African-American News&Issues

EDUCATION/YOUTH PAGE 8

MANHOOD, RACE & CULTURE PAGE 3

MARKET PLACE PAGE 6

Your Money & Your Vote ARE THE MOST

POWERFUL THINGS YOU HAVE;

The #1 100% Black-Owned Worldwide Digital News Source SEPTEMBER 14 - 20, 2015 | FREE

SUPERINTENDENT DR. TERRY GRIER OFFICIALLY RESIGNS FROM HISD

HOUSTON – You heard it first from African-American News&Issues that Dr. Terry Grier announced to the school board that he is handing in his resignation letter as Superintendent to the Houston Independent School District.

“I want to thank Mr. Roy Malonson and African-American News&Issues for supporting our work to bring equity into Houston schools. In the past six years, we have seen an increase in the AfricanAmerican student graduation rate, and record amounts of scholarship dollars offered to our African American students,” Dr. Grier said. “However, there is still much work to be done to address inequities that have harmed our students of color. HISD has a moral responsibility to invest more resources in our neighborhood schools that have lost many of their brightest students because of school choice. All children, regardless of their race or ZIP code, deserve great teachers and the same quality of resources that students in our most affluent neighborhoods have.”

According to Grier, it has been a hard struggle to level the playing field for all kids in order for them to be productive citizens in society.

The major announcement was being held at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center located at 4400 W. 18th Street, Houston, Texas 77092.

For more information visit www.

HoustonISD.org/HISDmedia or contant 713.556.6393

AFRAMNEWS.COM

VOL. 20 ISSUE 34

BE CAREFUL WHO YOU GIVE THEM TO. ~Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher~

McConnell & Jones

(l-r) Pastor Edwin Davis of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, Thomas Jones, Jr., Certified Public Accountant of McConnell & Jones LLP, Thomas Nathan “Nate” Jones & Andre Martinez

“A PASSIONATE ADVOCATE FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS & ENTREPRENEURS”

JONES SEE PG 4

African

2

Edit rial & Opini n

American News&Issues

MY POSITION ON THE IRAN AGREEMENT Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson TX 30th Dist.

After careful consideration I am in full support of the historical nuclear weapons agreement between the United States, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany and Iran. The agreement is in the best interests of our country, our major allies in the Middle East, and the global community.

The agreement, which will

face Congressional scrutiny, has won support from more than one hundred former American diplomats.

These experienced Republicans and Democrats describe the deal, negotiated by Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest J. Moniz, as a “landmark agreement.” It would be irresponsible to reject this diplomatic movement towards stability and peace.

“Once properly implemented, this comprehensive and rigorously negotiated agreement can be an effective instrument in arresting Iran’s nuclear program and prevent the spread of nuclear weapons in the volatile and vitally important region

DO YOU HAVE THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION? Property Value Matters

By Sands Stiefer Chief Appraiser of HCAD

Roy Douglas Malonson Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson

President/C.E.O.

Chandra Jarmon

Production/Editor

James Jones

Contributing Writer

Shelondra Peavy

Contributing Writer

Mark Spivey

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.

Today I want to discuss homestead exemptions. Filing for a homestead exemption is the single biggest step you can take to reduce your taxes. To qualify, you only have to own the home and live in it as your primary residence.

So let’s talk first about what an exemption is and what it does. An exemption excludes all or part of a property’s value from taxation. This can provide significant relief for some taxpayers by reducing taxable value and subsequent tax bills.

For example, if a home is valued at $115,000, the application of a $15,000 exemption means the home is taxed as if it were worth $100,000.

You’ll save on taxes every year you own and live in your home.

TEXAS • SEPTEMBER 14 - 20, 2015

of the Middle East,” the former diplomats wrote in a letter to the White House.

Twenty-nine top American scientists have also endorsed the deal, noting that it will “advance the cause of peace and security in the Middle East and can serve as a guidepost for future nonproliferation agreements.” The group of scientists includes six Noble Laureates. In a letter to President Barack Obama, these experts pointed out that Iran was only “a few weeks away” from having fuel for nuclear weapons.

The agreement would stop Iran’s nuclear program, the scientists wrote.

Under the agreement, Iran agrees that it will not develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. The deal also includes a permanent ban on Iran’s development of key nuclear

weapon components and is based on four clear objectives, blocking the highly enriched uranium route, allowing no path to plutonium, intensive monitoring, and incentives for compliance.

Without the agreement there will be no restraints on Iran’s nuclear program. There would more than likely be an arms race to acquire and develop nuclear weapons by various nations in the Middle East. Such a climate would not be in the best interest of our country, and certainly not in the best interests of the global community.

Currently eighty members of the House of Representatives and thirtyfour members of the Senate have voiced their support for the deal.

Lawmakers have nearly 60 days to review the agreement. If Congress

votes to kill the deal, President Obama will use his veto power.

A two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is required to override a Presidential veto. It is my firm belief that if this deal is not implemented the world risks devastating military conflict. I urge my Congressional colleagues to support the agreement.

I will continue the fight to secure funding for STEM-related programs, just as I have done in the past.

I will continue to support legislation and policies that close the gender-based pay gap, support families and offer better training programs. I will continue my efforts to secure a “livable wage” for all American workers and honor the dignity and sacrifices of American workers.

There are several levels of homestead exemptions, and the tax savings vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. A general homestead exemption applies to any owneroccupied home. If you are 65 or older or disabled, a greater homestead exemption will be available from many entities. If you are a 100 percent disabled veteran, a still greater exemption will apply.

However, exemptions are not automatic. You have to apply to HCAD for the exemption. The homestead exemption form is found on the HCAD website at www. hcad.org under FORMS and then RESIDENTIAL EXEMPTION. It is form number 11-13. You can also call HCAD’s information center at 713.957.7800, and we’ll send the form to you.

In order to confirm the property is your primary residence, you will

need to provide a copy of your Texas driver’s license or your official state identification card. The address listed on your identification must match the property address for which you are claiming the exemption.

To qualify for a residence homestead exemption, you must live in the home and it must be your primary residence. For the general homestead exemption, you must occupy the home on January 1 of the year. For 65 or older and disabled person’s exemptions, the exemption takes effect for the entire year as of the date you qualify. Once the exemption is granted, you generally do not need to reapply unless you move to another address. We will send you a postcard in late December or early January of each year to confirm that you still own and live in the house. There is a lot more information available on the HCAD

website under RESOURCES > EXEMPTIONS. By state law, all Texas school districts are required to offer a homestead exemption of at least $15,000, but that soon could increase. Texas voters are going to be asked to make an important decision in November that will have a significant impact on their property taxes. SJR 1, if approved by the voters in November, will increase the school general homestead exemption to $25,000.

Sands Stiefer is the Chief Appraiser of the Harris County Business Card for Paper 14_Layout 1 12/11/14 Appraisal District

$50 H-E-B Gift Card Weekly Give Away!

SIGN UP FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN NEWS&ISSUES ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER TODAY FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!!!

