African-American News&Issues

Vol. 19 Issue 15

Greater Houston

May 5-11, 2014 | FREE ®

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

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

Crying Out For Justice

The Ray Scott Case Raises Questions on Unfair Trials & Miscarriages of Justice in Lee County - Giddings, TX See JUSTICE pg. 4

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African

American News&Issues

L cal & State

News

Not Sell Outs but...NAACP Should Re-Evaluate Donation and Awards Process

to how it takes donations or gives awards.

“The group was broadsided and there was no way to prevent that,” said Former Texas State University Chancellor and famed Attorney Dr. James M. Douglas.

“However, if they were not aware of all the things, they should not have made him a candidate for a lifetime achievement award.”

Sterling had already been awarded by the NAACP in 2009 before Dr. James M. Douglas being barred for life by the NBA “The revelation that Mr. for making racists comments that Sterling may have made comments shook the league and America like a in a phone conversation that were 10.0 earthquake. He was scheduled reminiscent of an ugly time period to receive the NAACP Lifetime in American history that contained Achievement Award given by the elements of segregation and racial branch next month. No longer. discrimination demands that the Sterling has a poor history Los Angles NAACP intention to on civil rights and proved to be honor Mr. Sterling for his lifetime someone who should not have been body of work must be withdrawn, honored or considered for a lifetime and his donation to the Los Angeles achievement award with one of the NAACP returned.” - Leon Jenkins, oldest more respected civil rights President, Los Angeles NAACP on organizations in American history.

L.A. Clippers owner Don Sterling Just years before, the real estate How does the NAACP safemagnate had just paid $2.73 million guard itself from another Donald to settle U.S. government claims Sterling incident? The apparent that he refused to rent his apartments action taken by the Los Angeles to Latinos and Blacks in Korea NAACP chapter to separate itself town. from Sterling's racist rants puts a According to community Business Card for Paper_Layout 1 2/18/14 12: mark on the organization and should activist Earl Ofari Hutchinson, the call for reevaluations nationwide as NAACP “airbrushed” this away and simply said that Sterling has been a “gem” in giving oodles of tickets away to needy inner city kids and ladling out some cash to charities and sports camps for them."

However, L.A. NAACP Branch President Leon Jenkins made it clear. “There is a personal, economic and social price that Mr. Sterling 979-921-9908 28820 FM 1736 Road must pay for his attempt to turn Hempstead, TX 77445-7204 the clock back on race relations. If Trophy Hunting: these statements are not who Mr. Whitetail - Axis - Blackbuck Sterling is, then he should spend the Archery • Camping • Camp Fire appropriate time necessary proving Canoeing • Family & Church Reunions to the African-American community Fishing • Guided Nature Hike that these words don't reflect who he Hay Rides • Hiking • Horseshoes is, or who he wishes to become.”

Kayaking • Nature Photography Pedal Boats • Picnics • Sand Volleyball State NAACP Emeritus Howard Jefferson said he has been website: www.rsdeerranch.com working to change the way awards email: malonson@rsdeerranch.com TX-2

are given here in Texas for over a year well before the Don Sterling incident.

“Texas was setting a standard for the nation well before this situation occurred in Los Angeles,” Jefferson said. “It contains stricter guidelines and screening criteria and we expect it to be the model for many other branches across the country.”

Jefferson said that NAACP across the nation will learn from what happen in Los Angeles and that no one should feel that the organization has moved away from its commitment to fighting for civil rights, freedom and justice.

Critics say the incident casts a dark shadow on the organization's mission and makes it appear as though it is either selling out cheap or is now weak and cowering for handouts from any contributor it can find to make a deal. Douglas disagrees.

“Giving back the money was appropriate,” he said. “Taking a visible public stand was the right thing to do.”

He also believes that the media exploited the story instead of allowing the organization to handle its own business appropriately.

“The NAACP does not sell out,” he said. “The White media wants to get attention by finding something negative about Black organizations.

If they could make the NAACP look like a group that fights civil rights on one side and then accepts money from racists, then you diminish the power and respect and importance of the NAACP.” Now the group and national branches try to bounce back from the public exposure of a fellow branch that raises questions and leaves the branches struggling to do some hard self-examinations about these kinds of relationships.

On donations, Douglas pointed To continue reading visit us online @www.aframnews.com By: Darwin Campbell, African-American News&Issues Photo Credit: Priscilla Graham

Texas • August 2013 Texas • May12-18, 5-11, 2014

P litics

Unacceptable Unfortunate Decision & Racist Comments America is a nation moving into a future where its diversity makes it better and stronger; racist comments and attitudes like those expressed by Donald Sterling and Cliven Bundy have no place in our civic life and help explain why the Supreme Court reached the wrong decision in upholding Michigan’s anti-affirmative action initiative” Donald Sterling’s comments are racist and highly offensive.

They have no place in our society and are beneath contempt.

It is particularly unfortunate that these despicable remarks were made by an owner of an NBA franchise because the National Basketball Association has been leading the way in showing the world that America’s diversity is it greatest strength and asset. NBA teams are comprised of athletes from every race and background who work hard and in common purpose to achieve the shared goal of winning championship and thrilling their fans, who can be found on every continent of the globe. As an economic engine, the NBA generates billions of dollars to the national and local economy.

I am encouraged by the announcement of NBA Commissioner Silver that the league and its owners take this matter very seriously and I am confident will take appropriate action to make it clear that when it comes to racism, the NBA has a zero-tolerance policy.

The United States of America is the most vibrant, dynamic, and welcoming nation in the world.

Here we embrace and celebrate our diverse backgrounds and cultures because we understand that our diversity makes us better and stronger. The racist comments and attitudes expressed by Donald Sterling, and last week by Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, have no place in our civic life. But they also remind us that 50 years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 there is still much work to be

Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee TX 18th Dist.

done in perfecting our union.

