African-American News&Issues Vol. 23 Issue 11 (April 16 - 22, 2018) HOU

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Did You Know?

Nathelyne Archie Kennedy

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Greater Houston Area Nathelyne Archie Kennedy, a professional engineer, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering in 1959 from Prairie View A&M University. Following college graduation, Ms. Kennedy worked as a Bridge Design Engineer with an engineering firm in Chicago, Illinois, and later with an engineering firm in Houston, Texas. In 1979 she became a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas.

In 1981, Nathelyne Archie Kennedy started her own business venture in Houston, Texas. She is Founder and President of Nathelyne A. Kennedy &Associates, a professional civil consulting engineering firm located in Houston, Texas. The Kennedy organization employs engineers, technicians, construction managers, inspectors, administrative, and managerial personnel specializing in civil engineering of highways, streets, bridges, public transit and parking facilities, water and wastewater systems, aviation facilities, marine terminals, sports complexes, and various other types of specialized projects.

Ms. Kennedy’s professional engineering career spans 50 years of progressive experience as a design engineer, project engineer, project manager, and as the principal-in-charge of civil engineering projects performed for a broad spectrum of government, municipal, and regulatory agencies, as well as for private industry clients.

A mentor, and a pioneering advocate for the participation of women in her profession, and the guiding force behind her own successful business.

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I realized that God had kept me, no jail time,

never charged with a crime and never

been in the back of a police car. So, I

know it was nobody but God that kept

me by His grace.�

-Pastor Willard Allen Sr.

See Pg 4

African

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American News&Issues

Attorney At Law By: Oscar H. Blayton

If Education Is The Answer, Why Do Black Women With College Degrees Have Higher Maternal And Infant Mortality Rates Than White Women Who Dropped Out Of High School?

Most people of color can point to at least one moment when they realize that popular culture in America distorts the reality of their history and existence.

The most memorable experience for me was when I was in the sixth-grade in my segregated public school in Virginia. One of our courses was Virginia history

Editorial & Opinion

EDUCATION & BLACK WOMEN

and the state had provided us with the required history textbook.

Somewhere between the covers of that book was a picture of a group of smiling, dancing enslaved African Americans being observed by a small group of amused white people – presumably the owner and his family.

The text explained that most slaves were happy with their condition and prospered under the kindly supervision of their masters.

Fortunately, my sixth-grade teacher was having none of it.

He had us open our books to that page and told us that we were being fed lies so that white people could remain in power in the state.

He explained that truths were being kept from us because knowledge is power. It is the power to

improve your life.

There are so many lies in American popular culture, beginning with the moment we’re born – in the maternity ward. Several studies demonstrate that racism in America kills Black expectant mothers and their newborn babies, but popular culture tells us that they are receiving the best health care.

A New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene 2016 report titled “Severe Maternal Morbidity in New York City, 2008–2012” put it this way: “Black non-Latina women with at least a college degree had higher SMM [Severe Maternal Morbidity] rates than women of other race/ethnicities who never

Who Are Our Leaders?

Roy Douglas Malonson

Chairman

Shirley Ann Malonson

President/C.E.O.

Chandra Jarmon

Production/Editor

Kimberly Taylor

Production Asst.

Rebecca Jones

Contributing Writer

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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.

The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the publisher.

African-American News&Issues assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other material, unless accompanied by

Letter to the Editor

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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.

TX-2

The Overflow

By Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed

A lot of things have occurred in our society. There have been many political movements and even protests about different things that are impacting our lives on a dayto-day basis. Back then, there were people who were front runners when a change was needed like Dr. King, Malcom X, Jessie Jackson, and the list goes on. However, when I look around our world today, I often think about who we would consider to be our leaders of today’s time.

There are a few people that come to mind, but then I ask myself if they are truly worthy of being called a leader. More so, would they qualify and meet requirements to sit at a table with the true leaders of our past? I think it is

good to speak out and voice your opinion on different issues like police brutality, sexual harassment, and even gun control just to name a few. My only issue and concern is the inconsistencies that occurs with each new movement or protest.

Whenever something occurs, people are quick to jump aboard and help out that specific cause, but shortly after, the hype dies down, and the cause dies with it until something else happens again. We have people who will lead these events while the focus is on them, but then their voice eventually dies with the cause. My other issue is that many people just join these movements because it may be “trending” at the time. Yes, it is great to have support behind you, but I would rather have five faithful people who are in it for the long run, than tens of thousands of people who just come out when the lights are shining.