DON’T MISS OUT ON YOUR CHANCE

TO WIN DRAWING TO BE HELD EVERY

MONDAY

VISIT: www.aframnews.com & SIGN UP TODAY for African-American News&Issues

WINNERS MUST ATTEND A FREE LUNCHEON TO REDEEM GIFT CARD AND HAVE PHOTO TAKEN FOR NEWSPAPER

979-921-9908 28820 FM 1736 Road Hempstead, TX 77445 Waller County

Breeder of Trophy Whitetail Deer, High End Beef-Type Registered Brahmans and Herefords Cattle.

Trophy Hunting Whitetails, Axis and Blackbuck Nature Tours and Photography

www.rsdeerranch.com malonson@rsdeerranch.com

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

TEXAS • SEPTEMBER 14 - 20, 2015

Edit rial & Opini n

IT’S NOT TRUMP, IT’S STILL OBAMA Earl Ofari Hutchinson Author & Political Analyst

Front running GOP Presidential contender Donald Trump doesn’t utter the words, “Show me your birth certificate,” in the same breath with President Obama anymore. But then again, he doesn’t have to. He mined that fraudulent birther movement hard and deep enough a few years back to get his mug, name and point about Obama supposedly being un-American in front of millions of GOP voters. This launched the Trump traveling media and public titillation and entertainment show that currently masquerades as serious politics.

But none of Trump’s brash, loud mouth, neo-nothing, borderline racist jibes would have worked if it weren’t for Obama. The proof of this reared its ugly head again with the recent poll by Public Policy Polling.

It found that a plurality of GOP voters still say Obama is not an American citizen. And since in their eyes and twisted logic he’s not an American citizen, it follows he must be a Muslim. In this case, the number of Republicans who say that is not a plurality, but a solid majority.

Trump didn’t feed that notion. GOP presidential candidate Scott Walker did when he publicly mused that he wasn’t sure whether Obama was a Christian or not. None of the others in the pack of GOP contenders said anything of the sort, at least publicly.

But not one of them publicly rebuked Walker for saying it. The birther movement and the accompanying “Obama-is-a-Muslim” belief never could or would die among the wide body of GOP voters as long as Obama sat in the White House. From the start, there was a canny, calculated and politically cynical motive behind birtherism, the religion question, and Obama’s supposed foreign loyalties.

It started the instant that he

declared his presidential candidacy in February 2007. Take your pick: He was too black. He was not patriotic enough. He was too liberal, too effete, too untested. He was a Muslim, terrorist fellow traveler, and a closet black radical. The shock of an Obama in the White House was simply too much for many to bear. Obama defied the stereotypical textbook look and definition of what an American president was supposed to be like -namely, a wooden image middle-aged or older white male. That was just the tip of the iceberg. The real value of the silly Obama-fed phony controversies was that it was a convenient and serviceable way to ridicule, undermine, and ultimately attempt to derail Obama’s policy initiatives on health care, the economy, and a reasoned foreign policy approach.

Fast forward to the 2016 presidential race. Stalking horse Trump and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson have no defined program on education, health care, the economy and foreign policy. Yet they ride high at the top of the GOP polls. They’re at the top by tossing out pithy, outrageous, and bombastic sounding quips on any and everything that comes to mind with full knowledge they will grab headlines and draw even more rapturous applause from the antiObama loathers. But even better, their digs inflame, rev up, and stir, millions of angry, frustrated, and alienated GOP voters. The hope is that if they stay angry enough, their anger will translate into a surge to the polls in November 2016. This is something that the GOP has not had in the past two presidential elections.

The rap against both John McCain in 2008 and Mitt Romney in 2012 was that both were much too traditional, establishment and even moderate. They did nothing to inspire and mobilize ultra-conservatives, Christian evangelists, and Tea Party acolytes who make up a large and influential number of the GOP’s foot soldiers.

Continue Reading Online Source: Huffingtonpost.com

African

American News&Issues

3

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

ANTI-POLICE VIEWS WITHIN THE BLACK COMMUNITY ARE AS AMERICAN AS APPLE PIE

Unlike many of the young men and women who currently control Hip-Hop Culture and Rap Music, I remember the moment that N.W.A. dropped “F$%k the Police”; a tune that should be considered my generations most definitive expression regarding police brutality and racial profiling. Although I would love to assert that 1988 was a different time for African-Americans males, the truth of the matter is that so many of the social realities facing my generation such as ‘The War on Drugs’ never receded from their major priority status.

In fact, it was this very context that birthed the now much-ballyhooed anti-police slogan of “F$^k the Police” that even American Presidential candidates seeking the Republican Party nomination have opportunistically used ample parts of their busy political lives to remind their largely white supporters that they have not forgotten that it is the African-American male, in a racially diversifying nation, who still has the largest target upon his back. One would be hard-pressed to answer the question of ‘what would America be if it were not persecuting, and prosecuting, droves of African-American males on a moment-by-moment basis?’ Put simply, it appears to observant free-thinking individuals that it is the vilification and denigration of the African-American male, not baseball, which serves as this democratic nation’s favorite pastime.

So I was not surprised when in the wake of Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth’s recent murder that a reactionary horde immediately began a witch-hunt to lay blame at the foot of those they determined were the catalyst behind a senseless murder. A shocked community naturally desired answers that ran the gamut of who/what/why/when.

A man wiser than Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman would have tempered his comments and stated the truth to a grieving community; ‘We simply do not know why this occurred.’ Such an utterance would have sufficed. What Sheriff Hickman actually stated was “we have not been able to extract any details regarding a motive at this point.” This relatively brief quip was not only appropriate, but also displayed an all too unusual transparent truth that this nation’s citizenry has begged and pleaded for. My major problem with Sheriff Hickman flows from the reality that he did not stop after sharing his slice of truth, rather, he continued and quickly fell into the same trap that so many before him succumb to while attempting to navigate the explosive racial minefield that has led to the deaths of untold political careers. And he was not alone at this moment; Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson hurried to accompany Sheriff Hickman into what most would warn is an unwise decision to discuss racial matters in America.

I watched as an exacerbated Hickman related that the shooting was “clearly unprovoked…Our assumption is that he (Goforth) was a target because he wore a uniform.”

However that particular statement was not only to be expected from the Harris County Sheriff, but also served as a cover for what was potentially an imperceptible shift from the facts of the case to his own opinion regarding the current state of community/police relations; particularly as they could be applied to the African-American community and the social activism emanating from that locale.

It was Sheriff Hickman who was the first to attempt to enter into this contemptuous foray by addressing

Manhood, Race & Culture

By Dr. James Thomas Jones III Ph.D., M.A., M.A., M.A.

the Black Lives Matter Movement by admonishing “We’ve heard Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter! Well, cops’ lives matter, too.” Almost as if on cue, District Attorney Anderson approached the podium and made an undeniable overture toward the white community to come forth and make a definitive unmistakable statement in regards to this killing.

Anderson related that “It is time for the silent majority in this country to support law enforcement. There are a few bad apples in every profession. That does not mean that there should be open warfare declared on law enforcement officers…It is time to come forward and condemn this atrocious act.”