It is perhaps not a coincidence that the offensive comments of Donald Sterling and Cliven Bundy were made by persons who came of age during the pre-Civil Rights era and that their views are not shared by the vast majority of their children’s and grandchildren’s generation. Diversity in education has been indispensable in this transformation. That is why the decision last week by the Supreme Court upholding Michigan’s antiaffirmative action initiative is so unfortunate.

The Court’s decision perpetuates the direct harm to AfricanAmerican, Hispanic, and Native American students and inflicts indirect harm to all other students, including those admitted as alumni legatees, which is just a disguised affirmative action program for the affluent.

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

Publisher President/C.E.O. Editor Production

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

by African-American News & Issues, Inc., 6130 Wheatley Street, Houston, Texas 77091, (713) 692-1892. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:15am - 5pm. The entire contents of the paper are copyrighted by African-American News & Issues, Inc. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

African-American News&Issues is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the publisher.

African

Texas • May 5-11, 2014

Edit rial & Opini n So Much for a ‘Post-racial’ America Rev. Al Sharpton President, National Action Network

In 2009 U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder spoke candidly about race relations when he said, “Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards.” He was criticized, he was ridiculed, and he was attacked by many who love to proclaim that we are somehow “post-racial.” Well, if the events of the past week have proved anything, it’s that Holder was 100-percent correct. We as a country are far from a post-racial society, and anyone who thinks otherwise needs to simply open their eyes.

Last Tuesday the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Michigan’s ban on affirmative action at state universities and colleges. This “voterapproved” ban transpired in 2006, when Michigan residents decided that they wanted the consideration of race barred from the admissions process. In other words, a state acted on free will to change practices that were created at the federal level to protect minorities.

And now the highest court in the land has decided to side with the state -- dealing another setback to civil rights and reversing progress.

To quote Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who wrote a tremendous dissenting opinion, the decision is a blow to historically marginalized groups, which rely on the federal courts to protect their constitutional rights.

After days and days of propping up Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy as some sort of hero, many pundits were quick to run away from him when his reprehensible,

racist comments were revealed last week. According to reports, Bundy stated that African Americans “abort their young children, they put their young men in jail, because they never learned how to pick cotton. And I’ve often wondered, are they better off as slaves, picking cotton and having a family life and doing things, or are they better off under government subsidy?” His vile, insulting and outrageous words have no place in our discourse. Perhaps next time people will do a little more background research before they affiliate themselves with someone and hold him or her up as some sort of hero.

And finally we learned this past week of L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling’s alleged racist comments, where he reportedly told his girlfriend that he doesn’t want her to take pictures with African Americans or bring them to his games. “It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with Black people,” he said, according to reports by TMZ. Sterling must speak up and clear the air. He must say whether the voice on these tapes is his or not; he must come clean, because this kind of inexcusable behavior has no place in the NBA or in our society. If he said it, then he must go. And the NBA must investigate and take action immediately.

Over the weekend National Action Network (NAN) and I went after this issue because intolerance, especially at the highest levels, cannot be allowed to continue.

Tomorrow the L.A. chapter of NAN will be conducting a vigil in front of the Clippers game. When people are making millions -- and billions -- off the talent of Black athletes, we cannot allow them to be demonized in this way.

It is unacceptable, just as it is unacceptable to allow the Supreme Court to uphold a ban on affirmative action.

American News&Issues

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

Be Proud of Black Heritage!

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ride is not always a negative thing. By definition it means: - a dignified sense of what is due to oneself or one’s position or character; self-respect; self-esteem.

- having a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing and conduct.

V. Stiviano, who brought down L.A,. Clippers owner Donald Sterling after causing a great stir in America over racists rants caught on tape, grew up poor in San Antonio and by her own admission is Black and Mexican.

What was impressive about the entire fiasco was the part where she was confronted about her race.

She stood firm and told Sterling that she was Proud of her heritage and refused to turn her back on her history or who she was. She made it clear that she refused to be turned into a racist.

That kind of pride is not self-righteous. It’s very commendable.

She is a woman Proud of her Blackness and not ashamed of her history or her heritage.

Black history has been watered down because too many of us fail to stand firm in the Blackness of who we are.

Stiviano was not willing to give up her history or heritage to be White or Latino. As a result, she was set aside by Don Sterling.

I am proud of Stiviano for standing up for her Blackness and not caving into to those in this world who would tell here that being Black is bad and negative.

There is something to be said about anyone who is man enough or woman enough to be proud their heritage.

Pride can be a motivator and create a desire to aspire to greater things and stimulate and energize the soul and spirit achieve higher levels.

In order for the Black community to continue to build on the advancements made as a result of the Civil Rights Movement, we must understand the need to cultivate our sense of pride.

At the top of the list in cultivating pride is being Proud of our history.

Blacks have contributed a great deal in helping build America.

Blacks built the economy of the Old South and made Cotton King.

Blacks in Congress reshaped lawmaking and set high standards for representation in southern states during Reconstruction era.

Blacks were responsible for the building and construction of the White House.

Blacks contributed to victories and successful air support in the person of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II that helped defeat Adolph Hitler.

Blacks stood firm on Civil Rights and their protests, demonstrations and sacrifices

- Roy Douglas Malonson

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

before a nation caused President Lyndon B. Johnson to sign the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

There many other great achievements in business, science and education that we can look back and use as a foundation to build on.

We Must Understand that history serves as the foundation that guides us to the next step in restoring pride in our community. The next step is doing it for ourselves.

“Now we’s demands a chance to do things for ourselves We’re tired of beating our heads against the wall And working for someone else, hu Now we’re our people, too We’re like the birds and the bees, But we’d rather die on our feet, Than keep a’living on our knees” James Brown made it clear when he said, “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud”.

There are many things still in Black America to be proud of.

