October 23, 2026
SAN ANTONIO/AUSTIN EDITION
Vol.31, Issue 38
FREE
We the People “Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
Your vote and your money are the two most powerful things you have. Be careful who you give them to. - Roy Douglas Malonson
APHA 2026 KICKS OFF IN SAN ANTONIO
By: The American Public Health Association
The American Public Health Association (APHA) will bring thousands of public health professionals, researchers, advocates and policymakers to San Antonio for its 2026 Annual Meeting and Expo, centered on the theme “Together We Thrive: Health Across the Lifespan.” The annual gathering will explore how communities can improve health and well-being for people at every stage of life, from childhood through older adulthood. As communities across the United States face evolving public health challenges, the conference will highlight new research, innovative strategies and policy discussions aimed at expanding access to quality care and improving health outcomes. Among the featured topics will be the growing role of artificial intelligence in public health practice, the health consequences of aggressive immigration enforcement, men’s health and the pursuit of universal health coverage. These discussions will examine how policy decisions, emerging technologies and social conditions influence the health of individuals, families and entire communities. The conference will also spotlight local public health efforts, including lessons learned from the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District’s response to foodborne illness. Researchers are expected to present new findings that could help shape future public health programs, strengthen prevention efforts and improve responses to emerging health concerns. The meeting comes during a significant election year, as voters across the country
prepare to participate in the 2026 midterm elections. Public health remains an important consideration in discussions about healthcare access, community resources, environmental conditions and government priorities. Through presentations, expert panels and opportunities for collaboration, APHA 2026 aims to connect professionals working to address health disparities and develop practical solutions for healthier communities. The gathering will emphasize a central message: improving public health requires cooperation across professions, institutions and communities. By sharing research, experiences and strategies, participants will work toward a future in which everyone has a greater opportunity to live a healthier life, regardless of age or background. The American Public Health Association (APHA) will bring thousands of public health professionals, researchers, advocates and policymakers to San Antonio for its 2026 Annual Meeting and Expo, centered on the theme “Together We Thrive: Health Across the Lifespan.” The annual gathering will explore how communities can improve health and well-being for people at every stage of life, from childhood through older adulthood. As communities across the United States face evolving public health challenges, the conference will highlight new research, innovative strategies and policy discussions aimed at expanding access to quality care and improving health outcomes. Apha on Among the featured topics will pg. 3 be the growing role of artificial
TEXAS VOTERS ENCOURAGED TO VOTE EARLY By: Texas NAACP
Texas voters are encouraged to cast their ballots during early voting rather than waiting for Election Day. Voting early may reduce exposure to anticipated Election Day intimidation tactics and provides time to identify and address registration, eligibility, or voting-process issues. Those unable to vote early should still vote by any lawful method available to them, including in person on Election Day or by mail if eligible. Why Vote Early Registration problems often can be corrected when voters discover them early. Voting early gives voters additional time to obtain documents, contact election officials, and follow the applicable procedures so that their ballots can count. Early voting may also make voters less likely to encounter intimidation at a polling place. Because intimidation tactics are expected to be more likely on Election Day, early in-person voting is the preferred option whenever feasible. Texas law has made voting by mail more difficult, and concerns about mail efficiency and delays create additional risks this election cycle. Nevertheless, eligible voters who must vote by mail should do so as soon as possible. The central message is simple: vote early if you can, but vote by whatever lawful method you can use. AA
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October 23, 2026
AFRAMNEWS.COM
SAN ANTONIO/AUSTIN EDITION
EDITORIAL
President/Chief Editor
Contributing Writers Dr. Bobby Mills, Travis McGee, Rachel Thompson, Fred Smith, Nicole Washington, Aisha Robinson, Marcus Williams, TJ Baker Meeko Graphics Social Media Houston Minority business marketing website JG Design Layout Design Blue Star Web Printing Printer
STORIES, PICTURES, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, EMAIL TO aframnews1982@gmail.com
713-682-1892
PO BOX 206 Prairie View, TX 77446
We are looking for historical writers That can produce stories that address current and historical realities affecting our community. PLEASE SEND YOUR INQUIRIES TO
AFRAMNEWS1982@GMAIL.COM
A Revival of God Consciousness Bobby Mills, Ph.D.
