African-American News&Issues

Vol. 19 Issue 14

Greater Houston

April 28 - May 4, 2014 | FREE ®

The #1 100% Black-Owned Top Ranking African-American News Website Online

“Choose wisely who you allow to control Your Mind; Your Money & Your Vote these are the most powerful things you have; Be careful who you give them to.” ~Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher~

The State of the Vote

Texas Take Away Turns Back Clock on Voting Rights & Basic Freedoms See VOTE pg. 4

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American News&Issues

The New Clemency Process

The United States incarcerates nearly 25 percent of the world’s inmates, even though it only has 5 percent of the world’s population.

Thirty years ago, there were less than 30,000 inmates in the federal system; today, there are nearly 216,000, an increase of 800 percent.

No other country imprisons a larger percentage of its population than the United States or spends anywhere near the $6.5 billion that we spend annually on prison administration.

The executive clemency initiative announced by the Department of Justice in February is a welcome and exciting development. It is good to see that the Department of Justice is actively soliciting the assistance of state and local bar associations, civil rights organizations, and the criminal defense bar in identifying and assisting potential candidates in assembling commutation petitions which effectively present the information the Department and the President need to meaningfully consider the requested grant of clemency.

As a senior member of the House Committee on the Judiciary and a former long-time member

of its Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, it is refreshing to see the Department of Justice take a proactive position regarding this important initiative and with these new rulings we now see that the President is very receptive and supportive when it comes to moving this initiative forward. Various organizations such as the NAACP, National Bar Association, National Urban League, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and the National Legal Aid and Defender Association have been asked to both assist and participate in this important new initiative being undertaken by the U.S. Department of Justice to address the prison overpopulation crisis. I recently wrote an Op Ed entitled ‘WE ARE OUR BROTHERS’ AND SISTERS’ KEEPER: EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY AND SENTENCE COMMUTATION IS SIMPLE JUSTICE LONG OVERDUE’ which discussed the clemency issue in depth.

I introduced H.R.265, the Drug Sentencing Reform and Cocaine

Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee TX 18th Dist.

Kingpin Trafficking Act of 2009 which would have eliminated the five-year mandatory minimum prison term for first-time possession of crack cocaine. In 2010, Congress passed the Fair Sentencing Act and repealed some of the mandatory sentences that were instated in the 1980s, when there was a crackdown on these offenses. But the problem with the 2010 law is that it does not apply retroactively, which is why some of these people seen as unfairly sentenced might need pardon now. It is important to note that candidates for clemency would include inmates who have had clean records in prison, do not present a threat to public safety and are facing excessive sentences. This push toward clemency brings attention to a larger systemic problem: harsh mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses.

Eight Million ACA Marketplace Enrollees

the Affordable Care Act. They One by one, objections and demonstrate the demand for affordcriticisms of the Affordable Care able coverage in America and the Act are falling flat. Today’s numbers importance of the ACA. Supporters have blown away even some of1 2/18/14 12: Business Card for Paper_Layout of healthcare reform should be proud the most optimistic estimates of of this accomplishment. Millions of Americans are now able to purchase affordable health insurance, many for the very first time.

Perhaps just as important as these total numbers is the makeup of the population. The latest estimates show that we have a good mix of young, healthy individuals that will help prevent a negative cost 979-921-9908 28820 FM 1736 Road spiral among insurance networks.

Hempstead, TX 77445-7204 I am no longer just confident that Trophy Hunting: the ACA will prove to be a sucWhitetail - Axis - Blackbuck cess; I am proud and ecstatic that it Archery • Camping • Camp Fire already is one. For the eight million Canoeing • Family & Church Reunions Americans who signed up through Fishing • Guided Nature Hike the marketplace, the over three milHay Rides • Hiking • Horseshoes Kayaking • Nature Photography lion Americans who signed up for Pedal Boats • Picnics • Sand Volleyball Medicaid, the three million young adults who can stay on their parents’ website: www.rsdeerranch.com plan until they are 26, and the five email: malonson@rsdeerranch.com TX-2

Honorable Garnet Coleman TX 147th Dist.

million Americans who have signed up for ACA-compliant plans outside the marketplace, the ACA continues to be a very big deal.

It is unfortunate that repealing this law has become such an obsession with the Republican Party.

Many states such as Texas are not seeing the full benefits of the ACA because of Republican resistance to do anything related to the law, no matter how much good it would do for the state.

Perhaps Republicans believe that their resistance will somehow make the ACA go away; it won’t. The sooner they realize that, the better.”

Texas • August 12-18, 2013 Texas • April 28 - May 4, 2014

Mr. William “Bill” Blair: A Life Lived

The Dallas that embraced a young William Blair was far different from that we know today.

Mr. Blair, whose father worked six days every week in a mill, faced a difficult life. But he made the most of what he had, and accomplished some remarkable things in his long and productive life.

Always small in size, he amazed his football coaches at Booker T. Washington Senior High School, becoming a very capable running back that successfully competed against players twice his size. There, he met his wife, Mozelle Jordan, who maintained the Blair household while building a respectable catering business.

After returning to Dallas as a military veteran at the end of World War II, Mr. Blair entered the newspaper business. Publishing a newspaper was not his first passion, but when white-owned publications would not print results from African-American college games and the Negro Baseball League, where he played as a pitcher, Mr. Blair went into action.

He started something new.

Over the years his insight and his vision compelled him to create numerous institutions and events. While publishing the Elite Newspaper, he founded the Elite News Religious Hall of Fame, which acknowledged the contributions made by members of the clergy in North Texas.

Mr. Blair worked closely with Reverend S.M. Wright, the nationally known Baptist preacher whose impact on life and politics was legendary. When the ministerial organization that Reverend Wright led needed a public voice, Mr. Blair made the pages of the Elite News available to the clergy group. Soon after, the Elite Newspaper became known as the official “voice of the church community.”

Never one to stand on the sidelines of life, Mr. Blair started a Martin Luther King Parade in January of 1986. A few drummers, a trumpet player and some

Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson TX 30th Dist.

preachers marched with him down a street in South Dallas. Last year, the event drew a crowd of more than 250,000 and the parade lasted nearly four hours.

His vision allowed him to believe that one could start small and grow into abundance. That is exactly what he did with many of the programs and concepts that he touched. He nurtured them as if they were lilies in his personal garden.

North Texas may never see the likes of Mr. William “Bill” Blair again. He made his presence known. He worked with young minds, including those who were not members of his family, teaching them the crafts that he had mastered.

Now, he has taken his muchdeserved eternal rest after so many arduous years of planting seeds for all of us. We remain grateful that he lived among us, and bid him farewell.

