Vol 27 Issue 13

April 17, 2022

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

African-American News&Issues

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

Vol. 27, Issue 13 Your vote and your money are the two most powerful things you have.

Be careful who you give them to.

- Roy Douglas Malonson

- CrAig WAShingTon -

LIFE IN Court

Cont. on pg. 3

2 AFRAMNEWS.COM

April 17, 2022

EDITORIAL

President/Chief Editor

Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.: Associate Editor

Tristar

News:

Think About It

By Dr. John E. Warren

Office: (713) 692-1892 Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

America Needs Humanitarian Relief, Too It is a good thing that America has been a lead nation in both providing humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine. It is good that we as a nation, Democrat and Republican, have been able to unify on this most important issue facing the world. It is also a good thing that America has been able to give hundreds of millions of doses of the COVID-19 Vaccine to struggling third world countries where people are waiting in lines while Americans refuse vaccinations for all kinds of reasons.

But while all of this is a good thing, let us not forget the looming crisis ahead of us. The fact is that the virus, with its ever increasing mutations, is not over.

There are still over 750 people dying daily from this virus even though hospital rates and the daily death rates are down from what they were just months ago. Infection cases are up across the country with some states experiencing higher rates than others and a number of cities like Philadelphia, New York,

and Washington, D.C. have had to reinstate their mask mandates.

In the midst of the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis, the new surge in infections across the country, and continued death rates, the United States Congress refused to pass a 22 billion dollar funding bill to continue testing, vaccinations, and the funding for Covid-19 related supplies before adjourning for the Easter/Spring Recess. Much of the opposition, again, is coming from the (Russianlike) Republican Party not only denying and refusing to support and vote for such funds, but also leaving out much needed continuation dollars for programs to feed the hungry.

This pull back on funds for testing and vaccinations is also impacting those American companies that geared up to produce Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at the height of the pandemic when supplies were no longer available from our foreign sources.

Now, with this cutback in federal funds, many of these companies are on the verge of going out of business because America is withdrawing the very funds that allowed hospitals and others to purchase the PPE items they were able to buy until this cutoff.

For more visit aframnews.com

A Revival of God

Consciousness Bobby E. Mills, PhD

Individuals Believe What They Want To Believe Some individuals traffic in lies because they desire White Privilege: something for nothing. When 73 million primarily White Americans vote for an ungodly individual to be President of the greatest country the world has ever known; individuals truly believe what they want to believe. Unfortunately, most individuals do not desire to work because work is a spiritual commandment from God, and they are rebellious against God. Most men do not want to work; only go through the motion of working with the desire to get something for nothing; even though they know that the work must be done. Therefore, they enslave and take advantage of other men to get the work done. Thereby reaping the fruits of someone else’s labor.

In America the problem is not scarcity, but abundance.

Therefore, there are too many individuals in America who desire the fruits of the labor of others, namely Christian Right Evangelicals, The GOP and White

Nationalists. The problem is spiritual because work is sacred, and they are rebelling against God. Hence, we have too many men who desire to form Unions to not work, and too many Capitalists Owners who desire not to pay fair wages.

Therefore, Corporate Owners outsource jobs overseas for cheap labor and enormous profits on their products. It’s a vicious ungodly cycle that must be federally regulated because it only creates malcontent.

America, know this: God’s spiritual rules are universal, not particularistic. We have too many laws, and most individuals are not desirous of obeying any law, and the only laws we truly need are God’s laws: The Commandments. The Holy Spirit frees us from sin, not the law: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:” (Romans 8: 2-3). God sent his Son as an example of how we should live!

The Garden of Eden Scripture is currently playing itself out on the national and international stages, for example, Russia and Ukraine.

For more visit aframnews.com

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

April 17, 2022

AFRAMNEWS.COM 3

LIFE IN COURT By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.

“I did the best I could with what I had,” is an expression that Craig Washington borrowed from the great Thurgood Marshall.

