Vol 27 Issue 34

September 11, 2022

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

African-American News&Issues

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

Vol. 27, Issue 34

your vote matters Your vote and your money are the two most powerful things you have.

Be careful who you give them to.

Our choice and liberty are under attack. - Roy Douglas Malonson

One Fight At A Time Cont. on Pg. 3

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September 11, 2022

EDITORIAL

President/Chief Editor

Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.: Editor Nick Jones: Afram TV Tristar: Layout Design

News:

A Revival of God

Consciousness Bobby Mills, Phd

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

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

The Rise Of American Idiocracy Questions: has America regressed into a caveman mentality? Is America becoming a society madeup of unadulterated idiots?

The prefix “Idio” is the same as idiot. Is American society full of dumb, noGod conscience-oriented individuals? Apparently, too many Americans believe in guns, Bible, and more guns; without a spiritual relationship with GOD: “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be a partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5: 22). If America had heeded this spiritual scripture, we would not have had Donald J. Trump in The Peoples v In 2016, the presidency of Donald Trump was compared to Idiocracy, because the individuals that were supporting Trump were devoid of democracy oriented social responsibility, intellectual curiosity, and coherent notions concerning human and civil rights, as well as equal social justice under law. Sadly, the groups that were responsible for the Presidency of Trump,

Christian Right Evangelicals, The GOP, White Nationalists, Fox “Fake News”, and some spiritually misguided Blacks, and other minorities were more spiritually confused than Trump, because they should have known better.

American democracy has suffered severe moral credibility consequences because the world community is now looking at US in a low Ungodly fashion as a Sidewinder nation. President Biden is working day and night to rebuild America’s integrity and credibility at home and abroad against the odds of GOP Obstructionism in both the House and The Senate. The GOP has vulgarly politicized everything that represents multi-cultural democracy, because their desire is White Privilege Autocracy.

America, God is the balancer of all accounts.

Therefore, we can repay evil with good, because: “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit” (Proverbs 26: 4-5). However, in no way believe: “When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart” (Proverbs 26: 25).

For more visit aframnews.com

Reality Check

By Billy “Hollywood” Groves

Go Out and Vote!

These days we are all reading, hearing, and seeing lots of politically oriented people who are delivering “Fake News” and a lot of untrue information about America’s political world.

It is imperative that we don’t ignore these dishonorable actions, especially with our current upcoming midterm elections so close at hand. It will be very important and essential to America’s position as the “greatest” leadership nation in “democratic voting” on this planet. We must address this issue with all urgency! We must all go out and vote for the right people to be elected to our

governmental positions at all levels-- city, county, regional, state and nationally. We must also reassure our citizens that they can safely vote, without fear, as provided by the constitutional rules of America’s government and laws.

We must not be intimidated and scared by the “Fake News” people, who continuously tell lies to the public while pretending and acting like their lies are the truth. These fake news people are not on our team. A highly visible example of their nefarious fake news is, the big “lie” that Trump won the election, although they know that President Joe Biden legally won the presidential election over former President Donald Trump, they continue spreading this lie daily.

For more visit aframnews.com

We are looking for community and Black history writers

from all over the Houston area (Acreage Home, Independent Heights, Third Ward, Fifth Ward, Missouri City, Piney Point, Carverdale, Bordersville, North Forest, and all other Black communities) that can produce stories that address current and historical realities affecting our community.

Please send your inquiries to news@aframnews.com.

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

September 11, 2022

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EDUCATION

One Fight At A Time Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.

Raised by a single mother, her great grandmother, and aunt, Kathy BluefordDaniels is a native Houstonian from Fifth Ward. The third of nine children, Blueford-Daniels said her mom “did the very best she could.”

Although her mom worked a lot to support herself and her nine children, she instilled good work ethics in all her kids.

On Saturdays, Blueford-Daniels would go to work with her mom to clean houses and would earn a few dollars a day. Her mom insisted that she take up sewing when she

was in the seventh grade, and “I’m glad I did,” Blueford-Daniels mentioned. One of the ladies she cleaned for bought her a sewing machine. The machine was $29, and she had to pay every dollar back to her. The lady would also give her fabric, and this is where she learned the basics of sewing. Her aunt was an “excellent seamstress,” so she was able to help her as well.

Starting her ninthgrade year at Wheatley High School, Blueford-Daniels had the desire to be a cheerleader but could barely afford to buy the fabric that she needed for her uniform. All the other cheerleaders were able to

buy the fabric and to pay someone else to make their uniform.

Because she worked a part time job, she was able to make just enough to buy the fabric, but to be able to cheer with the other cheerleaders, she would have to make the uniform herself, and that’s just what she did. “I was proud of the fact that I had completed that task…I did not know that it was instilling in me a determinant spirit.”

