African American Newspaper 6/3/2018

FREE • June 3 - June 9, 2018

Benjamin Banneker, one of three African-American mathemeticians in “Did You Know?” pg. 8

www.aframnews.com

Vol. 23, Issue 20

New Perspective Development

Neekeita Fields, CEO of Prosperity Professional Services, pg. 9

Sue Leffall, mother of Kiki Ferguson, author who donated 400+ books for SSLW’s Book Drive, pg. 8

From left to right: NPD - Jackson Clay, Kezzie Haynes, Jeremy Sims, Laramie Phillips, Brandon Pete, Valry Allen, Quentin Thompson; BRANCH - Darrell Nunn Jr, Royce Abdalla Jr; Distinguished Gentlemen - Durell Thompson; The Troubled Movement- Maranda Evans

By Rebecca S. Jones Photos courtesy of New Perspective Development

Meet Malik McGhie, one of the creators of the All Access Art Show, pg. 7.

Quentin Wayne Thompson was born in Houston and raised in Magnolia. His upbringing in a predominately White community presented its share of racism and discriminatory issues for him.

However, his father, Billy Thompson had already provisioned him with the knowledge and skills to mentally

Afram News

prepare for such circumstances. During our interview, he said, “My father made sure he exposed me to the knowledge they won’t teach you in the public school system. In public school, you learn about the generic NAACP and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; but, they don’t tell you about the Black Panthers or Stokely Carmichael and some of the others.”

Equipped with such per-

tinent information about his heritage enabled “Que Wayne,” as he is commonly referred, to gather a better understanding of who he was culturally. Therefore, he entered high school with a different perspective. He shielded himself from a lot of people and internally imbedded his mind on a specific path of knowledge to further understand his people. After graduating, he matricu-

African-American News&Issues Newspaper

lated at Sam Houston State University, where he studied Mass Communications.

There, he continued along the same path he initiated in high school and surrounded himself with like-minded individuals.

The Formation of New Perspective Development

Continued on Page 4

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2 • African-American News&Issues WE ENCOURAGE YOUR OPINION

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My Brother’s Keeper

T

he Bible reminds us “We are our brother’s Keeper” and therefore, this must be the mindset of modern day African Americans. Sadly, this is not what is happening.

The massive incarceration of African Americans speaks volumes to the need for unity to solve this problem. I truly know solving this problem confronting Black, brown and poor white people is not going to be an easy task, basically because we no longer accept the “We are our brother’s Keeper” mindset. It would be great if our community’s skilled trained professional people became active in their neighbors’ lives. We should not overlook the fact we still have large numbers of educated, highly skilled, dedicated people that could make a difference in our people’s lives.

For starters, a good suggestion would be the experienced, skilled people should pass some of their positive money-making skills to their neighbors. I know learning new skills would slow down large numbers of Black people, especially young Black people who often end up in prison trying to make money in the streets. Believe it or not, sometimes our neighborhood skilled people know how to teach, train and explain their skills in more unique ways because they understand the circumstances and therefore can pass them on to others even better than the professionals who taught them. Even ex crooks and bad actors of all kinds who have positively changed their lives can pass their knowledge and share what you can do to straighten your life out, even after getting in trouble. We can’t afford to look down on those who have been to prison or lack what we call “professional skills.” It should be taken under consideration

Texas • June 3 - June 9, 2018

The Standard View

By Billy “Hollywood” Groves

that if they had had real opportunities to get the knowledge they required, their fate may have been different.

Despite the recent lies and fake stories about Black people coming to America looking for jobs, we must not forget Black people have always faced turmoil when they tried to better themselves. If a slave was caught with a book, it was the same as a person getting caught with dangerous drugs today. It was a very severe crime, because the slave owners knew knowledge was power.

The irony of our modern-day prison systems is that a lot of the people who work and those who are arresting and sending people there would probably be locked up themselves if they were not part of this flawed system. I know we have crooked people of all races and backgrounds, and some of them can’t function in any normal society. We do need jails for them, but we don’t need a large “Prison Industrial Complex” that looks like modern-day slavery!

The “My Brother’s Keeper” mentality will give our skilled professionals a “Home School” approach to pass down knowledge. Through the years, Black folks have learned a lot from those who taught them in underrated facilities. It’s very important for our progress that we change our ways and do what is necessary for our successful survival. I don’t think God has a problem with people helping people in need; after all He was the one who taught us that “We Are Our Brother’s Keeper.” God Bless - AANI America!

Dark Skinned White Person of Color

F

or some reason, we ignore the fact that Michael Jackson was the epitome of success for our time and even he didn’t want to be Black.

Chopped his nose off like ancient Egyptian sculptures being defamed by angry colonizers.

Yes, he was great, along with many others, but why does it seem like no one wants to be successful and BLACK? Is there even a symbol of Black success for any of us to look up to? Why does it appear that Black people seem to be chasing dreams of success from other cultures?

I don’t want to necessarily give up on the Black community, but what is the Black community anyways? What is it to be successful? What does it mean to make it?