R.D. Malonson S.A. Malonson Darwin Campbell Chandra Jarmon Rebecca S. Jones Fred Smith

Publisher President/C.E.O. Editor Production

Distribution Advertising Sales

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, 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.

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

Texas • April 28 - May 4, 2014

Edit rial & Opini n Freedom Summer 2014 Rev. Al Sharpton President, National Action Network

People often equate summer with inaction; a time to kick back and do as little as possible. Well in 2014, we must do the opposite; this must be a freedom summer.

Everything from voting rights, minimum wage, women’s rights, fair pay, health care, LGBT rights, protection of unemployment insurance/other programs and so much more is on the table in 2014.

This Election Day, many of the things that we value as a nation are up for a vote either directly or indirectly. In short, who we elect will determine what direction we go as a country. And make no mistake about it: because there is so much on the line, we are witnessing renewed attacks on our right to vote. Fifty years after the Civil Rights Act was signed into law, there are modern schemes to try and take away your vote. Well we at National Action Network (NAN) will not sit by idly and watch as the fundamental rights so many fought and died for are being eliminated and neither should you.

Beginning April 30, NAN will start a recruiting drive urging people to volunteer a day, a week, three weeks, or however long they can to address voter suppression.

Folks can log onto our website, NationalActionNetwork.net, and sign up to volunteer to go to one of the following eight states: Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Virginia and Louisiana. Following training, they will work on a two-prong strategy to combat new voter suppression tactics.

First, they will join those who are challenging subliminal methods of eliminating voter rights like new ID laws and a reduction/ end to early voting days and

‘souls to the polls.’ The second part of this strategy is registering people to vote in areas where we cannot eliminate voter suppression schemes. Whether that’s driving seniors to get new IDs, or babysitting children so that their parents can take time to get copies of their birth certificate, or whether that means holding townhalls to educate communities, when you volunteer, you can help push back against modern-day suppression.

When I was growing up, my family and loved ones ensured that I learned of the Freedom Riders, civil rights activists and movements that worked tirelessly to make change a reality. It is an insult to their work and their sacrifice that the voting rights of so many citizens are once again under assault. Whether you consider yourself a liberal, a conservative, a libertarian or none of the above, it is imperative that you protect the American right to vote. Too many gave up their livelihoods, their comfort and in some cases, their lives so that we could practice the notion of one person, one vote. Allowing these new voter suppression tactics to continue is offensive to all those who struggled before us.

People sometimes forget that midterm elections are just as significant as presidential elections.

The U.S. Senate and Congress will make decisions on health care, a jobs policy, Supreme Court appointments if necessary, unemployment protections, programs for the disenfranchised, budgets and so much more. We must participate in this year’s election and help shape what country we want to be. There is simply too much at stake for us not to be in the trenches. If we do not participate and if we do not take concrete steps to empower others, then we cannot complain later.

The power is in our hands, and we must utilize it productively.

After NAN’s historic convention this year, we are initiating this freedom summer project.

American News&Issues

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

Just When Does a Story become News?

I

t took an incident at a family day event in a famed Acres Home Recreational Park to bring up the age old question again of just when does a story become news.

Reporting the news is a great responsibility and taking on that responsibility to report the who, what when, where, why and how of lives is not an easy task when looking at things people say and do and the events that affect the lives of people, communities, cities and organizations.

However, publishers and editors make these decisions carefully and weigh the news value of all the facts or stories available at the time each story happens.

Stories must pass muster and prove to have news value with readers before they become news.

The African-American News&Issues has been a viable source for community news affecting the African-American community for 19-plus years.

We are committed to reporting the news both on the #1 100% Black-owned African American online news website and in the newspaper in a timely fashion. It is news that reflects the people in the community. Our situations, our voices and the lives of people living in the community who look like us.

The greater the impact of the information upon the readers, or the more readers affected by the information, the greater the news value of that information.

One of the leading determinations used is deciding what is news in the timeliness of an event.

Readers want to know what happened today, yesterday, last night and how it affects them.

The African-American News&Issues reports news without fear or favor and that includes full and equal coverage for all. It does not matter if you are a preacher, politician, school official, actor, singer -public arena or public eye —you are newsworthy. You are not immune.

Contrary to popular belief you cannot pick up a telephone and call the news editor to pull a story out of the paper or manipulate the story to reflect the kind of news you want. It just doesn’t work that way and anyone who does that or thinks he has that kind power is a Fool.

News closer to home has more news value than that from far away. We pride ourselves in reporting news from the Black community using a true Black perspective. It is very important for our readers to know that their words, feelings and opinions matter to us. It is equally as important to us to allow our readers to share and tell their actual stories with their own voices, not what we thought they said or meant.

We care to take the time to listen and let them know by reporting the kinds of stories that reflect who they are and what they are thinking about and talking about.

We are aware that some readers become emotionally involved in stories about violence, children, political sensitivity, family and animals, and sometimes do take things personal.

- Roy Douglas Malonson

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

However, We MUST Understand that news cannot happen without affecting or touching someone emotionally.

Whether it is a story that results in humor, sympathy or anger, We MUST Understand that the public (our readers) have a right to know and it is our job to inform them as quickly and truthfully as possible.

Make no mistake. We are a news organization and we will report the news as it happens and share information about how it impacts people living in our community.

Rest assured, the Black community and the people have a voice with the AfricanAmerican News&Issues.

Any story will become news when an event happens that is relevant to the Black community.

It is raw news that will be reported and will not be given a controlled “spin” by some politician with selfish aspirations running for higher political office.

The African-American News&Issues does not apologize for how it reports news and brings it to readers.

We strive to tell the “Truth, the Whole Truth and nothing but the Truth, so help us GOD. But, If the “Truth, the Whole Truth and nothing but the Truth” hits you, then God help you...

e welcome all original responsLetter to the Publisher W es 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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VOTE from pg. 1

“The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.” ~President Lyndon Johnson HOUSTON- That powerful instrument that broke down the walls of injustice and discrimination is facing grave threats.

The question is do Black Americans care enough about their voice and voting rights enough to fight to be willing to fight to keep them?

The new problems and challenges at the polls threaten the heart of our democracy and the voices many in the community depend on to represent them on key issues like health care, housing, welfare, social security and public assistance.

In Texas, voting rights issues are drawing national attention and now have surfaced at the top of the agenda for Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network (NAN).

The state is one of eight total targeted in the fight against voter suppression and the effort to register voters ahead of the November 2014 mid-term elections.

The upcoming Freedom Summer Campaign is encouraging people to get involved in protecting and take back their voting rights everywhere that basic democratic right is being challenged.

“People from all over the country are encouraged to volunteer,” Sharpton said. “Following training, volunteers will work on a two-prong strategy to combat new voter suppression tactics, whether that’s driving seniors to get new IDs, or babysitting children so that their parents can take time to get copies of their birth certificate, or holding town halls to educate communities.”