In addition, social media has made things blow up and become

graduated high school.”

The National Center for Biotechnology Information published a paper in 2016 that states: “Racism and racial discrimination in the USA is thought to be a major driver of the differences between birth outcomes among different racial and ethnic groups, particularly between Black women and women of other races.”

The Centers for Disease Control found that during 2011 to 2013, there were 12.7 deaths per 100,000 live births for white women within a year of giving birth. But for Black women, the rate of death was almost four times higher at 43.5 deaths per 100,000 live births.

While few popular media outa trend due to the quick access people have to the information.

However, the problem lies when people are receiving wrong information and just join in because of the bandwagon appeal. In order for change to occur, there has to be people who are truly dedicated and passionate about the cause. More importantly, they need to be willing to participate in the cause more than once. I stated in the previous editorial that Dr. King didn’t march one time, nor did he recite just one powerful speech. It took time and consistency to really bring about change. So I ask the question to you, who are our leaders of today?

In the Black communities, no one really stands out to me. One could say our pastors and political figures, but there has been a lot of controversy surrounding these positions. Some have lost trust in those who are supposed to be leaders. I am not saying that all pastors and politicians are bad, however, several occurrences in the news over the past few years may have some conflicted on who they can

Texas • April 16 - 22, 2018

lets have focused on this problem, Newsweek magazine published an article in 2016 that reported: “The shameful secret is that even when controlling for age, socioeconomic status and education, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that African-American women, … face a nearly four times higher risk of death from pregnancy complications than white women. In parts of the U.S. with high concentrations of women of color who live in poverty, such as Mississippi, maternal death rates can surpass those of sub-Saharan Africa.”

Despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary, particularly in the area of maternal health for Black women, the popular thinking is that U.S. health care is the best in the world.

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and cannot trust. This is difficult for me, because my father is one of the leading pastors in the Acres Homes community. He is a powerful, anointed “man of God,” and is very trustworthy. Additionally, he has contributed a lot to the education and welfare of our people.

However, when something bad happens that involves a pastor, it makes people question if all pastors are this way. I can truly answer “no” to this question.

Our community to me is fragmented. There is too much division, and too many people who are trying to be chiefs, who really don’t need to be a chief. There is division amongst religions, and not to mention, it seems as though there is a church on every street corner. This division makes it hard for Blacks to come together, and work through issues that are severely impacting our communities. In addition, some people in the Black community are too busy trying to keep others down instead of helping to lift them up.

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Editorial & Opinion

Texas • April 16 - 22, 2018

Is Trump Trying to Make America Great or Hate Again?

The Standard View Billy “Hollywood” Groves

As we have all heard Donald Trump frequently chant he is going to “Make America Great Again,” one really has to seriously consider his current actions. They speak louder than his words, and support what he means to say, which is “Let’s Make America Hate Again.”

During President Obama’s two terms, America made progress toward greatness. Since then, attacks on people of color, immigrants, women and other vulnerable groups indicate the current president doesn’t respect - perhaps even supports - such mistreatment. The surge of white supremacist hate groups has increased exponentially since the election.

When you hear talk about “Building a Wall” he is really sounding a dog whistle. Those who adore him know where he is really coming from: attempts to legitimize modern day racism. Earlier in the year when a high level FOX television news executive (WHO)? said our USA Olympic Team had too many black

people and other non-white people on it and they needed to diversify the team, Trump said nothing, part of his true agenda, “let’s make America hate again.”

That message is being well received by so called white evangelicals, especially those in the south.

Religion in America, for the most part, is massively segregated according to race and church Sundays have been called “the most segregated time in America.” We are seeing more confederate flags, more hate crimes, more racist comments and actions against the historically abused, avenues to promote a racist ideology.

“We the People” of America must deal with this with our vote. On Election Day, November 2018, we must show up to the polls and vote out those pushing this division. We must never forget history, because there was a time when we were not considered humans, but property.

Trump always calls the media who does not follow agenda “Fake News.” The real Fake News is his “Make America Great Again.” “We the People” are going to make sure America goes in the right direction of truth, respect and love, the way God expects His people to act. God Bless America! - AANI

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We Have to Support Our Own Youth!

“I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride, to make it easier. Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be.”

Whitney Houston sung these words in her version of The Greatest Love of All. I have always loved this song because it is true in nature and is a constant reminder that we must invest in our children.

One thought I have tried to resonate over the years is that, “Success without a successor is failure.” In any case, it would not be wise to train a successor that is older than you to fulfill your role and shadow in your success. Instead, it is better to invest in young minds to help build, train and shape the future of tomorrow.