BLACK PRESS: BLACK POLITICIANS
The Black Press is the principled public information voice of the Black community. Through Black-owned and Black-operated publications, it champions human dignity, human rights, and civil rights; celebrates overlooked Black achievements; and challenges harmful racial stereotypes. In this sense, the Black Press serves as a Godly voice for the Black community. Freedom’s Journal, founded in 1827, was the first Black-owned newspaper. In the 21st century, the Black Press remains a vital source of advocacy, and The African American News and Issues ranks among America’s leading Black newspapers. Given the importance of these publications in sharing information, why do Black politicians not use them more often to communicate policy positions and educate readers about public issues? Could some Black politicians prefer the community to remain uninformed about urgent issues facing American society, relying instead on the message, “Vote for me because I’m Black”? In 2026, the appeal “Vote for me because I’m Black, and you are Black, and I’ll keep you free” may no longer advance community development, if it ever did. Too often, this socioeconomic and
political dynamic benefits Black politicians rather than Black communities. We need win-win political propositions, not “I win, and you lose.” Taking individual voters or voting blocs for granted is always a losing socioeconomic and political strategy. Godly politics is spiritually grounded in win-win socioeconomic propositions; more importantly, it is a rising tide that lifts all boats. Therefore, glory, hallelujah, to Jesus Christ, the King of all would-be political kings, whether Black or White. Supporting Black-owned businesses is a vital and Godly step toward meaningful socioeconomic development in the Black community. Therefore, advertising in the Black Press and Black economic development are socioeconomically interrelated. Directing spending where it can have the greatest community impact is common sense, though common sense is not always common. Money is a tool, not God, and it should be used wisely. As the old English proverb says, “A fool and his money are soon parted.” Black Americans may have income, but too often lack wealth rooted in property ownership. Without sound financial decisions, clothing, cars, and jewelry can become symbols of vanity rather than investments that build capital. Blackowned businesses generated $2 billion in Houston and $212 billion nationwide, yet much of that money entered the Black community
Press on pg. 4
We Must Understand Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher
ATTACK ADS IN POLITICS
The federal raid on the home of Representative Ilhan Omar has thrust the United States into a dangerous constitutional crisis, exposing the fragile boundaries between federal law enforcement and raw political warfare. When agents from Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at a sitting
lawmaker’s residence on October 12, 2026, the Trump administration moved far beyond standard immigration enforcement. By deploying the full weight of the Justice Department to build a civil denaturalization case over 30-year-old childhood refugee paperwork, the administration has set a chilling precedent: the weaponization of citizenship itself as a political tool. The legal mechanics driving this case are an affront to fundamental American norms. While the administration hides behind the text of Section 340(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, using civil standards to bypass criminal statutes of limitations, the timing of this operation unmasks its true intent. Launching a highly public raid and issuing a flurry of grand jury subpoenas mere weeks before the 2026
midterm elections flatly violates the Department of Justice’s long-standing protocol against taking overt steps that influence an election. This is not a neutral pursuit of justice; it is a calculated, highvisibility theater designed to satisfy a political grievance and intimidate a prominent opposition voice. Furthermore, the executive branch’s aggressive tactics directly threaten the separation of powers. By seizing Omar’s cellphone and laptop, federal prosecutors have run roughshod over the Speech or Debate Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which exists precisely to protect
legislators from executive overreach. If the Department of Justice is permitted to rifle through a lawmaker’s privileged communications under the guise of an immigration audit, the independence of the entire legislative branch is compromised. This escalation signals a terrifying shift for millions of naturalized Americans. If a sitting member of Congress can have her home raided, her private life subpoenaed, and her very nationality threatened over decadesold documentation filed when she was a child, then no naturalized citizen’s status is truly secure. The federal courts must step in to halt this overreach. Allowing the executive branch to strip citizenship from its political rivals is not an enforcement of the law—it is a subversion of democracy itself. AA
SAN ANTONIO/AUSTIN EDITION Apha Cont. intelligence in public health practice, the health consequences of aggressive immigration enforcement, men’s health and the pursuit of universal health coverage. These discussions will examine how policy decisions, emerging technologies and social conditions influence the health of individuals, families and entire communities. The conference will also spotlight local public health efforts, including lessons learned from the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District’s response to foodborne illness. Researchers are expected to present new findings that could help shape future public health programs, strengthen prevention efforts and improve responses to emerging health concerns. The meeting comes during a significant election year, as voters across the country prepare to participate in the 2026 midterm elections. Public health remains an important consideration
in discussions about healthcare access, community resources, environmental conditions and government priorities. Through presentations, expert panels and opportunities for collaboration, APHA 2026 aims to connect professionals working to address health disparities and develop practical solutions for healthier communities. The gathering will emphasize a central message: improving public health requires cooperation across professions, institutions and communities. By sharing research, experiences and strategies, participants will work toward a future in which everyone has a greater opportunity to live a healthier life, regardless of age or background. The American Public Health Association (APHA) will bring thousands of public health professionals, researchers, advocates and policymakers to San Antonio for its 2026 Annual Meeting and