Other states on the list Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia.

The goal of the campaign will to engage volunteers to support with voter registration and fighting voter suppression by providing critical support to voters.

At the recent 16th annual TX- 4

convention held by NAN, Rev. Sharpton shared his goals around this issue and President Barack Obama also discussed the need for protection of voting rights and encouraged everyone to participate in our election process.

According to Sharpton, now is the time to stand up and fight to eliminate inequality and those who have become the new enemies of democracy and freedom.

First, they will join those who are challenging subliminal methods of eliminating voter rights like new ID laws and a reduction/end to early voting days and ‘souls to the polls’.

The second part of this strategy is registering people to vote in areas where voter suppression cannot be eliminated.

HISTORY For years, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 has safeguarded the rights of Americans to vote and stood in the way of those wanting to enact discriminatory laws that prevents and denies millions from having their voice heard at the polls.

Before its passage, in 1940, less than 30,000 African-Americans registered to vote in Texas and only about 3% of African-Americans living in the south were registered to vote. Poll taxes, literacy tests and threats of violence were the main causes of racial discrimination at the polls.

After its passage, it prohibited restriction on registration, discrimination at the polls and limits on participation and with great results. Since that time, electoral participation has steadily increased and in 2012, more that 1.2 million African-Americans living in Texas were registered to vote.

Section 5 of the act also offered greater protection for localities with chronic records of discrimination secure federal approval before making changes to it voting process.

Section 5 protects minority voting rights where voter discrimination is at its worst.

In 2011, Texas passed the Voter ID law requiring every registered voter to present a valid government issue photo identification on the day of polling in orders to vote.

The latest challenge to Voting Rights that is serious enough to

C ver St ry

Texas • August 12-18, 2013 Texas • April 28 - May 4, 2014

undo 50 years of progress is the Supreme Court Decision to nullify Section 5 the case of Shelby County vs. Holder, which challenged the widespread enactment of law restricting voting rights in states and opening the door for restricting voter access to the polls.

It that case the court handed down a decision invalidating provisions in the law requiring U.S. District Court Christina Sanders speaks on the issues of youth voter disenfranchisement, Photo ID pre-approval or voting laws, election administration chisement as Dr. Salk’s vaccine is preclearance for states with problem and electoral reform challenges. still needed to prevent another polio voting areas and issues.

In Texas, numerous complaints epidemic,” Jackson-Lee said.

“The right to vote free from have been lodged about issues with PROTECTING VOTING discrimination is the capstone of voter registration, Voter ID, voting RIGHTS MAKES A full citizenship conferred by the discrimination, student voting and DIFFERENCE Civil War Amendments and the an increasing number involving inYour vote rights matters and Voting Rights Act of 1965 are not dividuals with disabilities, language going to the polls does make a difordinary pieces of legislation. It issues and communities of color. ference in representation and voice. is a sacred treasure earned by the Other factors that have been In 1964, there were approxisweat and toil and blood of ordinary a challenge to the new voting mately 300 African-Americans in Americans who showed the world landscape that is suppressing voting public office, including just 3 in that it was possible to accomplish rights are the curtailing or eliminaCongress. Also few if any were the extraordinary,” said 18th tion of early voting; shortened poll elected anywhere in the south.

District Congresswoman Sheila hours; the ending of same day regIn 2013, because of the Voting Jackson Lee. “We must be vigilant istration; not counting provisional Rights Act, there are more than and fight against efforts to abridge ballots case in the wrong precinct 9,100 black elected officials, includor suppress the voting rights of on election day; and the elimination ing 43 members of Congress, the Americans until voter discriminaof Sunday voting and teen-aged largest number ever. tion is truly a vestige of the past.” pre-registration.

That same act has opened up WHO IS IMPACTED Some have even been subjected political access for many of the Those who cherish the right to to voter intimidation of Blacks and 6,000 Hispanic and Latino public vote should be skeptical of Voter ID Hispanics at the polls by groups and officials elected and appointed and other attempts to discourage or organizations like “True the Vote’ nationwide, including 263 at state slow voter turnouts understanding and Houston-based “King Street and federal levels and 27 who serve how those past laws (poll taxes and Patriots”. in the Congress of the United States. literacy tests) effected the voting Jackson-Lee compared the need If you don’t stand up now if ability of Black senior citizens and for voting rights to the vaccine will change future elections. those with race and language chalinvented by Dr. Jonas Salk in 1953.

Failure to maintain that Voting lenges at the polls.

It eradicated the crippling effects, Rights progress means History is at According to information but did not eliminate the cause of risk of repeating itself. from the National Commission on polio, just as The Voting Rights Act Volunteers can register on the Voting Rights, those groups most succeeded in stymieing the practices NAN website, pick the state they likely impacted by government ID that resulted in the wholesale disenwould like to volunteer in and comlaws include about 25% Africanfranchisement of African-Americans mit to a day, a week, three weeks, Americans, 20% Asians, 19% and language minorities, but it or however long they can to address Hispanics, 18% young people ages did not eliminate it completely in voter suppression by May 15th at: 18 to 24 and 15% of persons with America. www.nationalactionnetwork.net. incomes less than $35,000.

“The Voting Rights Act is The commission has been hearneeded as much today to prevent aning and reviewing complaints across Cover Story : Darwin Campbell, other epidemic of voting disenfranthe country pertaining to restrictive African-American News&Issues

Texas • April 28 - May 4, 2014

HOUSTON- In an attempt to clean up Houston and restore faith and pride to a historically Black community, Houston District B Council member Jerry Davis and Houston Mayor Annise Parker led a team on clean up mission initiative in Kashmere Gardens.

"Some residents don't know what to do or who to call when they see stray dogs or illegal dumping in their neighborhood," said Davis said. "I would like to empower our residents by keeping them informed. An informed community is an empowered community, and an empowered community makes better neighborhoods, and better neighborhoods, make a better Houston!"

Dubbing it an educational sweep, the two were joined by the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods, Solid Waste Department, the Houston Police Department, BARC (animal control), and volunteer students from Kashmere, Wheatley and Barbara Jordan High Schools

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C mmunity

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

Community Day Sweep Success in Kashmere

seeking to inform citizens about animal leash laws, illegal dumping, and other frequent violations

ity for the District and a reason for the sweeps.

This coordinated sweep

and welfare of the neighborhood and more reports and incident involving vicious dog attacks on

District B Coucilman Jerry Davis (centered) speaks to Kashmere High students about the importance of keeping the community clean

that have a negative effect on the quality of life in communities throughout District B. District B residents contact Council Member Davis' office on a daily basis to report stray animals and illegal dumping.