Therefore, as members of the African-American community, we must learn to support our own. If we don’t love and support those who look like us, then how in the hell can we expect for others to have any respect or support our children? We see it all too well, people from other cultures and backgrounds have come together within their perspective races’, simply from supporting the endeavors and ventures of those who look like them. I am not suggesting that we boycott any establishment that is owned and operated by our counterparts. I am simply suggesting that we learn how to take care of home first, before we go out supporting everybody except for ourselves. Because when the shoe is on the other foot, others are definitely going to support their own

first and if by chance they render their support to another it will be very limited in most cases.

I thought on this concept recently in regards to a livestock show in Waller County. As it is, there was an African-American student who placed first in the show. However, the runner-ups that followed him received more for their animal than he did. Why? Because there were more supporters present at the show that looked like the runner-ups, than there were who looked like the actual champion. So while the young AfricanAmerican received the actual title, his counterpart received the glory and the money. This is why I am conveying that we need to support and rally behind our own children, to help engage and encourage their success. The way that a child views the world in his youth is reflective of how that child will grow up to view the world.

This particular situation is no different than a lot of other circumstances. Oftentimes, we have youth within our communities who possess extraordinary talent and capabilities. However, those skills often go unnoticed by the world because, they have no support system. Many times, they do not have the right type of influences present within their lives to help nurture and support their gifts. I have a serious problem with this because it is enabling the destruction of the Black future in America. As it is, we Africans living in America have already experienced the destruction of our communities, churches and schools. So, if we are not careful we will also witness the destruction of our future, which equates to the children of our communities. The sad part about it rests in the fact that when we refuse to do nothing, we become responsible for the demise.

Someone may say, ‘Well I am doing my part and raising my

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children to the best of my ability.’

But, We MUST Understand, it is not enough that one child from our community makes it out and make it to the top. As leaders, parents, teachers and mentors we should have the desire to see every child from our community excel and be great. Growing up, I used to always hear the old folks say,

“It takes a village to raise a child.”

Not only did they say it, but they meant what they said and everybody from within the community, school and church would partake of raising everybody’s child.

During those days, people were not selfish and desired to see everyone advance because ultimately everybody was considered the same within our communities. We didn’t have a choice but to help one another out and support each other. Because if we didn’t nobody else would join in on the effort.

We were exiled and segregated to our own communities, schools and churches and it seemed like we were much better off, matter of fact, we were. At least then, everybody supported each other.

So, my point is that we as a culture, community and race of people have to learn to support and encourage our children. We cannot stand by and wait and watch for others to do it because it will not happen. Hence I will close with a quote rendered by former United States Senator, David Vitter. He said, “I continue to believe that if children are given the necessary tools to succeed, they will succeed beyond their wildest dreams!”

- AANI TX-3

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African

American News&Issues

Business

Texas • April 16 - 22, 2018

African America News&Issues is HERE for YOU! By: Rebecca Jones During a past interview with one of our historical pioneers from within the community, as well as, one of A-AN&I’s valued supporters, Shepherd Manson B. Johnson, Jr. of Holman Street Baptist Church, stressed emphasis on the relevance of embracing the Black Press. An excerpt from that exclusive is revealed in the following.

“African-American News & Issues is on point to R-I-G-H-T the story – to give the right news because you can’t believe everybody’s news. The person behind the pen writes the story like they see it, the same with textbooks and it all depends on who wrote it. I’m appreciative of Roy Malonson and African-American News for helping the understanding of the Black masses in understanding many public policies (local, state and national), and to be an interpreter.

The person that intrigued me most about the Black Press was Frederick Douglas. He convinced me that ‘Black press is not an option, it’s a necessity.’ You must have a tool to express your freedom. I would say AfricanAmerican News, continues to do for us, what many of us have not done for ourselves – that is to catalog and chronicle events of people’s lives that make a difference. The idea of Black press must not be treated lightly. We must take hold to it and view the Black press as necessity, not an option and we need to put it where it needs to be on the totem pole of our future.”

While fervently upholding the proclamation notated in the first African-American newspaper, “Too long have others spoken for us… We wish to plead our own cause”; African-American News & Issues has existed as a watchman on the wall for members of the Black community, for over two decades. Over the years, we have taken great honor and pride to be able to: address current and historical realities affecting our communities; presenting inspiring and encouraging life stories on influential leaders and unsung heroes from within our fortress; sharing in on the highs and lows that we Africans living in America have experienced and overall being

a true voice for our people.