The key to our survival of our community in the future is for us to teach each and every child, teen and young adult to learn their history and Be Proud of ourselves first.

all original responsLetter to the Publisher Wese welcome from our readers to content

found in the African-American News&Issues. Letters to the Publisher may be sent via e-mail to news@aframnews.com.

Please keep all letters under 300 words. Be sure to include the author’s name, area of residence.

All letters and articles may be verified before they are published. All letters are subjected to editing or being cut for spacing purposes. Thank you in advance for your submission.

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African

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JUSTICE from pg. 1

GIDDINGS- One of the worst things that can happen to a loved one in the criminal justice system is to be sentenced to years in prison for a crime you did not commit.

Small counties and towns in Texas have long been notorious for settings where the over zealous district attorneys are trying to make names for themselves but have taken advantage of the power of the criminal justice system and used back water juries to convict innocent men.

One such case raises questions that was tried in Lee County, Giddings, Texas in 1995.

Ray Anthony Scott is now serving 99 years of an alleged attempted murder of a White woman at a Giddings motel.

Chester Thornton, Scott’s Defense attorney at the time of the trial, noted that the case deserves a second look because of the details surrounding the case and the trial.

“There are some twists and flimsy evidence that was presented in this case,” Thornton said.

“Justice was not served from an evidence standpoint. It is a miscarriage of justice as facts presented were hearsay and one-sided.”

Lee County is located in the state of Texas. As of the 2010, its population was 16,612.

Its county seat is Giddings.

Lee County is named for Robert E. Lee, former commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War. The racial makeup of the county at last census was 76.59% White and 12.08% Black or African-American.

Thornton believes that race played a major factor in the outcome of the case because the good ole’ boy system was in place at the time of the trial.

Scott’s case cries out for a review, not only because it does appear to be a severe miscarriages of justice, but also the DNA data does not link him to the crime. That further raises eyebrows and serious challenges about whether Scott was railroaded down a one-way track in a White county without fair justice.

Adding insult to injury are court TX- 4

records that raise even more questions about the trial, the prosecutor, the evidence presented and the content of the so-called evidence facts presented.

According to records, the trial was one-sided with the Prosecutor Steven Keng presenting his case and then District Judge John L. Placke presiding. Keng, who still lives in Giddings is a private attorney did not return phone calls.

Judge Placke has since retired, but his son Martin Placke is the sitting prosecuting attorney.

Calls made by the AfricanAmerican News&Issues about Scott’s case to his office have not been returned.

BACKGROUND DETAILS On April 20, 1995, Scott was sentenced to 99 years in prison for attempted Capital Murder of Jeanette Nickel, then a prominent White woman in Giddings.

The assault allegedly occurred some 13 years prior at the Classic Inn Motel where Nickel was staying.

Scott was picked up and charged for this alleged assault 13 years later. According to court records, police work had brought in six other possible Black men who were questioned in the original cast for just assault prior to Scott’s arrest.

In April 1995, the charges were changed to Attempted Capital Murder.

Since his incarceration, Scott’s sister Lisa Johnson left her career as a successful model and has been working tirelessly to get officials to take a second look and review the evidence and details in the case in hopes that the real truth will come out and he would be exonerated.

“I want people to know that this case has been a nightmare for me and my family,” she said. “I just want someone to step forward and help us get this overturned and Free Ray. That would be real justice.”

STRANGE COURT DETAILS THAT JUST DON’T SEEM TO ADD UP During the trial then Prosecutor Steve Keng spent a great deal of time arguing the case for Scott’s conviction to a predominantly White county and a jury that included seven men and five women. Only

C ver St ry

one person on the jury at the time was Black.

Keng presented a case recorded by the court and the local Giddings Times and News that reflected a host of circumstantial evidence and unchallenged opinions that were accepted as key documentation and testimony and evidence used to convict Scott.

Evidence on record indicates that Mrs. Nickel was unable to identify Scott as her attacker stating she was “struck in the head” and blacked out. However, according to court records she did say her attacker was a “Black man” then in turn said that her attacker may have been Black or of another race. In the appeal document, it was presented that she had told officers that her attacker had short, kinky, Black hair and was Black complected but he did not have a wide nose and features usually associated with African Americans.

Another and perhaps the most bizarre argument used in the case involved defining the description of Scott. Scott did not fit the composite drawing description of the assailant or Keng’s comparison of the artist’s sketch of the assailant did not match.

The quick and strange facts surround that during Scott’s trial, Keng argued for Scott being the man who committed the crime 13 years prior.

He went on to give jurors a breakdown in Black anatomical changes and shaped it into an argument that fit the artists sketch analysis. During that presentation, the prosecutor spoke like an “expert witness” describing how Black people’s physical features change.

For example, a detailed description about changes to a Black person’s nose and how it can change from pointed to flat as they age.

Also, a presentation on how Black people skin colors changes with the seasons of the year from dark complexions to light. That was used to justify Nickels identifying Scott as her assailant.

Scott, who was very dark skinned, was the square peg fit into the round hole of a light-skinned man to frame him as the man who committed the assault.

However, a clear look at Scott’s picture at the time and the artist’s

sketch side by side during the trial bear no resemblance. It clearly shows that the two had different facial features. The drawing of the assailant looked like a foreigner and not a Black man.

It is unknown how Keng could have made those kinds of statement for the record in a critical trial where a man’s future was on the line.

Another point of key interest that should also be noted is that on the night in question, another witness, Paul Brown, an on duty motel assistant manager could not identify Scott definitively either.

According to the appeals document, the owner and the assistant manager went to Nickel’s room and knocked on the door. A man’s face appeared momentarily at the window of the dark room and said everything was alright.

He said he was tackled by the suspect as he attempted to stop him from fleeing.

According to the appeal records, After the fingerprints in the room were identified as appellant’s, officers in Maryland, where Brown then resided, showed Brown a photographic exhibit that included a “poor photograph” of appellant. Brown was unable to identify appellant’s or any other photograph as that of the man he saw run from Nickel’s room.

