voters”.

“This law is ridiculous,” said Lane Lewis, County Chair of the Harris County Democratic Party. “Voter I.D. Has nothing to do with voter fraud and a lot to do with voter suppression. To say it does not affect the process is a false assumption.”

Texas passed the law and requires voters to produce a state-approved form of photo identification to vote in at polls in an any election. Under the law, voters must show an acceptable form of photo identification to be eligible.

The law also raises concerns about the past about a system that historically has been shaped and rigged to favor parties in majority power.

According to a report by Texas Politics, the state has a history of systematic disenfranchisement of Blacks, Latinos, and poor Whites. The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in 1865 and the 14th Amendment (1868) and 15th Amendment (1870) to the Constitution were passed to guarantee, the "privileges and immunities" and the right to vote of all U.S. citizens.

However, the report said with the end of the Reconstruction in the 1870s, the nation politically abandoned uniform enforcement of the Civil War amendments and

with reduced federal enforcement of the rights protected by the amendments, many southern states enacted Jim Crow Laws designed to restrict or prevent African-American voter participation. Texas never legislated the literacy test or grandfather clause but instead chose to suppress Black voting using poll taxes and the White primary.

Texas adopted the tax in 1902 and charged money to vote. It required that otherwise eligible voters pay between $1.50 and $1.75 to register to vote - a lot of money at the time, and a big barrier to the working classes and poor.

Poll taxes, which disproportionately affected AfricanAmericans and MexicanAmericans, were finally abolished for national elections by the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1964. Two years later, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that poll taxes in state elections were unconstitutional.

Photo ID is still controversial in Texas. It is still under scrutiny by the U.S. Justice Department who is monitoring it, reviewing it to determine the constitutionality of the law and its overall effect on suppressing voting rights of African-Americans and others.

In Dallas County Elections Administrator, Toni Pippins-Pole said there are many lessons learned and work still to do after rolling out the new photo I.D. In her county.

“It was a new process and a lot of confusion,” she said.

“We were not prepared for the issues we faced and voters did not understand what the voter identification meant.”

Of the 70,000 that voted in November election, 14,000 names did not match and 100 provisional ballots were done and that was only with a 6-percent voter turnout.

“This was a smaller elections.

Community

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

CHL Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS

Naturalization Certificate United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph

Election Identification Certificate Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS Military ID United States Voters who currently do military identification card connot have an approved form taining the person’s photograph of photo ID may apply for State ID Texas personal identification an Election Identification card issued by DPS Certificate (EIC) at no charge with the Department of Public Safety. For more information: Call (512) 424-2600 Approved Photo IDs- unexpired or or visit http://www.txdps. state.tx.us/DriverLicense/ expired less than 60 days electionID.htm

The real test come when seasonal voters come to the polls to vote for Texas Governor and (in 2016) for President,” she said. “We are still learning and need more training in order to prevent voter frustrations and long lines.”

Pippins-Poole added that her office has identified over 350,000 names in their information databases that could cause potential issues if all showed up at the polls to vote in a major election.

She said letters and postcards are being sent to voters to make them aware of the issues before primary and general elections.

Bexar County Elections Administrator, Jacque Callanen said one way to prevent election day headaches is to develop a proactive attack.

She said the November election was an election that was a small sample core voters in San Antonio and Bexar County, but gave her insight into how to make the best of the new law.

To continue reading this story visit www.aframnews.com Cover Story By: Darwin Campbell, African-American News&Issues

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Drivers License Texas— issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Passport United States passport

25th Silver Anniversary Annual Awards Banquet Friday, March 28, 2014 7pm-9pm Beulah Ann Shepard Building

6112 Wheatley Street • Houston, Texas 77091

Theme:

“NOW is the TIME”

Keynote Speaker:

Craig Washington

Phone: (713) 692-7003 or (713) 692-7161 E-mail: info@acreshomecenter.org RSVP by Monday, March 21, 2014 TX-9

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

FBC Praise Dancers

Religi n

Texas • February 3-9, 2014

(l-r) Tarayez Haynes, Dejaria Dixon, Eugena Cole, Katriarana Cole & Andrea Cheeves Sin 19 ce 94

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In 2007, Praise Dance Director, Eugena “Gina” Cole began working with the female youth of First Baptist Church of Lincoln City under the Youth Department, overseen by Ruth Randle.

“Educating and mentoring through guidance is my main priority. I want to lead by example,” says Gina Cole.“To know that I can be apart of their lives and keep them out of the street and assist with their development as young ladies is a pertinent factor. They are at a age where they are maturing and I would rather them dance in the ministry than being steered towards negativity in the streets.”

The age ranges of the girls are 7-19 years. The Praise Dance Team includes: Tina Cheeves, Assistant Director, Andrea Cheeves, Camrie Peavy, Chasidy Jackson, Dejaria Dixon, JaNeshia Smith, Katriarana Cole, and Tarayez Haynes.

The team has performed at a variety of churches within the Acres Home Community and around the city. They have also performed at services held in Kinnelton, Texas. For the past 3 years the girls have been invited

to attend and participate in the Sylvester Turner’s Juneteenth Parade.

When asked why do you dance, Dejaria Dixon stated, “I love dancing; I am able to praise through a talent that God has given me and it makes me happy.”

The girls also volunteer at nursing homes once a month. “It feels good to be able to communicate and help out when we visit the nursing homes. The look on their faces when we return let’s me know that they appreciate us.” says Katriarana Cole.

FBC Praise dance girls are required to maintain passing grades and committ to 30 community service hours per year.

“I volunteer because its a part of my innitiative and goals in life.

Being able to give back to my community and knowing that I can help make a difference makes me feel special,” says Tarayez Haynes.

“I know that I can’t change the community by myself but I can say that I had a part in it when I get older.” She amusingly said, “Plus, I would not have a choice either way because my mother would make me volunteer one way or

another, so I took interest and I do not regret it.”

As part of the program, the girls have traveled to Dallas, San Antonio, Galveston and are working towards Florida in 2015.

Majority of the girls have been dancing since the age of four through outside organizations such as school and private dance teams.

With all in agreeance, dance is their passion.

“As the girls get older, they will continue to learn and demonstrate the importance of giving back. As a church, we believe this is our social responsibility,” says Gina Cole.

Every 3rd Sunday of each month FBC Praise Dance Team performs at First Baptist, under the leadership of Pastor Gerald H. Peavy Sr. located at 844 Fortune Houston, Texas 77088.For more information about the praise dance team, contact Mrs. Gina Cole at (832) 892-5078.

Story By: Chandra Jarmon Photos Credit: Shania McClain

Texas • February 3-9, 2014

Texas HBCU Corner

African

American News&Issues

11

Support OUR Texas HBCUs! If WE don’t, then who will?

TSU Hosts Rodeo Scholarship Luncheon

Recently, Texas Southern University officials and members of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) held a Rodeo Scholarship Luncheon in the President’s Lounge of the Sterling Student Life Center.

The luncheon was held in honor of the 2013 Rodeo Scholarship recipients. This year 44 Texas Southern University students from a wide range of academic disciplines were awarded $2,500 dollars each in scholarship money from the HLSR. In addition to the buffet style luncheon of beef, salmon, mashed potatoes and asparagus, members of the HLSR scholarship committee and the scholarship recipients got to meet and interact with one another. The new university recruitment video was also shown.

“Success is not measured by the position one has reached in life, rather by the obstacles overcome while trying to succeed.”

-Booker T. Washington, Educator

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African

American News&Issues

Texas • February 3-9, 2014

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