Both of these issues are a prior-

goes hand in hand with Davis' efforts to tackle the issues of illegal dumping, weeded lots and dangerous stray dogs.

His efforts stems from the increasing populations of stray dogs running Houston streets, increasing concerns about health

citizens.

In July 2013, a young lady was attacked by 15 stray dogs while standing at the bus stop going to work.

This initiative is in response to that woman who was killed last summer by that pack of

YOU, THE LAW AND YOUR RIGHTS

he objective of this series of articles is to enable its reader to learn the basic laws, rights and rules of conduct one should know to avoid incarceration and reduce the chances of recidivism. Of course it is impossible to eliminate the occurrence of arrests for that is beyond one ultimate control; an officer can and may arrest you improperly if he/she chooses, and there is nothing one can do without the risk of injury or loss of life. The judicial system may provide vindication at some later date. Notwithstanding, to be Forewarned is to be Forearmed.

CRIMINAL LAW PART. 10 To know the basic functions of The Code of Criminal the Criminal Justice system, your Procedure requires that bail be rights and certain rules of conduct set sufficiently high to ensure the may greatly enhance one ‘s defendant’s appearance, but not chances of successfully negotiatso high as to be an instrument ing the system and remaining of oppression. In setting this free. amount, the official should conPRETRIAL RELEASE sider the nature of the offense and Determining Amount of Bail the circumstances under which The setting of a bail amount is it was committed The future left to the discretion of the official safety of the victim of the alleged responsible, who is to be guided offense and the community must by the Texas Constitution and also be considered in setting the the applicable rules of the Code bail amount. of Criminal Procedure [. It is not The defendant’s background proper for bail amounts to be set may also be considered in setting according to a pre-set schedule; bail. Thus, the official setting bail must be determined on a bail may consider any criminal case-by-case basis [ record the defendant may have.

Defense counsel should raise any favorable factors existing in the defendant’s background, such as (1) a good employment record in the community; (2) any family ties the defendant has to the community; (3) the length of time that the defendant has resided in the community; or (4) any favorable record the defendant has for fulfilling past bail commitments .

The defendant’s ability to make bail is another factor to be considered in setting the amount.

However, the type of bail that the defendant may be able to post should not be considered a factor.

Thus, the court may not set different bail amounts depending upon

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stray dogs along with a plethora of other systemic issues that plague this area.

Both seniors and juniors from her son's high school, as well as, neighboring high schools will be knocking on doors to inform the community on spay and neuter practices and other chronic violations that threaten the quality of life in the community.

During the same event, city departments swept and cleaned neighborhood clearing it of nuisances including weeded lots and illegal dump sites within a quarter of a mile radius around Kashmere Gardens Elementary School.

“It is important that we get out in the community and make sure residents know to spay or neuter their pets and report nuisances in their neighborhood,” Davis said. “We want to make the environment safe for the kids and senior citizens in that community.”

Story & Photo By: Darwin Campbell, African-American News&Issues

Judge Warren Fitzgerald The Right Side of Justice whether the defendant posts a cash bond or a surety bond.

Attorney Warren Fitzgerald Muhammad is a native of a Acres Homes Community. He is both an Attorney and Municipal Court Judge. His office is located at 6415 W. Montgomery, Houston Texas 7091. He may be contacted at 713-692-4688.

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Run Dates: November 18-24, 2013- May 12-18, 2014 6

Business

Read us online! w w w. a fr a m n e w s. c o m

“Turnaround Queen” Promotes Business Marketing Strategies at AHCBED Seminar

Toni Harris

HOUSTON-Business owners and entrepreneurs got a wealth of information to help boost business at a special seminar held at the Beulah Ann Shepard Building in Acres Homes.

Constant Contact guru and nationally known motivational speaker Toni Harris provided key information about using social media at the training hosted by the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic

the most

derserved, but it did ing process more diftimes created hardELECTRONIC applicant. Also, once Member AICPA ercentage had been ly qualified MICHAEL students LOVE, CPA Email: mlovecpa@yahoo.com cted based upon race www.michaellovecpa.net onally, students were 713-666-2900 Office past schools close to 713-666-2932 Fax o schools much far2626 South LoopW, #420 Houston,TX 77054

HAY FOR SALE

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and entrepreneurs must find DRIVING Heading Titl the best ways to commuDefensive Drivi nicate and promote their Jiggs & Tifton 85 businesses beyond word of Large Round Hay Bales mouth and one way of doing Gabrielle Hadnot- Instructor $79/Roll that is using social media Tuesday & Wednesday Evening 713-244-4067 vehicles already being used 6:00p.m.- 9:00p.m. by millions.

HELP WANTED Contact Inform Saturday Morning Some of those social Name: Gabrielle Hadnot 8 am- 2:00 p.m. vehicles Harris talked about Company: CheckPoint 15+ years of experience include: e-mail accounts, Phone: 832-297-9206 Walk-ins Welcome Facebook, Google+, Email: gmhadnot@aol.c Fee- $30 Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, for tearsheets: CarriersAddress needed!

832-297-9206 Linkedin and other social 3440 Ella Blvd.

3440 Ella Blvd. Houston, TX 77018 Call 713-692-1892 Houston, TX 77018 networks. for more information.

She also stressed the FLOWER SHOP power or using e-mails and Full Time how you can increase contact traction with the uses of Florist Needed Flower Shop mobile phone technology.

AD COST * Will Train 713-692-1100 According to Harris, * DL & Auto Insurance Req. Size: 1 col. xSt.2” 6130 Wheatley bringing business into the * Must have GPS and/or Price: 26 weeks = $780.00 Houston, TX 77091 21st Century is important to Keymap Knowledge (One time set-up fee) growth and survival because +$25.00 FUNERAL HOME Call 713-244-4067 Subtotal= $805.00 nearly 5 billion of the six For more info billion people on earth have Total Amount Due : Boyd Funeral Home Advertise with us! mobile phones and nearly $805.00 281-445-0971 50-percent of society has Call 713-692-1178 7411 Wheatley St. e-mail accounts.

Horse Quality

That’s when the opporDevelopment Inc. tunity came for her to learn “ It is important in how help others through business to do something motivational speaking and drastic,” she told the group.

“Sometimes it is taking those businesses through Constant Contact. drastic steps to move things Constant Contact is a forward.” special service developed for The perky confident small business and nonwoman, who lives in Acres Homes, shared her story that profits that helps increase the promotional power of included dealing and overcoming weight problems and a business using e-mail marketing, social campaigns, sifting through life changes event marketing and online that included a divorce and surveys. death of a spouse. She made “People must learn the it clear that she have been an power of social media overcomer and dubs herself, “The Turnaround Queen”. and how it can help their “I could not let things keep businesses grow,” she said.

