October 16, 2026
DALLAS/FT. WORTH EDITION
Vol.31, Issue 37
FREE
We the People
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
Your vote and your money are the two most powerful things you have. Be careful who you give them to. - Roy Douglas Malonson
2026 TARRANT COUNTY VETERANS DAY PARADE By: Bruce Zielsdorf
2026 JUANITA CRAFT HUMANITARIAN AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED By: Taylor Pulfer - State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas and the Friends of Juanita Craft Civil Rights House & Museum announced the ninth annual Juanita Craft Humanitarian Award winners, recognizing individuals continuing the legacy of civil rights pioneer Juanita J. Craft. The winners were honored October 11 during the 2026 State Fair of Texas at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center in Dallas. Craft fought for civil rights and helped integrate Dallas establishments, including the State Fair of Texas. The awards recognize community impact, social justice, and efforts to address local challenges. Fifth Third Bank supported the program. Spark Award – Carrah-Ahlyse Rone Carrah-Ahlyse Rone, a freshman at Sam Houston
State University, received the Spark Award, which honors young people ages 14 to 21 making a difference in their communities. A Criminal Justice major and Honors College member, Rone is passionate about rehabilitation and improving the justice system. She previously served as vice president of her high school’s Black Student Union and the Dallas Juanita Craft NAACP Youth Council. She is involved with the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, the NAACP, and the National Council of Negro Women. Her accomplishments include internships with State Representative Winners on Venton Jones and the DeSoto pg. 3 Senior Activity Center. She has been
The Tarrant County Veterans Council, organizer of the 2026 Tarrant County Veterans Day Parade, hosted by the City of Fort Worth, will present the annual celebration on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, beginning at 11 a.m. in downtown Fort Worth. This year’s theme, “Saluting America – 250 Years of Veterans in Service,” honors the generations of men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces while recognizing the sacrifices made to protect the nation’s freedom and security. The parade will bring together veterans, military families, community organizations, civic leaders and residents from across North Texas to show their appreciation for those who have served. Spectators can expect a patriotic celebration recognizing the dedication, courage and commitment of America’s service members. The event also provides an opportunity for younger generations to learn about military service and the importance of honoring veterans throughout the year. Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend and participate in this community-wide tribute. As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary in 2026, the parade’s theme highlights the longstanding connection between the nation’s history and the service of its veterans. For additional information about the parade, event details and opportunities to participate, visit www.FW2026parade.org AA
2
October 16, 2026
AFRAMNEWS.COM
EDITORIAL
President/Chief Editor
Contributing Writers Dr. Bobby Mills, Travis McGee, Rachel Thompson, Fred Smith, Nicole Washington, Aisha Robinson, Marcus Williams, TJ Baker Meeko Graphics Social Media Houston Minority business marketing website JG Design Layout Design Blue Star Web Printing Printer
A Revival of God Consciousness Bobby Mills, Ph.D.
DAWN BUCKINGHAM: TEXAS LAND COMMISSIONER
STORIES, PICTURES, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, EMAIL TO aframnews1982@gmail.com
713-682-1892
PO BOX 206 Prairie View, TX 77446
We are looking for historical writers That can produce stories that address current and historical realities affecting our community. PLEASE SEND YOUR INQUIRIES TO
AFRAMNEWS1982@GMAIL.COM
DALLAS/FT. WORTH EDITION
I met Commissioner Buckingham nearly four years ago through Perry L. Wooten, a former constable and political consultant to the Baptist Ministers’ Association under Dr. Max A. Miller’s leadership. She attended the event with her son, a Texas State University business student who was preparing to attend medical school at UT. Robert Mohammed was one of the speakers. Her son was not troubled by the message; instead, he listened with an open mind. Afterward, I spoke with him and shared several of my books. The point I want readers to remember is this: mothers are our first teachers, and they help shape our value systems. In that moment, I saw Dawn Buckingham as a decent,
God-fearing, honorable, and open-minded person because her son reflected those values. Recently, my wife and I also met the Commissioner’s husband during church services at Covenant Glen Methodist Church. Just as men choose women, women also choose men. Dawn’s husband is a first-class, God-fearing professional. Therefore, I can honestly say Texas is blessed to have a Godly professional serving as Land Commissioner—one who serves all Texans without fear or favor. For example, Perry and I attended an open-forum testimonial event for Harris County residents whose homes were destroyed by Hurricane Harvey. Most of the homeowners in attendance were Black and Brown. I witnessed first-hand individuals testifying how Commissioner Buckingham came to their homes went through the “valley” with them, refurbished their homes and in many cases rebuilt their homes. Most of these individuals were elderly Black and Brown homeowners who could not afford Federal Flood