Although this may be difficult for public officials such as Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson and Sheriff Ron Hickman to comprehend this reality as they diligently work to accentuate the racial dynamics occurring anytime that officers interact with the African-American community, the vast majority of Black citizens did not celebrate at Deputy Goforth’s demise. Instead of celebration, they experienced a foreboding quiet that is in every way ‘the quiet before the storm.’

You would be hard-pressed to find a single African-American who does not understand the reality that many of the ‘boys in blue’ operate as little other than a street gang that emphasizes solidarity over even morality and legal behavior. It is this daily reality of questionable officer conduct that produces the uncertainty, worry, and concern among African-Americans regardless of their age.

Continue Reading Online Online @ Aframnews.com

Visit us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX-3

4

African

American News&Issues

Jones From Pg. 1

Thomas Jones Jr., CPA

HOUSTON - Just as it’s mentioned on the website for McConnell & Jones CPA’s (http://www.mcconnelljones.com/), Thomas Jones is a passionate advocate for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to take their business to the next level. At McConnell and Jones, he serves as partner of tax and small business solutions; as such he thrives on working with small business owners and risk-taking entrepreneurs.

He enjoys learning the various facets of their business and providing com-

prehensive tax planning strategies. A seasoned, well-connected professional, Thomas is proud of how he has been able to use his influence and connections to help companies grow and acquire financing. “I like to build things”, says Thomas.

Thomas assists his entrepreneurial clients by making introductions on their behalf, almost always resulting in increased business. He utilizes his banking savvy to pave the way for alternative financing. Thomas’ warm and personable disposition is complimented by his sense of loyalty as well as his genuine pleasure when his advice results in good fortune for one of his clients. Thomas’ ideal client is one that can benefit from his extensive and broad base of knowledge about finance, tax planning, and retirement and estate planning services. Additionally, he oversees the firm’s marketing and business development efforts.

Over the years, Thomas has served in both the private and public sector in the roles of tax manager for a small CPA firm, treasurer of a large private company, and as vice president of a prestigious Texas bank.

Throughout his professional career, Thomas has actively served the

C ver St ry

Houston community through his involvement in numerous civic organizations, most recently, being appointed to the City of Houston Term Limits Review Commission. He is a member the Transition Team for the newly elected City of Houston Controller, Ronald Green. He also serves on Board of Florida A&M University Foundation and the Spirit of Texas Bank, where he is a founding board member. Previous boards served include Royal Oaks Bank (founding member), American Red Cross, Trees for Houston, The United Negro College Fund, and Acres Homes Citizens Chamber of Commerce (founding member). He also served as a former Board President and of Dominion Community Development Corporation, a church sponsored CDC that has built over 250 single family and multi-family housing units for low and moderate-income families in northwest Houston. Thomas is the immediate past Chairman of the Board of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and was instrumental in the improvement of the economy of Greater Houston by attracting conventions, tourists and international government officials to the area through sales and marketing

efforts.

Aside from being a force to be reckoned with in the world of accounting, business, and finance, Mister Jones also appears to be successful within the more personal aspects of his life. Accordingly, Mr. Jones is a positive role model for his entire family including his eldest offspring, Thomas Nathan “Nate” Jones (32 Yrs. of age), his youngest child, Jessica Jones (29), and also his wife K’Netha Jones (married since 1977).

As the old saying goes “the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree”.

Holding true to that statement, Thomas Jones Jr.’s son, Nate is also his employee and says that working at McConnell & Jones as a Marketing Advisor is personally liberating and rewarding. When asked about his opinion of his dad as a business man, Nate answered by saying, “My dad is a thorough, hard-working visionary and a go-getter.” And when Nate was asked for his opinion about his dad as a family man, he replied, “My dad is tough, but loving. He’s also loyal and helpful.”

In today’s society, when a man’s influence is recognized in a positive light beyond the walls of his home and business, and when his good

TexasTexas • September 1412-18, - 20, 2015 • August 2013

nature spills over into other areas of the community as he intentionally erases racial lines, and when that same man defies discrimination while he harmoniously blends creeds and cultures in the workplace, he is most certainly a legendary being.

Nate Jones recently told a reporter, “My position with McConnell & Jones has allowed me to lend a hand in expanding our social media presence and also in working towards acquiring contracts with fortune 500 and international companies. And in return, McConnell & Jones has motivated and inspired me, mostly because of its diversity. For me, I feel a sense of obligation to carry on such a wonderful legacy.”

“A wonderful legacy”.

These are the words used to describe what’s going on at McConnell & Jones. Therefore, aside from its many professional accolades, this honorable description is one that will definitely give Mr. Thomas Jones Jr. and his group of experts something to perpetually live up to.

In closing: Hats off to Thomas Jones Jr.; the architect and pioneer of a wonderful legacy.

Submitted By Acres Home Chamber for Business & Economic Development, Inc

AHCBED Monthly Business Networking Luncheon

The Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development, Inc. recently held its Monthly Networking Luncheon at 6112 Wheatley St. 77091.

Michael McCullough was accompanied by his students, a fine group of young jazz musicians of George Washington Carver High School, Aldine Independent School District, offering a flawless jazz set.

Once Chairman, Roy Douglas Malonson led a raffle drawing and presented gifts to several winners, and after the microphone had been passed around the room for several individuals to introduce themselves, everyone was served lunch, prepared by Hartz Chicken located at 1215 Pinemont Dr. Hou, TX 77018.

After lunch was served and the crowd was comfortable, they listened to the remarkable attributes and components of the McConnell & Jones LLP accounting firm, as the story was told to them by the speaker

of the day, Mr. Thomas Jones Jr. (Partner and Certified Public Accountant).

Through oration and a powerpoint presentation, Jones gave effective examples of how his firm has successfully reached heights that are not typical for average accounting firms. Additionally, he spoke of how diversity and affirmative action have each played a significant part in not only his firm’s success, but generally in the area of success for others as well.

Afterwards, Mr. Thomas Jones Jr. was recognized for his personal contributions towards the overall success of MConnell & Jones LLP and was presented with a beautiful bronze sculpture of President Barack Obama.

For more information on upcoming events or for details on how to become a Chamber member contact Anthony Stewart at (713) 692-7161.

McConnell & Jones Crew smiling and enjoying the luncheon as Nate Jones introduces his father to the crowd. (Left to Right - Andre Martinez, Marvalette Hunter, Thomas Jones Jr., Francis Cook, Angela Johnson, & Gweth Brooks)

See More Photos on Page 5

Visit us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX- 4

Texas • sepTember 14 - 20, 2015

Photo Credit: Shelondra Peavy

Bus ness

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

loneStAr college repreSentAtive, SHeldon moSS interActS witH An eAger pAir of entrepreneurS (ownerS of SpiritS vAlet).