During the inception of African-American News & Issues, our publishers Roy Douglas and Shirley Ann Malonson sought after a publication that would be, by the people and for the people. With a desire to educate and uplift the community in a language in which we could understand, without fear or favor they have remained committed to the very principles that it was established upon.

Even in the face of much controversy and backlash, the Malonson’s have not ceased from continuing on in their efforts. Our publishers have a strong urgency to ensure that the people to whom this paper belongs to take advantage of the opportunity, to seize the moment and utilize the publication for the purpose upon which it was founded on.

With that being stated, we understand that there are tons of Black publications circulating in the name of the African-American community; however, the truth is that not all of them are 100% Black-owned. Truthfully, many of them preview Black faces and on the other hand those that reap the benefits of the sponsors and advertisers are amongst those who do not look like us.

For the record, Roland Wolsely defined certain criteria that a publication must meet to be an established member of the Black Press. He explained in The Black Press that,

“Blacks must own and manage the publication… they must be the dominant racial group connected with it… The publication must be intended for Black consumers… a magazine or newspaper for Black citizens which deals with their interests and concerns and is not primarily for Whites. The paper or magazine must serve, speak and fight for the Black minority.”

Boastfully, we can write that we have remained a true Black publication who has never been bought out, nor do we intend to be undersold. The only people we answer to are our own people. Therefore, we want to let you know that we are here for you.

This is your paper and we want you to know that you are free to express yourselves in it, without respect to gender, age or any other affiliation; because WITHOUT YOU, THERE IS NO US!

To: Our beloved residents and community, if you know of a next door neighbor who is a living legend or an unsung hero from church or some other facet; let us know… We want to be the first to tell those untold stories. Births, graduations, death notices or anything that is of importance to you, let us know… We want you to become more involved in your paper.

To: Our Black businesses, organizations, churches and other groups, if you have

something that needs covering, or if you have an upcoming event or announcement let us know... We are concerned about those things that are of concern to you. Let us help you, help us let the community know that you exist and want to do business or fellowship with them.

To: Our Black elected officials, let us know about those bonds, elections, policies, issues and/or items that require our immediate attention. We need to know of decisions that will affect our communities, schools, churches and businesses. We need to know when we must ring the phone lines of our varying representatives to allow our voices to be heard. It is a team effort and none of us can complete the task alone. However, collectively using our various platforms, we are bound to get something done in the name of unity.

What We Ask?

Finally, you wonder what we are asking in return? It’s simple we just ask that those from our community remember us. We ask that you carry our paper to help spread the word about institutions, businesses, community efforts achievements, church events and announcements like yours. Anything that has to do with Black news is of importance to us.

So, let us be first to advertise your business or organization amongst those who look like you. Let us promote and keep your events current on our, ‘What’s Happening’ page.

Remember that this is your paper, so use it to your benefit to maximize your coverage within the community.

We also want to know how we are doing.

Read us online and become involved in our electronic community We want your feedback… We encourage our faithful audience to send in your letters to the editor.

Sure there are always two sides to a story…

Something you agree with or don’t, let us know, we welcome all input from members of our community. Don’t spare our feelings, because we certainly won’t. Overall, just keep in mind that we are here for you and all we ask is that you do the same for us!

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T •A 16 - 22, 2018

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African

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Texas • April 16 - 22, 2018

Civil Rights Lawyer Mario Williams Rises From Peace Corps To Sue White Supremacists

By Curtis Bunn, Urban News Service

prison for answers. She got none. She wasn’t even sure if her husband was alive or dead.

Delma Jackson paged through the Yellow Pages—the thick-book version and the online option—to find a lawyer who would get both justice and answers. Attorney after attorney turned down her case.

“No one would touch it,” Delma Jackson said. “I had the photos to show, but no one would help. . . except Mario.”

Mario Williams

Delma Jackson’s New Year’s morning started with a shocking photo on her cell phone—an image of a man’s beaten, bloodied, swollen face. He was so badly disfigured; she initially could not tell it was her husband.

Her husband, was an inmate at a south Georgia prison, when prison guards beat him with a claw hammer in December of 2011, an attack captured on video.

Horrified, Delma Jackson called the

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Mario Williams, an Atlanta-based civil rights attorney, took a winding road to become one of the nation’s foremost legal advocates for those in need. The bulk of his cases focus on civil-rights violations, police misconduct, prisoners’ rights, and wrongful incarcerations. A tall, jovial AfricanAmerican who likes horror movies and rollercoasters, Mario Williams is the legal advocate of last resort for those too poor or too unconnected to attract government agency or big law firms.

