African-American News&Issues

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VOL. 22 ISSUE 12

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African-American News and Issues Newspaper

ADVERTISE in the NEXT EDITION! to release MAY 1, 2017 6th Edition

The

H-Town Black Konnect

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Greater Houston Area/Dallas/Ft.Worth Metroplex/Austin/San Antonio

Chamber for Business & Economic Development, Inc. “A Community-Based Business & Economic Development Corporation”

BEYOND THE LUNCH COUNTERS

Connecting Our Communities to the services they need!

Promote Your Black-Owned Business in the Largest Circulated Black Business Journal #TheHTownBK

Inquire today by Calling (713) 692-1178 There are still spots available 100,000 copies circulated throughout the city!

Honorees

Community Award Ruby J. Bennett “The Tire Lady”

Religious Award Rev. Joseph Baker

Guiding Light Inspirational Baptist Chruch

Education Award Raymond G. Glass II

Principal of Haper of Alternative, Houston ISD

Business Award Terrence J. Reed

Vintage Carriage Copmpany, LLC.

Johnnie Tatum

Second Chance Consulting & Second Chance Outreach

Politics Award Honorable John Whitmire SEE PAGE 6

AHCBED 28th Annual Awards Banquet Keynote Speaker Honorable Rodney Ellis, Harris County Commissioner Precinct 1 New Civil Rights Fight Targets Criminal Justice Reform

“Dean of SenateTexas Senate” Senate District 15

Honorable Sylvester Turner Mayor City of Houston SEE PAGE

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American News&Issues

Editorial & Opinion

Summer Jobs Available for Houston Youth Hire Houston Youth for Community Papers

Hon. Sylvester Turner City of HoustonMayor

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t’s time to kick off the second year of our Hire Houston Youth program. We are proud of the many partners who helped to make the first year such a success, but with school getting out in just a couple of months, it is time to turn our attention to placing kids for this summer. Hire Houston Youth provides local 16-24

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

Production/Editor

Kimberly Taylor

Production Asst.

Darwin Campbell

Senior Journalist

Chelsea Davis-Bibb

Journalist

Rebecca S. Jones

Contributing Writer

Mark Spivey

Contributing Writer

Lorenzo Tolbert

Contributing Writer

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

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

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

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

Letter to the Editor

W

e welcome all original responses from our readers to content found in the African-American News&Issues.

Letters to the Publisher may be sent via e-mail to news@aframnews.com. Please keep all letters under 300 words. Be sure to include the author’s name, area of residence. All letters and articles may be verified before they are published. All letters are subjected to editing or being cut for spacing purposes. Thank you in advance for your submission.

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year olds with a job or internship experience from mid-June through the first week of August. Students will work up to 40 hours a week for at least seven weeks, earning at least $8 an hour.

Fifty seven companies participated, and 1,135 jobs were provided in 2016. More than 50 percent of the job candidates had no prior work experience, and 50 percent had annual household incomes of less than $22,000 a year. My goal for 2017 is to provide at least 5,000 jobs for our youth. That’s not a lot when you consider Los Angeles provided 11,000 jobs and Chicago placed over 25,000 kids last summer.

Workforce programs and summer employment can decrease the likelihood that a youngster will drop out of school. They help ensure we have an able and ready workforce and set youth on the path to long-term careers. Despite these benefits, less than a third of American teenagers held a job last summer, and their participation in the workforce is at a historic low. Preparing our youth is essential to ensuring a strong economic future for Houston. With the demand for skilled workers currently outpacing our workforce supply, it is more important than ever that we do everything possible to connect our young people to employment and training opportunities. I believe this program can, literally, change lives.

Starting in early April, applications for hundreds of jobs with private companies and nonprofits will be accepted online at www.hirehoustonyouth.org. Additionally, there will be six on-the-spot hiring events planned to connect youth looking for jobs with employers who are hiring. These events are open to the public and do

not require applicants to pre-register or be pre-screened. Past participating employers include McDonald’s, Jack-in-the-Box, Whataburger, Cash America, Corner Store and Walgreens. Applicants need to bring resumes, Texas I.Ds and Social Security cards.

On-the-spot hiring events • April 22 from 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.

Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center 4400 W. 18th St., Houston, Texas 77092 • April 29 from 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.

Worthing High School 9215 Scott St., Houston, Texas 77051 • May 6 from 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.

Magnolia Multi-Service Center 7037 Capitol St., Houston, Texas 77011 • May 20 from 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.

Acres Home Multi-Service Center 6719 W. Montgomery Rd., Houston, Texas 77091 • June 3 from 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.

George R. Brown Convention Center 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, Texas 77010 • June 10 from 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.

Southwest Multi-Service Center 6400 High Star Dr., Houston, Texas, 77074 HHY has been designated as a White House Summer Opportunity Hub and is part of a National League of Cities study on the best practices for educational and workforce development efforts.

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Texas • April 10 - 16, 2017

New Year, New Opportunities Hon. Ann Harris Bennett

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Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector & Voter Registrar

applaud TAEA & TACA for support of online voter registration.