5

renowned cpA, roderick dow introduceS HimSelf to otHer luncHeon AttendeeS

AnderSon AcAdemy’S principAl kimberly mArtin (rigHt) & ASSiStAnt principAl wAndA roberSon (left) Smile And compAre tHeir rAffle giftS

AmAndA edwArdS: HouSton city council cAndidAte for At-lArge poSition 4 (term-limited c.o. “brAd” brAdford’S SeAt).

new AHcbed memberS (left to rigHt: kelvin beAtty, JAmeS winSton, conStAnce JoneS, JoHnny tAteS)

H Artz (1215 p inemont )

employeeS ArrAnge tHeir cAtering tAble And prepAre to Serve tHe luncHeon gueStS

micHAel mccullougH And tHe cArver JAzz bAnd entertAinS tHe crowd.

Visit us online @www.aframnews.com The #1 100% Black-owned Worldwide Digital News Source TX- 5

EDITION DATE: Septemb EDITION DATE: Septem

n-American News&Issues • Texas • February 10-16, 2010• 7

6

Marketplace

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

ACCOUNTANTS

BAPTIST CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE

ELECTRONIC

8 AM and 11 AM BIBLE STUDIES

Member AICPA

MICHAEL LOVE, CPA

Email: mlovecpa@yahoo.com www.michaellovecpa.net 713-666-2900 Office 713-666-2932 Fax 2626 South LoopW, #420 Houston,TX 77054

ALUMNI

B.T. Washington Houston ISD Alumni

281-723-1656

G.W. Carver School Alumni of Aldine ISD

713-806-9889

BEAUTY SHOP

er school enrichment programs are ofNATURAL 0-5:45 daily. Reese will be KREATIONS unaffected by

Melanie Malonson

Photo: Aldine ISD 281-898-4716 11718 SOUTH WILCREST elimination. Other schools would HOUSTON, TX 77099 be Smith, Stovall, Harris and Hill, Ad ve r tis e o nStuline all based on the same criteria. dents of magnet a f r aprograms m n e wthat s . chad om Fo r would m o r e i return n fo c a lto l been eliminated their home campus and given first CHAMBER priority forBLACK available slots in other magnet programs, with the exception of 4th grade students, who will be given the option of continuing at Houston Academy. Staff will be placed into 713-692-7161 vacant positions on other campuses.

6112 WHEATLEY ST The order would haveTX given HOUSTON, 77091the magnet program a protected status CHEMICAL and funds from the government would have been provided for their operation. Also, several events and items were reduced eliminatCitywideor Chemical ed, such asJanitorial the magnet and & festival Commercial technology fair. proposed cuts PestThe Control Company 3521 Jensen St. were approved by district trustHouston, TX 77026 713/227-4808 or 4809 ees at the January 25 school board Janitorial Supplies meeting before a packed house of Sales-Service-Supplies incensed parents and student.

But Wholesale-Retail We repair Bamberg warns the cuts maybuffers, still vacuum, shampooers not be enough to meet and allthe otherneeds machines.

Charles of the nation’s 12th largest district.

SAME DAY FREE DELIVERY Dawson US METRO Administrators say they still need Dawson Chemical Chemical & Janitorial Supply Company & Janitorial Supply Company the budget. $18 million to balance 6010 Irvington -Hou.,TX 77009 4308 Kelley St. • Hou., TX 77026 “The only713/633-9019 way we’re 713/697-7137 going to get additional revenue at this point CHURCH is to look to the community,” said Bamberg, alluding to the need for Cliffdale increased property Baptisttax revenue, which could be as much as 13 cents Church per $100 value of property.

(281) 447-8850 Ed.- Last week’s story, provided ENTERPRISE ST Pastor inaccurate854demographics for AISD. HOUSTON, TX 77088 Fred Sanders The correct numbers are 68.2 percent Hispanic, HOU-627 percent AfricanAmerican, 2.2 percent White.

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

Website: www.fwmbc.org

Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church 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 Christ in our community and in our (713) 697-1758 world.

6616 D.S. BAILEY LN

Galilee M.B.C

Rev. Edwin A. Davisr, Pastor

FUNERAL HOME

Johnson Funeral Home 713-747-9604

5730 CALHOUN RD. HOUSTON, TX 77021

O.W.Wiley Support those whom support you!

HORSE QUALITY

House of Prayer Wednesday M.B.C.

MINISTER: Mid-Week Bible Class (281) 773-2750 Theaster Maloy, Sr. 7:00 p.m.

3521 DESOTO ST

Rev. Lloyd

OFFICE: 713/674-5131 Giles, Pastor HOUSTON, TX 77091 140 Fidelity Rd. Houston Tx 77029

FLOWERS & GIFTS

FIFTH WARD CHURCH OF CHRIST

Shirley Ann’s

SUNDAY 8:00 a.m. Worship Black Kollectibles 10:00 a.m. Bible Class Flowers 11:15 a.m.&Worship p.m. Worship F6:00 LOWER SHOP 713-692-1100 MONDAY GIFT SHOP 713-692-1195 10:00 a.m.

6130 WHEATLEY GaryST Smith Ladies Bible Class Minister HOUSTON, TX 77091

WEDNESDAY 7:30 p.m. Bible Class for all

FUNERAL HOME Website

www.fthwardcoc.org Boyd Funeral “GIVING, GROWING, & GAINING” Home 4308 Stonewall St. Hou. Tx 77020

713-672-2654 281-445-0971

In addition their other activities, 7411 to WHEATLEY ST. the Fifth Ward COC also holds a Bible HOUSTON, TX on 77088 Class for non-members Thursday nights at 7:30 PM. For more information on the various special events or activities you really should visit their website, it is very well done, informative and worth a visit even if you have another church home.

Carl Barnes Funeral Home, Inc

746 West 22nd Street CHURCH OF GOD Houston, Texas 77008 IN CHRIST 713-869-4529

DUNCAN MEMORIAL “Committed to the Future”

CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST Sr. Pastor Elder Greg Edwards (713) 674-5466

Earn up to $200/week

1290 PINEMONT DRIVE HOUSTON, TX 77018

FIDELITY CHURCH OF Light CHRIST Guiding “The Church That Cares” Inspirational

Morning Worship6719 COHN ST Rev. Joseph 10:45 a.m.

HOUSTON, TX 77091 Baker, Pasor Evening Bible Class 5:00 p.m.

Evening Worship 6:00 p.m.

Chorus Group Rehearsal 7:30 p.m.

Call 713-692-1892 for more information

713-681-7475

HAY FOR SALE

Baptist Church Sunday Morning Bible Class 9:30 a.m. (713) 699-4448

Carriers needed!

Mortuary

CHURCH OF CHRIST

HOUSTON, TX 77091

HELP WANTED

LARGE ROUND HAY BALES Call 979-921-9908 (8am-4pm)

HELP WANTED

COMMUNITY WRITERS

Searching for for community news chasers.