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His odyssey began in the unlikeliest of places: the poor towns of Central America, where he served in the Peace Corps, teaching environmentalist practices to villages in the 1990s. The plight of the Central Americans’ struck a nerve in Williams. That, he said, is when his desire to be a servant got real. He went to Lewis and Clark and earned his law degree, passed the Georgia state bar exam, and worked in Santiago, Chile for seven years, where helped reshape environmental codes.

In Atlanta, he has been named one of the top-rated civil rights attorneys and been selected as one of that city’s “Super Lawyers.”

But the “Super Lawyer” will take calls and cases from nearly any one, without ego or formality. Cases like those of Delma Jackson’s husband.

“Mario was right on it,” Delma Jackson recalled.

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to investigate and uncover the ties of political and business leaders to white supremacist groups. He wants to dig up their secret rivers of money and shame them into cutting off the extremists. Pretty heady stuff for a guy who initially wanted to be an environmental lawyer.

“We met him on a Monday. Showed him the photos and gave him the background on my husband and he knew exactly what do, what motions to file. Tuesday, he was down there at the prison. Wednesday, we met with him again.

“There have been so many elements to my husband’s case, including being sentenced for 50 years for an armed robbery in 1996 when he was 20 years old. Fifty years. Mario has been there every step of the way. There are a lot of injustices out there.

We need more people like Mario. He’s been so committed, it’s amazing. He’s like family now.”

No charges were brought against the prison guards, despite Williams’ best efforts.

The case is now in summary judgment as Williams continues to seek justice. “One issue I began to have is ‘How do you sleep at night?’ he said from his desk at his downtown Atlanta law office. “I have seen so much denial of human rights in Central America and, sadly, denial of civil rights

of non-white people here in America. It’s simply not right. The abuse of power of (law enforcement, correction officers, etc.) is rampant. So I chose to do for others. Doing this work means something to me, everyday fighting for people’s rights and for justice.”

If that sounds a bit Pollyanna-ish, Williams does not care. For him, it is real.

He and his wife, Julie, are partners in the Atlanta law firm Williams Oinonen, LLC, which specializes in civil rights, business and government law, share the same vision.

In other words, they fight the fight.

“Emotionally, it gives me a sense of completeness,” Williams said. “There is something very rewarding in battling for rights for people, or protecting people’s rights. It means something to me emotionally on a daily basis. It is a real responsibility knowing people rely on me to make systemic changes. And I enjoy it because it means so much.”

The satisfaction that comes from winning cases doesn’t last long. After, he won a jury award of $350,000 for the family of Terrance Dean, an imprisoned Georgia black man who was brutally beaten by guards, Williams said he was elated and happy for the family. . . for about an hour. Then, he said, it is “on to the next (case).”

An Atlanta attorney connected Williams with Donovan when Donovan’s company, Libre by Nexus, had some legal issues.

Williams liked that Nexus liberally finances its own law firm, Nexus Derechos, to tackles human-rights abuses, civil rights violations, prisoners’ rights, police misconduct, international-law petitions, among others.

Williams now heads the firm, now wearing two hats at two law firms.

“I’m a put–your-money-where-yourmouth-is guy,” Williams said. “(Donovan) is willing to fund justice and human and constitutional rights. He and Richard (Moore, co-founder) really believe in this mission.

And when you have the financial resources and support, you can do strong work.”

Moore, a Libre by Nexus co-founder, appreciates Williams combative sense of justice: “To walk into a room and meet a client and commit to walk alongside him in his legal journey.**

Texas • April 16 - 22, 2018

Living Legend

Read us online! www. afram news. com

9

Celebrating 100 Years

grandchildren: Alan L. Sims, Jessica L. Parker-Battle (Rev. Jeremy D. Battle, Sr.), Jennifer L. Parker, Janetta L. Parker, and Sydney L. Zanders; and two great-grandchildren: Jordan L. Battle and Jeremy D. Battle, Jr.

Addie Ruth Fox Parker Photo credit: Reflections HD

Mrs. Addie Ruth Fox Parker celebrated her 100th birthday brunch at the Friendship-West Baptist Church, Willie Wilson Banquet Hall, Dallas, Texas.

Mrs. Parker was born on December 14, 1917, to an African-American family in Jacksonville (Calhoun County), Alabama.