Dawn on pg. 4
We Must Understand Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher
ATTACK ADS IN POLITICS Political campaigns in Texas often use attack ads to weaponize the state’s most pressing challenges, focusing on emotional messaging rather than detailed policy solutions. Here is how the major issues facing Texas are integrated into this political strategy: Political campaigns often use attack ads instead of just talking about their own plans because political strategists believe negative messaging is highly effective at winning elections. While voters often say they dislike these commercials, campaigns continue to use them because they are proven to grab attention and shape how people view the candidates. One major reason the GOP runs these ads is to define their opponents early. In any election, the primary goal of a campaign is to convince voters that the other candidate is not qualified for office. By focusing on a rival’s past votes, statements, or policy positions, attack ads try to create a negative image that is hard to shake. Strategists argue that it is much easier to give voters a reason to vote against someone than it is to persuade them to vote for a complex legislative plan. Another reason is shifting the political focus to major Texas issues. When a party faces a challenging political landscape, they use sharp ads to frame
Texas-specific crises in a way that benefits their platform. For example, campaigns focus heavily on border security and illegal immigration along the Texas-Mexico border, using aggressive ads to spark immediate public anxiety rather than debating long-term federal reforms. Similarly, issues like the reliability of the Texas power grid (ERCOT) and skyrocketing property taxes are frequently turned into political weapons. Instead of engaging in long debates over complicated infrastructure investments or complex economic policies, campaigns use these everyday hardships to quickly blame their rivals for failed leadership. Finally, attack ads work because of human psychology. Research shows that people naturally pay more attention to negative news and threats than they do to positive updates. Fear and anger are powerful motivators. A scary or urgent ad about what might happen if the other side wins—whether it warns about a collapse of the energy grid or an increase in crime—is often much better at getting people to show up and vote on Election Day than a standard ad listing a candidate’s achievements. In the end, political parties run attack ads because they are a proven tool to win races. For campaigns looking to protect or flip seats in the Texas Legislature or Congress, these ads are seen as a direct and efficient way to use their campaign money. While it can make political debates feel more divided, negative advertising remains a central strategy because, in the world of politics, it works.
AA
DALLAS/FT. WORTH EDITION Winners Cont.
recognized as an AP Scholar and Dallas ISD Distinguished Scholar and received a proclamation from Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett. Catalyst Award – Dylan Rafaty Dylan M. Rafaty received the Catalyst Award for advancing disability rights, diversity, and inclusion. He is founder, president, and CEO of the North Texas Disability Chamber, working to expand opportunities for people with disabilities. His honors include induction into the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame, the Oticon Focus on People Advocacy Award, and the North Texas
October 16, 2026 Commission’s Diversity Champion Award. He has also been named among D CEO’s Dallas 500 influential business leaders in 2025 and 2026. Rafaty serves in civic leadership roles with the North Texas Commission, Visit Dallas, and the City of Frisco’s Multicultural Committee. He holds degrees from Collin College, the University of Phoenix, and Southern Methodist University and is pursuing a doctorate at the University of Southern California. Visionary Award – Traswell C. Livingston III Traswell C. Livingston III was recognized for his housing and community development leadership. With nearly three decades
of experience, he serves as president and CEO of ASD – A Home for Life. Since 2018, he has expanded housing initiatives and strengthened services connecting housing, healthcare, and community support. A licensed Texas real estate broker and longtime South Dallas resident, Livingston works to increase affordable housing and investment in underserved neighborhoods. His civic involvement includes leadership with the National HIV/AIDS Housing Coalition and service on the Dallas Landmark Commission. He believes stable housing is essential to healthier, stronger communities. Legacy Award – Denise
AFRAMNEWS.COM Valentine Denise Valentine received the Legacy Award for her commitment to civil rights, public service, and community empowerment. After moving to DeSoto in 1994, she served on the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment, Planning and Zoning Commission, and City Council from 2007 to 2013. She served as mayor pro tem in 2012 and 2013. Valentine founded the DeSoto Police and Clergy partnership in 2010, supporting programs addressing violence, youth engagement, and community safety. She also helped establish youth mentorship initiatives and led domestic violence awareness efforts.