Craig Washington was born in Longview, Texas on October 12, 1941, to Roy and Azalea Washington. His mom was a beautician, and his dad was a laborer for a company called Sinclair. Washington attended Brock Elementary School, Fidelity Junior High School, and Fidelity Manor Senior High School in Galena Park, from which he graduated in 1958. After graduation, he attended Prairie View A&M University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1966.

Washington originally had plans to attend medical school, but little did he know that his life would take him down a path that would involve politics and law.

With plans to enroll in a master’s program, on the last day of registration, Washington “walked over to Texas Southern University (TSU) to apply for graduate school in the arts and sciences.”

Washington was not aware of the required documents he needed to enroll, and the ladies in the office made fun of him. Not being “easily disheartened or shame faced,” he kept moving forward.

Thankfully, Washington had a cousin who worked in admissions at TSU, so that same day, he went to see her, told her about his situation, and she said, “come go with me.” Washington went with her and stated, “those four words changed my life.” He walked in the dean of the law school’s office, and watched his cousin speak to the dean privately. “I don’t know what she said to him, but he walked towards me and said congratulations

son, you’re in law school. It still gives me chills,” he expressed.

Washington graduated from Texas Southern University Law School in 1969 with honors and was number one in his class. The day after graduation, he became the first Assistant Dean of the law school they ever had. He was also an Assistant Professor and taught a course in legislation even though he had no interest in politics outside of voting. As a child Washington would watch the conventions with his parents and was the “channel changer” since there

were no TV remotes back then.

His mom was an advocate believer in politics, his father was a union member, and a strong advocate for equal rights. He even walked the picket line with his father when he was a teenager.

He left TSU in 1970 and went into private practice because “no white firms were hiring any black lawyers.” He opened his own criminal defense practice in Houston. He was the founding partner of Washington & Randle (later Washington, Lampley, Evans, & Braquet). During the interview, he reflected on a case where “it was the first time a white officer had been indicted for killing a black man. “That’s why I am a lawyer

and why I do what I do… God sent me here to do this. I’m living in my purpose,” he stated.

Washington was elected to the 63rd Legislature in 1972 to represent the 86th District of Harris County. He was elected as a State Representative in a freshman class in 1973 that included the future U.S. Representative Mickey Leland. In 1983, Washington moved to the Texas State Senate, where he proved to be a commanding orator and legislative strategist, and soon became one of the foremost faces in the Texas Civil Rights Movement.”

Washington was then elected to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent the 18th Congressional District, following the death of Houston Representative George Thomas “Mickey” Leland who died on August 7, 1989, in a tragic plane crash in Ethiopia. Washington took oath of office on January 23, 1990, on the “opening day of the second session for the 101st Congress.” He was reelected in November 1990 and November 1992. Leland and Washington attended TSU together, and after a rough first encounter, they ended up being good friends and were even roommates for a little while.

He stated, “The only reason I went to congress was because I was traumatized by Mickey’s death.”

After being defeated by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, he departed Congress and continued to practice law and serve as counsel to various law offices.

For more visit aframnews.com

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April 17, 2022

POLITICS

LYNCHING AND TRIUMPH OF PERSISTENCE

By: Black Peppa

Randall Robinson stated, “We must do this in memory of the dark souls whose weary, broken bodies endured the unimaginable.

We must do this on behalf of our children whose thirsty spirits clutch for the keys to a future. This is a struggle that we can’t lose, for in the very making of it we will discover, if nothing else ourselves.”

In 1955, my mother, grandmother and maternal aunt, led my cousins and I to the TV to watch the funeral of Emmett Till, the 14-year-old boy that was killed by a heartless mob in Mississippi.

What was the crime? Allegedly, whistling at a white

EMMETT TiLL

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

BUSINESS

THE ISSUE OF BAIL By: Laisha Harris

woman. My view is that the inventors of this excuse were driven by pure evil.