After graduating from high school, she started nursing school, married her high school sweetheart, and had her daughter. After time passed, she then got divorced and opted

to start working at the post office so that she could provide for herself and her daughter.

Working at the post office was good for her as she was surrounded by different individuals who could teach her the different aspects of life such as saving, investing in stocks, and so much more. She was like a sponge absorbing so much of their knowledge.

The post office gave her the support and stability she needed to take care of her family. She stated, “The post office provided a good salary or means to be able to have a comfortable lifestyle for myself and my children.”

She was even able to

L To R-Dr. Ken Davis, Dr. Grenita Lathan, 50 Cent, Kathy Blueford-Daniels, Dr.Patricia Allen, and Mayor Turner

Kathy Blueford-Daniels speaking at the BTW program buy her first home at the age of 23. One of her goals in life was to give her children their own bedrooms because she grew up with nine siblings who had to share everything.

Little did she know, she would serve 28 years with the post office. “I really thank God for the fortitude and being surrounded by people that helped direct me, from whom I’ve learned life lessons that have helped me even today.”

Although BluefordDaniels was doing well in life, tragedy struck her family one Sunday night in 2006, with her son being murdered based on mistaken identity at their neighborhood store. Her son was very young and was preparing to enroll in Texas Southern University to begin the next chapter of his life. It was extremely trau-

matic…my daughter is my heart, but my son was my soul,” she said.

Two weeks after her son was killed, she was at a city council meeting expressing her concerns regarding the operation of stores.

“I complained about the lack of lightning and the fact that they did not have any recording on what was going on outside of the store, and how there were no loitering signs.” There was an ordinance that stores had to have no loitering signs properly displayed, had to have cameras, and keep the videos for an extended period. The stores had overwritten the video.

This gave BluefordDaniels more fuel to add to her fight.

Since then, “I have been an advocate for my communities and communities in genFor more visit eral. aframnews.com

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September 11, 2022

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

HEALTH

Adolescents and Prescription Drugs

By: NNPA

The current trend of polypharmacy – the simultaneous use of multiple drugs by a single patient for one or more conditions – reflects racism and discrimination in the treatment of Black, Indigenous, and people of color children and teens, according to Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross, an intergenerational trauma expert and eating disorder treatment specialist.

“It has been documented in adults that Black patients with mental illness are more likely to receive substance care and more likely to be diagnosed with psychotic disorders than with depression and anxiety,” Dr. Ross stated.

“The lack of access and availability of therapeutic options to treat mental illness and the lack of understanding and acknowledgment that mental illness in teens and children may have their roots in trauma.

“Medication will not fix the brain

changes caused by childhood trauma experiences and may not even fix the symptoms. Beyond this, medication use in children and teens is risky at best and dangerous at its worst.”

Dr. Ross’ comments are in response to a new report revealing that anxious and depressed teens are using multiple, powerful psychiatric drugs, many of which are untested in adolescents or for use in tandem.

In 2020, the journal Pediatrics reported that 40.7 percent of people ages 2 to 24 who were prescribed a drug for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder also were prescribed at least one other medication for depression, anxiety, or another mood or behavioral disorder.

Further, researchers found more than 50 psychotropic medicines prescribed in such combinations.

“These patterns should spark

further inquiry about the appropriateness, efficacy, and safety of psychotherapeutic polypharmacy in children and young adults, particularly within subgroups where the use is high,” the authors concluded.

While the use of multiple psychotropic medications counts as concerning in such a young population, it is also not surprising given the lack of other treatment options, Dr. Ross told the Washington Informer.

“Beyond this, however, is a lack of understanding about the root cause of many of the psychiatric conditions being diagnosed and treated with medications,” Dr. Ross asserted.

She continued: “Both during and before the pandemic, BIPOC children and teenagers are exposed to more trauma and adverse events than any white children and teens.”

Given that depression and anxiety

have increased in recent years among youth, and young ones who have experienced trauma or childhood adversity (or ACEs – adverse childhood experiences) are more likely to experience depression and anxiety and other health and learning challenges, this is a significant health and social justice conversation, added Sarah Marikos, the executive director of the ACE Resource Network (ARN).

