African-American News&Issues

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VOL. 21 ISSUE 39

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This is where the Then they decided to abandon the hoods and Negros used move to the lands, the plantations and the woods! to rome in Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Pearland, Sienna Harris Plantation, Plantation Bend, Plantation Lakes, Magnolia Plantation, Kingwood & so on.

County: ~Roy Douglas Malonson

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“Breaking the Ice” -

A Good First Step in Stopping Killing Fields Senator John Whitmire Details Plan To Use Education To Bring Understanding, Healing, Peace Between the Black Community and Police

Grammy® Award nominee Sheila E. headlining Houston’s UNCF “A Mind Is….” Gala

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Global icon Sheila E. will perform at the 28th annual UNCF “A Mind Is…” Gala in Houston. Known as a dynamic percussionist with notable collaborations with Prince, Beyoncé and Gloria Estefan, Sheila E has a career that spans more than 30 years.

For more information, please visit www.uncf. org/houstongala

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American News&Issues

Buyer Beware Property Value Matters

By Roland Altinger

Chief Appraiser of HCAD

I don’t know if it’s the time of year or the economy in general, but we have been getting a lot of questions about whether some letters to property owners are a scam.

When we look into it, many times we find that someone is offering to provide something for a fee that the property owner can do themselves for

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

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

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

Editorial & Opinion

free at the appraisal district. An example is filing a homestead exemption.

We have heard that property owners are receiving letters from a company offering to file a homestead exemption application for a fee. This is something that the property owner can do for free at the Harris County Appraisal District. A homestead exemption is one of the most important ways to save on your taxes available to homeowners.

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 call HCAD’s information center at 713.957.7800 and we will send the form to you. You also can visit us at the office at 13013 Northwest Freeway (290 at Hollister) and we would be glad to assist you in filling out the exemption form. Whichever way you submit it, we will need a driver’s license or state identification card with the correct property address.

If you have an iPhone, there also is an HCAD app available that will automatically file the homestead exemption with a picture of your driver’s license.

We also have heard of companies offering a “Designation of Homestead” for a fee. While the difference in the homestead exemption and the designation of homestead is explained on the form, you have to read the entire document very carefully to pick up on the difference.

The designation of homestead does not qualify as a property tax homestead exemption. It protects a homestead property in the event of a forced sale for debt, but most homeowners never need to file this designation.

Homeowners who receive these types of solicitations should be very careful and check with the appraisal district or an attorney before responding to the offer.

We also have heard of someone offering to sell a property that is up for tax sale before it goes to the tax sale.

They ask for cash and promise to file a deed, but the property is still sold at the tax sale.

To continue reading online visit Source: AframNews.com

Roland Altinger is the Chief Appraiser of the Harris County Appraisal District

TEXAS • OCTOBER 17 - 23, 2016

“THE SQUARE DEAL, THE NEW DEAL, AND A SNIFFLING VAGINA…” Before I Lay it Down...

By “Coach” Mark Spivey, M.Ed

The Progressive Era was a time in United States history when the country was struggling with rapid growth, corporate greed, and societal issues. Investigative reporters known as “muckrakers” traveled up and down the eastern seaboard exposing what was wrong with America through books and pictures. In his book “How the Other Half Lives”, Jacob Riis introduces middle class America to the horrors of life in the slums of New York City. His images captured the plight of school-aged children working 10-12 hour shifts in textile factories and coal mines with dirty faces and smirky smiles.

At the end of their workdays they would return home to overcrowded tenement buildings void of sanitation and lighting. Cuddled up in prenatal positions, these same children would sometimes sleep outside barefooted during the winter solace, piled on top of each other seeking the warmth of exhausted bodies. With no major newspapers willing to print his photos, Riis invited concerned citizens to private screenings of his “artwork” who gasped and gawked at every frame of the flickering slideshow.

“How the Other Half Lives” sold millions of copies and jumpstarted political reforms movements that would improve and change America forever.

While Jacob Riis was busy reporting this destitute chaos, Upton Sinclair would send more shockwaves via America’s meat-producing factories in his book titled “The Jungle”. There, Sinclair would highlight the filthiness and haphazard contamination of our nation’s meat supply through a series of articles, pictures, and expose’s targeting every safety violation imaginable to an industrialized nation bent on solidifying its place as a world power.

Consequently, more men would die in World War I from food poisoning than their adversary’s bullets. If it hadn’t been for President Theodore Roosevelt’s “Square Deal” policy, that established the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906, many Americans would have perished at their own hands.

Teddy Roosevelt’s distance cousin and fellow president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, would help the United States recover from the ravages of the Great Depression through his “New Deal” legislation. His “3 Rs” of “Relief, Recovery, and Reform” would usher the United States into a period of sustained growth buoyed by its victory in World War II and solidifying its stance as a “Super Power”.

We can thank FDR for Social Security, Public Works Programs, and the Federal Housing Administration. He was so well-liked by the American public that he was elected an unprecedented 4 times to the office of the presidency.

In the eyes of many politicians, Roosevelt’s popularity and ever-growing political clout was too influential and took on “king-like” qualities, something the founder fathers promised to avoid in the United States Constitution. After his death, the 22nd Amendment set term limits on how long a POTUS could remain in office.

Both Roosevelts were well-liked, well-respected, and well-deserving of their roles as leaders of our nation.

an all-time low with his shenanigans.

The number one topic has gone from being what’s best for the American public to his past/current fascinations with vaginas. No wonder he has the sniffles.

Instead of debating Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, with substantive issues such as healthcare, immigration, gun-control, and education reform, “The Don” has constantly reminded her of her husband’s infidelity and well-documented affairs.