This year, the Texas Association of Elections Administrators (TAEA) and the Tax Assessor-Collectors Association of Texas (TACA) adopted resolutions supporting the implementation of online voter registration in the State of Texas.

Along with the TAEA and TACA, I recognize the importance of online voter registration in creating a secure method of collecting data, maintaining a more accurate voter roll and saving taxpayers’ dollars, all while providing a more accessible form of registration in an increasingly mobile world.

Per the National Council of State Legislatures, online voter registration has been adopted in 39 states and Washington, D.C. This technology has been tested and vetted for the security and protection of confidential information.

Additionally, fewer paper forms will reduce cost, human error and will better protect personal information. The data can be encrypted for further confidentiality. The technology used to process online voter registration applications is no different from the technology used to update your driver’s license online, pay your taxes online, or perform any number of other secure transactions.

Moreover, online voter registration enhances the accuracy of

our voter roll. In 2016, my office rejected 7% of applications due to incomplete or incorrect data. With online voter registration, all required fields must be completed in order for the form to be submitted.

In addition, because only those with currently valid driver’s licenses or other state ID cards will be able to register online, there are built in citizenship and accuracy checks through the Department of Public Safety.

Along with improved accuracy and security, online voter registration saves valuable taxpayer dollars. In Harris County, the estimated cost to process a single paper registration form is $0.43.

In busy years, such as presidential elections, my office hires nearly 20 temporary employees to process the volume of forms received in our office. In 2016 alone, the total cost of processing paper applications was nearly $160,000.

Implementing online voter registration would reduce the number of paper forms processed.

Online voter registration is secure, cost-effective, and will help my office maintain the most accurate voter roll. I take my duty as Voter Registrar seriously – I want to register every single eligible voter in Harris County, and not one more. It’s time for Texas to join the 21st century and provide this service to its taxpayers.

Ann Harris Bennett is the Harris County Tax AssessorCollector and Voter Registrar. Her office is located at 1001 Preston Street, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77002. You can contact the office at (713) 274-8000 or visit www. hctax.net - End

Editorial & Opinion

TEXAS • APRIL 10 - 16, 2017

NEW HAIR, NEW SHOES, NEW PHONE, NO SAVINGS The Overflow

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By Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed

want you to think for a moment, and reflect on how much money you currently have in your savings account. With that in mind, fast forward years from now when you want to retire. Will you have enough money to continue to live the lifestyle you are living now?

Many people are making money, but they are not putting away any of it in their savings account for a later date.

The problem is that a lot of people are living for now, but aren’t taking the time to prepare for what will come in the future.

they will only receive a percentage.

With that percentage, you will still have to pay bills, and if you want to travel, and go out to eat, you will have to calculate those expenses in there as well. For myself, I have two savings accounts. I have one that is long term (that I don’t touch), and I have one that is only for emergencies (I touch this one). I try, even though it is hard at times, to put money in both of these accounts. You never know when an emergency is going to arise, so you want to make sure that you can cover it with no issues. Even though I am young, I have learned a lot from my parents, and from just life in general when it comes to saving money.

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According to GoBankingRates, “69% of Americans have less than $1,00 dollars in their savings account.” This may seem like a lot, but it isn’t when it comes to a savings account. People should be saving every month, and the most important thing to do when you save, is to not touch it!

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In 2015, GoBankingRates conducted a survey and asked “5,00 adults how much they had saved in their savings account and 62% said they have less than $1,000.” Recently, they asked “7,000 people to see if Americans’ saving rates have improved in the last year or so…the percentage of Americans with less than $1,000 in savings jumped to 69 percent.” There could be a lot of reasons to contribute to this such as people in debt, living paycheck to paycheck, or even living beyond their means. Even though some are not contributing to their savings, there are some people who are.

According to the survey, “15 percent have $10,00 or more in a savings account versus 14 percent in 2015.”

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I don’t think many people realize that when they retire, most of them won’t be making the same amount of money that they are currently making,

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Live within your means- we all want nice things and to be able to go on expensive vacations, but you have to know your limits. If you can’t afford it, then don’t buy it, and understand that it’s okay!

Budget- things can get somewhat easier if you budget your expenses. For example, make a budget for bills, food, entertainment, trips and etc. Distribute your funds appropriately so that you can find room to save, and this will help make sure that you aren’t over spending.

Set a goal- I try to set a monthly goal for my savings account.

After all of my bills are paid, if I am able to add more to my savings, then I do it!

Don’t touch your savings- when you add money into your savings account, leave it alone! If you have to take money from it, then discipline yourself to put it back.

It does no one any good to save money, and then take it away.

Save loose change- any change I find, I save it. You can find change anywhere. I find change on the ground outside, in my couch, around my house, in my car, and even at the bottom of my purse. Loose change will add up!

Save as many coins as you can, then convert those coins, and put them in your savings account.