We’re taught to work like slaves out entire life, then materialize items of success to show your wealth. We don’t even realize subliminally we do this to appeal to white America as an invitation to ask, Can we finally be friends?

We go out and buy items of success that show one has made it: a fancy car, big house, and credit that can’t be paid back truthfully.

It appears over the years we’ve developed a sense of success that is driven by mainstream culture. To “make it” truly deals with what image of a successful white man, woman, or family is portrayed through the media.

Think about it. What are your dreams and ambitions?

What has your family taught you about what it is to make it? You may find yourself answering these questions with no sense of Black pride or culture. Everything dealing with a life path towards suc-

Speaking to Dysfunction

By Sir Christopher Wayne

cess revolves around becoming something in American society that is deemed to be popular or cool. You want to make it in the corporate world because it offers you access to money and cultural appropriation by white society.

Being a normal Black person who takes care of their business and family isn’t enough because there aren’t any accolades given by white popular society for being “a common man.”

We see this even with our famous Black pop stars we revere now. Instead of them being content with musical artistic genius for their people, they run towards the Grammys and other white-driven shows that allow them to receive the same reward and praises. Once again, chasing the tails of their former slave masters instead of basking in the involvement of being Black and immersed fully into the culture.

We tell our kids to go to school and get a degree not because our Black community has businesses set up to usher in new educated talent, but because it’s a symbol of success in our society. Once again, all of this is to appease the white community and popular media.

Black people’s sense of success has led them to become a society of people, hell-bent on becoming the next successful dark skinned white person of color in America.

It’s not good enough to just be Black, simply because we have no true symbol of success to look up to.

- AANI

African-American News&Issues • 3

Texas • June 3 - June 9, 2018

A

Your Skin Is Not A Sin

cross the country we have repeatedly seen individuals call the police on people whose only crime is being Black. It’s not right.

Your skin is not a sin.

The list of things it is unacceptable to do while Black is long and growing. Driving while Black (DWB) has long been an offense. Apparently, napping while Black is another serious offense.

Police were called on Lolade Siyonbola (a Black woman) in Connecticut after she was caught taking a snooze.

Siyonbola is a first-year graduate student in the African Studies department at Yale. She had papers and books spread out in a common room while writing a paper but had flipped off the lights and went to sleep.

Another graduate student, Sarah Braasch (a white woman), walked in, turned on the lights and said she was calling police. The common room was off-limits for sleeping, she added.

Even if sleeping is against the dorm’s common room policy, it certainly is not against the law.

This didn’t stop four police officers from showing up, questioning and forcing Siyonbola to prove that she, in fact, belonged at the university and was not a threat.

Police demanded she show some identification. The fact that Siyonbola had a key to get into her dorm to find her I.D. was not sufficient.

As shown in her Facebook Live video, Siyonbola was treated like a criminal for doing something college students and students of all ages do for that matter – sleeping while studying. If this was truly a crime, campuses would be empty and the jails overflowing more than they

State Rep District 139 Jarvis Johnson

already are.

Siyonbola’s only crime was being Black.

We saw a similar situation take place with the case of Lawrence Crosby – a doctoral student at Northwestern University outside Chicago – when a woman called 911 to say she was witnessing a car break-in.

“He had a bar in his hand, and it looked like was jimmying the door open,” she told the dispatcher.

Crosby was simply fixing his own car. Once again, his only crime was being Black.

When Crosby drove off, the woman followed him. He began to feel uneasy when he noticed a car following him.

He headed towards the police station where he thought he would find protection.

Crosby was stopped two blocks away from the police station. He tried to explain as some officers ordered him to keep his hands up while others ordered him to get on the ground.

In an instant, five officers sprinted towards him. They violently kneed him to the ground and struck him with open hands while telling him to stop resisting.

Crosby cooperated, explained that car was his and showed proof. This was not enough. Officers continued to handcuff, arrest and charge him with disobeying officers orders. A judge later threw out the charges.

The officers were never disciplined for their abuse and actions.

At this time in America, we must change how we police.

- AANI

I

None of US Got Anywhere Alone

n a park in Kunyang, Japan a display of a stone turtle on a fence post stands as a design and a reminder to all who view it. Undoubtedly, there are many people who have passed this statue and never thought twice about it.

However, the idea behind the “post turtle” image has a very significant wise thought to it.

One of the best explanations for this statue has been recorded in a joke once told by an old rancher.

“An old rancher is talking about politics with a young man from the city. He compares a politician to a ‘post turtle.’ The young man doesn’t understand and asks him what a post turtle is. The old man responds, ‘When you’re driving down a country road and you see a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that’s a post turtle.

You know he didn’t get up there by himself. He doesn’t belong there; you wonder who put him there; he can’t get anything done while he’s up there; and you just want to help the poor, dumb thing down.’”

Many renowned men and women have often referenced the post turtle. Dr. Rice Brooks summed it up by concluding, “If you see a turtle on a fence post you’d be rational to conclude it didn’t get there by itself – it’s the same for the universe.”

I couldn’t agree with him more because this is this case for every person who has ever arrived anywhere in life.