That equates to more vagina. Last I heard, Bill Clinton isn’t running in THIS election, he’s just married to the woman who is. “Slick William” only has one vote like the rest of us, but I can understand how influential a man he can be when it comes to securing votes for his wife who is quickly on the fast track to becoming the first woman POTUS. To continue reading online visit Source: AframNews.com

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TEXAS • OCTOBER 17 - 23, 2016

Editorial & Opinion

Presidential Debate: What Was Left Out Rev. Al Sharpton President, National Action Network

As I watched the second Presidential debate last night, I was mindful of the fact that several topics were simply ignored and not even brought up by either the moderators or the candidates themselves.

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are running to be President of the United States — a position that entails not only handling domestic situations, but also serving as one of the most pertinent figures on the world stage. And yesterday, in front of an international audience (thanks to technology), there was no mention of Haiti when the latest reports show that over 1,000 people have died from the devastation of hurricane Matthew. Back here at home, police and criminal justice reform are core issues that many communities are pushing for continuously. How could this debate, taking place 15 miles from Ferguson, in the shadows of where Michael Brown was killed, fail to even touch on this important subject? Ignoring our concerns is continuing to marginalize us and we refuse to be left out.

Reuters reported today that Haiti started burying some of its dead in mass graves as over 1,000 people died, and now some 1.4 million are in need of humanitarian assistance.

Doctors are warning of a cholera crisis and sadly, more deaths can be expected as disease spreads. How can we have a Presidential debate at the same time that such a huge tragedy is taking place in the western hemisphere and it’s not even mentioned?

If over a 1,000 people died in another part of the world, the debate would have opened with a question about it. We would be lying to ourselves if we think otherwise. Even when it comes to the subject of immigration, why are the high number of Haitian deportations never discussed? These are glaring omissions that we cannot just gloss over — nor should we.

Two years ago, we at National

Action Network were organizing rallies and pushing to get justice for Eric Garner who died after being placed in a police chokehold in Staten Island. While calling for accountability and reform in this case, another tragedy took place a few weeks later in Ferguson, MO when 18-year-old Michael Brown was shot and killed by police. The issues that we raised with Garner’s death, Brown’s death and others through the years were not even uttered on the debate stage Sunday night.

The rallying cry for criminal justice reform has now gained support from both the left and the right, but somehow there wasn’t even one question about it.

As communities of color and the poor continue to suffer the most from harsh police tactics, disproportionate summonses, arrests, tougher sentences and more, we need to know precisely where the candidates stand on these issues. What will either Clinton or Trump do to stop unjustified police killings, or to reform policing in America? What kind of Attorney General would they nominate? What kinds of recommendations from President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing would they implement? These are all extremely relevant and pertinent questions that were completely left out of this second Presidential debate.

As a civil rights leader, much of my work has focused on fighting on behalf of the voiceless, advocating for justice and ensuring that we have a seat at the table. When people already face societal inequities, ignoring their concerns is not alleviating those inequalities - it is simply disenfranchising them further.

Social exclusion is a real thing and we saw it on full display during this debate. Whether done on purpose or subconsciously, the moderators and candidates simply left out certain topics and challenges that we need solutions and answers for.

When people sometimes ask why I continue to organize and march, this is why. We cannot afford to be left out. We must raise our voices ourselves. We refuse to be further Source: Huffingtonpost.com

African

American News&Issues

WARNING: BE CAREFUL WHO YOU LET, “MAKE THEMSELVES AT HOME”!

We MUST Understand that everything that sounds good to you ain’t good for you.

We MUST Understand that everything that looks good to you ain’t always good for you.

I often tell folk you just can’t live in this world and let people sell you no wooden nickels; because if you do you will never have anything and never will go anywhere. As it is, the Black race has always been one of the most sought after races that have existed since the ages of times. As far as I’m concerned the same goes for our communities. It’s almost like the old mindset that people don’t want something until someone else has it. This has been the story of the African-American race as well.

But because AfricanAmerican News&Issues is a publication that has thrived off of addressing and highlighting current and historical realities that affect our communities, without fear or favor; there are some things that I can’t let slip under the rug without saying anything about. This is something that has been bothering me for a while because I see what is happening all too well.

The thing that really gets to me is when I see members from our community acting as if the problems’ that exists within our communities does not affect them.

I am writing to warn our faithful and loyal readers that things are happening right under our noses and so many people are not paying attention.

We have to be careful when we allow people who do not look like us to come into our neighborhoods and do as they please. The more that these things continue to happen right in our own backyards the more and more we are losing our communities. We are actually on the verge of losing it all now, believe it or not. All it takes is

for one person to come in and penetrate our communities and before long, scores will follow and life as we have known it in our communities will not be anymore.

When we allow others who do not look like us to come into our communities and do as they please with we lose our protection and the voice that we once had will slowly become diluted. For those who think that I am just blowing smoke or wasting paper, at your leisure ride through this good old City of Houston. Make it a point to find your way to the historically Black communities of old that once existed in this City. Communities like Fourth Ward… Oh no I’m sorry Mid-Town have been claimed by those who do not look like us. The same applies to Piney Point, First Ward, Carverdale and areas such as Sixth Ward, Opps!!! Never mind where is Sixth Ward??? And by the way, Third Ward is right on the brink of being in the number too.

Areas that were literally built off of the backs of our parents, grandparents and other ancestors have now become home to those who have absolutely no heritage connected to them at all.

In circumstances such as these it’s a warning to Black folks to be careful. Because believe or not our counterparts are coming and they are going to take what they will or may without no regard. Once this starts to unfold, we will be left vulnerable. We won’t have any protection, no zoning to protect us, we will be totally defenseless in regards to protecting our own home fronts and they could care less. and we don’t have no protection no zoning we have nothing to protect us. Somebody may say, “Well at least we got a Black man down there in City Hall.” And they would be absolutely correct! But, he

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We MUST Understand Your Money

Your Vote

ARE THE MOST POWERFUL THINGS YOU HAVE; BE CAREFUL WHO YOU GIVE THEM TO. ~Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher~

can’t fight the battle alone and even still the powers to even too big for him at times. This is why we must take a stand and become more proactive in reference to the moves and issues that so heavily impact our communities.