Continue Reading more of the online @ www.aframnews.com

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African

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THE BLACK BUYING POWER

just wonder do people get it – are they getting the message that I have been giving? For 28 years, we have held the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development, Inc. Annual Awards Banquet in the middle of the “44” (Acres Home) for good reason. There is an old saying that says “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Over the years, my wife and I have done our best to lead by example. We practice the message that we share with others in regards to supporting the Black community and never forgetting where we come from. We have been to a function which hosted a $1000 plate-dinner in the middle of a field, under an air conditioned tent and people were competing throwing bull chips. So if they can go in a tent anywhere in “The Woods” and host functions, why can’t we have it in our neighborhood? I often address the fact that we are losing so many important factors of our Black communities and neighborhoods. This is a measure that is only helping up to lose our identity as a race of people.

We MUST Understand, when we lose our foundation and forget where we come from, in essence we are forgetting ourselves. I have repetitively emphasized the fact that we have in our possession two of the most powerful forces that a person can obtain in this country. Our “MONEY” and our “VOTE” are the most significant voices that we can have. Our “MONEY” and our “VOTE” takes our voice to places that we may never even see or visit. For this reason, we have to be careful who we give them to.

We MUST Understand, when we make a choice to give money to people within the community, it empowers them. On the contrary, anytime we give our

money to people outside of the community, we empower them.

But, the only thing about that is that, they don’t give anything back to us. At least when we patronage and support local individuals and small business owners that look like us; there is always a possibility that the Black dollar will circulate right back into our communities, since that is where they are located.

Even so, by supporting local Black businesses, we know that we are at least helping to support another Black family. Yet, when we chose to utilize our means outside of the community we are only furthering the agenda of supporting those who do not look like us, or care about the best interest of our neighborhoods and communities.

To that regard, it is imperative that we understand that we spend over $1.1 trillion on a variety of things. I came across a depiction that detailed the exact power that I am referencing here. In a study entitled, The Black Buying Power of Black America, which was conducted by Target Market News. It was found that, “Black people spend: $3.3 billion per year on tobacco, $3 billion per year on whiskey, wine and beer, $2.8 billion per year on nonalcoholic beverages, $3.1 billion per year on leisure time, $3.5 billion per year on toys, games and pets, $19 billion per year on telephone services, $10 billion per year on buying gifts for one another, $13 billion per year on gambling, $29.3 billion per year on clothing, $65.2 billion per year on food, $17 billion per year in charitable contributions and $321 million per year on books.”

Majority of the items listed, can be spent in more productive ways, helping to support and empower one another. Nicole Kenney, NAACP Economic Program Specialist, wrote an

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We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

article on the subject entitled, Asians keep a dollar in their community 120 times longer than African Americans. In it she revealed that, “a dollar circulates in Asian communities for a month, in Jewish communities approximately 20 days, in White communities 17 days and in the BLACK COMMUNITY SIX HOURS!” She went on to state that even though the African-American buying power is at 1.1 Trillion; only 2 cents of every dollar an African-American spends in this country goes to Black-owned businesses.

This is part of the reason why we chose to operate within our own community. When we host our events, we don’t go looking for venues in other communities amongst those who do not look like us, we stay right in the BLACK COMMUNITY. We solicit the services from those who operate within the BLACK COMMUNITY as well. Simply because we understand the importance of circulating the BLACK DOLLAR within the BLACK COMMUNITY! My only wish is that a lot more of our people will wake up and realize the urgency of using our BLACK BUYING POWER within the BLACK COMMUNITY. As I conclude I just have to state that overall; the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development’s 28th Annual Awards Banquet, was a complete success. And it must have been a full-moon because our Congresswoman was on the prowl that night.

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

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TEXAS PRIL 1012-18, - 16, 2017 Texas••AAugust 2013

Chamber for Business & Economic Development, Inc. “A Community-Based Business & Economic Development Corporation”

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TIME TO DO SOMETHING!!!

28th Annual Banquet Spurs Community Action Through Self-less Service and Giving Back

woke up this morning saw a world full of trouble now, thought....

How’d we ever get so far down, and how’s it ever gonna turn around?

So I turned my eyes to Heaven I thought, “God, why don’t You do something?”

Well, I just couldn’t bear the thought of people living in poverty, children sold into slavery. The thought disgusted me So, I shook my fist at Heaven Said, “God, why don’t You do something?”

He said, “I did, yeah, I created you” If not us, then who If not me and you Right now, it’s time for us to do something…

-Matthew West

ACRES HOMES - The call went out from the 28th Annual Acres Homes Chamber for Business and Economic Development, Inc. Awards Banquet that it is time for the community to “Do Something”.

“This is about all of us getting our act together,” said Chairman Roy Douglas Malonson, AfricanAmerican News&Issues and Chair for AHCBED Inc. “Making the Community Better is not about the size of your wallets, … It’s about giving back and the size of your heart.”

END OLD REIGNS of “POLITICIAN” and “PREACHER” WINDOW DRESSINGS For years, the Black community has depended on government to solve problems plaguing the community and looked to elected officials to lead rather that be served by the electorate and had faith that pastors would use the power of prayer and influence with God to help change conditions… None of that has worked.