It should be noted that at the time of this alleged attack, Mrs. Nickel was going through a bitter divorce. Her husband had been inquiring about her activities and whereabouts. Also, reports indicate that at the time of the alleged assault, Mrs. Nickel’s belongings, which included a pistol, diamond rings, a watch and a large sum of money were all left behind.

DNA This is a case that appears to be snared by the DNA tests and need further review by an independent court. The only real evidence present was a partial print. However, in the age of DNA, the blood DNA and testing did not match. In testing from June 2008, Scott was excluded as a contributor to blood evidence submitted from the case.

JUSTICE FOR SCOTT Anthony Graves, who has been a victim of bad justice and now fights for truth, justice and standing

Texas • August 2013 Texas • May12-18, 5-11, 2014

Copy of D.P.S. Arrest Composite

by Karen Taylor

up for right, said the case does need to be addressed.

Graves was exonerated after being on death row and facing death three times before his case was reviewed and overturned after the Innocence Project took his case and worked until he was released.

Graves is now is a motivational speaker who works tirelessly to help young men from entering the pathways that leads to prison.

“This case needs further review,” Graves said. “It is a typical case where there are many like Scott who have been sent to prison by a criminal justice system that simply failed.”

Ray A. Scott is one criminal justice case of many that begs for review. There are a number of obvious flagrant and peculiar things that occurred during this trial that question whether justice was served.

Scott sits in Beaumont in a facility doing time for 99 years based on trumped up charges.

He appears to be an innocent Black man who was made an example of in a county where the Prosecutor Keng said during the punishment phase, “that the stiffness of their sentence would send a message to Ray Anthony Scott and even those in the pen that they don’t want people like that in Lee County.”

(Who? Innocent folk?)

To continue reading ‘JUSTICE’ visit us online @ www.aframnews.com Story By: Darwin Campbell, African-American News&Issues

C mmunity

Texas • May 5-11, 2014

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SunnySide Seeks Major Clean Up, Flood Control & Drainage Help Before Hurricane Season

HOUSTON-With hurricane season just a month away, residents of Sunnyside /South Acres / Crestmont Park Super Neighborhoods area are concerned that this hurricane season and flooding might become a major issue in their community.

“This is a bayou community and what we see shaping up is not very good,” said L. E. Chamberlain, President of the Sunnyside / South Acres / Crestmont Park Super Neighborhoods. “We have a lot of trash and debris accumulated

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around our drainage systems.

That is not good because we all are poised to see lots of floodwater come up and back up into streets and yards.”

The area is part of City Council District D represented by Councilman Dwight Boykins.

Public safety; infrastructure, and job creation were the cornerstones of the Boykins 2013 campaign and according to him will continue to be the cornerstone of daily priorities. He is yet to address the community’s concerns on the latest issue.

Boykins said that he takes the issue of illegal dumping very seriously. “We are taking a strong stiff and aggressive approach to ridding our neighborhoods of this problem,” Boykins said. “We not only are going to put more teeth into the law, but we also will be setting up sting operations to catch folks dumping illegally.”

According to Chamberlain, he is campaigning for an all out effort that brings together the city of Houston and the neighborhood to do ditch, drainage and gutter cleaning in advance of hurricane

season.

“We need help getting this done,” he said. “We have already seen the symptoms brewing with a few hard rains so far this year.”

Chamberlain said the last big push for cleaning gutters and ditches happened in his area about a decade ago. He said it was effective on flooding and help relief pressure on drainage systems and flooding for about three years.

“It needs to happen again,” he said. “We need it now.”

There are also other problems compounding the issue. Some of those issues include the continuing problem of illegal dumping in the area, the tearing up of streets and roadways and the failure of property mitigation after new construction.

According to Houston history, Sunnyside, the oldest AfricanAmerican community in southern Houston, first platted in 1912.

When the community opened in the 1910s, H. H. Holmes, the founder, gave the land the name Sunny Side.

It is located outside of the 610 Loop and inside Beltway 8 off State Highway 288 south

YOU, THE LAW AND YOUR RIGHTS

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

To know the basic functions of the

CRIMINAL LAW PART. 11

Criminal Justice system, your rights and certain rules of conduct may greatly enhance one ‘s chances of successfully negotiating the system and remaining free.

PRETRIAL RELEASE Types of Bail [1]-- Generally Bail is the security given by an accused to ensure his or her appearance before the court. Bail may be in the form of a bail bond or a personal bond .

[2]-- Bail Bond [a]-- General Requirements A bail bond is a written undertaking entered into by a defendant and any sureties to guarantee the defendant’s appearance before a court

to answer a criminal accusation .

The bond must meet the following requirements to be sufficient . [b]-- Surety Bond The most common method of posting bail in Texas is the surety bond, in which an individual or corporation other than the accused promises to satisfy the bond if the accused does not appear. The surety is liable for the bond until the date of the final judgment remitting it, unless there is a disposition of the underlying case, in which case liability ends on the date of the disposition .. [c]-- Cash Bond It is always possible for the defendant to deposit the full amount

of the bond in cash to secure release . However, the court may not require a cash bond instead of a surety bond as a way to keep the defendant incarcerated . The entire amount is returned when the defendant has complied with the conditions of the bond and the court has ordered the funds released . Posting bond in this manner has the advantage of avoiding the bondsman’s fee.

[2]-- Surrender of Accused by Surety If a surety has a reasonable belief that a defendant will not appear for court or has become an unreasonable flight risk, or has a pattern if missing court dates, they may surrender the bond. For

of Downtown Houston and is predominantlyAfrican-American.

The community’s slogan is “Sunnyside Pride.”

At one time, the area was considered one of the ten most dangerous neighborhoods in the nation. In 2013, the mostly lowerincome community in southeast Houston ranked sixth, with a rate of about 91 violent crimes per every 1,000 residents. The firm that studied the city concluded that Sunnyside residents stand about a 1 in 11 chance of becoming a crime victim each year.