In closing I would just like to echo the words of Acres Homes Super Neighborhood Council 6, President Tim White. White said, “There is a great unrest in the Acres Homes Community. This unrest is derived from the people, hard-working residents who find themselves day in and day out providing for their families the best way they can. There is also unrest within a section of Acres Homes that residents have the fear of displacement due to excessive gentrification and development.” Once again I am stating that we have to be careful what we ask for and what and who we support!

There used to be an old saying that people would say when you allowed someone to come into your home, “Make yourself at home.” Well I am here to let you know that you cannot just let folks make themselves at home nowadays. With the way that people are now, you tell somebody to make themselves at home and you and your children will all be homeless!

So, at the end of the day all I am trying to convey is to be careful.

You have been warned!

Read More We MUST Understand online Today!

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African

American News&Issues

de MENIL FROM PAGE 1

Feature Story

We Are About to Lose All of Our Black Neighborhoods!

HOUSTON – This by far will be one of the most unique and unorthodox stories that I have written, since I first began writing for African-American News&Issues, years ago. Normally, I make it my business to go about researching invaluable quotes to be associated with the subject matter. However, in this article through the encouragement of my publisher, Roy Douglas Malonson; I was assigned the task of interviewing several people. Upon doing so, I realized that there were deeply rooted concerns from the residents that needed to be highlighted and addressed. Therefore, I just decided that I’m going to tell the people exactly what was told unto me. I’m not going to do too much filtering or cleaning up, with the exception of Mr. Malonson’s word. Those that know him best would probably agree with my decision on this as well.

Nevertheless, I just decided that I would present the varying viewpoints just as they were expressed, so that the community could gain insight on what the issues are.

Background Insight Francois de Menil, whose family is well-known in the Houston area for contributing art and high culture in the city; has begun plans to launch a new development in the heart of Acres Home,. He plans to construct an artist enclave, NoLo Studios @ Acres Home (NoLo – North of the Loop). This development is one that will entail 14 staggered homes ranging from $300,000 to $450,000. De Menil’s plans have been to launch an artist community on a 3-acre wooded lot on Mansfield at Midgeley. Recently, de Menil held a meeting at the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development, located at 6112 Wheatley, 77091.

In this meeting, there were representatives from the AHCBED, Michael Yarbrough, Rev. Dayle Perry, Tim White (President of the Acres Home, Super Neighborhood #6), Andrea Hilliard Cooksey and a few others. Not long after meeting and sharing his plans with the above-mentioned individuals, a major controversial wave occurred. The Houston Chronicle ran a very extensive story detailing the developer’s plans and many residents were outraged.

Some felt: that they had to find out what was happening in their own backyards, “through the grapevine”, some welcomed the improvements but were not satisfied that the community as a whole was not informed first and some just down-right had a bitter taste towards the new developments period. Continue to read to find out what a few representatives from Acres Home had to say…

Including Mr. Francois de Menil and decide for yourself, what you believe the issues are…

Concerns from the Community Tim White, President of Acres Homes Super Neighborhood: “I have no problem with new development because it’s going to happen regardless, but it’s just a way of doing it. When you come into a community especially a historical community you go to the community leaders first and then you gather the residents, stakeholders and bring them together. It is important to let them know what’s going on, what you’re trying to do and how it will affect the community. That was never done and to me it was a total disrespect to a historical community.”

“The irony of this is that, de Menil’s parents were big with helping the Black community leaders in the 60’s and 70’s to actually have a voice in their own community, through arts. So it’s a slap in the face when you come into the historically Black community and do the exact opposite of what your family has done! Now, with the uncertainty and everything being unknown and everything that TX- 4

has been on the table with gentrification. I expressed to them in the meeting my concerns regarding similar conditions that happened in Fourth Ward (Freedmen’s Town); a lot of residents were displaced during that phase.”

Edna Griggs, Founder of Acres of Angels and life-long resident of the Acres Home community: “This meeting should have been held with the community not just with a few community leaders. It’s not acceptable when the community doesn’t know what’s going on. They’ve already bought the land, so we’re not going to be able to stop it. There is also another, in Highland Heights that we are worried about they trying to set up meetings with a few people and saying if they get 51% then they will bring in deed restrictions. We start that and it’s over with, what you can’t do and what you can do.”

Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher of African-American News&Issues and Chairman of the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development “Yes, I’m a business man! That’s exactly why I should have invested in manufacturing king and queen crowns. I probably would have been more successful! The way I figure, I would have made more money, than simply working myself to death. We have too many people wanting to lead and don’t know anything about leadership or how to follow or talk to somebody that really knows what’s going on. That’s why a lot of people bypass this Chamber, because they know we are going to research what is brought to us and find out the truth. So they bypass us and go to these civic organizations and some of them, don’t have a clue as to what is going on. Some of them just glad to be in the room with some White folks.”

“A lot of these new African-Americans are abandoning our communities, and leaving people there that can’t fight for us. This ain’t nothing new! Now, since some of them Negroes moved out, they put something in place, called the Homeowner’s Association.

And these Homeowner Associations police them so that they can’t even bar-b-que in their own garages and front yards no more. You can’t even walk down the street and pass gas without being locked up, in some cases. This is why I say, rather than abandoning our communities; they could have stayed and helped to improve our neighborhoods. Now, I met with Mr. de Menil recently myself. I had my reasons for not being in the initial meeting. Part of my absence was because I didn’t want to be in the meeting with the neighborhood folks to influence nothing because I probably would have cursed everybody out! Therefore, I welcome the new development.

As a matter of fact, my problem is not with Mr. de Menil. My problem is with US! That’s my problem!”