We MUST Understand whenever you see someone who has made it to the top, you better believe there was some kind of stepping stone or ladder somewhere around.

Undoubtedly, those stepping stones or ladders are representative of individuals. It does not matter who you are

or where you come from, this thought applies to everyone.

It is a sad reality when people reach the level of success and forget where they come from and those who helped them get to where they are.

I have seen this all too many times in the African-American community, though the African-American community is not the only culture where this has taken place.

It is because African-American News& Issues is a publication which thrives off of highlighting current and historical realities affecting our communities that I specifically reference the Black culture here.

Far too many of our people have become accustomed to building bridges and then burning them. As the old saying goes, “Be careful not to burn bridges because you may have to cross the same bridge you burn.”

We MUST Understand life has a way of bringing people full circle, meaning the same people you pass on the way up, you most likely will see on the way down. Therefore, it is important to treat people right no matter where you are in life.

My point is… no one got anywhere alone, we all have had some type of help somewhere down the line. For some people it was a parent, a teacher, a preacher, a neighbor, a mentor or some other influential character.

For this reason, we should be mindful of how we treat people because we never know where we may end up in life and who we may have to end up reaching out to for help.

There are times that even though you may think you have arrived, some turbulent storm may arise in your life to offset the norm as you know it.

Therefore, it behooves us to stay connected with those

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

who have helped us, regardless of the importance we think they may play in our lives.

The nation of America is one of the greatest examples of the point I am trying to convey here, if it were not for Black folks. There are many inventions, structures, ideas and various other elements that exist within American culture that just simply would not be had it not been for the African-American contribution to this nation.

Many of the country’s most dominant and resourceful inventions were inspired and invented by Black folk. Many of the inventions and luxuries we enjoy came from the minds and hands of enslaved Black folk who were thinking of ways to make their work easier.

Of course many of them will never get the credit they rightfully deserve, but had it not been for their ingenious minds they wouldn’t exist.

Ultimately, I am simply trying to send the message that none of us got anywhere alone – from the highest office to the very lowest – we all needed some help, just like the “post turtle.” - AANI

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4 • African-American News&Issues

Continued from Page 1

After his studies at Sam Houston, he knew all the knowledge he acquired was

to no avail laying dormant within, so he sought out different avenues to awaken the awareness of others. Fa-

Quentin Wayne Thompson, aka Que Wayne, visionary of New Perspective Development.

LoveLifted and NPD concert collaboration last year at Warehouse Live. Local artists and good music with a message!

Texas • June 3 - June 9, 2018

miliar with the GroupMe app through his association in several groups, he decided to create a platform with purpose. Accordingly, he initiated, “Perspective” on the forum and it rapidly grew.

As time progressed, some of its members suggested the idea of putting their communications in action throughout the community. A brainstorming session began in a separate group chat, after which the members decided on establishing a non-profit organization, New Perspective Development (NPD) with Que Wayne serving as visionary.

“Anybody can put their thoughts on social media and quote a few books here and there,” he said. “But, I got to the point where there was no application and I was looking for hope – a desire for something to happen. Once I reached that stage, I was like… it’s time to work. I felt there was no reason why we couldn’t do many things, so I came up with the idea of us

operating as an umbrella organization within ourselves.

I said, ‘let’s bring awareness to Black businesses; we can throw concerts and raise money to do things with the money; we can do scholarships and give them to a young brother and sister about to go to college; we can feed the homeless and start a youth initiative and go to schools and talk to students.’”

From Perspective to Productivity

Although initially stagnant, once Thompson took the initiative and began to delegate, NPD literally hit the ground running. Along with five other founding members in different geographical locations, with diverse economical standing and career paths, the groundwork was laid. Eager to begin serving the community, NPD unofficially started operating in 2014 by feeding 120 of Houston’s homeless population.

With a sincere desire to make a difference in under-

NPD takes it to the streets with volunteers and varying partnerships to accommodate hundreds of Houston’s homeless population with dinners.

served and minority communities, the core founders utilized their personal monies to fund the initiatives. In an effort to raise funds for future projects and promote music with substance, NPD sponsored a concert at Warehouse Live.

The endeavor proved to be a great success with an overwhelming response and tremendous support from the community. Later, members from NPD traveled to Galveston and spoke to young students in grades five through eight, in the Freedom School program. In their delivery they addressed items such as propaganda, the importance of building a brand and having a positive future in life as a minority.

NPD concluded the year with a gala ball which recognized and honored supporters, performed a recap of its first year and discussed upcoming efforts for the following year.

Since then, the organization has continued in the same rotation of programs in a different and more dynamic way. In 2015, New Perspective acquired its 501c3 and was officially designated as a Texas non-profit organization.

In its second year of operation, NPD fed 300 homeless individuals, spoke to more students at the Freedom School, doubled the capacity at its annual concert at Warehouse Live and hosted their 2nd annual gala. Jeremy Sim’s music brand “Love Lifted” was a partnership for the concerts called “The Gift” and “The Gift 2.”