Follow what goes on in your community and report on it Call 713-692-1892 For more information

Greenspoint Carverdale Inwood Acres Home Hidden Valley Alief Homestead Trinity Garden Sunnyside Fifth Ward Sharpstown Braeswood Place Fondren Westbury Kashmere Clinton Park Fourth Ward Third Ward South Park South Acres Crestmont Park Northshore Independence Heights Fort Bend

Now Hiring

Production Asst Trainee w/ Basic Office Skills

$10/hr

Visit aframnews.com to view job description and apply online or Stop by 6130 Wheatley Street to pick up an application

Let Your Business Ad Be Seen Here HELP WANTED

Shirley Ann’s

TEXAS • SEPTEMBER 14 - 20, 2015

HUNTING

RS DEER & CATTLE RANCH Whitetail, Axis, & Blackbuck Deer Hunt All Year Round

www.rsdeerranch.com

979-921-9908

This should be your ad! Feature Your Business Here!

JANITORIAL

Kingdom Floors & Janitorial Service

Residential & Commercial

832-602-5296 lspain73@yahoo.com

SHOE REPAIR MIGHTY FINE SHOE REPAIR Men & Ladies - Boots & Shoes Shined, Waxed, Glazed, Dyed & Repaired

281-448-9255 mfshoes@aol.com

P.O. Number Major Credit Cards ACCEPTED 1400 South Victory Houston, TX 77088

$10/hr

PART TIME Must have valid Drivers License Computer & Excellent People Skills Experience is a Plus

Call 713-692-1100 Adver tise online aframnews.com For mo r e in fo ca ll 7 1 3 -69 2 -11 7 8

Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) Student Learning Predictive Analytics Project No. 16-01 Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/district/departments/procurement.

Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11A06, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Thursday, October 8, 2015.

Great News!

African-American News&Issues now offers E-Blast to over 20,000 business professionals and community subcribers for a very Please sign forlow approval price. by Let12 us NOON promote Wednesd your next event!

For more information contact (713) 692-1892 or visit www.aframnews.com Adver tise online aframnews.com

ALDINE ISD POSSIBLE IDENTITY THEFT

Signature

Black Kollectibles & Flowers

NOW HIRING

PUBLIC NOTICE

HOUSTON - An individual bought an file organizer at a garage sale in Humble. When she opened it, she discovered there were a number of student files in it. The files are 10 years old and belonged to students at MacArthur Ninth Grade School and MacArthur High School. We asked

the reporter if the woman remembered where the garage sale was located, but she did not provide that information to us.

Aldine ISD requested that the files be returned and they were on Sept.

10. Aldine ISD is in the process of contacting the individuals whose names were contained in the files to inform them of what transpired. Again, the files are 10 years old and the only contact info we have would be what is in those files. The files have been secured by Aldine ISD’s legal department.

What’s Happenin’ 18 Friday 20 Sunday Indigo at Midtown First Baptist of

African

TEXAS • SEPTEMBER 14 - 20, 2015

15

SEPT

Tuesday Bayou Blues n Jazz Cafe Ladies Night 2541 MacGregor Way Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 7pm For more info contact: 713-750-9337

Thursday 17 AABE Houston

New Member Orientation & Reception 4212 Almeda Rd Houston, TX 77004 From 5pm - 7:30pm For more info contact: www.aabe.org

Houston’s Music Mecca 2117 Chenevert St Houston, TX 77003 For more info contact: (713) 256-2793 www.indigoclubs.com

Read us online aframnews.com

19

Saturday Acres Home Chamber for Bus. & Eco. Dev, Inc. Digital Computer Class 6112 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 From 11am -12:30pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161

American News&Issues

7

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

Sept 26 - 27

Saturday - Sunday The New Mt. Calvary B.C. Campus Community Festival 4711 Kelley St Houston, TX 77026 Beginning at 10am For more info contact: (713) 635-1955

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND CROSS CREEK PICTURES PRESENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH WALDEN MEDIA A WORKING TITLE PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH RVK STUDIOS AND FREE STATE PICTURES A BALTASAR KORMÁKUR FILM “EVEREST” JASON CLARKE JOSH BROLIN JOHN HAWKES ROBIN WRIGHT MICHAEL KELLY SAM WORTHINGTON KEIRA KNIGHTLEY EMILY WATSON AND JAKE GYLLENHAAL CASTINGBY FIONA WEIR MUSICBY DARIO MARIANELLI COSTUME DESIGNER PRODUCED BY

EXECUTIVE HAIR AND GUY SPERANZA MAKE-UP DESIGNER JAN SEWELL PRODUCERS ANGELA MORRISON LIZA CHASIN EVAN HAYES RANDALLSCREENPLAYEMMETT PETER MALLOUK MARK MALLOUK TIM BEVANERIC FELLNER BALTASAR KORMÁKUR NICKY KENTISH BARNES TYLER THOMPSON BRIAN OLIVER BY WILLIAM NICHOLSON AND SIMON BEAUFOY DIRECTED A UNIVERSAL RELEASE

BY BALTASAR KORMÁKUR © 2015 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS IMAX® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF IMAX CORPORATION

STARTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

HOU-7

8

African

Educati n/Y uth

American News&Issues

CARLOS WALLACE DONATES SCHOOL SUPPLIES, ENCOURAGES HOFFMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS TO STUDY

Principal Rosalyn Sweat (second from left) poses with Carlos Wallace (center). They are joined by Hoffman Middle School staff members Dwanna Callaway, Dashonda Eddins, and Kynetia Pressley

TEXAS • SEPTEMBER 14 - 20, 2015

The students at Hoffman Middle School just got a kickstart to their school year. Carlos Wallace visited the campus recently to donate school supplies. He also took the time to encourage students to stay focused on doing well in school.

Wallace is CEO of the Houston-based promotions company SolCaritas. His company supports many charitable programs in the community. Wallace is also an author. He wrote a motivational book based in large part on his own experiences.

To motivate students to do well in school, Wallace announced a free comedy show. The free event would be for those who show a strong commitment to their education.

Wallace established The Alice Wallace Foundation in memory of his mother. As a teacher, she instilled in him the importance of an education.

The Foundation provides scholarships for students to pursue their college dreams.

MORE THAN 160 FBISD SENIORS CLOSE FINAL CHAPTER OF HIGH SCHOOL CAREERS AT SUMMER GRADUATION

Pictured from Willowridge High School are: (front row, from left) Lead Counselor Tiffany Chaney, graduates Jailyn Brothers, Jaylin James-Lewis, Roberto Vela Navejar, Counselors Bertha Fournier and Dr. Nicole Turner; and (back) Associate Principal Lori Oliver, and Counselor Eugene Daniels.

Kempner High School graduate Haleigh Massey-Felt is pictured with her father, Mark Felt and mother, Colleen Massey.

FORT BEND ISD – Fort Bend ISD celebrated the academic accomplishments of more than 160 Fort Bend ISD seniors as they closed the final chapter of their high school careers. Many of the students returned to the District to take part in the 2015 Summer Commencement Program, recently held at Dulles High School's Rodgers Auditorium. The graduation ceremony marked a major milestone in the students' lives, paving the way for future successes.

Dr. Christie Whitbeck, Deputy Superintendent, welcomed the graduates; and Dr. Charles Dupre, Superintendent of

Austin High School graduate Lauren Rodriguez (right) adjusts the cap on fellow graduate Julian Lowe (left).

Hightower High School Principal Viretta West (second from left) congratulated graduate Dylan Ladd and his family

Schools, introduced platform guests and commended the graduates on reaching this milestone in their lives.