“Prime example, Mr. de Menil is planning on having a meeting at one of the local churches’. Well, if you think about it… A lot of the Pastors and members in some of our churches out here don’t even live in the community. They won’t live here, but they’re praying here! I have a problem with that! Some of them won’t do anything in the community or even try to give back. And then some of our people want to get mad when others that don’t look like us want to come in and create new developments. We MUST Understand that when we leave our neighborhoods, we live the gates wide open for others to come in and do as they please.”

“I have to speak out about these issues, because I have seen this type of stuff happened before. Therefore, I do things differently now. In times past, I should have gone against two things. The first, them putting all of these low-income apartments in the neighborhood; we used to have only had two and now we got about five or

TexasTexas • October 1712-18, - 23, 2016 • August 2013

six. The other, I should have gone against some of these Negro leaders, because they don’t always know what they be asking for and approving. Once upon a time, Acres Homes was a gated community there were two ways in and two ways out. Some of these Negro leaders went out and approved it and supported these roads coming through. (TC Jester, Wheatley and Tidwell) When these roads were built a lot of people, don’t realize what they did. They opened up our neighborhood! During a time that people had to go around us, this construction opened it up to where people could come straight through. And people hollering… Wow!!! Look at all these trees!

Wow! Look at all this land, look how close it is to downtown. So you have to be careful what you ask for and what you approve. Don’t believe me, go visit Fourth Ward…. Oops I mean Mid-Town!”

“You see, this is far bigger than Acres Homes, it’s just happening here right now, but it’s everywhere! It’s just a matter of time before all of our neighborhoods become extinct. Before too long, our communities will only be identified by historical markers…

Markers that say, ‘This is where Black folks used to settle.’ This causes me to ask the question, ‘Where are the politicians?’ Point in case, we in Houston, the Dean of the House from out in the North Forest area and yet we are losing it. The school district has already been done away with and land is slowly being acquired by those who do not look like us. We have a mayor from Acres Home and yet, we are gradually losing it. Even though we got a ‘Big Boy’ in City Hall, they still try to keep his hands tied up. A little further down the road… We have a State Senator that Black folks elected and they steady locking us up left and right. There is a problem there.”

“In my closing, I just have to say I done fought hard for my people. But now, I’m at a crossroads of trying to make a decision in my life… Do I need to fight the same Negroes that I fought so hard for? I’ve spent countless hours, fighting hard for elected officials, our communities and protecting equal rights. As it is, there is nothing that we can really do to stop this movement, because we are the ones that created it to begin with, by abandoning our communities.

To that regard, I have been asked by many people, ‘Why don’t you take what you done worked hard for and gone about your business instead of fighting for these Negroes?’ My reasoning is because I’m one of them Negroes and this is where I came from, and I’ve never forgotten it! I might have a Red A&* way of showing it, but still I’ve never forgotten.”

Francois de Menil to address the community’s concerns in upcoming meeting, October 20 at New Life Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, 3021 Desoto: Francois de Menil, Architect of NoLo Studios @ Acres Home: “I am not a developer, I am an architect and this is actually my first development effort for a group of friends. It was not something that was thought of as a public project. In our naïve way as beginners, we started working with a group of people developed the project that way. This is a residential area and we are talking about building residences, so I feel that it should be something that should be ok.”

“In mid-August… Houston Chronicle did an article that detailed our efforts and since that article happened; we have been focusing in huge efforts on trying to reaching out to the folks in Acres Homes. We are reaching out to the leaders and individuals that live there, to explain what we are doing. We are intending on creating something that we feel should have a positive influence in Acres Homes. It is in no way intended to upset anybody or be controversial.”

To continue reading visit us online @ AframNews.com

by Rebecca S. Jones & Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

Texas • October 17 - 23, 2016 WHITMIRE FROM PAGE 1

HOUSTON - With both Police and Community activists and organizers at odds, dug in and divided on how to deal with increasing police killings and brutality against African-Americans, State Sen John Whitmire is taking the lead in an effort he hopes will help be the ice breaker that thaws the now chilled relations between the two.

“You can’t solve things if people don’t talk to each other,” Whitmire said. “Someone needed to step forward because what we see happening now needs to change. It won’t solve all the problems, but it is a start and might prevent someone else from being killed. Without something to change the current mindset, we are all in for a long string of more tragedies.”

Senator Whitmire chairs the Texas Senate Committee on Criminal Justice.

He plans to introduce a bill requiring the State Board of Education to develop a curriculum for 9th-graders, with the goal of reducing current and future confrontations between citizens and officers. He hopes his efforts will be the start of a process that reduce the friction, improves communications and helps give way to better relations between police officers and communities.

Under the new proposal, the bill calls for the State Board of Education to adopt rules to include in the required curriculum for students in ninth grade instructions regarding “the duties and responsibilities of police officers”; and “the proper way to interact with police officers.”

The Sad Truth So far in 2016, 838 Americans have been shot and killed by police, according to The Guardian.

Of those, 203 are Black and 194 were Black males who have lost their lives at the hands of police shootings. Of those 15 were from Texas, with the last such reported fatal shooting occurred on September 5, 2016 in Ennis, Texas.

According to reports, Moses Ruben, 36, was stopped by police for allegedly driving 59mph in a 35mph zone. During the traffic stop, police said they realized that Ruben had an invalid license and warrants out for his arrest. Ruben allegedly refused to get out of his car and allegedly rammed two patrol vehicles before officers opened fire,

Community according to authorities. The shooting remains under investigation.

Whitmire said his goal is to prevent future tragedies like that and like the death of Sandra Bland, a black woman who was found dead in a Waller County jail cell in 2015 after being pulled over for a traffic violation.

“You are not going to win an argument with law enforcement. Its a bad idea,” he said.

“Citizens, students and police officers need to be aware of what their responsibilities are and everyone needs to do what is proper and know what to do so things won’t end in tragedy.”