“Using social media is the me down,” she said. “I was not one to lay down and stay best way to develop contacts and grow a business.” in the bed. I had a choice According to Harris, harand decided to get up and do nessing the power of social something drastic.” media means first getting That new attitude proHouston, TX 77088 business tooled and equipped pelled her into a new life of To continue reading us African-American News&Issues • Texas • February 10-16,visit 2010• 7 with the right information setting high goals for herself online @ www.aframnews.com before moving forward. and finding something she Johnson Funeral Home By: Darwin Campbell, She said business owners loved doing.

African-American News&Issues 713-747-9604

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Texas • April 28 - May 4, 2014

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“A Traditional Church n for our children. Dr. with theAldine Anointing” Photo: ISD 713-692-7161 Online at t…. Aldine [does]available not SUNDAY SERVICES 6112 Wheatley St available Sunday School ~ 9am District administrators looked elimination.Advertisment removed from under Other schools would www.aframnews.com Morning Worship ~ 10:45am Houston, 77091 be Smith, Stovall, Harris NOW! cut TX that ation plan. You need- desperately for areas to and Hill, Evening Worship ~ 7pm rder to beHOU-6 fair to our would have the least impact on all based on the same criteria.

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8 AM and 11 AM BIBLE STUDIES Wednesday 7:30PM Leonard N. Barksdale, Pastor Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church 4300 Noble Street, Houston TX 77020 Ph: 713/675-5111 • Fx: 713/675-1522

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Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church members will endeavor to provide a strong foundation of love; we will stand on Biblical Truths; and we will equip one another to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ713-697-1758 in our community and in our world.

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Texas • April 28 - May 4, 2014

29

April

Tuesday Our Mother of Mercy Parish Civil Rights Class 4000 Sumpter St Houston, TX 77020 From 7pm - 8pm For more info contact: (281)704-6655 Tuesday SMART’N UP Black Male Summit 6100 Main St Houston, TX 77005 From 10am-2pm For more info contact: www.eventbrite.com

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May

Thursday

Dr. James M. Douglas Former TSU Chancelor

2014 Conference 9100 Gulf Fwy Houston, TX 77017 From 9:30am - 4:30pm For more info contact: (832) 786-1907 Saturday Project Row Houses Texas Historical Marker Dedication 2310 Elgin St Houston, TX 77004 From 1pm-2pm For more info contact: projectrowhouses.org

3

3

Saturday Project Row Houses Dupree Park Concert & 3rd Ward Communit Mkt 2500 Francis St Houston, TX 77004 From From 2pm-5pm For more info contact: projectrowhouses.org

This should be your event!

3

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

Saturday Houston Museum African-American Culture Community Crawfish Boil 4807 Caroline St Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 12pm-3pm For more info contact: (713) 526-1015

Dedication Concert Music & Dancing 2310 Elgin St Houston, TX 77004 From 8pm-12am For more info contact: projectrowhouses.org

Saturday St. Monica Food Pantry Golf Tournament Jersey Meadows Golf Club 8502 Rio Grande Jersey Villiage TX 77040 Beginning at 8am For more info contact: (281) 804-4037

2 Friday 3 Project Row Houses

May 2 - May 3 3

Friday - Saturday Homegoing Services Ola Mae Kennedy Bibleway Baptist Church 1415 Cushing St Houston, TX 77019 Friday: Wake 6pm Saturday: Funeral 11am For more info contact: (713) 742-6995

Saturday Volunteers of America Texas Spring Fling 4808 Yale St. Houston, TX 77018 From 9:30am-12:30pm For more info contact: eeubanks@voatx.org

Support those whom support you!

Workers of America Judicial Candidate Forum 1730 Jefferson St Houston, TX 77002 From 11am - 2pm For more info contact: (713) 654-1115

When Momma Prays Stage Revival 1554 Gears Rd Houston, TX 77067 Beginning at 5pm For more info contact: (281) 537-3300

American News&Issues

Sunday First Baptist Church of Lincoln City FBC Praise Dancers 844 Fortune St Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 11:30am For more info contact: (832) 892-5078

www.aframnews.com

6

Tuesday Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children’s Hospital Evenings w/ Genetics 1500 Binz St Houston, TX 77004 From 6:30pm-8:15pm For more info visit: www.aframnews.com

6

Tuesday Congress of Houston Teachers Spring Banquet Celebrates HISD 2222 W Loop South Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 6:30pm For more info contact: www.CHT.org Thursday Houston Museum African-American Culture “Vanishing Pearls” 4807 Caroline St Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 7:30pm For more info contact: (713) 526-1015

8

May 8 - Jun 1 Thursday - Sunday Ensemble Theatre The Old Settler 3535 Main St Houston, TX 77002 *Various Showtimes* For more info contact: (713)520-0055

May 9 - May 10

Friday - Saturday Remington College Free Salon Services for HS Prom Students 11310 Greens Crossing #300 Houston, TX 77067 For more info contact: (281) 554-1790

Saturday, May 10, 17 & 24 Harris County Texas DPS Offices Election Identification Certificates From 10am-2pm For more info visit: www.votetexas.gov.

Baytown Office 5420 Decker Drive Baytown, TX 77520 281-424-3669

Spring Mega Center 4740 Spring Cypress, #100 Spring, TX 77379 281-517-1620

East Office 11039 East Frwy I-10, #B Houston, TX 77029 713-633-9872

Vantage Pkwy Office 15403 Vantage Pkwy E., Ste 300 Houston, TX 77032 281-449-2685

Dacoma Office 4545 Dacoma Houston, TX 77092 713-683-0541 Gessner Mega Center 12220 S. Gessner Houston, TX 77071 713-219-4100 Grant Road Office 10503 Grant Road Houston, TX 77070 281-890-5440 Townhurst Office 1601 Townhurst Houston, TX 77043 713-465-8462

Winkler Office 9206 Winkler Houston, TX 77017 713-943-0631 Humble Office 7710 Will Clayton Prkwy Humble, TX 77338 281-446-3391 Pasadena Office 2783 Red Bluff Rd #100 Pasadena, TX 77503 713-473-3232 Webster Office 111 Tristar Drive Webster, TX 77598 281-486-8242

*The 2014 primary runoff election in Texas is May 27, with early voting from May 19 - 23.

Email your Community Event to news@aframnews.com 4 weeks in advance!