Other elected officials are full of mostly “hot air” and hold press conferences seeking only to to be seen and served. Career politicians care little about doing anything to really represent real change – They only change they carry are the bags of money they collect from their donors who now own them. These officials only serve themselves stuffing their own coffers at the expense of and without concern for constituencies.

Most pastors are not out front as voices for the people in their churches or communities. You rarely TX- 4

see them except on Sundays or at funerals. If they were visible, there would be constant out crys and noise from them demanding and fighting on key community changing issues with legislators in Austin or councilpersons and the mayor at city hall So without any real help, the people need to stand up and act and see that the answers to the issues in the Black community and what makes conditions better in the neighborhoods around us are as plain as the nose on your face. It starts with the man in the mirror.

NEW ERA Of GENUINE EXAMPLES NEEDED That is why the banquet set the stage for the clarion call for the community to stand up and heal itself – starting with recognizing who the Real leaders are: Everyday People who Love their Community Enough to Sacrifice a little Time and Effort to Make things Better for all of Us. Awards were given to seven individuals who serve as great examples of selfless community giving and service to model as Acres Homes and Houston look forward towards building a better future.

Those receiving awards include Ruby J. Bennett, Rev. Joseph Baker, Raymond G. Glass, Terrence J. Reed, Johnie Tatum, Senator John Whitmire and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Making the community great starts with examining these examples and following up with the most important question of what can I do to make a difference.

The common denominator among those awardees for 2017 is not measured by the size of their wallets, but by the size of their hearts and their willingness to sacrifice by giving back to the community – expecting nothing in return.

That point of joining hands and “Doing Something” to change the community was hammered home by with a signature message to a standing room only crowd by Honorable Harris County Commissioner and former Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis.

Ellis has dedicated his career to ensuring that all people have the opportunity to build better futures for themselves and has been a constant advocate and fighter for quality and accessible services and programs

in the community that benefits all residents fairly and equitably.

He has especially been at the forefront of “Doing Something” about the unfair and unbalanced Bails and Bonding system in Texas that penalizes the poor and also fighting for reforms in criminal justice, health care and wages that guarantee equal, fair treatment and protection under the law “DOING SOMETHING”

Ruby J Bennett – Community Award Raised in Acres Homes, Ms. Bennett has made it a lifelong commitment to the community and helping people or helping people help themselves.

Know as the “Tire Lady of Acres Homes” for many years because she has been responsible for the successful pick up of thousands of abandoned tires in the community working in conjunction with the city of Houston Solid Waste Department.

Her love for the community efforts has resulted in thousands of tires being removed from streets and ditches in Acres Homes and sparked a citywide effort in numerous communities to do the same.

“Acres Homes can and will be the very best community and neighborhood in the world. All we have to do is work together and do our best to achieve that goal,” she said.

Rev. Joseph Baker Religious Award After dedicated 30 years to the Houston Solid Waste Management Department, Baker has offered his services to help improve his community. He have been involved in offering his services to funeral CONT. ON PAGE 5

Texas • April 10 - 16, 2017

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Chamber for Business & Economic Development, Inc. “A Community-Based Business & Economic Development Corporation”

SOMETHING FROM PAGE 4

homes, worked on numerous political campaigns and served his church Guiding Light Inspirational Baptist Church for 25 years. He advocates for opportunities to go into schools to talk to students about education and career development. Baker also is active with the AHCBED Inc. and volunteers at monthly meetings.

“I love the Acres Homes community… the community has always been my life.”

Raymond Glass II – Education Award Glass is a native Houstonian and proud graduate of Houston ISD and Prairie View University.

As a former drum major, Glass was inspired to enter the field of education.

He did and has not look back, even taking it one step further focusing on working with troubled and challenged youth environments in the school district.

He has the will and the talent and is making a difference in the lives of youth and serving as a light and a volunteer in numerous sports programs in the community.

Terrence Reed – Business Award He is a prominent member of the Acres Homes community and is known for being philanthropic and supportive of various charities and organizations.

He is the owner of Vintage Carriage Company, LLC in Acres Homes and has one of the top ranking horse drawn carriage ride companies in Texas. He participates in countless special events across the area and has been featured in numerous publications.

Growing up in Acres Homes, Reed was shaped and

influenced by the many great patriarchs of Acres Homes and the results of that is a loving, honest businessman and philanthropist.

“My goal is to continue in the Acres Homes community and strive to fulfill life’s goal of creating positive change for all around...”

was a community outreach effort where Tatum dedicated his time and resources to restoring Rest Lawn Cemetery – a historic landmark now with a dedicated site map to help families locate their loved ones.

Because of his commitment to community, families can visit their loved ones in a safe and clean environment.

Johnnie Tatum – Business Award

Whitmire -

He is a veteran allied health professional and business owner. Raised in Acres Homes, he is a graduate of MacArthur High School.

After more than 20 years in health care and 10 years in leadership roles, he launched Second Chance Consulting in Acres Homes. It provides a one-stop shop for diverse reentry programs and services to help clients with resume building, mock interviews and elevator dialogue. Other programs involve Domestic Violence Intervention, Parenting Support and Anger Management.