In developing his proposal, Whitmire drew input from a variety of groups including Department of Public Safety (DPS), Austin Police Department, several African-American pastors and Dr. James Douglas, president of the Houston chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

“If you get pulled over and you think you are going to be treated differently by police prepare for it,” he said. “This will help teach them how to react and then be able to (survive) the process to file a complaint.”

Education Prevents Tragedy and Helps You Live to Fight Another Day Some members of Black Lives Matter oppose the idea and believe that Whitmire is catering to police and setting up more Black youth to be killed – a charge Whitmire disagrees with and explains why.

“The origin of this comes from me listening to common sense, parents and pastors and community leaders who said we can do a better job of helping our young people know what is expected of them when they are pulled over and letting them know what their rights are and how to file complaints about violations,” he said.

“What we are currently witnessing is when they confront the officers on the street, it escalates into a tragedy. These challenges to police officers should not be done on the streets by confronting the officers there. There are places to take it too – parents, pastors, representatives and community leaders who can help file complaints and launch investigations into incidents.”

Whitmire said to improve the image of police in the community, many departments should reexamine the mission and adjust it to focus on being more protective and caring and with not as much “enforcement”.

Hold Police To Stricter Standards; Better “Street” Training “We are going to hold the police accountable,” he said. “They are going to have to take de-escalation training and work on better practices than what they currently use when dealing with citizens.”

More Features available Online at AframNews.com By Darwin Campbell

Read us online! www. aframnews. com

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It’s Your Decision…To Vote!

By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed. HOUSTON - Many people complain about the issues that surround the world and even in their local cities, but many people only voice their complaints by just talking, and not by exercising their right to vote. Franklin D. Roosevelt said it best when he stated, “Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves, and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” In order to help encourage individuals to vote, Constable Rosen and his Precinct One team hosted their It’s my Decision…to VOTE event at Warehouse Live. At this event, people had the opportunity to register to vote, and to also meet rappers Paul Wall, Z-Ro, and Kirko Bangz.

From this event, Constable Rosen wanted people to “learn that their vote is important, and that in the future, they start knowing where candidates stand on different issues.” He further stated, “Our whole democracy is based on people’s willingness to get out to vote…we have to exercise it, and make sure that the people that share our interests and our visions, are actually the people that get in office.”

In addition to, there are so many people who feel as if their vote doesn’t count. However, your vote does count. According to Constable Rosen, some elections come down to very few votes. He even spoke about the Gore v. Bush election as an example, where the election was very close. “If you stay at home or don’t vote, you may get something you’re not very happy with,” expressed Rosen. Also, Eric William Carter, who is running for Justice of the Peace made it known that the presidential election is important, but that “these local elections matter… these are the people that will have the most profound impact on your life.”

When speaking with Kirko Bangz, he voiced that this is his first year ever voting. He now has a new perspective on the importance of voting, and he expressed, “I feel it’s very important because it all starts with us…now I’m learning more. I don’t know it all, but the more I learn, the more I know it’s very important for us to vote for sure.” With his new vision towards politics, he is now spreading the word, and trying to get others motivated, more involved, and more encouraged to vote.

According to Z-Ro, “It’s very important to learn who is running for these different particular positions, and to see what they are about, and to then make a cognitive decision.” Just like Kirko Bangz, he is also making the effort to help spread the word on why people should vote as well. He concluded by stating, “I want people to make wise cognitive decisions about who are going to police our streets, who are going to police our court rooms, and who is going to be in charge of our lives.”

Last but not least, Paul Wall expressed some of his thoughts about voting as well. He stated, “Our vote matters immediately, and there is a real impact to us voting in some of these local elections like judge, constable, and Sherriff, just to name a few…if we stay home that day, we just may have the wrong person in that position.” Paul Wall also declared that not voting could have an even bigger impact on our lives. He stated, “By not voting, your contributing, and you are voting for the problem…being complacent is no longer acceptable…we got to let our voice be heard.”

November 8th is approaching quickly, and people must be ready to take action. Early voting will take place October 24th and will run until November 4th.

To continue reading visit us Online at AframNews.com

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Join Texas Organizing Project (TOP) and community partners on October 27 at Fireside Recreation Center (8601 Fireside Dr, Dallas, TX 75217) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.for a town hall discussion on the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), and how our state's leaders continue to stop more Texans from gaining access to affordable health coverage by rejecting Medicaid expansion.

Local healthcare experts will be on hand to answer questions and connect attendees with health services currently available in our communities. Visit https:// www.facebook.com/events/680464148788127/ to RSVP on Facebook. For more information, contact Sue Jones, (972) 223-7880, sjones@organizetexas.org.

Motivational Speaker Kemba Smith to Lecture at Jarvis Christian College

Hawkins, TX – – Jarvis Christian College is pleased to announce that motivational speaker Kemba Smith will serve as a lecturer/speaker at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, in Meyer Auditorium.

Growing up as an only child in Richmond, Virginia, Smith graduated high school and continued her education at Hampton University.

What happened to Smith in her new campus environment was a nightmare.

In an attempt to “fit in,” Smith associated with the wrong crowd and became involved with a drug dealer.

As a result of her association with him, Smith was sentenced to 24½ years and served 6½ years in federal prison. She regained her freedom after President Clinton granted her clemency in December 2000.

Smith shares her traumatic real life experience in her book, “Poster Child: The Kemba Smith Story.” Featured on CNN, Nightline, Court TV, The Early Morning Show, Donahue, Judge Hatchett, and a host of other television programs, Smith’s story has also been written about in several national publications including The Washington Post, New York Times, Glamour, People, JET, Emerge, Diverse Issues in Higher Education, and Essence magazines.

Smith is a graduate of Virginia Union University and was a past recipient for a two year Soros Justice Postgraduate Fellowship for advocates.