Additionally, the Keep Fighting Scholarship initiative was implemented, with the late Muhammad Ali serving as the inspiration. “Ali understood that it was more than just a physical fight in the African-American community,” said Que Wayne.

African-American News&Issues • 5

Texas • June 3 - June 9, 2018

Therefore, NPD chose to feature the boxing giant as the mascot and design logo on t-shirts sold for the scholarship fund. In their most recent scholarship presentation, two students were awarded $500 scholarships to attend Sam Houston State University and the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA).

NPD subscribes to this mission: “Shed light by developing socio-economic equality in underprivileged communities, through sharing various devices of information, hosting programs, workshops and community services.”

Its vision is for “Texas’ underserved communities to become economically and socially sound and generate the best innovators of tomorrow.”

Presently, NPD is comprised of eight hardworking, committed and passionate young adults of different ages: Quentin Thompson (Houston); Kezzie Haynes (Austin); Brandon Pete (Houston); Jeremy Sims (Houston); Jackson Clay (Dallas); Alexander Wilkerson (Dallas), Laramie Phillips (Orange) and Valry Allen (LaMarque).

Que Wayne said, “Everybody puts in work - it’s like a legit family. We have conference calls and we check on each other. Even though we are all in different areas, when it comes to doing business we all make sure we show up and show out. It’s definitely a good and different dynamic!”

To date, NPD has increased its homeless contribution to feeding nearly 400 and extended their youth initiative by speaking to students at Parker Intermediate School’s Career Day and the AVID program at Hastings High School.

In speaking to students, members share personal experiences they have learned;

talk about entrepreneurialship; the affects of persevering through struggle and provide details regarding their scholarship fund.

Following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, NPD partnered with The Troubled Movement and Brothers Renovating Adolescence & Creating Heroes (B.R.A.N.C.H) in a relief effort to aid victims, #HoustonAfterHarvey Recovery Project. Together, the three organizations accepted donations and distributed clothing, toiletries, gift cards and monetary gifts to several adopted families.

Each group was responsible for adopting a family and delivered the collected items to the hotels families were staying in during the recovery process.The Troubled Movement is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating spiritual and educational programs, events and activities for teens and young adults around the world. Their focus is on building victims of depression, abuse, financial hardship and loss into survivors who will ultimately turn their pain into purpose.

Brothers Renovating Adolescence & Creating Heroes BRANCH is a non-profit organization that is building relationships with the local communities, school districts and juvenile court systems in hopes to improve students’ academic performance, behavior and retention rates.

The Challenges

When asked about obstacles the organization has faced since its inception, Que Wayne revealed the following: “We saw challenges starting out because the original plan was to have an amazing dynamic of helping Black businesses to build their brand. That’s what we wanted to do, but when everybody realized how much work it took, we became stagnant to

some point; that’s when the decision was made to do different stuff, opposed to just focusing on one.

“Then, money was always an issue. We came out of thousands of dollars, but we all understood that it would be a better return - not a financial return, but that peace that comes when you start to see the fruits of your labor.

So it has never been about the money with us, we just want to serve the community in a professional manner. Now we have obtained a grant writer and are hoping to get funded to be able to further our reach across Texas. However, we first had to build a brand and remain committed to investing ourselves in order to help others.”

As visionary of NPD, Que Wayne regards his parents, Billy and Ella Thompson as his greatest motivators and influencers. He said, “I wouldn’t be who I am without them. Every time I give a speech I give honor to them because they are the ones who taught me where I come from, how to speak my mind and not to be shy.”

Furthermore, he remains grateful for his outstanding team who has contributed to the effectiveness and success of NPD. He expressed, “Every member of our team has pulled our various resources together to make it happen and I appreciate all of them, along with our dedicated volunteers and strategic partnerships.”

Black business on its Instagram page to encourage the support of recycling the dollar within the African-American community. Que Wayne expressed, “We are trying to take back the name Black Friday and turn it into the betterment for those who look like us.”

Get Involved

NPD is grateful and always accepting of volunteers, strategic partnership and dona-

tions. To become involved or learn more about the work they are doing throughout the community visit and follow them on social media; Facebook - New Perspective Development; Instagram - @NewPerspectiveDevelopment. More information may be obtained through their website: https://www. newperspectivedevelopment. org/ or email them at Newperspectivedevelopment@ - AANI gmail.com.

Visionary Que Wayne embraces students after delivering a message of empowerment.

What’s Next With New Perspective?

In November, NPD will host its annual gala and present its annual concert in December. Tentatively, the organization is planning a Black business expo in an attempt to bring awareness to the community.

To that regard, every Friday the organization posts a

In an effort to #SupportTheVillage, #NPD and representatives of Distinguished Gentlemen Leadership Group, Inc., traveled to Galveston, for the Freedom School program to speak with and encourage students.

6 • African-American News&Issues

Texas • June 3 - June 9, 2018

Eagle Market Feeding the Community: “It Takes a Village”

By Da’Aysha Fleming Photos by Maya Imani Watson

Shamir Hightower takes the lead when assisting fellow students and their families.