Second Chance programs are becoming renown for motivating and encouraging people to pursue skills, trades and continue education.

One of his greatest notable over the past four years

Whitmire has been passionate friend of the community as an advocate for quality education, affordable higher education, minority and women’s rights, access to affordable health care and mental health care and sound economic and business development policies.

Turner Acres Home native son Mayor Turner has taken on the reigns of the nation’s 4th largest city. Raised in the Acres Homes community, Turner understands the values of good parenting, making sacrifices and how education can and does make a difference. He thrived and triumphed in the era of forced integration in Houston and rose to graduate valedictorian at Klein High School and later completed his education at University of Houston and Harvard University. He has gone on to start his own law firm, serve in the Texas House of Representatives and has been Houston’s mayor since January 2016.

Continue reading online @ www.aframnews.com | Story By: Darwin Campbell

Hon. Mike Knox - Council Member At-Large 1, Attorney Warren Fitzgerald Muhammad - Vice Chairman of AHCBED, Jim Biley - AHCBED Board Member, Hon. Amanda Edwards - Council Member At-Large 4, Hon. John Whitmire - Senator TX-15, Andrea Hillard-Cooksey - President of AHCBED, Hon. Jerry Davis - District B Council Member, Rev. Dr. Edwin Davis - AHCBED Board Member, Hon. Sylvester Turner - City of Houston Mayor, Hon. Rodney Ellis - Harris County Commissioner Pct. 1, Hon. Sheila Jackson Lee - Congresswoman TX-18, Hon. Jarvis Johsnon - State Representative TX-139 & Roy Douglas Malonson - Chairman of AHCBED TX- 5

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TEXAS • APRIL 10 - 16, 2017

Chamber for Business & Economic Development, Inc. “A Community-Based Business & Economic Development Corporation”

SOMETHING FROM PAGE 1

HOUSTON - The fight for bail reform continues.

“It is the Civil Rights Battle in our era,” Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis said in his keynote address to hundreds at the Acres Homes Chamber for Business and Economic Development Inc. held in the Beulah Ann Shepherd Building. “There are more in jail (African Americans) than at any other time on our history. We need to look at the stats and focus on that area because something is wrong.”

Ellis Bio Senator Rodney Ellis was born and raised in Houston’s Sunnyside neighborhood. He is a product of the Texas public school system from grade school through law school. Although a financial advisor by trade, his passion is public service.

Elected to the Texas Senate in 1990, For 25 years, Sen. Ellis earned praise as a leader on economic development, education, civil rights, budget, responsible environmental policy, tax cuts for the middle class, criminal justice, and workforce development policy.

In 2016, He was elected Harris County Commissioner for Precinct One, which serves 1.1 million people. Senator Ellis believes the role of government is to ensure that all citizens have the opportunity and ability to build a better future for themselves.

History

Sitting for Justice: Woolworth’s Lunch Counter On February 1, 1960, four African American college students sat down at a lunch counter at Woolworth’s in Greensboro, North Carolina, and politely asked for service. Their request was refused. When asked to leave, they remained in their seats.

Their passive resistance and peaceful sit-down demand helped ignite a youth-led movement to challenge racial inequality throughout the South.

Houston was also involved briefly in lunch counter protest actions.

Education and Criminal Justice Prime Issues On education, it means ensuring that children have equal access to a quality education, regardless of where they reside. In the workforce, it means ensuring that workers have a safe workplace, access to affordable health care and a living wage.

On criminal justice, it means ensuring that everyone is treated equally by the law and guilt and innocence are not dependent on one’s income, gender, race or ethnicity.

His passion for justice led to a closer examination of criminal justice issues in Texas and helped bring about strong DNA statues that set the stage for changes across the justice system in the United States.

Now his focus is on changing the unbalanced bails and bonding system in Texas that penalizes the poor and delays justice for thousands who sit in jail and wait for their day in court.

“Justice cannot depend on how much money you have in the bank,” he said. “It is wrong that poor people all across Houston -- Texans who are supposed to be presumed innocent -- far too often get second-class justice just because they simply cannot afford to pay bail.”

He made a stunning and marked comparison about unbalanced criminal justice system and on the treatment of the now deceased Sandra Bland, who was taken to jail on a minor traffic violation and later died in custody because of inability to post $1000 bail versus Billionaire Robert Durst who allegedly committed murder and was released on bail by the court.

A 2016 Report According to the report by Ronald J. Lampard of the American Legislative Exchange Council, in 2005,

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Texas officials noticed the alarming rate at which their state’s corrections budget was growing.

By 2007, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice wanted the state legislature to provide $523 million in additional funding for three new prisons, which would have allowed the prison population to grow to more than 168,000 by 2012.

The department had reasons to expect a positive response for a funding request. After all, Texas was well-known for its “tough on crime” stance.

Members of the Texas Legislature, such as Republican Representative Jerry Madden and conservative Democratic Senator John Whitmire, decided on a bold strategy.

They teamed up to convince the members of the legislature and then-Governor Rick Perry to spend $241 million on treatment, mental health and rehabilitation, rather than on new prison facilities.