Spoken word artist and motivational speaker, Baritone, served as the commencement speaker. In motivating seniors to productively pursue their passion, the Willowridge High School alum encouraged them to leave behind a L.E.G.A.C.Y for the next graduating class that includes strong examples of leadership, endurance, guidance, ambition, courage and you (meaning all that you stand for in life).

“Don’t let anything get in the way of pursuing your pas-

sion,” said Baritone. “You are responsible for what you leave behind.”

Baritone also advised the graduates to surround themselves with three types of people who can help keep them balanced – a mentor, an individual on their same level, and someone who looks up to them.

Following the presentation of diplomas and program recessional, the graduates and their families and friends enjoyed a reception in their honor.

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

TX-8

C mmunity

TEXAS • SEPTEMBER 14 - 20, 2015

9

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

THE REVERSE TOWN HALL:

THE NEW CONCEPT FOR THE COMMUNITY-DEVELOPED BLACK AGENDA FOR HOUSTON By: Former City Council Member Jolanda Jones and current KCOH Power Broker

Black Kollectibles & F lowers BY

Coming This Fall

ISON

MORR ANK

FR (L-R) GORDON ANDERSON, GERTHA GILES & JOETTA STEVENSON

GLADYS HOUSE

DREAM CATHCER 13 1/2” TALL

New! Gift Shop: 713-692-1195

Store Hours: Thursday 11:30am - 4pm | Friday & Saturday 11am - 5pm

JOLANDA JONES

HOUSTON - The first Reverse Town Hall (“RTH”) meeting was a great start to the development of the Black agenda for Houston. It is a new and interesting concept developed

by The Power Brokers - Jolanda Jones, Assata Richards and Gladys House. Rather than have the moderators sit at the head table as the talking head experts, we invited the public to sit at the head table and be the experts on moving Houston forward for Black people. Although that concept took the audience by surprise and at least initially people were hesitant to volunteer to sit at the head table and be our experts, after encouragement from myself and Gladys, we had active, insightful and meaningful participation and ideas. Very interesting and dynamic ideas evolved. Issues identified as important to the success of black Houston were as follows, in no particular order: support of black business including silent boycotts,

HAZEL JONES, CATHERINE DORSEY, ANNA MOORE & LOLA JOHNSON

black-buying only days, stopping gentrification, providing affordable single-family housing, holding elected officials, government and law enforcement accountable, equal distribution of governmental services, education on eminent domain and property tax disputes, TIRZs, H-GAC and other funding sources, investment in infrastructure and eradicating food deserts, among other things.

The RTH was timely. Although it started late because people did not arrive until 7:30pm (Colored People’s Time) after imput from the audience, it was decided that the meeting should end by 8:30pm. The meeting ended at exactly 8:30!

We learned that an hour was insufficient so we decided that the follow up Acres Homes RTH will start promptly at 7pm on September 29, 2015 and end at 8:30pm, so long as Mr. Roy Douglas Malonson approves that date. On the 29th, we

will de-brief on issues identified and promulgate at plan going forward with active participation from the expert/stakeholders. The Power Brokers will work with not for you. It takes a village and that is what the RTH concept is designed to do: get Black Houstonians to work collaboratively to solve our problems!

So please join us, The Power Brokers and the experts, at the Beulah Ann Shepard Building at 6112 Wheatley, on September 29th at 7pm to actively participate in the development and implementation of the the Black Agenda for Houston. Please remember: the world is run by those who show up and actively participate!

Hope to see you there!

The Power Brokers would like to thank the participants who were courageous enough to step up and be heard and share their opinions on what it takes to make the community to progress moving forward.

Funerals * Hospitals * Sympathy * Birthdays * Anniversaries * Weddings Valentine * Women’s Day * Easter * Mother’s/Father’s Day * Schools & More

We r!

Delive

Customized Homecoming Mums

Availa ble in you r School Colors !

Order Yours Now! Small Mum

Large Mum

Flowers for All Occasions

713-692-1100

Se habla español We A ppr eciate Our Customer s

Major ds Car Credit ted Accep

Store Hours

Tues: 12pm - 5pm Wed, Thurs, Fri: 8:30am - 5pm Sat: 8:30am - 12:30pm Closed Sun - Mon TX-9

10

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

Joint coMPrehensiVe Plan of action

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Texas District 18

More than twenty-five years ago, as a young mother, I first visited Israel and the Holy Land. I have returned many times since then to the region that gave birth to three of the world’s great religions, civilizations, and cultures. And I have been a passionate supporter of the Mickey Leland Kibbutzim Internship program, which for over 20 years has enabled inner-city high school students who live or study in the 18th Congressional District the opportunity to spend a summer in Israel.

As a Member of Congress and a senior Member of the Committees on Homeland Security and the Judiciary, both of which deal with national security issues, I have had the opportunity to visit many countries in the Middle East and have long been committed and engaged in efforts to develop policies that anticipate and respond to new and emerging challenges to the security of our nation and the peace and safety of the world.

The threat to regional stability, world peace, and America’s security posed by Iran’s possession of a nuclear weapon is one of the greatest challenges now facing the international community. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), negotiated by the P5+1, led by the United States is a response to that challenge.

I have consulted with policy professionals, scientists, and other experts, and reviewed many publications supporting and opposing the agreement. I have met with and listened intently to supporters and opponents of the JCPOA in my congressional district whose

commitment to peace and security is unquestioned and whose counsel on issues relating to Israel’s security and America’s policies regarding the Middle East I have always valued and will continue to seek.

After this lengthy period of review, consultation, and reflection, I have concluded that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) represents the best and surest means of achieving the goal of preventing the acquisition of nuclear weapons by Iran. I believe that the JCPOA is a landmark diplomatic achievement that furthers America’s national interest in promoting regional stability in the Middle East, eliminating a significant threat to Israel’s security, maintaining all options in dealing with an untrustworthy and hostile nation, and preserving American leadership on major global challenges. Therefore, I will vote yes on the JCPOA when it comes to a vote on the House floor.

1. The JCPOA Prevents Iran From Developing Nuclear Weapons The JCPOA creates an enforceable roadmap for the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program for the purpose of producing fissile material (separated plutonium and enriched uranium) for nuclear weapons.

With recent milestone technological advances in the creation of centrifuges and development of enriched uranium, Iran has quickly become a threshold nuclear weapons state with the capability or “break-out time” of producing a nuclear weapon in a matter of months.

Before the interim Joint Plan of Action (JPOA) in 2013, Iran went from operating approximately 164 centrifuges in 2001 to operating at least 10,000 centrifuges and presented with a break out time in as little as one to two months. Iran has been building a heavy-water nuclear facility designed to produce weapons-grade plutonium and has amassed large stockpiles of enriched uranium. While the JPOA effectively halted the expansion of Iran’s nuclear program and rolled back most of the proliferation-sensitive elements, the Iranian regime has continued to

Black News

develop its nuclear program.