HOUSTON - The Eagle Market Food Bank is a student ran organization to provide food for those less fortunate in our community. The food bank is spearheaded by Chief Johnson, Mr. Rivera, Mr. Hurt, and sponsored by the Houston Food Bank.

After an extensive food handling training, NJROTC students along with some motivated students held their first food bank on Tuesday,

March 20, 2018 feeding 36 families in need.

From its inception the event has garnered publicity and patronage expanded in size and total families served.

This is not without planning though. The students who assist with the food bank meets with its shareholders and other members in the community after each distribution to discuss food choices and promotion. Our latest food bank on May 1, 2018 was able to feed 123 families.

Moving forward with the

Sasahe Brandon and Jesus Alphizar prepare stations for families to receive food.

Jerome Hurt stocking up on healthy groceries from the food bank.

Jordan Smith and Commander Johnson help a parent with their groceries.

Parents get a chance to recurve enough groceries for their family.

ideal of youth engaged in service, students were able to serve their community with an organization whose mission is to help those in need.

With the success and support the Eagle Market Food Bank has received it is expected to continue at Booker T. Washington High School as a tradition that both students and the community can look forward to.

Students respond to the Eagle Market Experience?

Katelyn Bush said, “The food bank was very productive, and it felt good to help others in need.”

Jordan Smith said, “It felt good to help those less fortunate and I love our productive movement.”

Kennedy McCoy said, “It felt great to have a food bank in our community, so it could be more convenient for me.”

Jerome Hurt said, “It has always been my desire to assist my community in better eating habits.”

Mr. Rivera said, “I feel honored and privileged to be part of the first Eagles Market.”

- AANI

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Texas • June 3 - June 9, 2018

African-American News&Issues • 7

The 2018 All Access Art Show Takes Over the Health Museumsive, letting us know the All

By Keandra Scott Photo by Jessica Dao

Bringing a fresh and artistic vibe to Houston’s growing eclectic scene, a pop-up platform for creatives called, All Access Art Show, is taking over The Health Museum (1515 Hermann, Dr, Houston) recently for their Summer 18’ Edition. The All Access Art Show is a movement of art, music, fashion and food. African-American Creators Tajay Byrd (Lead Graphic Designer and Art Curator), Malik McGhie (Event Producer) and Jeremy Cann (Marketing Coordinator/Host and Comedian Entertainer) are making some prodigious moves around Houston. The All Access Art Show is all about cultivating the grassroots art scene while elevating the event organically to major levels.

Houston show goers are able to view the interactive Biorhythm exhibit, shop with local creative vendors, enjoy some live music from rising talent in Houston entertainment and food trucks. There will also be libations at designated booths for purchase to those who need to unwind a tad bit after working a full week.

We got a chance to catch up with Event Producer, Malik McGhie in a brief interview. The history of All Access Art Show is quite interesting and could be deemed quite inspirational to other black entrepreneurs.

McGhie was working as a Corporate Sales Manager at the Hess Club when his vision to put on a “really cool event, displaying personality�, as he stated, sparked into motion. After recollecting who he could team up with on this vision, High Hopes

Clothing owners Tajay Byrd and Jeremy Cann came to mind and in September 2016, the All Access Art Show was born. When asked, How did the name of the event come about? McGhie replied, “Jeremy came up with the name, but we all brainstormed....

Tajay Byrd made it real.�

Although the All Access Art Show is based in Houston, there are a lot of artists who travel from Dallas and Austin to get involved. “To expand it [the All Access Art show], is the right thing to do..�, McGhie stated.

Towards the end of the interview, McGhie shared a further extension of their vision by focusing in on creating speciďŹ c events for music, comedians, traveling art installations (which has been in effect since January) and pop-up art panels (8ft tall/4 ft wide). If you have recently been to The Health Museum on a Thursday evening, you might have seen the pop-up art exhibit during the “Vibrations and Libationsâ€? event.

McGhie gave us an exclu-

Access team will be headed on the road for the very ďŹ rst time to Lofty Spaces in Dallas, TX (8-10 minutes from Deep Ellum) at 7:00PM on Friday, June 15, 2018. In addition, The All Access Art Show will make another pop-up at the 3rd Annual Space City Food Truck Festival on June 23, 2018 from 5:00PM-11:00PM. Myeventisthebomb.com will be in the building, thanks to McGhie, show goers can experience an interactive photo-booth just like Joe “The Comeback Kidâ€? Montana (Former Football Quarterback), Antonio Brown (Football Receiver for the Pittsburg Steelers) and many other celebrity and A-listers during the Pepsi half-time performance practice with Justin Timberlake during the 2018 Superbowl LII in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

For updates and more about the All Access Art Show visit www.allaccessartshow.comFollow @allaccessartshow on Facebook and Instagram.

- AANI

ce Sin 94 9 1

Father’s Day Gifts Credit C A c c e p taer d s Lay-a-w d ay

Deacon Board Preacher at Pulpit

e l b a l Ava i o w !

N Preacher

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Creators of All Access Art Show- (left to right) Tajay Byrd, Malik McGhie and Jeremy Cann.