7

Visit us online @ www.aframnews.com

The #1 100% Black-owned Top Ranking AfricanAmerican News Website Online

18

Sunday Dream@50 Dance the Dream Discovery Green 1500 McKinney St’Houston, TX 77010 Beginning at 1pm For more info contact: www.eventbrite.com Saturday Houston Museum African-American Culture “Otelo Burning” 4807 Caroline St Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 1:30pm For more info contact: (713) 526-1015

24

24 Saturday S.H.A.P.E

Pan African Cultural Festival 3814 Live Oak St Houston, TX 77004 From 11am-8pm For more info contact: www.shape.org Tuesday Our Mother of Mercy Parish Civil Rights Class 4000 Sumpter St Houston, TX 77020 From 7pm - 8pm For more info contact: (281)704-6655 Wednesday Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous The Council on Alcohol & Drugs 303 Jackson Hill St. Room B165 Houston, TX 77007 From 6:30pm - 8:30pm For more info contact: www.foodaddicts.org

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HOU-7

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African

American News&Issues

Tribute To A Great Public Servant Matthew 20:26 “Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”

In 1841, Houston elected its first City Marshal and formed the organization that we now call the Houston Police Department.

Its city Marshal was unaware at the time that less than a century later, on the February 23, 1935, a baby girl was born named Ruby Lee Johnson and she would be destined to wear the uniform of the Houston Police Department.

Born to Herbert and Willie Mae Johnson, she was raised in the Fourth Ward, or what is known as Freedman's Town.

Before she was born, the police department was undergoing changes that set the stage for her to later enter the department.

In 1873, during Reconstruction, R. Van Patton was appointed City Marshal. It was during his tenure that the force hired its first Black officers.

The officer complement at this time was 12, with an even number of Black and White officers.

The second-in-command Deputy Marshal was the first Black officer to hold that position among those hired.

During this year, the “Manual of the

Houston Police Force” was written and the salary was set at $60 a month where it would stay until 1915.

HPD history also reveals that In 1917, Houston experienced one of the darkest events in the history of the department. Members of an army infantry battalion on temporary duty in Houston marched on the city, killing five police officers. The soldiers, who were Black, had been chaffing under the segregation and inequality they experienced in the south under Jim Crow laws. The spark had been an untrue rumor that a police officer had killed one of the soldiers and the result was an explosion that reverberated from Houston to Washington D.C. However sad, this event may have eventually influenced positive changes in police and community relations.

Also, the first female officer was hired in 1918 and, thus, began another era for the department.

HPD hired Eva Jane Bacher as its first policewoman and in 1921 was assigned to the Public Moral and safety squad (Which later turned into theVice Division), making her the first female Detective.

Ruby attended Gregory Elementary and graduated from Booker T, Washington High School,

If you don’t know how to function in “heavenly places”, you are going to face challenges in your earthly places. Many believers are trying to “live heavenly” without living in the heavenly places.

In the heavenly places, God and Satan are at war to see who will establish the rules that govern earth.

The nature of Satan’s kingdom makes it imperative that you learn to think spiritually. Why? Because if you are not thinking spiritually, you won’t be in tune with what is happening in the heavenly realms. You won’t recognize Satan’s agenda when you see it, so you won’t be able to wage victorious spiritual warfare.

Living and battling in the heavenly places means identifying with a spiritual worldview and participating in a divine frame of reference. You

need to learn to put the spiritual ahead of the physical, because your real battle is against a kingdom that seeks to influence and dominate you spiritually. Satan knows that if he can get you hooked into his way of thinking spiritually, the physical will follow. He knows that if he can get to your mind, he can dictate the actions that follow. To wage victorious warfare in the heavenly places, you must set your mind on Christ and His truth.

Verse: “ … so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 3:10 Prayer: Lord, I know that my victory lies in the heavenly places.

That means I need to think spiritually – from Your worldview and not my own. Give me spiritual eyes to

Religion

Black Kollectibles & F lowers

Ruby Lee Allums 1935 - 2014

Class of 1953.

She accepted Jesus Christ at a very young age and married Rev. R.T,.

Bingham and moved to Oklahoma.

However, being a warm body, her stay was short in the cold climate, initiating her return to Houston.

Ruby worked briefly for Savage Laboratory as a lab technician and at Southwestern Bell as a switchboard operator before joining the Houston Police Department as the third Black female officer to join the force.

To continue reading Ruby Lee Allums’ Obituary visit us online @ www.aframnews.com

Be Aware of Satan’s Schemes

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Texas • April 28 - May 4, 2014

L cal & State

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9

How Long? Black America!!! How Long?

Black Historians Ponder Whether Court Decision Will Finally Set “Black America” Hearts Afire

“We are.... gathered here today to celebrate this year of bi-centenniality, in the hope of freedom and dignitaay, we’re celebrating 200 years of.....

White folks kicking ass. Now, White folks have had the essence of dis-understanding on their side for quite a whiiiile...

How in so evah, we offer this prayer. And the prayer is.....

How long will this bullshit go on? How Long?? How Long??

How long will this bullshit go on?...” - Richard Pryor ~Bicentennial Prayer 1976

HOUSTON-Like our ancestors before us, who sang while picking cotton on the hot sunny days on the plantation, we stand today singing,“We Shall Overcome”, but why?

As we sing, our current American “slave masters” continue to roll back historic court rulings and make laws that push us further and further away from the goals of a racism free, Democratic society and fairness, equality and equal opportunity.

The real question for Black Americans in Texas and across the United States is “How Long?” How Long will we allow this bulls*!t to go on?

The 6-2 decision of the U.S. Supreme Court is damning evidence that we have reached the brink of an era that could open the way for a new “Separate and Unequal” system of inequality in America.

“There is only one way to say it, this is a purely racist action by the U.S. Supreme Court,” said Howard Jefferson, President Emeritus, National Association for Advancement of Colored People, Houston Branch. “This dismantling of civil rights is disappointing and draws a line in the sand. We are ready to hit the streets because there is going to be a fight.”

Many civil rights leaders are calling the ruling that The Supreme Court upholds the state of Michigan’s ban of using race

(l-r) Backrow: Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen G. Breyer, Samuel Anthony Alito, Jr., & Elena Kagan (l-r) Frontrow: Clarence Thomas, Antonin Scalia, John G. Roberts, Jr., Anthony M. Kennedy & Ruth Bader Ginsburg

as a factor in affirmative action is a devastating blow to the civil rights community. It is a complete insult to Congressman and Civil Rights Pioneers John Lewis, Andrew Young, Julian Bond and other ancestors including murdered Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Civil Rights Attorney and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Abolitionist Frederick Douglass, murdered Black Activist Malcolm X, Civil Rights Freedom Fighter Fannie Lou Hamer, murdered Civil Rights Activist Medgar Evers and many others who took the beatings, sacrificed their lives and bear the scars that a racist America inflicted upon them.

“Fifty years later a look at the condition of Black people our condition is bearer of witness against the illusion of inclusion that integration was the answer to separate and unequal 50 years ago,” said Respected Houston Activist Quannel X. “The civil rights movement was born in the church. However, clearly, the masses of Black people are worse off today than years ago.”