She was reared in their home located on the fringe of the town square by her father, Cassie Fox – a businessman and landowner – and her mother Jennie Taylor Fox, a school teacher. She had four siblings, three brothers (Charles, Theodore and Thomas) and one sister (Milton Jo), all of whom are deceased.

She is a graduate of Cobb High School in Anniston, Alabama (Calhoun County) and Alabama A&M College (now Alabama A&M University) in Huntsville, Alabama, where she played tennis and sang in the choir. Divorced with a daughter, she married Rev. (Pastor) Joseph C. Parker, Sr. on July 28, 1951, in Anniston, Alabama until his death in 1987. Her husband was a pastor, civil rights leader, teacher, principal, faculty member at the Birmingham (Alabama) Baptist College, and Church Relations Director at Bishop College in Dallas, Texas.

He also served as church pastor in Jacksonville, Anniston, Montgomery, and Birmingham, Alabama, as well as Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas, where she served with him as the pastor’s wife and occasional pianist.

Mrs. Parker has five children: Marvice J. Sims, Rev. Dr. Joseph C. Parker, Jr., Esq. (J. LaVerne Morris-Parker), Gail B. Parker, Lynne N. Wheelock (Rev. Todd M. Wheelock), and Linda A. Zanders (Deacon Calvin Zanders). She also has five

Mrs. Parker has lived in Anniston, Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama, as well as in Fort Worth, Dallas and DeSoto, Texas.

She has been a Texas resident since 1972 and is a member of the Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas.

She retired from a decades-long elementary school teaching career, having taught in Alabama and Texas. All her daughters continued the teaching tradition, and are now retired teachers in Texas and California.

Her son is a Texas senior Baptist pastor and attorney-mediator.

During the 1950s and 1960s, she served in the Alabama Civil Rights Movement as a dedicated, hard-working confidante, partner, participant and supporter of her husband, a founding pastor, servant, racial justice advocate, and leader of the Alabama Civil Rights Movement. His involements started in 1955 with the Montgomery Bus Boycott; Montgomery Improvement Association; Montgomery Inter-denominational Ministerial Alliance (Secretary); NAACP; Selma to Montgomery Marches; the Birmingham civil rights protests; and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, alongside her husband’s Morehouse college friend, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King, Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy, Sr. and his wife, Juanita Jones Abernathy.

Mrs. Parker’s children, grandchildren, other family members, friends, teaching colleagues and acquaintances to describe her qualities and attributes that they believe have contributed to her wonderfully successful life and career – as: strong Christian faith, integrity, commitment, and action; personality: warm, compassionate, giving, loving, determined spirit, lively, and humorous; and intelligence: has had and still possesses a keen mind.

Mrs. Parker was surrounded by many family members and friends from across the country. The brunch included tributes from family, friends and community leaders. ** TX - 9

10

Read us online! w w w. a f ra m n e ws. co m

Education/Youth

Laux Named SWAC Baseball Pitcher Of The Week

PRAIRIE VIEW – Prairie View A&M baseball player Tyler Laux has been named Southwestern Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week.

Laux (6-5, 195; Soph, Chicago, Ill.) threw his first career complete game in a 12-2 eight-inning win over Grambling Saturday at Tankersley Field.

The eight-inning outing for Laux (pronounced Locks) was a career high, as he allowed two unearned runs and five hits with one walk and three strikeouts. Laux shutout Grambling over the final six innings, and retired the final seven batters in row to end game.

Tyler Laux

PVAMU baseball will play a pair of midweek games in San Antonio, first facing Incarnate Word Tuesday at 3 p.m. and Texas San Antonio Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Panther Track And Field Ranked In The Nation

moved to second in the nation in the high jump with a mark of 5"10.75, and in addition Deonca Bookman improved to third in the 400 meter hurdles after posting a time of 58.78 in the PV Relays.

The men’s 4x100 four man team that consist of William Polley, Samuel Omoera, Ansar Richardson and Carl Jordan have moved to 23rd in the nation. Polley and Jordan are also a part of the 4x400 along with Terrell Moses and Logan Williams are now 25th in the nation after running a time of 3:09.95 and a first place finish in the TSU Relays.

Nekeisha Bailey

PRAIRIE VIEW– The Prairie View A&M women’s and men’s track teams have some student athletes that have continued to rank in the NCAA. On the women's side, Nekeisha Bailey has

The PVAMU track and field teams will be back in action this week as some of the members of both teams will split. Some Panthers will head to Austin, Texas to participate in the 91st Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays Built by The Home Depot March 28-31. Other members of the two teams traveled to San Marcos, Texas to participate in the Bobcat Invite hosted by Texas State.