We appreciate o ur customers!

8 • African-American News&Issues

Texas • June 3 - June 9, 2018

Breaking Stereotypes: Successful African-Americans in Mathematics

By Tarcia Hubert

Katherine Johnson, 99, one of three female NASA mathematician who calculated the trajectory of the Apollo 11 mission.

Benjamin Banneker (17311806) – A well known mathematician and astronomer Flowers for All Occasions

during his time. Banneker used mathematics to calculate the location of planets and stars, and to predict certain events such as solar eclipses, sunrises and sunsets. Remember during this time we did not have all of the technological resources that are available to us today, so Banneker would publish all of his ďŹ ndings in almanacs.

Banneker was also known for working with a team that surveyed the borders of the new capital in the District of Columbia when it was moved from Philadelphia. He helped create a plan which served as a basis for the layout of the streets, buildings, and monuments which still exist today in Washington D.C. Ban-

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neker also invented a wooden clock after only ever seeing one time machine which was a pocket watch.

Dr. Euphemia Haynes (1890 – 1980) – The ďŹ rst African American woman to get a Ph.D. in mathematics.

She was also the ďŹ rst woman to chair the Washington DC school board. Dr. Haynes taught in DC public schools for 47 years, and later went on to teach at Miner Teachers College, District of Columbia Teachers College, and Howard University.

Dr. J. Ernest Wilkins Jr. (1923 – 2011) - The eighth African American to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics. Along with being a mathematician, he was a mechanical engineer and a nuclear scientist.

During his time, he was the youngest student ever to attend the University of Chicago at age 13. He completed his bachelors degree at age 17, his masters degree at age 18, and his Ph.D. at age 19.

Dr. Wilkins also received a bachelors and a masters degree in mechanical engineering. Dr. Wilkins made many signiďŹ cant contributions to the ďŹ eld of mathematics and engineering. He went on to teach at institutions such as Howard University, Clark Atlanta University, and Tuskegee University.

These are just a few examples of successful African American mathematicians, but there are deďŹ nitely more.

Therefore, please share this information with the children in your life. It is important that we present successful minorities in the ďŹ eld of mathematics to our children.

We cannot expect the educational system to do it, we have to step in and intervene - AANI ourselves.

Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW), Phenomenal Partners, and You Donated 1,300+ Pre-School Books to Stafford Municipal School District Pre-Schoolers

Front Row: Pre-Schoolers- Emma Wasik, red top, age 4; and Kourtney Ogunmakin, blue top, age 5. Back Row: Book Drive Committee Members: Mable Scott Austin; Elise Leaks Harmon; and Tomika R. Lewis.

Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW) and Phenomenal Partners and You made our inaugural Stafford Municipal School District Preschool Book Drive an amazing success! Our original goal was to donate 500 books. Thanks to you this goal was almost triple! You donated 1,300+ new and gently used children books in English and Spanish for ages three thru ďŹ ve. Your books were given to pre schoolers to take home. Dr. Valerie Orum, Principal, Stafford Elementary School and staff were most grateful for the donations of over 1,300 preschool books.

Mose & Mable Austin, collected books from donors in Fort Bend, Harris, Brazoria, Montgomery, and Austin counties. The Austins’ shared “It was truly a labor of love to meet donors anywhere and receive books.

Our children are our future.

Each pre- schooler received 2 – 3 books to take home.�

This project was ecstati-

cally successful due to the generosity of the following cheerful, willing,and generous donors: Kiki Ferguson, author and Sue Leffall, her Mother donated over 400 books; Fort Bend Harris Retired Educators; Tomika R. Lewis; Windsor Village Church’s Family; Mose & Mable Austin; Freddie & Brenda Williams; Brenda Lemmie; Kimberly Johnson; Winston & Marie Williams; Stephanie Collins; Linda Webb Stephens; Ann Marie Rennalls; Art Pertile; Eron Wahid; Gwen Goodwin; Joel & Elise Harmon; A Concerned Citizens Group (ACCG); Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW), Phenomenal Partners, and anonymous donors.

Thank You so much! Together, we transform lives.

Enormous thanks and endless appreciation to Tomika R. Lewis, Program Chair for her exemplary leadership and commitment to make a difference in the lives of our pre schoolers!

- AANI

Texas • June 3 - June 9, 2018

African-American News&Issues • 9

Neekeita Fields Builds an Empire Working in the Community

By Rebecca S. Jones

From humble beginnings in the historical community of Acres Homes, Neekeita Fields has emerged into a successful entrepreneur, business consultant, investor, experienced tax preparer and contributor to local communities. After graduating from Sam Houston High School in 2002, she proceeded to earn an Associates degree in Business Administration from Texas Southern University.

Though Fields never imagined becoming a business owner, eventually she was inspired by God; supported by her business partner, Cedrick Burns and pushed by her mother to establish Quality Assure Financial Services in 2009. From this experience, she was able to pioneer 11 fully functioning facilities. Subsequently she transformed the taxing venture into a mobile service, TaxBiz Pro Services To Go, which currently has over 18 franchise owners under its umbrella. Later, she became part-owner of the Prosperity Firm. Established in 2016, the Prosperity Firm “focuses squarely on aiding small business in search of start-up assistance.”