Three years later, Texas’ prison population declined by 15,000 inmates and probation recidivism fell by nearly 25 percent.

In addition, by the time Governor Perry had left office in January of 2015, the crime rate declined to its lowest rate since 1968.

Ultimately, under Perry’s leadership as governor, Texas shut down three prisons and saved taxpayers $2 billion. The movement to reform under performing and wasteful criminal justice programs had begun.

Criminal justice reform in many states across the country has shown that conservatives have followed Texas’ lead and strongly supported the issue.

“As a commissioner who represents a majorityminority precinct, it is my duty to protect residents' constitutional rights as well as the interests of taxpayers who are paying for a broken bail system that favors the privileged and punishes the poor.,” Ellis said. “A healthy debate is good for democracy. I respect my colleagues and I look forward to working with them on Commissioners Court to establish reforms that create a fairer and truly just criminal justice system.”

Following Texas Lead Additionally, there is bipartisan consensus that the system is in need of reform.

The high costs of incarceration and high rates of recidivism demonstrate this point of agreement.

As of fiscal year 2010, the average annual cost of incarcerating a state prisoner was $31,286, with the costs ranging from $14,603 in Kentucky to $60,076 in New York. Ultimately, taxpayers deserve the most efficient use of their funds.

To continue reading visit aframnews.com By: Darwin Campbell

EDITION DATE: April 3 - 9, 2017 (Vol. 22 Issue 11) EDITION DATE: April 10 - 16, 2017 (Vol. 22 Issue 12)

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TEXAS • APRIL 10 - 16, 2017

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Public Notice

Contact Information Name: Marilyn Vega Phone: 713.718.7410 Email: marilyn.vega@hccs.edu Address for Tearsheet/Copies: 3100 Main Street Houston, Texas 77002

Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) Customer Relationship Management System Project No. 17-52

Rate and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Greater Houston edition.

Sealed proposals will be received in EDITION DATE: Procurement Operations (3100 MainApril 10 - 16, 2017 (Vol. 22 Issue 12) Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, EDITION DATE: Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local April 17 - 23, 2017 (Vol. 22 Issue 13)

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time) on Wednesday, April 12, 2017.

AD COST

Documents can be obtained at:

Marketplace Heading:

www.hccs.edu/procurement.

Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Services Service Area No. 2 Project No. 17-11 Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11A06, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Tuesday, May 9, 2017.

Public Notice

Cost to run ad for 1 week Contact Information $136.80

Name: Arturo Lopez Phone: 713.718.7463 TOTAL NET COST for 2 weeks: Email: arturo.lopez@hccs.edu $273.60 Address for Tearsheet/Copies: 3100 Main Street Houston, Texas 77002

AD COST Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 Documents can be obtained at: by 12 NOON Wednesday the week Cost before Monday www.hccs.edu/procurement . to run ad for 1 week $151.20

v

PO#112784

TOTAL NET COST for 2 weeks: $302.40

P.O. Number at Lone Star College-Victory Center

Fall Registration Now Open!

Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 Whether you plan to earn a degree or gain newby skills, 12 NOON Wednesday the week before Monday Date

LSC-Victory Center is here for you.

Signature

Choose from an Associate of Arts degree or certificates in PO#112784 high-demand fields including HVAC, machining and welding.

AFRICAN NEWS & ISSUES (HOUSTON)

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P.O. Number Fall Classes Begin August 28.

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS AN ORIGINAL FILM/ONE RACE FILMS PRODUCTION AN F. GARY GRAY FILM VIN DIESEL DWAYNE JOHNSON JASON STATHAM “THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS” MICHELLE RODRI GUEZ TYRESE GIBSON MUSIC CHRIS ‘LUDACRIS’ BRIDGES WITH KURT RUSSELL AND CHARLIZE THERON

BY BRIAN TYLER EXECUTIVE BASED ON PRODUCERS AMANDA LEWIS SAMANTHA VINCENT CHRIS MORGAN CHARACTERS CREATED BY GARY SCOTT THOMPSON DIRECTED PRODUCED WRITTEN

BY NEAL H. MORITZ p.g.a. VIN DIESEL MICHAEL FOTTRELL

BY F. GARY GRAY

BY CHRIS MORGAN Date A UNIVERSAL PICTURE

Signature LSC-Victory Center • 4141 Victory Drive, Houston, TX 77088

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR STARTS FRIDAY, APRIL 14 THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

LoneStar.edu/Victory-Center AANI_4.88x5_RegisterNow.indd 1

© 2016 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS IMAX® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF IMAX CORPORATION.

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TEXAS • APRIL 10 - 16, 2017

Chamber for Business & Economic Development, Inc. “A Community-Based Business & Economic Development Corporation”

Black Kollectibles & F lowers La Quinceañera

e Availab!l Now

Sade Franklin member of (l-r) Dr. Wanda Bamberg; Superintendent of Aldine ISD, GWC Alumni George Washington Carver Favio Guzman, GWC Alumni Ivan Geters and Michael McCullough, Director of George Washington Carver Aldine ISD Jazz Band Aldine ISD Jazz Band

Jeffery Cooksey & Andrea Hillard-Cooksey; Owner of Exit Realty 360 and AHCBED Board Member

Pastor F.N. Williams Sr. & Pastor F.N. Williams II of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church

Quinceañera with Bouquet 8 1/2” tall Available in 5 colors

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Store Hours: Thursday 11:30 - 4pm | Friday & Saturday 11am

6130 Wheatley Street | Houston, TX 77091

We Appreciate Our Customers!