As of today, and only two short years later, Iran nearly doubled its centrifuge operations to more than 19,000 centrifuges, allowing for the capability of creating eight to ten bombs, within an estimated break-out time of two to three months.

Under the JCPOA, Iran will be required to take significant steps to scale back its nuclear activities over the next 10 to 15 years, as well as submit to continuous monitoring and surveillance of its nuclear facilities over the next 20 to 25 years. Once fully implemented, the JCPOA will effectively prevent Iran from producing fissile material for nuclear weapons and increase its potential break-out time to one year or more.

In particular, the JCPOA requires, and Iran has agreed, that the deeply buried uranium plant at Fordo be converted into a center for science research. Operations at another uranium plant, Natanz, are to be significantly reduced, cutting the number of centrifuges for enriching uranium in half, to about 5,000. Under the JCPOA, Iran has also agreed to limit enrichment to 3.7 percent and to cap its stockpile of low-enriched uranium at 300 kilograms, or 660 pounds, for 15 years, a quantity insufficient to produce a nuclear bomb.

Cutting off the pathway for weapons-grade plutonium production will also be accomplished over a 15 year period. Iran will be required to redesign and rebuild their heavywater reactor at Arak to eliminate its plutonium producing capabilities.

The new reactor, which is to be used solely for civilian research, will be designed and constructed in accordance with plans approved by the United States, China, and others.

The redesigned reactor will be limited to the production of radioisotope for medical and industrial purposes and peaceful nuclear research. The JCPOA provides that spent fuel from the Arak facility, which could also be used to produce a bomb, will be shipped out of Iran and made available for export to the To ConTinue reading visiT www.aframnews.Com

record settinG settleMent for freddie Gray’s estate

One day prior to Baltimore, Maryland, Judge Barry Williams convening a hearing to decide if local officers who are charged with contributing to the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African-American male, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, and other members of the Board of Estimates, voted unanimously to approve a $6.4 million civil settlement with the family of the deceased Black man who died a week after he was critically injured while in police custody. The $6.4 million settlement appears to be an unprecedented occurrence for Baltimore, Maryland. Many are shocked that the payout was approved prior to Gray’s parents filing a lawsuit.

Most importantly, the settlement that was announced on Tuesday could serve pivotal in a hearing that will determine if the trial of the six accused officers’ will occur outside of Baltimore, Maryland. Defense attorneys have requested a venue change on the grounds that pre-trial publicity has made it impossible for their clients to receive a fair trial within the city.

Each of the accused officers are charged with second-degree assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment.

Although Sgt. Alicia White, Officer William Porter, and Lt. Brian Rice are facing additional charges of misconduct in office and reckless endangerment, Officer Caesar Goodson stands alone in facing a charge of second-degree “depraved-heart” murder.

To ConTinue reading visiT www.aframnews.Com

Texas • sepTember 14 - 20, 2015

haPPy Birthday

HOUSTON – African-American News&Issues would like to wish Ms. Carol Mims Galloway a Happy Birthday!

Grand Jury reforM Goes in affect

HOUSTON – Recently, State Rep. Carol Alvarado (Houston) held a press conference regarding H.B. 2150 which went into effect September 1, 2015.

H.B. 2150, authored by Rep. Alvarado and sponsored by Sen. Whitmire, will replace the often criticized grand jury commissioner or “pick-a-pal” method of empanelling grand jurors with the random selection method.

The new law will also update the process for challenging grand jurors for good cause, and gives the presiding judge the ability to remove grand jurors who neglect their duty and provides judges the flexibility to appoint up to 4 alternate grand jurors if needed.

“I think Texans need to feel that their justice system is equally just for everybody and not selectively just for a few” said Rep. Alvarado. “Starting tomorrow, the empaneling of grand juries in Texas will leave behind a highly subjective system and progress towards highly objective system. The process will evolve from susceptible of abuse, to resistant to abuse.”

“Make no mistake, our work is not done” added Alvarado. “The task of implementing these reforms and shining a spotlight on the many blemishes of the Texas Justice System still lies ahead.

I look forward to working with Sen. Whitmire and other advocates to rebuild and improve the trust between our community and the criminal justice system.”

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

TX-10

Texas • September 14 - 20, 2015

HBCU Corner

What in the Hell: Are They Growing Politically Confused Negros at Prairie View?

One of the first “rules” of activism that those of us who have consciously decided to dedicate significant portions of our lives toward “the liberation and salvation of the Black Nation” learn is the following: Negroes will break your heart at every turn. The individual who informed me of this initial rule of Black activism was staring directly into my face as if he were searching my soul for an involuntary decision that signaled my deciding against the most admirable pursuits of all life pursuits; uplifting my people. Unfortunately for me, I sporadically tend to forget this initial rule; however, such a lapse in memory does not really matter, because in due time some Negro will show up and remind me of this rule.

In an editorial that I penned previously, I took both the elected officials and university officials for their failure to address the treatment and death of Sandra Bland in a serious way. Put simply, I thought that the Negro leadership of Waller County and Prairie View had dropped the ball on this issue and displayed bountiful portions of cowardice and confusion.

I, along with many others, cringed at

what appeared to be a gross lack of leadership exhibited by Prairie View Mayor Frank Jackson. Put simply, Prairie View’s elected officials were not only publicly silent on this matter, but also equally ineffective. However, things are not always the way that they appear; it appears that Mayor Jackson was actually doing the best that he could under circumstances that have forced him to appeal to both his conscience and the calls of backwards thinking members of the Prairie View community.

After what appeared to be total domination of Prairie View’s elected Negro leadership by Waller County Whites, the Prairie View City Council finally decided to honor Sandy by changing the name of University Drive, the location that Sandra Bland was basically abducted by a law enforcement officer, to Sandra Black Parkway for the next five years.

According to DeWayne Charleston, the naming of the street in her honor should occur because “It memorializes her, it creates a legacy for her because she stood up, she spoke her rights, she knew her rights.”

Charleston continues by relating that

this decision to change University Drive should occur because law enforcement officers “…will be forced to write her name on every citation or warning that they give.” Although there is no acceptable way to end the sordid saga of Sandra Bland, a moment of Black solidarity was hopefully not going to be that difficult to attain, especially considering that nothing we do will ever bring this young lady back to life.

Sandra Bland’s family was on hand for the Prairie View City Council’s recent decision to rename University Drive. A moment that provoked Bland’s sister, Sharon Cooper to lament that “the bottom line is the community has been behind us 100 percent. I think it’s important for us to sand in solidarity with them as they have with us.” Although I desperately desire to put an exclamation point on this story at this moment, sadly, I can not.

As with most things involving politically confused, inefficient, misdirected, and cowardly Negroes, the honoring of Sandra Bland in this relatively inconsequential manner would not be so simple. From the moment that the plan to rename University Drive as Sandra Bland Parkway and have a park created in her name situated on the same thoroughfare, there were grumblings coming from significant segments of the Prairie View community as well as a few students enrolled at Prairie View A & M University regarding the decision.

According to a student who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the tone and tenor of this matter changed swiftly once the meeting concluded.