Chamberlain said one of his goals as president is working to improve the image of the community and by nurturing the younger population to have pride and respect for the neighborhood.

He hopes an effort to clean up will help the neighborhood redevelop a sense of community pride and that it will be contagious enough to generate support and volunteerism needed to revitalize and restore the community.

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

Judge Warren Fitzgerald The Right Side of Justice this reason it is always critical to communicate with the bonding company, before court date, after appearing at a court date, incase of change of address, etc.

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

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

Business

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Texas • May 5-11, 2014

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EDITION Texas • MayDATE: 5-11, 2014 May 5-11, 2014 (Vol. 19 Issue 15) What’s in Houston EDITION DATE: May 12-18 , 2014Happenin’ (Vol. 19 Issue 16) PUBLIC NOTICE

Houston Community College Notice of Procurement Opportunities RFP 14-22 – ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT PLANNING SERVICES Submittal Responses Due: May 22, 2014 at 3:00 pm (local time) To obtain a copy of the solicitation documents go to our website at: www.hccs.edu (Click on: Business & Community / Doing Business with HCC / Procurement / Current Bids and RFPs). For assistance call: 713-718-5014 Sealed responses will be received in Procurement Operations, 3100 Main Street (11th Floor), Houston, TX 77002, until 3:00 pm (local time) on the submittal date, May 22, 20014, and publicly opened in Room No. 11A07 at that time.

HCC is an equal opportunity/ educational institution, which does not discriminate based on race, color religion, national origin, gender age or disability.

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May

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

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Tuesday Congress of Houston Teachers Spring Banquet Celebrates HISD 2222 W Loop South Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 6:30pm For more info contact: www.CHT.org

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Thursday Houston Museum African-American Culture “Vanishing Pearls” 4807 Caroline St Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 7:30pm For more info contact: (713) 526-1015

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Thursday The Luke Women Church Girls Rock 2380 S. Houston Ave. Humble, TX 77396 Beginning at 6pm For more info contact: (281) 548-2001 www.theluke.org

Email Your Event to news@aframnews.com

4 weeks in advance!

10

Saturday African-American Heading Title: Library at the Gregory School Public Buffalo Soldiers and theNotice Camp Logan Riot of 1917 1300 Contact Victor StInformation: Houston, TX 77019 Name: Christopher Burton Beginning at 2pmCommunity College Company: Houston For more info contact: Phone: 713-718-5029 Fax: www.eventbrite.com

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THE COMEDY OF THE SUMMER! AIN’T IT COOL NEWS

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Sunday First Baptist Church of Lincoln City Thursday - Sunday FBC Praise Dancers Ensemble Theatre 844 Fortune St The Old Settler Houston, TX 77088 3535 Main St Beginning at 11:30am Houston, TX 77002 For more info contact: *Various Showtimes* (832) 892-5078 For more info contact: Sunday (713)520-0055 Dream@50 Dance the Dream Discovery Green Friday - Saturday P.O. Number 1500 McKinney Remington College St’Houston, TX 77010 Free Salon Services for Beginning at 1pm HS Prom Students For more info contact: 11310 Greens Crossing #300 www.eventbrite.com Houston, TX 77067 This should be Signature For more info contact: your event!

(281) 554-1790 Saturday Saturday Diamnods & Pearls Houston Museum Mothers Day Gala African-American Culture Date Black Tie “Otelo Burning” 10150 West Airport Blvd 4807 Caroline St Stafford, TX 77477 Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 6pm Beginning at 1:30pm For more info contact: For more info contact: (713) 526-1015 www.eventbrte.com Saturday Saturday St Paul AME S.H.A.P.E When Momma Prays Pan African Cultural Stage Revival Festival 1554 Gears Rd 3814 Live Oak St Houston, TX 77067 Houston, TX 77004 Beginning at 5pm From 11am-8pm For more info contact: For more info contact: (281) 537-3300 www.shape.org

Please sign for approval and fax back to (713) 692-1183 by 12 NOON Wednesday for next Monday’s publication.

May 9 - May 10

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UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS A POINT GREY/GOOD UNIVERSE PRODUCTION A MUSIC NICHOLAS STOLLER FILM SETHCOSTUME ROGEN ZAC EFRON “NEIGHBORS” ROSEPRODUCTION BYRNE CHRISTOPHER MIDIRECTOR NTZ-PLASSE DAVE FRANCOEXECUTIVEBY MICHAEL ANDREWS DESIGNER LEESA EVANS OF EDITOR ZENE BAKER DESIGNER JULI E BERGHOFF PHOTOGRAPHY BRANDON TROST PRODUCERS NATHAN KAHANE JOE DRAKE BRI A N BELL ANDREWJAY COHEN BRENDAN O’BRIEN PRODUCEDBY SETH ROGEN EVANDIRECTEDGOLDBERG JAMES WEAVER WRITTENBY ANDREWJAY COHEN & BRENDAN O’BRIEN A UNIVERSAL RELEASE

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Texas • May 5-11, 2014

Investing For The Future

hat kind of business does Christ want us to conduct with the resources He has entrusted to us?

In a word, we need to invest, not just spend. Too many of us have accumulated debt that is wearing us down because we spend, spend, spend. So we owe, owe, owe. Yet God wants us to invest what we have been given for the advancement of His kingdom.

In fact, as a steward of God’s resources, you are to be content without being passive. God calls us to live a life of contentment. What that means, though, is that you are to be at ease where you are while simultaneously working diligently and trusting God to enable you to maximize your potential. (Proverbs 30:8, Philippians 4:11-12) We do that in our physical lives. We get an education, attend seminars, or become an expert in a certain craft or field. We will go through an enormous amount of energy in order to make a mark for ourselves in this world. Yet, often, if you were to look at how much time, energy and financial investment we make in advancing God’s kingdom, it would come up lacking. Rather,

May

Religion

our focus is on our kingdom, our bank account, our house, our car, and our clothes. It is about the advancement of us rather than Him. If you have children, you know they would rather spend than invest any day. We don’t have to teach our kids to spend. We have to teach them to save. Do you know why kids spend all the time? Because they have a wrong view of the future. Kids spend because the only day they can see is today.