2018 Media Kits For more infomation email: sales@aframnews.com TX - 10

Texas • April 16 - 22, 2018

Fort Bend ISD Register for Pre-K

Prekindergarten registration for 2018-19 school year opens on April 9

statement of payment, or SNAP qualification letter, etc.), or

After submitting online application, parents will complete process at zoned prekindergarten campus

• •

FORT BEND ISD – Registration for students entering prekindergarten in the 2018-19 school year will open on April 9.

Parents of eligible students will need to begin the process by completing the first step of the enrollment online and finishing the process at their zoned PreK campus. Online registration for prekindergarten will be open through May 25 at 4 p.m.

For more information about the PreK registration process or to confirm your child’s zoned PreK campus, visit www. fortbendisd.com/prek. Please check the Prekindergarten Feeder Pattern to find the program appropriate for your child.

Fort Bend ISD offers a prekindergarten education program for children who reside in the District and who are eligible for the program. Students must be four (4) years of age on or before September 1, be a Fort Bend ISD resident, and meet one of the following specifications: Limited English proficiency because a language other than English is the primary language spoken in the home (students qualifying by language will be tested to determine placement in the program), or Qualify according to the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines (parents must bring proof of income for April 2018, documentation for at least one month of income, including current check stubs, child support

•

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Be homeless, or Have current or previous conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services, or Is the dependent child of an active U.S. Armed Forces member or a U.S. Armed Forces member who has been injured or killed while on active duty, or Is the dependent of a police officer, firefighter, or emergency medical responder seriously injured or killed in the line of duty and received the Star of Texas Award.

Parents can complete step one of the registration process from their home computer, mobile device, a public library computer or a computer that will be made available at Fort Bend ISD campuses. To access the new student online registration system, parents will need to have an email address to create the account. To complete the registration process, parents will then need to set an appointment at their zoned prekindergarten campus. Enrollment appointments will begin the week of April 16, 2018 during elementary school hours (8:10 a.m. to 3:25 a.m.)

Parents must bring the following required documents to register their child: • • • • • •

Copy of the child’s original birth certificate Immunization records Social Security card Proof of income, if applicable Proof of residence, including a deed, lease or mortgage agreement A current utility bill (gas, water or electric)

HISD Register for Pre-K April 16-20 The Houston Independent School District is encouraging parents to register early for pre-K for the 2018-2019 school year during the Week of the Young Child, which is April 16-20.

Pre-registration will still be available before and after this week, but schools are celebrating the Week of the Young Child as a formal window for pre-K roundup and to showcase HISD programs and celebrate the district’s young learners. The Week of

the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

To locate an early childhood center or an HISD elementary school, visit HoustonISD. org/FindASchool. Filter your search by clicking the PK grade level button in the Advanced Search. You may also email the HISD Early Childhood Curriculum Department at Curriculum@HoustonISD. org.

Texas • April 16 - 22, 2018

politics

African

American News&Issues

11

Met With Leaders to Discuss Responsible Gun Violence Prevention Legislation protect our communities from gun violence: 1. Extend the waiting period on sales and transfers of semi-automatic rifles, silencers, armor piercing ammunition, and large capacity ammunition magazines pending completion of a background check to 7 days by enacting H.R. 4268, the “Gun Safety, Not Sorry Act,” legislation I have introduced.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

“Why We Can Wait No Longer and the Fierce Urgency Now to Enact Responsible Gun Violence Prevention Legislation After Parkland, Florida Mass Shooting” Jackson Lee: “Persons who live in fear of gun violence and mass shootings at schools, theaters, places of worship and work, and public spaces not afraid of the NRA. What they are afraid of is an AR-15 in the hands of a mentally unstable person. And that is why the President and the Congress must act now.”

Houston –Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior Member on the House Judiciary Committee and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigation, issued the following statement in connection with the press conference she held at Shadydale Elementary School with community leaders to discuss responsible gun violence prevention legislation that could be enacted immediately: “The community of Parkland, Florida – along with the rest of the country - is still reeling from the horrific tragedy that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2018. Our hearts still ache for the families and loved ones of the 17 students and teachers who lost their lives in this senseless, horrific act of domestic terrorism. Americans are sick and tired of being sick and tired of gun violence. Americans are a can-do people; we do not bemoan our problems and accept terrible outcomes. That is why we must act now to stop gun violence, protect citizens, and save lives.”