Emmett’s mother switched the narrative and reframed the debate about justice, human rights and racial violence when she insisted on an open casket for the world to see the swollen and maimed face of her baby.

Emmett Tills murder in the renegade state of Mississippi was emblematic of the 3500 recorded acts of murder-lynching against its Black citizens in the United States from 1885- 1910, according to famed historian John Hope Franklin. Coupled this carnage with 10,000 instances of mob violence.

Unrelenting pressure, a series of tiny inputs by countless change agents has raised the temperature to a boiling point and the Congress could no longer stall or block a community inspired movement to fully humanize the democracy.

The United States Congress has been trying to pass antilynching legislation since Emmett Tills’ death but has been unable to get the job done.

For more visit aframnews.com

In Harris County, 8,571 people are incarcerated – 7,560 of those awaiting trial. That means 1,011 in the Harris County jail have been convicted or found guilty of a crime. The rest are either waiting for trial or unable to afford a bond. So, what exactly is this issue regarding bail or bonds?

When someone is arrested or accused of a crime, the court will assign a bail amount as a guarantee of that persons return to court. A bondsman will take percentage of the bail amount and provide a bond so the accused may get out of jail. It is a common misconception that bond is solely associated with the type of offense that is committed or is supposed to be a form of punishment.

However, the O’Donnell v. Harris County lawsuit caused Houston to re-evaluate their bail and bond practices.

New laws in Texas say that an indigent (poor) arrestee that is accused of a misdemeanor must have a bail hearing within 48 hours. Any indigent person who is not provided an individualized hearing within 48 hours must be released. County judges did not find a link between a person’s financial situation and their ability to appear at trial or engage in law-abiding behavior. Depending on the offense, they may have to receive a GPS monitor or a device that monitors alcohol consumption and no financial obligation at all. That is the case with misdemeanors, like assault or driving while intoxicated.

What about aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, rape, or

murder? The courts are assigning bond amounts as permitted by the law. The focus needs to shift towards the local bond companies.

Houston bond companies collect as low as 2% or up to 10% with a payment plan. That means with a $100,000 bond, they’ll take as low as $2,000, high as $10,000. The outcome is two-fold.

On one hand, people who are wrongfully accused or have a job or family to maintain can resume their life in the “outside world” while the charges get sorted out. A lot of people are arrested for misunderstandings within the family or abuse of power by police. Sometimes, it takes a little legal sorting out before the offense can be resolved or dismissed. If you’re stuck in jail unable to afford a bond on a situation that is not a crime in Texas, you can lose your job, you can lose participation in school or even lose custody of your child.

On the other hand, if someone genuinely committed a felony assault, robbery or trafficking, there is a possibility that person may be able to afford to join the “outside world” while pending trial. Last year, 65% of felony offenders were able to post bond.

This year, Houston families were outraged when 21-year-old Devan Jordan was released on bond despite being accused of several murders.

It is important to remember that even after you have been arrested, you are For more visit innocent until aframnews.com proven guilty.

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April 17, 2022

AFRAMNEWS.COM 5

LIFESTYLE

BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.

CyprESS-Generational wealth is defined as “any kind of asset that families pass down to their children or grandchildren in the form of cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, or even companies.”

Generational wealth is important as it gives the recipients a financial advantage in life. Over the years, many Black people have struggled financially just to make it and get by. It has been hard for some Black people to save money for unexpected expenses, save money for retirement, and to pass assets to their children and grandchildren.

It has been recommended that 15% of an individual’s income should be saved for retirement, according to Forbes Advisor. It was also noted that more than one-fifths of Americans are not saving any money at all. With everything going on in the world today with COVID-19, unemployment rates, and inflation, it is getting harder for the everyday person regardless of color to survive.

However, when breaking down the racial inequities regarding Black people, there are many factors that contribute to why it is harder for Blacks to build generational wealth. For starters, Blacks continue to make less money than White people.