Given the chance to get what they want, most teenagers will get it without worrying about whether they will be broke next week.

Kids don’t take investing seriously because they don’t take the future seriously.

Let me tell you, this is why the lives of some believers are messed up. They don’t seriously believe the Owner is going to come back and ask them what they did with the resources He entrusted to them as His stewards.

Now most of us prepare for the future in other areas. We have insurance policies to cover everything we have and anything that might happen to it.

In other words, we will do for

Pastor Tony Evans

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Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship ourselves what we won’t do for God. We plan for what might happen by buying insurance. But we fail to plan for what will happen—the return of Jesus Christ and the evaluation of our stewardship—by wisely investing the life potential and resources He has given us.

When you invest in advancing the kingdom on earth, what you are doing is forwarding ahead that which has eternal value attached to it. You are thinking with a futureoriented mindset.

You are laying up for yourself “treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal ….” (Matthew 6:20) Pastor Tony Evans is senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas, and President of the Urban The Urban Alternative.

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Health

Texas • May 5-11, 2014

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

9

Beware of Sun - Over Exposure Increases Skin Cancer Risks for African-Americans M.D. Anderson Offering Free Skin Cancer Screening Exams

HOUSTON-As the summer heats up, Many African-Americans will spend more time outside, grilling, playing outdoor sports, doing yard work - enjoying the sunshine.

However, there may be risk for something much more serious than a tan. African-Americans need to be aware that skin cancer is a very real possibility if they are not careful practicing sun safety habits.

“Skin cancer is the most common cancer, but it’s also highly preventable,” said Susan Chon, M.D., assistant professor in MD Anderson’s Department of Dermatology and coordinator for the citywide screening event.

“Everyone should remember to wear sunscreen daily and avoid the mid-day sun – especially in Texas.”

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center will offer free skin cancer screening exams to the public on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Cancer Prevention Center at the Duncan Building. The building is located on the MD Anderson campus within the Texas Medical Center at 1155 Pressler Street, Floor 2. Free parking is available.

PROBLEM Most skin cancers are basal and squamous cell cancers, which are the easiest skin cancers to treat.

But, a growing number are mela-

noma, a less common and more aggressive type of skin cancer.

Since 1950, new melanoma cases in the United States have increased by 600 percent.

Cases of melanoma and deaths from this most lethal of skin cancers are on the rise, continuing an ominous trend that began more than 50 years ago.

Melanoma is a cancer that MD Anderson is initially targeting as part of its Moon Shots Program, which seeks to dramatically reduce cancer deaths.

Unfortunately, African Americans are often diagnosed at an advanced stage, when there is less chance for a cure.

Statistics from various parts of the United States indicate that survival rates for African American patients diagnosed with melanoma are lower than those of white patients, according to the Cancer Institute.

For example, the California cancer registry reported a five-year survival rate of 70% for African American melanoma patients, as compared to 87% for white patients. Similarly, at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC, the five-year survival rate for African American patients was 59%, compared to 85% in whites.

The lower survival rate in African Americans was due largely to the fact that they tended

to have more advanced disease particularly disease that had spread to other parts of their bodies when they were diagnosed with melanoma. When melanoma has spread to other parts of the body, it is highly lethal.

SYMPTOMS Among African Americans, melanomas occur mainly on body sites that are not pigmented, such as the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and the skin beneath the nails. Other sites at which melanomas occur relatively often in African Americans are the mucous membranes of the mouth, nasal passages, and genitals.

There are several types of skin cancer. The two most common types are non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer) and melanoma.

Basal cell skin cancer grows slowly. It usually occurs on areas of the skin that have been in the sun, and it is most common on the face. Basal cell cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body.

Squamous cell skin cancer also occurs on parts of the skin that have been in the sun, but it also may be in places that are not in the sun.

Squamous cell cancer sometimes spreads to lymph nodes and organs inside the body. Melanoma occurs much less frequently than basal cell and squamous cell cancer, but it is the most serious and

deadly form of skin cancer.

Among African Americans, squamous cell cancer is the most common form of skin cancer.

Although squamous cell cancer is generally curable, it may be more serious when it occurs in African Americans than when it appears in whites.

Melanoma is much less common in African Americans than in whites, but when it does occur in African Americans it is particularly deadly.

This disease usually begins as an abnormal mole. In whites, melanomas often develop on the trunk and legs, but in African Americans, melanomas are most often found under the nails, on the palms of hands, and on the soles of the feet.

African Americans should develop an awareness of the moles on their bodies and be alert for new or changing moles.

In addition, African Americans should examine their fingernails and toenails for suspicious changes, which may include brown or black colored stripes under the nail or a spot that extends beyond the edge of the nail.

If you notice such changes, see a doctor promptly because they may be signs of melanoma. Melanoma that is detected and treated early can usually be cured, she said.

“Along with skin exams, prac-

tice awareness,” Chon said. “Pay attention to your body so you’ll notice changes and report them to your doctor without delay.”

PREVENTION The free screening will include a full-body exam, but participants are not required to undergo the complete exam if it is not desired.

Each participant will receive a copy of his or her screening results.

Physicians in the Houston Dermatological Society will perform the screenings. The American Cancer Society, the American Academy of Dermatology and Houston Dermatological Society are co-sponsoring the event.

For a list of additional free skin cancer screening locations, visit the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society sites.

Appointments are not available for these free screenings and exams are offered on a first come, first served basis. Participants who may need follow-up care will be referred to a list of local dermatologists.

Along with offering a wide range of screening and early detection services, MD Anderson’s Cancer Prevention Center offers personalized risk-reduction strategies and prevention programs.