TX-8

Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith; Executive Vice Chancellor of Rev. Dr. Edwin A. Davis of Lonestar Community College, Dr. Gerald Napoles; Galilee Missionary Baptist Church & President of Lonestar - North Harris Community College AHCBED Board Member & Dr. Charlotte J. Davis

TEXAS • APRIL10 - 16, 2017

College Connection

Read us online! www. aframnews. com

9

Lone Star College-Victory Center Outside of College Life

By Christopher Campbell Countless students live their college lives thinking they can’t do anything while in college. Though college is time consuming and laborious, there are some students who do more than that. Take for example, non-traditional Latonya Muttilib student Latonya Muttilib, who attends Lone Star CollegeVictory Center and who is also an actress.

When not at the college, Muttilib spends her time perfecting her role as a counselor in “Patterns of Mothers,” an AWJ Production by Annie Johnson Stage Plays. In this play, Muttilib’s character Frankie helps several women become better people after destructive decisions led to their incarceration. Muttilib’s character is tough and doesn’t take any mess from anyone. However, Frankie believes in second chances for those women, so she strives to help them.

“Patterns of Mothers” is a live, dramatic stage production that will be performed on Sunday, April 23 at 5 p.m. at the Stafford Civic Center in Stafford, Texas.

Muttilib chose acting because she is able to touch people’s lives through a form of art that is sometimes forgotten.

According to Mullilib, “Playing a character from another world allows me to breathe life into a character which is the most fulfilling feeling ever.”

Acting is is just one of the hobbies she enjoys outside of college. Muttilib also enjoys reading all kinds of materials, even articles and newspapers! She is also a mother of two children who loves to engage in her community, making sure to always help her neighborhood.

Throughout the college years, there are some students who manage to do more outside of taking classes. They reach out for their passions and hobbies as a blissful escape from the stress of college life.

Tickets for “Patterns of Mothers”are $35 and can be purchased online at: Eventbrite.com.

Inspiration to Me

By Tina Bui It can be quite difficult while tending to a patient’s needs. There are moments of discomfort, but, no matter how tough these moments get, it is important to remain positive for the sake of the patient.

While serving a patient who was very close to me, I experienced great sadness, yet contentment. This experience has inspired me to become a doctor.

It was a rainy afternoon when I went to visit my church leader at St. Luke’s Hospital. Khanh has been struggling with cancer for the past year, yet she still remained strongspirited, at least until this day. As my family and I walked into her room, she lifted up her head with a smile on her face. What saddened me the most was Tina Bui that faint smile.

Although she was not feeling well, I could tell she persisted to smile for her guests. It was a discomfort to see such an amazing person, who was once energetic and healthy, become deteriorated.

While speaking, Khanh’s voice sounded raspy, so I gave her a cup of

water. I watched her struggle to swallow the water; it was agonizing. I felt useless.

From Khanh, I learned that life can expose us to unexpected events, but that is just “God’s will.”

For the longest time, I continued to reflect on that visit with Khanh. Through my experience with her, I was able to realize the passion I have when serving others. I came to understand that assisting a patient takes devotional time and effort. Furthermore, I found that being a caretaker can be quite difficult, but it is what I desire to pursue. I realized that I am capable of conveying compassion toward others. With this blessing from God, I will follow my passion of becoming a doctor in order to serve others.

Editor’s Note: We are sad to report that Khanh departed shortly after this story was written.

Take huge strides at the largest college in

Houston.

Open House LSC-North Harris 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive Houston, TX 77073

LoneStar.edu/OpenHouse

Tuesday, April 18, 2017 • 4 - 7 p.m.

• Help with financial aid and FAFSA! • Meet with advisors and professors!

• Get information on clubs and activities!

LoneStar.edu/Victory-Center TX-9

10

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TEXAS • APRIL 10 - 16, 2017

Chamber for Business & Economic Development, Inc. “A Community-Based Business & Economic Development Corporation”

THE DEMON The Black Whisperer

W

Darwin Campbell, Senior Journalist

hen looking at the state of affairs and issues plaguing the Black community, nothing is more disheartening than watching some of our so-called Black community leaders and elected officials demand special treatment because of positions they hold.

What even confirms this fact is the way they react with their own constituents who they serve when conditions don’t fit or suit their standards.

With that being said, it must have been a full moon and the prowl was on.

Recently, at a Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development, Inc. event to promote and celebrate Black community service and progress, a member of the U.S. Congress attended and groaned about sitting in a certain area among constituents. They also complained about the lack of respect for the title and after years of service to the community. The seats just were not good enough because of the location and they felt like they deserved special treatment.