That same year, she made history in the state of Texas by becoming the first youngest African-American woman to own and operate a temporary/staffing agency.

As an extension of the Prosperity Firm brand, she founded Prosperity Professional Services. Prosperity Professional Services is a staffing service which aids in the professional development of individuals by providing employment for: primary skill laborers, construction and warehouse workers and other

industrial capacities. Fields also incepted a consulting company, Life 360 coaching.

In an attempt to cater to the needs of individuals desiring to rectify existing credit issues, she launched Upscore Credit Spa, LLC. Within its short duration, Upscore has already seen a wealth of success.

Furthermore, Fields has always been passionate about empowering and giving back to the community. In her role as a community contributor she established, The Children of the Future Foundation, The Prosper Place and Society of Champions. The Children of the Future Foundation was implemented to assist underprivileged children. Since its inception it has provided scores of students with school supplies and other basic necessities. The Prosper Place was designed to aid economically challenged pregnant women. Through partnerships with other non-profit organizations like the Beacon House: they have sponsored baby showers, provided early parenthood materials, resources and mentorships for expecting mothers. Society of Champions was developed to help bring out the champion in individuals. In its most recent endeavor, members went on a mission trip to serve in Haiti. Fields says, “It was a phenomenal experience which made me appreciate everything and know that I don’t have room to complain about anything.”

Last year, Fields invested in a passion that she and her mother have always shared together and established Prosperity Health Care Services. She said, “There is nothing wrong with nursing homes, but, most members

in the African-American community believe in keeping our loved ones in-house.

Therefore, we aim to provide excellent service for families to help care for them.”

Prosperity Health Care Services is composed of a team of highly experienced, motivated and dedicated associates, who are committed to the highest standard of service. In their area of expertise they offer: non-medical in-home care to seniors, individuals with disabilities, those recovering from surgery, illness, injuries and any individual who needs help with activities of daily living - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Prosperity’s goal is to, “care for and support clients through expertly trained personnel who work to deliver excellent homecare service through careful integration and bonding with clients in a manner that reflects the core values and client-oriented principles it was founded upon.” Tentatively, Prosperity is seeking to mend hospice care and other services in its network.

Fields expressed her gratitude for her business partner, Cedrick Burns, her brother Deputy Mark Holmes, Jr. and her mother, Rose Fields; all of whom she attributes part of her success. Additionally she is ever thankful for having a supportive and dedicated staff who has patiently worked alongside her.

Members of her staff include: Keundra Batiste (Executive Assistant); Dymeshea Williams (Marketing and Public Relations) and Carnita Wallace (In-take Coordinator).

Prosperity Health Care Services is located at 16903 Red Oak Dr., Suite 170, 77090.

For more information about

services contact (832) 7058914 or visit the company website at http://prosperityhealthcaresvc.com.

Over the years, Fields has built a reputation for her tremendous level of high energy, instrumental work ethics and values and uncanny determination and tenacity. She has been a great influence to many in terms of helping others to achieve their dreams and goals and maximize their full potential.

As an accomplished multi-business owner, she encourages others to, “keep your mind open to opportu-

nities, they are closer than you think.” Moreover, she believes it is important to provide multiple strains of income because one just can’t rely on one or two. “We are in the business of making people happy, that’s our motto and that’s what we aim to do,” she added.

Today, she continues to lend her time, service and loyalty to her businesses and the community through the operation of her non-profits.

Fields is also the proud mother of three children: Madysen, MaKenzye and Cedrick - AANI Jr.

Neekeita Fields and her partner Cedrick Burns with the officers of Precinct 4 at their staffing agencies, Prosperity Professional Services, Annual Back to School Drive.

Neekeita Fields with one of the residents of Brookdale Champions. He received a prize for winning Bingo.

Texas • June 3 - June 9, 2018

10 • African-American News&Issues

Worthing HS Students Get Up-close Lesson in Tech Jobs in Silicon Valley Students from Worthing High School got an up-close and personal look at in-demand tech jobs of the future in Silicon Valley.

A group of 20 computer programming students traveled to San Francisco earlier this month to spend time

training with tech industry leaders at SoftBank Robotics’ RobotLAB. During the experience, they programmed two robots designed for retail and educational applications.

“The purpose of this experience was to open their minds to computer program-

Worthing HS students programming robots during trip to Silicon Valley.

Worthing HS students between training sessions at Softbank Robotics’ RobotLAB.

Students program Pepper robot during Silicon Valley training session.

ming, because the robots are coming, and they’re going to be taking over a lot of jobs,” Worthing High School computer programming teacher Nina Jolivet said. “They’re going to need people to program these robots. Why not our students?”

The trip was an opportunity to show the students a practical use of the skills they’ve learned in their computer programming class this school year.

“The programming was a good experience. I’m already computer savvy; now I know how to program a robot,” Worthing junior Daisha Green said.