As we sing “Kumbaya”, and “Rock-a-Bye Baby”, the curtain is being rolled back like prices at Wal-Mart. Rolled back to a time when Jim Crow racism and Separate but Equal were the order

of the day.

Jefferson said it is sad that in his lifetime, he has witnessed the hard work of civil rights leaders and now is facing the real possibility of seeing it unravel completely.

“America likes talking and telling other countries about democracy and human rights and look what we have here,” he said.

“A Supreme Court that makes rulings like that. America is marching backwards and Blacks and minorities should be angry about it.”

The motives of some Whites who support the Supreme Court's lopsided views appear to be to turn back the clock to the Old aristocratic plantation South mindset. That becomes more evident in the attacks on voting rights and now the latest Supreme Court ruling that castrates Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity.

The decision overturned a lower court and ruled that Michigan’s Proposal 2 is constitutional. Proposal 2 is a 2006 ballot initiative that led to a state constitutional ban on race-conscious college admissions policies in Michigan. It specifically barred students from lobbying universities to consider race as one of many factors in admissions.

In 2006, the ACLU, ACLU

of Michigan, NAACP, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and the law firm of Cravath, Swaine and Moore, LLP, filed a lawsuit on behalf of students, faculty and prospective applicants to the University of Michigan challenging Proposal 2.

In 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit found Proposal 2 unconstitutional for placing an unfair burden on those seeking to have race considered as one of many factors in university admissions.

“This was a travesty and is a move to kill affirmative action for good and a clear indication that the battle for equality and freedom fight is moving from the federal level and being put back into the hands of the state,” said Frank D. Jackson, Prairie View A&M University Black Historian and Government Relations Officer at the school. “If power is put back in the hand of the states, we better get on the ground, be on guard and start pushing back to maintain what we have.”

According to Jackson, after enduring 400-plus hard years of free labor slavery, education denials, voter intimidation , injustices and power losses after Reconstruction America, some Whites think today that affirmative action is no longer viable or needed.

Jackson disagrees. “In conjunc-

tion with slavery, there has been 149 years of legal discrimination and since 1964, only 50 years of Voting and Civil Rights legislation,” he said. “You cannot fix 400 years of forced dysfunctional conditions in 50 or 100 years. Black people cannot just wake up one morning and be totally cured of 400 years of family fragmentation, rape, sex abuse, lynching and other social, emotional and physical abuses.

The math just does not add up.”

Black America is suffering battle fatigue, Post Traumatic Stress, neurosis, self hate and is genocidal as a direct result of what WHITE AMERICA did to us.

“Affirmative Action and equal opportunity must be here until the healing of Black America is completely finished,” Jackson said.

“Affirmative Action is needed because it is the only way for us to balance the scales and receive fair and equal treatment.”

He also said shame on Justice Clarence Thomas, who is Black, and others like him who fail to understand history as Justice Sonia Sotomayer, who wrote a stinging dissenting opinion that reflects the court's poor views on the challenges of Blacks and people of color.

“Justice Thomas did not just appear on that court. Affirmative Action put him there,” Jackson said. “Thurgood Marshall and others fought hard for those rights and laws that opened the doors of opportunity for many.”

Jackson said the remnant of the Old southern aristocracy from days gone by are dancing in the streets over the ruling and White supremacists feel justified in attacking minority groups again.

“This is not a pretty picture and our work is cut out for us because we have little to no help now,” he said. “It is time for Black folks to wake up or die in the fire. The house is burning!”

Story by: Darwin Campbell, African-American News&Issues TX-9

10

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

2014 Principals of the Year

Deidra Lyons-Lewis, FBISD Secondary Principal of the Year

FORT BEND ISD - Fort Bend ISD is proud to announce the names of its 2014 Principals of the Year. Deidra LyonsLewis, principal at Hodges Bend Middle School (HBMS) is the Secondary Principal of the Year; and Eugene Dupont, principal at Colony Meadows Elementary School (CME) is the Elementary Principal of the Year. They were chosen by their peers based on their outstanding leadership, service and dedication to students, faculty and staff.

“I am honored to be named the FBISD Secondary Principal of the Year,” said Deidra LyonsLewis, “although, I am but a reflection of the talented people in the District. Throughout my years in FBISD, I have been taught, groomed and challenged by the best to always do what is best for our children and community. I am grateful for the guidance and support of the FBISD community.”

Lyons-Lewis, who comes from a family of educators, is a 19-year veteran in education and has led faculty and staff at HBMS for the past two years.

While in Fort Bend ISD, she has held the positions as associate TX-10

Eugene Dupont, FBISD’s Elementary Principal of the Year

principal, assistant principal, guidance counselor, Special Education teacher, Director of Staffing and Secondary Staffing Coordinator – all of which have prepared her for making executive decisions to ensure that students receive the positive educational experience that they deserve.

Dupont learned how rewarding a career in education could be from his mother, who was a teacher. He has worked in education for 35 years, devoting 27 of those to FBISD. He has served as a principal, assistant principal and teacher at five FBISD schools. He says his greatest success as a principal has been seeing the accomplishments that students make each and every day on campus. He feels blessed to be a part of the FBISD family and honored by his peers.

“To be named as Elementary Principal of the Year is a wonderful honor,” said Dupont.

“This distinction is even more important to me because it is a reflection of all Elementary Principals in our outstanding District. To be honored by your peers is a very humbling experience.”

Educati n/Y uth

Texas • April 28 - May 4, 2014

Trustee Elected to National Board

ALDINE ISD- Dr. Viola M. Pool Board from 2003 to 2009.

García has joined the National She currently serves as a memSchool Boards Association ber of the TASB Executive and (NSBA) board of directors. The Planning and Development organization’s Delegate Assembly committees. García also chairs the recently elected García to a TASB Nominations Committee.

Southern Region position. The Active in other groups, she assembly named García to the is a fellow of the American position during the NSBA Annual Leadership Forum-Houston Conference held in New Orleans Education Class 2. García particiApril 5-7. pated in the Reform Governance García is immediate past in Action (RGA) program. RGA president of the Texas Association is a comprehensive two-year trainof School Boards (TASB). She is ing program for school boards and the current vice-president of the superintendents.

Aldine ISD school board.

She is an active member of the A professor at the University National Association of Latino of Houston-Downtown, García Elected and Appointed Officials has served as an Aldine ISD (NALEO). García is also a memTrustee since 1992. She has held ber of the Mexican American every office on the board. García School Board Members has also chaired many commitAssociation (MASBA). She is a tees on the school board.

A couple of committees she has served on include Project 2000 and the Campus Planning Committee.

García is also a life member of the PTA and served as the education liaison for the Greater Inwood Super Neighborhood Council.