According to the Economic Policy Institute’s Wage Report, in 2019, Black workers made 14.9% less than White workers. Sadly, education does not even help this wage gap with those who

have obtained advanced degrees.

According to Forbes Advisor, on every educational level, white workers were paid more than Black and Hispanic workers. In addition, Black women have it the worst because women in general are paid less than men, and Black women will already receive less pay because they are also Black.

This is one reason why financial literacy is so important.

Jeremy Bibb, a native Houstonian who believes in financial freedom and passing wealth down to his kids stated, “I believe minority people are not financially educated and do not have the knowledge on how to build wealth and secure passive income for themselves.

Instead, they get caught in the system that has them spending the majority of their time working only to make enough money to live check to check.”

Because of the racial wage gaps, this makes it harder for Black people to save and invest. The National Institute of Retirement Security noted that people of color who are close to retirement have an average savings of 30,0000 compared to Whites who have an average saving of 120,000. It is important that Black people not only save money, but to also find different ways to invest their money.

So how can Blacks build generational wealth? For one, Black people can start saving money. Go to the bank, open an account, and begin saving money.

Whether it is $5 a week, or $50

dollars a month, any money saved is better than no money saved. Black people should also educate themselves about investment opportunities. There are other areas that can help build generational wealth such as keeping good credit and keeping your debt low. Having good credit will allow you to purchase different things that can be passed down like a house and keeping your debt low will allow you to save more money. Most importantly, Black people must educate themselves, invest in themselves, and learn as much as possible since institutionalized racism will always be present.

It is also good to be open with our youth and teach them good financial habits so that they can start saving and investing at a young age.

For more visit aframnews.com

L to r- Zakari Bibb, Jeremy Bibb, Aniyah Bibb

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April 17, 2022

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COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT By: Carter James

activities. She painted a canvas, which was hosted by Mayor ACrEAgE hoME- There jumped in the moonwalk, got her Turner at the Sylvester Turner were two community events that occurred last Saturday, and these events showed the 1 importance of why more community engagement is needed. The first community event took place at Drew Academy, and the purpose of the event was to showcase the school to prospective students and to give 3 resources to the community.

The “Community Fair” offered engaging STEAM activities, family resources such as financial planning, health screenings, college, and career assistance, and so much more.

Kyiandra Hildreth, who serves as the Magnet Coordinator at Drew, and who helped organize the event stated, “The 4 purpose of the event was to engage the 1. L to R - Jayce McCoy, Joshua McCoy, Armuni McCoy, 2. L to R - Elizabeth Burrowes, community and Ryan Burrowes, 3. L to R - Anecia Nelson, Averi Nelson, Koche Nelson 4. L to R - Carter showcase our school, Bibb & Carsyn Burrell recruit students, and provide resources face painted, watched the various Park. The event provided food, that families may need.” performances, and enjoyed a snow resources for families, live Cormisha Burrell, a parent cone from Kona Ice. Let’s just say performances from students, and who attended the event with her different activities for kids. The daughter stated, “My daughter and she wasn’t ready to leave yet.

The second event was the 14th event was fun, uplifting, and it was I enjoyed our time at the fair. She Annual Family Day in the Park, good to see people interacting in a had a blast participating in the

positive way.

It is events like these that serve as a reminder of how important community 2 events are. In the last few years, COVID has impacted everyone, and has disconnected everyone from their friends and family.

As the world tries to get use to the “new normal,” community events are a good way to slowly bring some form of normalcy back.

These events are also important because they bring people from all different walks of life together. At these events, you can interact with different people and make new friends.

You can create new memories and build new relationships.

Community events can also have a positive impact on your mental health, and can put money back into the community by promoting and supporting local businesses.

Community events have a lot of benefits for the individuals that attend, as well as the community. We need more events that will continue to engage the community, create a positive environment, and uplift the hearts and spirits of everyone.

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