“Coding was the best part,” Worthing junior Montreal Bradford added. “I’ll be doing that in my major - computer science - so coding was fun for me.”

During the training, top level executives from the company shared their tech industry journey with the students.

“Their words really stuck with me. One of them challenged us to do what we need to do so we can come work for him one day, and to do what we needed to do so he can work for us one day,” Green said. “Coming from their backgrounds, they never imagined themselves ending up at the top of that industry.”

The Worthing students were the first student group to train with RobotLAB.- AANI

For advertising information call

Worthing HS students presenting Pepper robots they programmed during training at Softbank Robotics’ RobotLAB.

Worthing HS computer programming teacher Nina Jolivet poses for picture with Pepper.

713-682-1892

Texas • June 3 - June 9, 2018

African-American News&Issues • 11

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PUBLIC NOTICES Texas Department of Transportation Public Notice – Texas Department of Transportation’s (TXDOT) FY 2019–2021 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Goal for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Projects Pursuant to Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 26, recipients of federal-aid funds are required to establish DBE programs and set an overall goal for participation.

The proposed overall FAA DBE goal for ďŹ scal years 2019–2021 is 12.0%.

The proposed goal and related methodology are available for inspection online at http://txdot.gov/ business/partnerships/ dbe/goals.html or onsite between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday until July 26, 2018 at the following address: TxDOT, Civil Rights Division, 200 East Riverside Dr., Bldg. 200, Austin, Texas 78704.

TxDOT will also accept written comments on the DBE goal until July 26, 2018. Comments should be submitted via e-mail to CIV_Reporting@txdot.gov or mailed to TxDOT, Civil Rights Division, ATTN: Goal Methodology, 125 East 11th St., Austin, Texas 78701.

Questions concerning inspection of the DBE goal and methodology should be directed to the Civil Rights Division at (512) 416-4700.

Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP-C) Pre-Owned Dry Van Trailers (Utility Brand or Equivalent) Project No. 18-29 Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Friday, June 29, 2018. Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/ procurement.

Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) ServiceNow Software Implementation Project No. 18-35 Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Monday, July 2, 2017.

Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/procurement.

COMPETITIVE SEALED BID (CSB) Project #18-05-01 The Houston Independent School District (HISD) will receive lump sum bids, including all forms, schedules and statements, from Contractors until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 10, 2018, at the Board Services OfďŹ ce, 4400 West 18th Street, 1C, Houston, Texas 77092 for the Milne Elementary School SPARK Park. The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the installation of a concrete track; minor grading and drainage near existing pavilion (including a low retaining wall); minor grading and drainage at east playground entry; hydroseeding of disturbed areas; play equipment with engineered wood ďŹ ber fall surface; and fencing. Pre-Bid Conference attendance is MANDATORY. The Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. at Milne Elementary, 7800 Portal Drive, Houston, Texas 77071. Bid documents are available on HISD web-site at http://www.houstonisd. org/page/68148. For additional information contact Raymond Hooks at (713) 556-9345.

Notice to Proposers Sealed electronic proposals will be received by Lone Star College for: • RFP #592 – Computers, Printers & Accessories. Electronic bids due by 1:00 p.m., Thursday, 6/28/2018.

WebEx pre-proposal meeting will be held Tuesday, 6/12/18 @ 10:00 a.m., Contact: sharon.k.ognowski@ lonestar.edu or 832-813-6211.

Must Register to Bid: http:// wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/ supplier.htm . If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the online registration process, contact donna.e.cottrell@lonestar.edu or 832-813-6275.

COMPETITIVE SEALED BID (CSB) Project #18-05-02 The Houston Independent School District (HISD) will receive lump sum bids, including all forms, schedules and statements, from Contractors until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 10, 2018, at the Board Services OfďŹ ce, 4400 West 18th Street, 1C, Houston, Texas 77092 for the Whidby Elementary School SPARK Park. The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the installation of a concrete track; minor smoothing of the ďŹ eld to address rough spots and divots and create a safe, level playing surface; increasing detention capacity; hydroseeding; play equipment with engineered wood ďŹ ber fall surface; and site furnishings.

Pre-Bid Conference attendance is MANDATORY. The Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2018, at 3:30 p.m. at Whidby Elementary, 7625 Springhill Street, Houston, Texas 77021. Bid documents are available on HISD web-site at http://www. houstonisd.org/page/68148. For additional information contact Raymond Hooks at (713) 556-9345.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 10

St. Paul A.M.E. Church 150th Anniversary 3320 Waverly St. Beaumont, TX 77705 Church Phone: 409-842-1080 11:00 a.m. Service Guest Speakers: Rev. Anthony Daniel and Rev. Vincent Hightower

SATURDAY, JUNE 16 Mayor Sylvester Turner’s 7th Annual Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Contact Kynetta Moore, 832-393-0825 or email Kynetta.

Moore@houstontx.gov www.

HoustonSpecialEvents. org

SATURDAY, JUNE 23 - MONDAY, JUNE 25

18th Annual Texas International Hair & Trade Show Mesquite Convention Center www.texashairshow. com 469-751-8820