In 2004, TASB elected García to serve LSC-North Harris 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive t 281.618.5400 a one-year term on the organiLSC-Greenspoint Center zation’s Board 250 N. Sam Houston Parkway E. t 281.260.3500 of Directors.

She also served LSC-Victory Center 4141 Victory Drive t 281.810.5602 as a member of the Lone Star Investment

Viola García

past president of MASBA. NSBA is the leading advocate for public education. The association supports equity and excellence in public education through school board leadership.

NSBA represents state school boards associations. According to NSBA website, there are more than 90,000 local school board members throughout the U.S.

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Texas • April 28 - May 4, 2014

Texas HBCU Corner

African

American News&Issues

11

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

eMPA Study Abroad Program Students Visit Africa

eMPA STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM STUDENTS VISIT FRANCOPHONE & ANGLOPHONE AFRICA

Students in TSU’s Executive Master of Public Administration ( eMPA) program recently traveled to Ghana, Togo, and Benin as participants in the program’s ongoing study abroad initiative to promote global leadership among students.

Throughout the program, students heard lectures from scholars and active public servants on a range of international development topics including multinational trade and organizations, African unity in post-colonial Ghana, and transparency in state elections to name a few. A highlight of their many affairs included a site visit to the United States Embassy with Deputy Chief of Mission, C. Pat Alsup, Political Officer Stacey Woods, and acting Public Affairs Officer, Traci Mell to discuss U.S. foreign policy in Ghana and opportunities in the Foreign Service for students. Also, students visited Anane International Memorial School in Nima as part of the eMPA Alumni Association’s service-learning project to provide clothes, schools supplies, and financial support to children attending school and in need of these resources.

As a part of the inaugural group to travel to Togo and Benin,

students had a unique opportunity to view firsthand the level of diversity found across West Africa, mirroring the political, social and historical variance visible across the entire continent in both Anglophone and Francophone countries.

Following visits to Cape Coast and Elmina Castle in Ghana, and the “doors of no return,” students were able to visit one of the most aggressive slave ports involved in the Transatlantic Slave Trade in the region. Learning about the Portuguese colonizers prior to that of the French in Benin—seeing it in language, physical infrastructure and education were critical to the students’ grasp of the long-term impact of colonization in the region.

Following the Trail of Slaves, students traversed from the point of purchase in the city of Ouidah, Benin, all the way to “le Porte De Non-Retour,” now a UNESCO world heritage site, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

As a minority serving institution and program that reflects this demographic, providing tangible opportunities for students is how the eMPA program contributes to the nurturing of future global leaders.

People who are conscious of an

often-dark history, yet equipped with optimistic and strategic tools of the future are what our public sectors need globally. Recently, First Lady Michelle Obama made a plea while on a visit to China, imploring American students to study abroad.

These programs transform the lives of our students and they encourage them to serve their communities in ways they never imagined.

According to eMPA Program Director, Dr. Michael O. Adams, “The study abroad program shows our students that encounters faced by minorities in the U.S. are at times the same encounters faced by minorities in the developing world.

Our study abroad program breaks down barriers and repels some of the negative stereotypes that we have about each other in terms of people of African descent.”

Adams further explained, “… how important it is to take a co-hort of African-American students back to Africa to their ancestral homeland to examine some of the challenges that we confront in terms of comparative politics in public administration. It is always amazing because the students see firsthand the vast opportunities available abroad.

Miss PVAMU& SGA Leaders

The Miss PVAMU Royal Court for 20142015, from left, 1st runner up Alexandria Scott, Miss PVAMU Ashlee Sherman and 2nd runner up Davita Heavener.

In the Student Government Association, Sidney LeBeauf was elected to lead (l-r) 1st runner up Alexandria Scott, Miss PVAMU Ashlee the student body Sherman and 2nd runner up Davita Heavener for the upcoming After an eventful week, the next year.

LeBeauf is a junior civil engroup of student leaders for the 2014-2015 year is nearly complete. gineering major. Joining him at the helm will be vice president-elect Houston native Ashlee Elouise Ivan Butler, a senior marketing and Sherman was selected as Miss management information systems Prairie View A&M University 2014-2015 during the 45th annual scholarship pageant.

Sherman is a senior majoring in electrical engineering.

Sherman is the daughter of Eric and Christina Sherman. Upon graduation, she Sidney LeBeauf & Ivan Butler plans to earn her Master of major.

Business Administration degree SGA Officers 2014-2015Sidney and create at scholarship fund at LeBeauf has been elected SGA PVAMU. president and Ivan Butler will serve The 2014-2015 royal court as vice president. is rounded out by 1st runner-up The group of student leaders will Alexandria Scott and 2nd runnerbe completed with the addition of up Davita Heavener. The ladies the 2014-2015 Mr. Prairie View will serve as ambassadors for the A&M University. university.

2014-2015 Miss PVAMU Royal Photo: James Salone, student Court TX-11

African

12

American News&Issues

Texas • April 28 - May 4, 2014

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Tortilla Chips 10 oz.

• H-E-B Yellow Corn Tortillas, 20 ct. That’s up to $ • H-E-B 1.99 Corn Tortilla Chips free!

14 oz., assorted varieties buy • H-E-B Taco Bell Dinner Kit Cilantro Cotija or 8.85 or 12.77 oz. soft or crunchy Creamy Avocado Sauce, 3 oz.

That’s up to

2.88

$

free! buy

Dole Clamshell Salad 5 - 10 oz. assorted varieties

Prices Good Wednesday, April 30 Thru Tuesday, May 6, 2014 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.

Some items may not be available in all stores. Items not valid at Central Market. Due to the popularity of our Extra Low Prices Every Day, we reserve the right to limit quantities. Limit Rights Reserved. We Accept Lone Star Card, WIC And Manufacturers’ Coupons. ©2014 HEB, 14-1502 visit www.heb.com

HOU-12

GET

free! with in-store coupons

• Simply Hash Browns

4 ct.

• Taco Bell Hot Sauce, 7.5 - 8 oz.

FREE

15 in 6 items!

$

That’s up to

20 oz. assorted varieties

• Pillsbury Grands!

Biscuits 16.3 - 17.3 oz. assorted varieties

GET Llévatelo

free! ¡gratis! with in-store coupon H-E-B The Big Chip Cookie 10.6 oz.

Llévatelo GET

¡gratis! free! with in-store coupon

H-E-B Salsa, 16 oz.

assorted varieties

Llévatelo GET

¡gratis! free! with in-store coupon

Taco Bell Dessert Kit

5.54 or 5.82 oz. cinnamon nachos or chocolate taco

Llévatelo GET

¡gratis! free! with in-store coupon

Marzetti Salad Dressing 12 - 15 oz. assorted varieties

3.98

$

free!

Llévatelo

¡gratis!