“There are several actions the President and Congress can and must take now to

2. Raise the minimum age to purchase, transfer, or possess semi-automatic rifles by enacting H.R. 5088, “No More Atrocities with Guns Act,” legislation I have introduced that raises the minimum age for purchasing a semi-automatic rifle from 18 to 21 years old. It makes no sense that 18-year olds cannot legally buy a handgun, but they can walk into a gun store and walk out with an AR-15. Kids in high school should not have access to weapons this lethal. It is time we listen to law enforcement experts who strongly support safeguards to keep our communities safe from gun violence.

3. Ban military-style assault weapons by reinstating the federal ban on assault weapons. I am an original co-sponsor of H.R. 3947, the “Automatic Gunfire Prevention Act,” legislation that will do this introduced by my colleague, Congressman Cicilline (D-R.I.).

4. Limit high-capacity magazines by reinstating a federal ban. High-capacity magazines holding more than ten rounds allow mass shooters to inflict great damage in a short period of time by eliminating the need to reload; policy banning such accessory would save lives. As a compromising effort for gun reform, I have introduced H.R. 4268, the “Gun Safety: Not Sorry Act of 2017,” to provide for a 7-day waiting period before sale or transfer of a semiautomatic firearm, a silencer, armor piercing ammunition, or a large capacity ammunition magazine.

5. Require universal background checks for every gun sale to keep guns out of dangerous hands, while respecting reasonable exceptions for cases such as gifts between family members and temporary loans for sporting purposes. Congress will accomplish this by strengthening the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) database to ensure it is up to date by requiring federal and state agencies to transfer im-

portant records to the database expeditiously since without the information, the reliability of a background check is questionable.

Increase access to mental health services.

I have introduced H.R. 1982, “Mental Health Access and Gun Violence Prevention Act,” authorizing $500 million for mental health treatment access and to assist in the reporting of relevant disqualifying mental health information to the FBI's background check system NICS. “Additionally, to address the needs of this important gun violence prevention effort, I have introduced the following legislation which are commonsense solutions and should have bipartisan support from my colleagues: 1. H.R. 57, “Accidental Firearms Transfers Reporting Act of 2017,” a bill to require the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to submit a biannual report to Congress on the number of proposed firearm transfers where: (1) a licensed gun dealer submitted a background check through the National Instant Criminal History Background Check System (NICS), (2) NICS failed to respond to the licensed gun dealer within three business days, and (3) the

licensed gun dealer completed the transfer.

2. H.R. 62, “Gun Violence Reduction Resources Act of 2017,” a bill to authorize the Department of Justice to hire 200 additional agents and investigators for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives which is the department with relevant jurisdiction.

“Finally, there are two action we absolutely should not take. First, we should not arm teachers. Teachers are not trained to handle weapons; this is not what they sign up for. If they are denied subsidies for essential school supplies, why spend more on arming them? This idea must have been born at NRA headquarters.”

“Second, we must not genuflect or surrender to the National Rifle Association.

Although the NRA the NRA has long enjoyed tremendous influence over congressional Republicans and some Democrats, persons who live in fear of gun violence and mass shootings at schools, theaters, places of worship and work, and public spaces not afraid of the NRA. What they are afraid of is an AR-15 in the hands of a mentally unstable person. And that is why the President and the Congress must act now.”

Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security & Investigations HOUSTON—Jackson Lee: “In this current climate with extraordinary challenges facing us, we must be especially vigilant of survivor’s rights, women and men alike. That is why I intend to introduce the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.” Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has been working with a broad cross-section of community stakeholder and advocacy groups to shepherd the introduction of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”), which she will introduce in the United States House of Representatives. This proposal is the product of many, many months of input and when passed, will help to continue to protect women, educate communities and enhance the tools that law enforcement can utilize to safeguard against the violence, abuse and sexual harassment of women.

This is a very serious matter. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and a violence prevention report promulgated by the Centers for Disease

Control, one in four women will be the victim of severe domestic violence; one in seven have been stalked by their partner; one in five will be raped; and almost 20% of domestic violence includes a weapon. In Texas, the numbers are no less discouraging. According to recent statistics, the number of women killed by their intimate partners was 10% greater than the national rate.

Since its initial enactment a quarter-century ago, this critical law—through policy reforms, interstate cooperation and grant allocation—has been pivotal in providing a national response to protecting half of the population.

Equally important, it has ushered in a seismic transformation on how society perceives violence against women. This progress cannot be allowed to stop. Congresswoman Jackson Lee, together with advocacy groups, will further substantiate the urgent need to reauthorize VAWA, as well as the critical provisions she believes any bill should and will include.

TX -11