Her honors include the Bobby Waddle Citizen of the Year Award in 2007 and the Curtistene S. McCowan Award in 2024. The City of DeSoto designated December 19 as Denise Valentine Day. She continues her outreach through the Denise Valentine Foundation, which she founded and chairs. The 2026 Juanita Craft Humanitarian Awards celebrate four leaders advancing equality, accessibility, housing stability, youth development, and civic engagement. Their achievements carry forward Craft’s legacy of strengthening communities and creating opportunities for future generations.
JAMES TALARICO HAS HAS A PROVEN RECORD OF
FIGHTING CORRUPTION C TO LOWER YOUR COSTS
VOTE JAMES TALARICO FOR U.S. SENATE!
D AY - NOV O ELECTION DA DAY AY NOVEMBER OVEMBER 3 EARL LY VO V TING - OCTOBER 19 - 30 VOTING ENDORSED BY:
Rep. Christian Menefee
Texas’ T Te xas’ 18th Congressional Dist.
PAID PA P ID FOR BY TALARICO FOR TEXAS
3
AA
4
October 16, 2026
AFRAMNEWS.COM Insurance. We should
Dawn Cont. never forget that leader-
ship is about setting positive examples. Above all, leadership is not about Party Labels. Leadership is about personal responsibility. My wife and I are voting for Commissioner Buckingham, and if you cast your vote for her “all” Texans will be blessed. After all, is said and done, Dawn Buckingham is a Godly leader that all Texans can wholeheartedly embrace and be proud of. Listed below are some of the accomplishments of Commissioner Dawn Buckingham: Veterans: Delivered more than $1.5 billion dollars in Veterans home Loans. Helping thousands of Veterans and their families achieve homeownership. Public Schools: Generated more than 6 billion dollars for Public Schools without raising taxes through responsible stewardship of state lands and the Permanent School Fund.
WIFE
Disaster Recovery: completed the Hurricane Harvey homeowner recovery mission, rebuilding 8,750 homes and helping more than 13,000 families, while delivering 3.7 billion for disaster recovery and flood mitigation. Protecting the Coast Line: Leading the Texas Coastal Project, the largest coastal protection project in U. S. history, including a world-leading storm surge barrier system protecting critical communities, ports and industry. Preserving our Shoreline. Completed the largest beach nourishment project in Texas history, restoring 14.5 miles of beaches and dunes at McFaddin Beach, while investing millions more to combat erosion, restore marshlands, and protect Texas’ 3,400 miles of shoreline. A Godly Reminder: if you are a member of The Jesus Party, I do not have to remind you that it’s not about the political party, but the PERSON. AA
DALLAS/FT. WORTH EDITION
BUSINESS
HOUSTON SELECTED TO ADVANCE COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING By: Cindy Wallach
Urban Strategies, Inc. (USI) announced they received a $1.5 million grant from Truist Foundation. The grant will support the expansion of the USI Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), creating stronger bridges to capital, business growth, and wealth creation for emerging entrepreneurs in Houston, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Memphis, TN; Jacksonville, FL; and Philadelphia, PA. USI is a national institution advancing people-centered, place-based strategies that strengthen families, build community wealth, and transform neighborhoods nationwide. The new grant builds on a $1.5 mil-
lion grant Truist Foundation awarded to USI in 2023 to advance similar work in Norfolk, VA; Baltimore, MD; and Fort Myers, FL. Together, USI and Truist Foundation are working to change more than who has access to capital; they are helping change the systems that determine who have the opportunity to build, own, grow, and create wealth. The grant funding will allow the USI CDFI to expand its loan fund, business support infrastructure, and application system to reach entrepreneurs who have faced barRead more at riers to traditional sources aframnews.com
★ MOM ★ DOCTOR ★ FIRST FEMALE LAND COMMISSIONER
www.DawnBuckingham.com
POL. ADV. PAID FOR BY DR. DAWN BUCKINGHAM CAMPAIGN
PROUDLY ENDORSED BY: Baptist Ministers’ Association of Houston & Vicinity Rev. Dr. Max A. Miller Jr. Dr. Robert E. Childress Dr. Bobby Mills