October 23, 2026 Expo, centered on the theme “Together We Thrive: Health Across the Lifespan.” The annual gathering will explore how communities can improve health and well-being for people at every stage of life, from childhood through older adulthood. As communities across the United States face evolving public health challenges, the conference will highlight new research, innovative strategies and policy discussions aimed at expanding access to quality care and improving health outcomes. Among the featured topics will be the growing role of artificial intelligence in public health practice, the health consequences of aggressive immigration enforcement, men’s health and the pursuit of universal health coverage. These discussions will examine how policy decisions, emerging technologies and social conditions influence the health of individuals, families and entire communities. The conference will also
AFRAMNEWS.COM spotlight local public health efforts, including lessons learned from the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District’s response to foodborne illness. Researchers are expected to present new findings that could help shape future public health programs, strengthen prevention efforts and improve responses to emerging health concerns. The meeting comes during a significant election year, as voters across the country prepare to participate in the 2026 midterm elections. Public health remains an important consideration in discussions about healthcare access, community resources, environmental conditions and government priorities. Through presentations, expert panels and opportunities for collaboration, APHA 2026 aims to connect professionals working to address health disparities and develop practical solutions for healthier communities. The gathering will
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emphasize a central message: improving public health requires cooperation across professions, institutions and communities. By sharing research, experiences and strategies, participants will work toward a future in which everyone has a greater opportunity to live a healthier life, regardless of age or background. The American Public Health Association (APHA) will bring thousands of public health professionals, researchers, advocates and policymakers to San Antonio for its 2026 Annual Meeting and Expo, centered on the theme “Together We Thrive: Health Across the Lifespan.” The annual gathering will explore how communities can improve health and well-being for people at every stage of life, from childhood through older adulthood. As communities across the United States face e AA
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October 23, 2026
AFRAMNEWS.COM
and quickly left. Press Cont. Why? By contrast, money circulates three or four times in some other communities; including some minority communities, but not the Black ommunity. Shame on us. Therefore, for Black consumers, doing business with Black-owned businesses makes socioeconomic common sense, especially considering historic socioeconomic exclusion and institutional racism. Just a friendly Godly reminder, Black people are not racist, because Blacks do not have the socioeconomic power to deny any social group access to resources. Some Blacks are prejudiced because of negative racialized institutional experiences, but most Blacks are Godly and forgiving. An individual can live in the ghetto, but not have the ghetto reside in them. However, thinking spiritually higher requires a God conscience. Job rightly said it best after experiencing extreme socioeconomic hardships, renting his mantle, shaving his head, falling upon the ground, worshipped God, and said: “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly”. (Job 1:2022). Job did not lose his FAITH in God. Houston, let’s not lose our faith in God, each other, and: “do the right thing by supporting each other socio-economically”. Amen! AA
SAN ANTONIO/AUSTIN EDITION
EDUCATION SIX STORIES OF PANTHER HISTORY WORTH KNOWING By: Prairie View When people talk about Prairie View A&M University’s famous alumni and former students, a few familiar names tend to lead the conversation. But the story of The Hill reaches far beyond the names that typically make the lists. From helping shape the future of space exploration to serving in the military, advancing civil rights and building influential media businesses, more than 87,000 alumni of PVAMU have made their mark across generations and industries. This Homecoming, take a closer look at some of the figures brought to life by the University’s Special Collections and Archives Department whose stories add new chapters to PVAMU’s rich history. Their journeys offer another reminder that the legacy of PVAMU is not defined by a handful of famous names, but by the many ways Panthers have made a difference. Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson’s ’19 legacy extends across higher education and beyond. He served as president of Tuskegee Institute and founded the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), helping establish a lasting source of support for historically Black colleges and universities. Patterson’s work helped strengthen educational opportunities for generations of students, leaving an enduring mark on institutions
Frederick Douglass Patterson, Shirley Holland-Hunt, Major Lowell Henry Cleaver Sr., Lt. Gen. Calvin Waller
dedicated to expanding access to higher education. His story is one of the many connections between Prairie View and the broader history of Black education in America. Prairie View’s legacy reaches beyond Earth, too. Shirley Holland-Hunt ’81, a PVAMU alumna recognized for her work at NASA, has built a career contributing to the nation’s space exploration efforts. NASA has highlighted her leadership and contributions, recognizing her as an aerospace trailblazer. Her story offers a glimpse into the
many ways Prairie View graduates contribute to fields that shape the future, including the exploration of space. Major Lowell Henry Cleaver Sr.: A connection to the Tuskegee Airmen The Tuskegee Airmen hold a distinguished place in American military history. Among the names is Major Lowell
Henry Cleaver Sr. ’39, who graduated from Prairie View with honors. His inclusion offers an opportunity to explore the connections between Prairie View’s history and the service members who helped break barriers in the U.S. military. Lt. Gen. Calvin Waller: A leader in the U.S. Army Calvin Waller ’59 rose to the rank of lieutenant general in the U.S. Army, reaching one of the highest levels of military leadership. His career represents another example of the many professional paths represented in the history of Prairie View and its community. Waller’s story also offers an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Black military leaders whose service helped shape the nation’s armed forces. Percy Sutton: Civil rights, broadcasting and the Apollo Percy Sutton’s career spanned civil rights, law, politics and media.
JAMES TALARICO HAS HAS A PROVEN RECORD OF
FIGHTING CORRUPTION C TO LOWER YOUR COSTS
VOTE JAMES TALARICO FOR U.S. SENATE!
ELECTION D DA DAY AY - NOV AY NOVEMBER O EMBER 3 OV EARL LY V VO TING - OCTOBER 19 - 30 VOTING ENDORSED BY:
Rep. Christian Menefee
Texas’ T Te xas’ 18th Congressional Dist.
PAID P PA ID FOR BY TALARICO FOR TEXAS
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