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What’s Happenin’

Texas • October 17 - 23, 2016

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Oct 21- Oct 23 FRIDAY - SUNDAY

Marikoto African Dance and Drum Festival Phat Body 445 FM 1092, Ste 101E Stafford, TX 77477 Starts at 6pm For more info contact: 713-688-2900, ext 235

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Oct 21 - Oct 22 FRIDAY-SATURDAY FOSE’s African Fashion Week Houston Ayva Center 9371 Richmond Ave Houston, TX 77063 For more infor contact: 800-920-4655 SATURDAY The SWAT Team of Overcomers Community Church Fish Fry 2003 Ferguson Way Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 9am For more info contact: (832) 594-0735

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Universal Elite Aerospace Monthly Events

October 18 -21, 2016 – OBAP Pilots and Professionals in Schools Week • (18th) Eckert MS (Aldine ISD) • (19th) Smith Academy (Acres Homes) • (20th) Holub Middle School (Alief ISD) • (21st) MacArthur High School (Aldine ISD) October 20, 2016 – Prairie View A&M University – Mentoring Presentation (300+ students) October 22 – 23, 2016 – Wings Over Houston Airshow October 27, 2016 – UEA/ Sterling Aviation HS NASA/Ellington Field Visit October 29, 2016 – *City Wide Aviation Cub Meeting at Sterling Aviation HS (Bravo) For updates contact and/or follow Kenneth Morris at www.universalelite.org www.twitter.com/ MrKennethMorris www.instagram.com/ UniversalElite www.facebook.com/ UnivsalEliteAerospace ph. - 832.455.0063

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SATURDAY The Taste of Black Houston Restuarant Tour Ellavation Allah 6220 SW Frwy Houston, TX 77074 From 11am - 4pm For more info contact: 832-707-5057 SATURDAY Norma Sanchez Harper Breast Cancer Walk Highland Park 3316 Desoto Houston, TX 77091 Beginning at 9am For more info contact: (713) 518-9284

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MPAC MINI FILM FESTIVAL

GROWING THE HOUSTON FILM INDUSTRY By: LaToya Hamer

When it comes to making a Texas size impact, Mack Performing Arts Collective (MPAC) is doing it! The first weekend of October they successfully wrapped their first MPAC Mini Film Festival, leaving a major impression on the Houston film industry’s aim for expansion. With panel discussions from veteran leaders such as Kim Fields, Greg Carter, D’Angela Proctor, Ya’Ke Smith, Tyrone D. Dixon, Ricky Anderson and more, this organization is assisting in raising the bar of educational training and industry insight. The visionary behind it all, Ms. Jalene Mack! When she’s not practicing law, producing, acting, or working on a host of other projects, she’s making an MPAC. We were lucky enough to catch up to her for an interview to learn more about this community gem, with international reach.

What was your inspiration for MPAC? JM: I saw a need to educate those in the business or aspiring to get in the business so that they can become successful and in return it would help build up our industry here in Houston. I also wanted to create a platform to showcase talent riding under the radar, those destined to be the next big thing!

What is the vision for this organization and where do you see it in 5 years?

JM: MPAC is a small organization designed to make a big impact on the entertainment industry and the community around it. We want to be a hub for industry resources and access in the southwest, we want major studios and production companies to partner with us to reach the masses with the release of new content, we want to be a mecca that the industry organically gravitates towards as a go to organization for its facilities and services.

What can we do as a community to help MPAC accomplish that vision?

JM: Make long-term financial contributions since it is a nonprofit, spread the word about what we are doing, and nattend our events throughout the years. We get an annual grant from the Wayne Duddlesten Foundation to produce the education workshops that benefit our high school students primarily and secondarily aspiring and veteran talent. However, we need operation funds to get our own building and grow our programs. So public donations and sponsorship is always needed. #SupportTheArts What do you think makes MPAC such a valuable resource to the Black Houston community and Black artists elsewhere?

JM: First, the Arts are for everyone to engage in as artists or arts enthusiasts. It is not gender, race or age restricted. However, since the leadership and management of MPAC is AfricanAmerican, we are mostly supported by the Black community. Our demographics are age 14+ and our attendees are mainly AfricanAmerican, then some Hispanic, some Caucasian and others. But, we are here for everyone! As we do more and as we grow more, we are seeing the numbers shifting and seeing a more diverse atTX-8

Entertainment tendee count. As the world knows Black Lives Matter and Black Artists Matters too. That being said, we do hope we are doing our part in preserving, showcasing and spring boarding Black performers, musicians, filmmakers, playwrights, TV producers, writers, and works. We support not only performing artists but that includes interest in creative and media arts as we know artists wear many hats.

Black artists have deep rooted history in theater and storytelling through writing, song, dance, music and performance.

This cannot be denied. It continues to evolve and it it is something to be celebrated. MPAC is certainly becoming a staple in Houston’s Black community but our mission is “Cultivating the interest of performing arts by exposing, education and entertaining” everyone and that is what we want to do!

Considering the underrepresentation of Black leaders and owners within the entertainment industry, how does MPAC assist in the cultivation of upcoming creatives to step into those roles?

JM: We start with educating and exposing our high school students who have varied interests in careers in the Arts. This is the next generation to go into the workforce or advance education. Through MPAC they learn about careers as talent or behind the scenes careers as producers, writers and film, TV or theater production crew positions for instance. They not only learn ways to enhance their skill level but they learn about the business of the Arts. Show Business is 10% show and 90% business.