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

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

Education for African-Americans

Educati n/Y uth

Texas • May 5-11, 2014

Did You Know:

The education of AfricanAmerican children during the late period of slavery, after 1800, was sporadic and unreliable in Texas as in other Southern states.

Formal education was practically nonexistent for African Americans.

Education most often consisted of on-the-job training in a variety of occupations. Before the Civil War most people believed education of African Americans would lead to discontent and rebellion. A few did support instruction and often volunteered their services. According to the census of 1850, 58,558 African Americans, representing 27.5 per cent of the population, lived in Texas. Fewer than 1 percent, or 397, were free, of which 217 were believed to be literate, 20 were in school, and 58 were illiterate adults.

There are no actual statistics available on the 58,151 enslaved African Americans, but available data indicate that a portion of the slave population had been instructed in the basic rudiments of reading and writing.

In 1865 the United States Congress instituted the Freedmen's Bureau. The bureau's primary function was to supervise and coordinate a vast educational enterprise located in Texas, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. The bureau supervised schools offering classes from the elementary level through college. These schools provided a formal curriculum of arithmetic, reading, writing, history, and geography. In addition, a practical curriculum of civics, politics, home economics, and vocational training was provided. Most teachers were supplied by the American Missionary Association, with the majority initially coming from the Northern states. Soon thereafter, a few Southern whites and educated African Americans were recruited to teach in these schools. In January 1866, Texas began with ten day and TX-10

six night schools for black children.

There were ten teachers with a total enrollment of 1,041 students (many of whom were adults). Six months later, on July 1, 1866, the Freedmen's Bureau in Texas had ninety schools (including day, night, and Sabbath schools), forty-three teachers, and 4,590 students attending. John W. Alvord, the first and only inspector of schools and finances for the bureau, described Texas schools during this period as prosperous. He found that Texas freedmen's schools had needed only minimal assistance from Northern states and attributed this to what he perceived as the minimal impact of the Civil War upon the economic base of Texas. By the end of 1870 there were eighty-eight schools (both day and night) in Texas, eighty-five teachers of whom forty-four were African American, and 4,478 students. In addition, there were twenty-seven Sabbath schools with twenty-eight teachers (twenty-three were black) and 1,350 students.

The advent of schools staffed

by Northern white missionaries was not acceptable to all the Southern white population. Some persons, alarmed by mandatory acceptance of African Americans in state politics, were vehemently opposed to the Freedmen's Bureau and exhibited their resentment by burning schools and intimidating the missionary teachers. This attitude was not universal in Texas. The Texas teachers' convention of 1866, for example, passed a resolution urging training for the newly freed African Americans of Texas. Divergences of opinion and fluctuating attitudes were most distinctly revealed in legislative enactments from 1866 to 1876. The Constitution of 1866 provided that the "income derived from the Public School Fund be employed exclusively for the education of white scholastic inhabitants," and that the "legislature may provide for the levying of a tax for educational purposes." African Americans were taxed for "the maintenance of a system of public schools for Africans and their children." The

Reconstruction legislature of 1870, by eliminating segregation, gave Texas a single educational system in which all children shared, but in 1873 and 1875 the state legislature repealed most of the laws of the Reconstruction period.

In 1871, Texas organized a public school system. The succeeding system, formed under the Constitution of 1876, reestablished the segregation of races but make impartial provision for each. Between 1873 and 1893 at black state conventions, African Americans from all sections of the state met to express their opinions, to delineate their needs, and to shape educational policies.

Most significant were the Waco and Brenham conventions and the first meeting at Austin in 1884 of the Colored Teachers Association (see TEACHERS STATE ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS). The state Board of Education conducted its first survey of black schools in 1921. At that time 6,369 pupils were enrolled for secondary work, the majority being in city high schools.

By 1925 there were 150 institutions in Texas offering one or more years of high school work for African Americans; included in this number were fourteen city high schools, six or more country high schools, and high school departments in every junior and senior college.

In the 1920s to 1930s the

average length of the school term for black children was only about four days shorter than that for white children. However, Texas spent an average of $3.39 or about a third less for the education of AfricanAmerican students than for white students. During the same period, black teachers were paid significantly less than white teachers ($91.60 a month, compared with $121.03).

In 1940 there were 222,715 black pupils in 116 accredited Texas high schools, twelve of which were rated by the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Approximately half of the 6,439 teachers had degrees.

The early 1950s marked several changes. These included improvements in school buildings and facilities, equalization of teachers' salaries, and an increase in funds for classroom instruction and libraries. The Texas Association of New Farmers of America, the AfricanAmerican equivalent of Future Farmers of America, had chartered chapters in 178 high schools, with a membership of more than 9,000 high school boys studying vocational agriculture. The operating headquarters for the New Farmers of America program in Texas was at Prairie View A&M University.

The NFA state adviser was also stationed at Prairie View, where the staff of the school of agriculture, in cooperation with the state staff in agricultural education, sponsored

and planned jointly such activities as the annual state NFA convention and state livestock and poultry judging contests. They also participated in various fairs, shows, contests, and conventions at local, district, state, and national levels.

The United States Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) outlawed segregated education and consequently had tremendous influence on programs of education for African Americans. Texas was one of the leaders in desegregation throughout the South. Two black students had been admitted to previously allwhite schools in Fiona, Texas, before the 1954 decision. Shortly after the 1954 decision, the San Antonio school district became one of the first districts nationwide to comply.

San Antonio had the advantages of good race relations and an articulate policy statement. This desegregation process began in September of the 1955–56 school year. Though San Antonio's desegregation of its schools moved quite smoothly, other school districts, such as Houston's, were amazingly slow.

In 1964 Texas accounted for about 60 percent of the desegregated school districts in the South and for more than half of all AfricanAmerican students attending integrated schools in the South.