Far too many of our career Black politicians suffer from the chronic disease of

“Entitlement”.

Entitlement is the belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment.

It all starts with good intenTX - 10

OF

ENTITLEMENT DESTROYS

tions as a young candidate seeks to run for office and impress the electorate in his or her district.

They use sly phrases and lots of cunning words to lure and bait the voter into supporting their causes and platforms.

Good Intentions – At First As their campaign shapes up and election day brings victory, the freshman leader is enthusiastic, eager and humble and assumes the position seeking to change the world. On the surface, the constituents are the priority and for a very short season, it appears that the Black community finally gets what is wants in a leader.

Temptation and Power Pollute However, it does not take long for troubling symptoms to arise that change the focus and mindset of the representative.

Like strong weather fronts, the clouds of money, waves of influence and the glut for power take over and pollute the political atmosphere.

The lack of “political oxygen” affects the minds of some politicians by clouding the judgment and changing the attitude about how the representatives approach problems and issues that Black constituents face.

It does not take long for the disease of entitlement to spread throughout the brain until the representative loses touch, no longer hears the voices of constituents and that affects progress and the way the representative interacts with the voters in the district.

The Change is Terminal The second phase of Entitlement sickness happens when that leader starts to talk down to the voters he or she represents and starts dictating to, making senseless demands and defining to constituents what he or she wants from them before coming to events or setting stipulations in order to show up for a simple meet and greet with them to say thank you and show your appreciation to the community and supported you. Support those who support you!

The third and most deadly phase of this condition left untreated affects the brain of the representative until it causes career politicians to suffer from a little “god-goddess complex”.

That “god-complex” stage is where many of our Black politicians and community leaders are today and that is dividing and destroying the Black community.

Entitlement spreads rapidly and creates fallout and chaos in the Black community as people loyal to these self-appointed “kings and queens” allow the complete take over and control of their new fiefdoms.

New ideas, up and coming young political blood is squelched and voices are silenced in order to tighten grips on power.

Anyone opposing these “rulers” are ridiculed, branded as troublemakers and banished.

The results of these purges and

THE

BLACK COMMUNITY

power plays are the community slips into dark deterioration and economic ruins.

Entitlement-Laced Politicians Taint Democratic Process The demon of Entitlement among Black politicians is the undoing of Black progress.

Elected officials are elected to serve constituents, not the other way around.

Too many Black politicians want voters in their districts to bow down to them and “kiss the ring”.

They want you to be the loyal serf who is willing to be a service puppet in order to get what you want.

Such behavior is wrong and unacceptable.

Entitled Black politicians do nothing for us and demonstrate little care for the constituents they serve after tasting power and enjoying the benefits of being elected totally at the expense of the Black community.

Curing the Entitlement disease among Black politicians starts by calling out those Black politicians who have all of a sudden become better than us “little people” and have the attitude of French Queen Antoinette, who told her hungry, poor peasants to “Eat Cake”. It was one of the main events that contributed to

the French Revolution in France in 1789.

Queen Antoinette lost her head over her attitude, behavior and her comments.

We need a revolution against Black career politicians with the Entitlement Demon because they stand in the way of real progress.

The Cure for Entitlement It is time to send a strong message to entitlement-minded career politicians that Black people want action because the future of our community is dire without real Black men and women willing to sacrifice and leave it all on the field for the good of our children, our communities and our people.

No longer can we afford to give away our votes automatically to Democrats or Republicans, unless they show that they will truly stay on task working for us and with us to improve our communities, schools, judicial systems, churches, businesses and homes.

They must remember that they work for us. We are the ones who put them in office and they are the ones who owe it to the community to do what they said they would do!

God only allotted us a few genuinely great men and women like former Congressman Craig Washington, Late Ron Brown, The Late Allen Clayton Powell, The Late A. Phillip Randolph, and the Late Malcolm X. Black people have the power and the cure for Black politicians who are sick with “Entitlement” fever.

- END

Texas • April 10 - 16, 2017

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African

American News&Issues

Chamber for Business & Economic Development, Inc.

ALL PHOTO CREDIT: PROVOST & ASSOCIATES

“A Community-Based Business & Economic Development Corporation”

Dr. Austin Lane President of TSU

(l-r) Theresa Sauls, Elizabeth Brock, Whitney Whitmire and special guest of Centerpoint Energy

(l-r) Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan, Shirley Ann Malonson owner of Shirley Ann’s Black Kollectibles & Flowers, Armando Perez; Senior Vice-President of H-E-B

Mr. and Mrs. Roderick Dow, CPA

11

Jessie Woods Principal of Burrus Elementary

Pastor T. Leon Preston of Yale Street Baptist Church, Lt. Tammy Alfred Harris County Pct. 1

Karen Jackson Founder of Sisters Network, Inc. A National Afican-American Breast Cancer Survivorship and Organization & Judy Foston President and Founder of Foston Internattional

Lillie Schechter; Harris County Democratic Chair & Thelma Scott; President of Barbara Jordan Endevors TX-11

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TEXAS • APRIL 10 - 16, 2017

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