Understanding the business side can make all the difference in one’s success level. This is true for any industry. One of the simplest ways to expand knowledge in this industry is to learn from experts in the industry. MPAC creates access to these experts by bringing in the likes of industry executives, master acting instructors, professional comedians, accomplished filmmakers, award-winning producers and writers to share candid talk and tips on how to be successful in show business. This is empowering. If the hometown locals in the business are successful, it will grow our industry here at home. This is why we scholarship our high school students to attend our workshops, panels and symposiums for free and they are priced extremely under market for everyone else making it affordable and saving them thousands of dollars yearly on airline tickets, hotels, ground transportation, food, registration fees, etc. to go to LA, NY, Chicago, Atlanta, etc. when we are providing these tools here in Houston.

What were some of the highlights from the MPAC Mini Film Festival that inspired you most, or gave you a considerable sense of satisfaction for the events overall success?

JM: I love seeing all of our hard

TEXAS • OCTOBER 17 - 23, 2016

work come together. So I am always amazed that the people come out, many of them several time repeaters but many new faces too. With the leadership of our Board of Directors and input from our Board of Advisors, we know what we want to accomplish. But my Managing Director Gary B. Wilkins and I are in the trenches with our small staff and volunteers making things happen behind the scenes leading up to the big days.

When it all unfolds, we see it was all worth the many late nights and early mornings of production. Kim Fields was hands-on with the attendees, our speaker panels were amazing, our press conference was a bonus panel alone, the screenings were well attended and we even sold a lot of our T-shirts and hats. But when they brought our cake out at the wrap up reception with our film fest logo on it, I smiled like a Cheshire cat!

For those preparing to build a career within the entertainment industry, what advice would you offer that you wish you had known upon starting your own journey?

JM: Network, network, network and build relationships now!

What upcoming workshops or events should we look out for from MPAC? JM: We have plans to do a MPAC Mini TV Fest February 17th 18th of 2017! www.mpac-arts.org Look out for our next Texas Entertainment Industry Spotlight!

Religion

TEXAS • OCTOBER 17 - 23, 2016

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Religion Profile – Pastor Byron L. Williams

HUMBLE – Byron L. Williams, son of Dorothy and the late Foster Williams has emerged into one of Houston’s most dynamic and powerful spiritual giants. He was raised in the heart of Fifth Ward and was nurtured into the body of Christ from a young age. Byron attended, Dogan Elementary, E. O. Smith Middle School and Charles H. Milby High

School. At the tender age of 17, he accepted his call to minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was licensed and ordained into the ministry by the late great Dr. O.C. Johnson, Sr. at Lyons Avenue Missionary Baptist Church.

Not long after graduating high school and embracing his call to minister, he enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1992. He served there for ten years. During his tenure, he was fortuned to reside in various places including: San Antonio, Mississippi, Florida, North Carolina and Virginia,

to list a few. Though he left home, he refused to leave his God. Hence, while in the military he served as Youth Pastor at: Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi; Antioch Baptist Church in Goldsboro, North Carolina and New Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church (Dr. Allen) in San Antonio.

In 1998, he was called to a higher plaeau in the ministry.

Thus, he became the Pastor of the Greater Rising Star Baptist Church in Nixon, Texas. He labored there until August of 2003. Not long afterwards, he relocated back to Houston.

However, he could not deny the voice of God telling him that there was yet, more work to be done. Upon meeting with his present Bishop, Dr. I.V. Hilliard about launching a ministry; he was spiritually led

by God to establish the Rising Star Christian Center Church (The Star Church).

Pastor Byron, as he is affectionately called, wanted to create a worship experience designed to build, teach and empower believers. He felt the need to share with others that, “no matter where you come from and where you are in life, God has a plan and purpose and can meet you where you are.” “You can rebound and recover, and He can restore renew and

allow you to fulfill your God-given destiny,” he said.

Pastor Byron is regarded by his members as being, “A respected spiritual leader, who has a strong love for building people of direction and is known for his uncanny ability to break the Word of God down to its simplest form, so that even the youngest child gains insight.” In addition to delivering the unadulterated, uncompromising word of God, he is a gifted recording artist.

Pastor Byron fervently stands on the scripture which states, “This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success” Joshua 1:8 AMP. During our interview, when I asked Pastor Byron what does he consider to be the, “fruit of his ministry”? He replied with the following, “I have always had a passion for young people, because I started out as a young man in the ministry at the age of 17.” “I stayed in youth ministry forever and I know that countless of young people’s lives as been touched through the ministry that God has entrusted to me,” he said.

When asked of any advice that he would like to extend to the Black community. Pastor Byron said that, “It’s important that we stay educated and aware of what’s going on when it comes to social issues. It is also important that we get out and exercise our right to vote.

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“Let The Prophets Speak”

Houston, TX – Ida B. Ullrich and her husband Joseph C. Ullrich Jr., Pastors of Quickening Word Church in Houston, TX. will host a ministry conference featuring Apostle John Eckhardt, Overseer of Crusaders Church in Chicago, IL., as guest speaker.

The two day conference will be held at Good News Church International at 8400 Boone Rd. Houston, TX. 77072 on October 21, 2016 at 7:30 pm and on October 22, 2016 there will be a workshop at 8:30 am and a conference session at 10 am. The cost to attend the conference is $55 for both days. Those who want to attend can register by calling 281-946-9673

or can register at www.prophetarise.eventbrite.com.

Apostle John Eckhardt has a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Wagner Leadership Institute and he is also a faculty member at the Institute. He has ministered throughout the United States and overseas and is the founder of Impact Network an International Ministry of Prophetic and Apostolic Churches and he is the Overseer of Crusaders Church in Chicago, IL. He is also the founder of the Apostolic Institute of Ministry.

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Texas HBCU Corner

Texas • October 17 - 23, 2016

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY TSU Homecoming Headquarters: www.tsu.edu

To enroll at TSU visit www.tsu.edu/admissions; Join the alumni association at www.tsu.edu/alumni; For information about TSU’s online degree programs, visit www.tsu.edu/onlinelearning; Support Texas Southern University at www.tsu.edu/giving.