Several students allege that moments after giving a public address that included Prairie View Mayor Frank Jackson pledging the initial $1,000 for the newly planned Sandra Bland Park, many opponents began the process of undercutting these well laid plans. A coalition of present students, alumni, and local residents hurried to create a petition to prevent the re-naming of University Drive.

What follows below is the petition that opponents have circulated.

PETITION AGAINST PRAIRIE VIEW NAME CHANGE In light of the decision by the City of

African

American News&Issues

Prairie View Council on August 25, 2015 to rename the University Drive to Sandra Bland Parkway, we have formed a proactive support group that we shall call “University Driven”.

The circumstances that led to Ms. Bland’s death were tragic, but renaming the main entrance to the Prairie View A & M University would be a travesty. This decision would not shed light on the changes that need to be made in our community; it will shed darkness on our community. We do not want the words Prairie View to be forever synonymous with Sandra Bland.

Although we sympathize with the situation and understand her family’s desires that her name be spoken, we would prefer that it not be forever the driving force into or around Prairie View A & M University.

We will not speak of that tragic chain of events of those days, in any manner. We will not create any avenues for negativity. It is not culturally productive for us to stand against that cause. We just do not want the community to be so strongly impacted just because.

We would like to petition the City of Prairie View, Texas to allow the University Drive name to remain the same and further request that it never be changed.

To be a part of this support group and request, we ask that you circulate this petition and on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 do not drive on the small stretch of University Drive between US Highway 290 and FM 1098/Owens Rd. This will be a positive demonstration of solidarity from those of us that do not support the decision to change the name of the main entrance into Prairie View A & M University.

Together we will simply say, “There has got to be another way”.

University Driven There is most certainly no easy way to address the levels of ignorance, confusion, and backwardness flowing through this document. The wording and goals of this document quite simply reeks of petty Negro minds. The type of minds that this document represents would resist any and every liberation effort.

Unfortunately for Mayor Frank Jackson, he has once again found himself being the bag man for activi-

11

ties that he clearly did not sanction. In Prairie View Mayor Frank Jackson’s defense, he appears to be caught between a rock-and-a-hard place as he has to find a way to appease individuals who he may not agree with yet hold his political future in their hand. Not even the inclusion of political officials such as Sheila Jackson Lee is capable of absolving Mayor Jackson from this situation.

On the one hand, Mayor Jackson has agreed to the street renaming and personally pledged the seed-money for the planned park; however, many of his constituents have ‘taken it to the streets’ with their ill-timed petition.

What is a Mayor to do? I guess time will reveal Jackson’s decision.

It is truly unfathomable that an African-American community possessing the political clout to control the entire county would have failed for such an extended period of time to issue a significant challenge to what could be comfortably termed a tyrannical White populace. Yet, they are able to organize themselves and start a petition to resist the honoring of one of their own. Where was this steadfast defiance when Glenn Smith, who as we all know was fired for his blatantly racist practices while serving as the Sheriff in Hempstead, Texas, was running for Waller County Sheriff?

We heard not a mumbling word from this class of Negroes who have now not only found a political voice, but also a semblance of courage in their battle to deny Sandra Bland’s family a modicum of justice.

Amazingly, local Negroes were unable to rally enough political interest to prevent not only the election of the aforementioned Sheriff Smith, but also nearly every other position throughout the county. Yet, they have the ability to come together in a definitive political statement against the memory of one of their own. They should ALL be ashamed of both the cowardice that they exhibit when in the presence of Whites and the eagerness and energy that they seemingly muster out of nowhere when it comes to resist any movement to develop Prairie View’s economic base or honor the memory of one of their own, Ms. Sandra Bland.

To Continue reading visit www.aframnews.com By: Dan Freeman TX-11

African

12

American News&Issues

Texas • September 14 - 20, 2015

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

®

Get up to

meal deal!

XFREE items!

save more than

6

$ 50

BUY

in

60

with in-store coupons

buy

GET

free!

H-E-B Essential Grains® Bread, 24 oz.

with in-store coupons

assorted varieties

with in-store coupons

• H-E-B Hamburger Dill Chips, 16 oz.

• H-E-B Yellow Mustard

Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh That’s up to $ Lunchmeat, 16 oz.

2.09 assorted varieties, or Oscar Mayer free!

Ham Lunchmeat, 16 oz., baked, buy boiled, smoked or honey, and H-E-B Kraft American Singles, 12 oz.

Texas Corn Chips

5

FREE

14 in 10 items!

$

8 oz.

GET Llévatelo

free! ¡gratis! with in-store coupon

10.5 oz. assorted varieties

H-E-B Bean Dip

9 oz. assorted varieties

That’s up to

$

1.59

free!

• Kool-Aid Unsweetened 5 Pack, assorted varieties • Oscar Mayer Uploaded Walking Taco, 3.8 - 4 oz.

Llévatelo GET

buy

¡gratis! free!

H-E-B That Green Sauce 11 oz.

with in-store coupons • Libby’s

100% Pure Pumpkin

assorted varieties

15 oz.

• Kraft Sandwich Shop, Whip or Mayo, 12 oz.

That’s up to

• Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Cup

buy

assorted varieties

• American Children’s Book assorted titles

Cash your check or debit card

FOR AS LOW AS

• Payroll • Money Orders • Dividend • Government • Cashier • Insurance

Llévatelo GET

¡gratis!

free! with in-store coupons

Pizza or Bold Rolls

*

by face value or withdrawal amount. * Fees and limits apply. Fees determined See your Business Center for details.

Prices Good Wednesday, September 16 Thru Tuesday, September 22, 2015 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.

Some items may not be available in all stores. not valid Central Market.

Due to the popularity of our Extra Low Prices Every Day, we reserve the right ParaItems niños bien listos at ¡leéles 3 veces a la semana! to limit quantities. Limit Rights Reserved. We Accept Lone Star Card, WIC And Manufacturers’ Coupons. ©2015 HEB, 15-1245 visit www.heb.com

36 - 40 ct. assorted varieties

That’s up to

• American

4.03

$

free!

buy

Oscar Mayer Beef Hot Dogs or Selects Franks 14 - 16 oz. assorted varieties

SERVICES

HOU-12

11 oz. assorted varieties

free!

• Totino’s

3

$

Casa Magnífica Tortilla Chips

3.56

$

Tyson Chicken Nuggets, Patties, Tenders or Country Fried Steak Fingers, 20 - 32 oz.

1.9 - 2.05 oz. assorted varieties

GROW YOUNG MINDS, READ 3 TIMES A WEEK

• H-E-B

That’s up to

3.33

$

free!

Children’s Book

assorted titles GROW YOUNG MINDS, READ 3 TIMES A WEEK

Llévatelo GET

¡gratis! free! with in-store coupons

Para niños bien listos ¡leéles 3 veces a la semana!

• H-E-B Bake Shop® Hot Dog Buns, 8 ct.

• H-E-B Yellow Mustard, 8 oz.

• American Children’s Book

GROW YOUNG MINDS, READ 3 TIMES A WEEK

assorted titles

Llévatelo

¡gratis!