To continue reading visit www.aframnews.com By: Anna Victoria Wilson

Energy

Texas • May 5-11, 2014

Chevron Supplier Diversity Program

Chevron Seeks Supplier Diversity That Reflects Communities it Serves

“We learn from and respect the cultures in which we work. We value and demonstrate respect for the uniqueness of individuals and the varied perspectives and talents they provide. We have an inclusive work environment and actively embrace a diversity of people, ideas, talents and experiences.”

-The Chevron Way How does a Black business or company become supplier eligible with Chevron.

The Supplier Diversity/Small Business Program promotes an inclusive business environment for the benefit of the company and our suppliers. It works with small, minority- and women-owned businesses to develop innovative, cost-effective ways to supply goods and services.

“Chevron is committed to being the Partner of Choice and creating social and economic value wherever we do business,” CEO and Chairman John Watson said.

“Integral to these efforts is having a supplier network that reflects the communities where we operate.”

According to Watson, Chevron’s Supplier Diversity/Small Business Program, partners with small, veteran, service disabled veteran, disadvantaged, HUBzone, and women owned businesses (small business concerns) as well as minority and local suppliers, which creates value for our business and supports local economic development.

The company has a robust supplier diversity program. In 2012, Chevron spent $823.8 million with women- and minority-owned businesses in the United States. The also spent more than $2.5 billion on goods and services from US-based small businesses.

WHO IS CHEVRON Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies.

The company is involved in virtually every facet of the energy

industry.

They explore for, produce and transport crude oil and natural gas; refine, market and distribute transportation fuels and lubricants; manufacture and sell petrochemical products; generate power and produce geothermal energy; provide renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions; and develop the energy resources of the future, including research into advanced biofuels.

COMPANY HISTORY Chevron traces its beginnings to an 1879 oil discovery at Pico Canyon, north of Los Angeles, which led to the formation of the Pacific Coast Oil Co. That company later became Standard Oil Co. of California and, subsequently, Chevron.

The company took on the name Chevron when it acquired Gulf Oil Corporation in 1984, which nearly doubled our worldwide proved crude oil and natural gas reserves.

Then, the merger with Gulf was then the largest in U.S. history.

Another major branch of the family tree is The Texas Fuel Company, formed in Beaumont, Texas, in 1901. It later became known as The Texas Company and, eventually, Texaco.

In 2001, the two companies merged. The acquisition of Unocal Corporation in 2005 strengthened Chevron’s position as an energy industry leader, increasing our crude oil and natural gas assets around the world.

DIVERSITY PROGRAM MAKE UP Our Supplier Diversity/Small Business Program consists of: Utilization - We integrate strategies to include competitive sourcing opportunities.

Training and education - We offer training and support for small, minority and women-owned businesses on how to do business with Chevron.

Tracking - We monitor and report our progress towards achieving our program targets with emphasis on continuous improvement.

Certification - We verify that businesses meet the criteria of ownership to qualify as a minority, woman-owned, small disadvantaged or HUB Zone certified firm.

Certification workshops, training and partnerships with recognized certifying organizations help facilitate the process.

Outreach - We seek out diverse suppliers through active involvement with small business and minority development organizations and participation in various trade shows.

“Fostering and maintaining productive, collaborative relationships is crucial to our success.” he said.

“Chevron is proud to have successfully contracted with thousands of qualified small business concerns and minority and women-owned business enterprises over the years.”

HOW IT WORKS Suppliers interested in pursuing opportunities within Chevron are encouraged to take the following steps: • Obtain membership and be certified by one or more of our recognized certification organizations.

• Learn more about how to do business with large corporations by attending seminars and workshops.

• Understand Chevron’s business. Read our Business Code & Ethics Expectations for suppliers and contractors.

• Complete the Supplier Registration form on our website and send us copies of your certification documents. Upon completion of our Supplier Registration form, your information will be entered into our supplier diversity database. If there

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is a sourcing opportunity for your industry-specific business, you may be contacted to submit additional information.

• Fill out an application to become a supplier.

WHAT CHEVRON LOOKS FOR Chevron seeks to develop and maintain partnerships with suppliers who have a strong safety culture, reliable operations, quality goods and services, competitive pricing, strong cost-management skills, innovative business solutions, and a strong customer focus.

In addition to providing high-quality goods and services, companies must also demonstrate the ability to provide Cost savings, financial viability and an excellent safety record.

“The program is an important part of the corporation’s Procurement function, and ensures all businesses are considered on the basis of merit, not just size and strength,” said Dave Feldman, Manager, Supplier Diversity/Local Content. “These value-added small, minority- and women-owned businesses provide innovative solutions that fuel mutual growth for both their firms and our corporation.”

According to Feldman, small, diverse businesses can also often provide services with attractive cost savings and excellent customer service.

CERTIFICATION Program participants must provide proof of certification from the National Minority Development Council, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Certification is accepted from those organization or their regional affiliates.

Chevron works with the following business concerns to develop innovative, cost-effective solutions that fuel our mutual growth: • Small businesses

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John Watson

•

Small disadvantaged businesses • Small woman-owned businesses • Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zone businesses • Small veteran-owned businesses • Small service-disabled veteran-owned businesses • Certified woman-owned businesses • Certified minority-owned businesses • Certified Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgenderowned businesses “As a result of our efforts, our company has been honored with awards from prominent business organizations,” Watson said. “I am pleased with the accomplishments of our Supplier Diversity/Small Business Program. It is an essential component of our Procurement/ Supply Chain Management and Corporate business plans and one of the building blocks that supports Chevron’s overall success as a business enterprise.”

For more information contact: Procurement, Supplier Diversity/Small Business Program 6101 Bollinger Canyon Road San Ramon, CA 94583 Fax: +1.925.790.3987 or Email: smallbiz@chevron.com By: Darwin Campbell, African-American News&Issues Photo Courtesy of Chevron TX-11

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Texas • May 5-11, 2014

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