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African

TEXAS • OCTOBER 17 - 23, 2016

The Eagle’s Nest Newspaper

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MISSION STATEMENT

“The faculty and students of Booker T. Washington High School for the Engineering Profession are striving for the successful outcome of its students through learning, companionship, research, and diligence.”

Think Pink at BTW

by Kristian, BTW Student October has blown in with a blast. While most celebrate with candy corn and costumes, there are others for which October holds a more sentimental value. It represents not a time of doom but of celebration, not of fear, but of gratitude and the boldness of life. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The students and faculty of Washington High School have been especially touched by the effects of this disease in that a few beloved faculty members and relatives of those in our student body have come face to face with one of the leading causes of death among women and have won. We celebrate them and honor their battle while educating our community about prevention and the power of early detection. Here are the facts according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation: • Women should begin annual mammograms by age 40 • Alcohol and smoking increases your cancer risk • Exercise and a low fat diet reduces your risk • Self exams should be conducted monthly The final recommendation is that we, as a community, support each other in maintaining a healthy life style to lesson our

Mr. Newton a math teacher that has been working here for four years now has scored teacher of the week! He came to us from Wichita Falls, Texas and went to Herschi High School and graduated from Rice University with a degree in engineering. He started teach-

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risks of all ailments that plague African American and Latino communities. High cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes are common killers, but breast cancer mortality rates are higher among black women than white women and it is the most common cause of death among Latino women according to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. We can work together to encourage each other to do a better job of being healthy. A small step in the right direction can lead to saving a life. What can you do, you may ask? Start today.

As students, can we stop eating hot chips for breakfast and get up a little earlier to prepare a quick breakfast before coming to school or can we simply give the school breakfast a try? First lady, Michelle Obama, has made great strides during her husband’s terms as president to transform school menus to those that offer healthy alternatives. The foods may be a little different from what we are used to eating, but could also be tasty.

Students can also get involved. The Susan G. Komen Foundation’s Race for the Cure fundraiser marathon was held October 1, 2016, but don’t fret, start preparing for next year’s race or log on to http://ww5.komen.org/iam-komen/ to declare your support for the cause and pledge to organize your own event. The site is full of information about how you can test your health knowledge and get tips on how you can support those you love and educate others who need to know how to stay out of the pathway of this disease.

Finally, as a Washington student in this month of October, show your allegiance and just think pink! Be aware that there are those who carry burdens you may be unaware of. Show compassion. Consider what others could be enduring in their everyday lives. Be grateful. Students are encouraged to wear pink to honor of those who have fought, those who have survived and those who carry the banner for prevention and a cure.

ing Engineering Math first before he moved to general math studies including algebra, algebra 2, pre-calculus, and calculus. His favorite subject is algebra, but of course calculus is growing on him.

He started working at Booker T. Washington because the legacy of the school’s namesake, Booker Talifero Washington, the man. He believes in the tenets Washington popularized decades ago and knows that when students invest in themselves and seek wisdom, they not only make those who support them proud, but they surprise themselves as well. He enjoys the community that is fostered in the school, whether we like each other or not on any given day and seeks to build upon that by consistently setting a proper example for the young adults he tries to mold on a daily

basis. He describes the student body as Washington as “Uniquely crazy”, just like him. We accept that. We are growing right along with Mr. Newton in our strive for excellence and accountability.

I have been a student in his class for a short amount of time and I can say he is very engaging in the classroom, helpful to fellow teachers, administrators, faculty, and of course students. Before I knew him so well, I would always see him helping out by fixing printers and solving other technological issues around the school. Never have I seen him agitated or without the time to help someone regardless of what he is doing.

He is very relatable and gives helpful insight on life in general.

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BY TYESHA THOMAS

The True Impact of Hurricane Matthew

PHOTO COURTESY OF HTTP://ABC7NY.COM/WEATHER/

What is happening in our world’s community lately? What has been broadcast all over the airwaves recently was the fifth hurricane of the Atlantic Season and the thirteenth named storm known as Hurricane Matthew. It hit countries that were located along the Atlantic coast. It was a Category 5 storm when it formed on September 28, 2016, but shortly dropped to a Category 4 storm when it passed over Haiti, the Bahamas, Jamaica and Columbia. Hurricane Matthew, while a category 3, previously hit the eastern part of Florida and moved its way up Northern part of Florida. Virginia was also affected. Shortly after, the hurricane made its way up north to Georgia. The flooding there left three people dead. I followed the storm so closely because I have family in two of the three places affected, North Carolina and Florida. It was a stressful time for my family and me but thankfully they were prepared and handled the situation well. For others who had family in the area, we stopped for a moment to send our prayers to them. Although hurricanes are a common occurrence in coastal areas, I never believed I could be so intimately affected by something so far away. The damage that the hurricane caused was described as catastrophic. Reports and pictures have shown the heavy flooding, the hundreds of houses and buildings destroyed and the lives that will never be the same due to this one, horrific event. There has also been many reports of fatalities, injuries and deaths. At the writing of this article, there were more than thirty reported deaths just in Georgia, Florida, and North and South Carolina. The storm has killed as many as two hundred in the Caribbean and Haiti. Some sources have reports of higher death tolls attributed to the hurricane. The Red Cross rushed to the area’s aid to provide food and supplies to the victims. It was the difference between life and death for many.

Thankfully the threat of Matthew has now subsided and my family survived unharmed. As with most events that occur in life, there is something to be learned. There is a message that can be taken or passed along to make someone better. Having family in danger is an eye opener that can break us out of the shell we live in. I felt helpless knowing that not only was I hundreds of miles away, but also that I had no money to give or help to offer.

When an event like this happens, it makes us believe that life can be bigger than our surroundings. It makes me think that I am vulnerable but also that I have the power to do more, to make a difference somehow.

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BY

MELANIE PEREZ TX-11

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