“The issues on prescribing psychotropic medications for children, adolescents, and young people, and lack of access to behavioral health supports for youth who have an increasing need for mental health support is one of the biggest health challenges our country is facing right now,” Marikos For more visit wrote in an email. aframnews.com

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

September 11, 2022

COMMUNITY

Stop Calhoun Townhomes

By: Crystal LaShan

Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz at Riverside Terrace Meeting Preserving Third Ward has become a constant fight for its residents. Due to the centralized location, the growth and development of the University of Houston and Texas Southern University, and the population explosion of Houston overall, Third Ward has become a hot spot for developers and transplants from California, New York, and other northern states. They are accustomed to smaller spaces and more expensive housing price tags, while developers are seeking to expand their profit margins purely. From a beautiful property that once held a family home and trees for over 70 years old to a piece of land sanctioned to build 17 households, the property slated for the Calhoun Townhomes is not the right place for a multiplefamily development. This is why the Stop Calhoun Townhomes effort is working hard to stop this development from preceding.

On Thursday, August 26, 2022, the West MacGregor Homeowners Association addressed the concerns of the Stop the Calhoun Townhomes team. Dr. Carolyn Evans – Shabazz, Houston Councilwoman of District D, was in attendance to hear the valid concerns of her constituents.

Before the meeting, Dr. Evans – Shabazz’s office received several emails. Dr. Evans – Shabazz and her team immediately got a stop order on the project to determine if there was a violation of Deed Restrictions. The order was lifted after legal determined there were no violations; therefore, the city cannot legally impede the developer from moving forward.

The District D office will continue to engage with the community and the city departments regarding the next steps. According to Dr. Evans – Shabazz, “My goal is to arm all District D Townhomes cont’d PG. 7

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GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

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GREATER HOUSTON EDITION Townhomes cont’d residents with the tools to preserve and protect the character of our communities.”

In an interview with Dr. Carolyn Evans -Shabazz I asked her a variety of questions about the new development and the Third Ward Community.

Crystal: What does the establishment of Townhouses all over Third Ward do to the value of homes in the neighborhood?

Dr. Evans-Shabazz: “It depends on the location of the development. Some townhouses fit in the right place and enhance the area. Not so with the current proposed Calhoun Townhomes project. These old established homes are our Black River Oaks, and this development changes the quality and character of our long cherished palatial homes and neighborhood.”

Crystal: As a born and raised Third Ward resident, what do you think is an amicable resolution for both parties’ concerns?

Dr. Evans-Shabazz: “The only amicable resolution would be to stop the project. The developers likely, will not do that without the HOA finding ways to change the determination of the Planning and Development Department, who issued the building permits, and, or the Legal Department, who determined that the property is not included in the

September 11, 2022 protected area of the deed restrictions or to seek legal recourse.”

Crystal: How is your office assisting any 3rd Ward residents who have concerns about the effects that the Calhoun Townhomes will have on the Third Ward Community?

Dr. Evans-Shabazz: “My office is arranging meetings between the HOA representatives and the city departments to give the audience opportunities to make their case to stop the project.

I am speaking in support of the affected neighborhood and would be appalled if townhouses were constructed next door to my home.”

The residents voted overwhelmingly to approve the HOA board to seek legal counsel.

Stopping the Calhoun Townhomes is not just the concern of Riverside Terrance residents, but it should concern all Houston residents and homeowners. Preserving the Third Ward community is symbolic of the need to revisit the conversation on zoning in Houston and affordable and fair housing practices throughout Houston and nationwide. If you want to learn more about the Stop Calhoun Townhomes effort, please visit www.stopcalhountownhomes. com or their Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ stopcalhountowmhomes/.

AFRAMNEWS.COM 7

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED METRO FISCAL YEAR 2023 OPERATING & CAPITAL BUDGETS The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is holding a public hearing to receive public comments on its proposed Operating and Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2023 (October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023). The public hearing will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 in the METRO Board Room on the Second Floor at 1900 Main Street in Houston, Texas 77002.

The public is invited to attend the hearing and provide comments in person. You may also join the hearing on Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87281252499 or by dialing: 346-248-7799, Meeting ID: 872 8125 2499. Participation on Zoom is only necessary if you want to provide comments during the public hearing.

Otherwise, you may view a livestream of the hearing online at https://www.RideMETRO.org/Pages/BoardStreamingVideo.aspx. A video recording of the hearing will also be archived on RideMETRO.org.

A copy of METRO’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Operating and Capital Budgets is currently available for review by the public on METRO’s website at RideMETRO.org and in the lobby of the METRO RideStore in the Lee P. Brown METRO Administration Building, located at 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002.

PROCESS FOR PROVIDING PUBLIC COMMENTS It is recommended that anyone wanting to make public comments register as a public speaker with METRO’s Board Office at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing by calling 713-739-4834 or sending an email to BoardOffice@RideMETRO.org, and providing their name, address, and telephone number. If you pre-register, your comments will be heard first at the public hearing. Your name will be called at the appropriate time for you to make your comments.

Alternatively, you may provide public comments after the pre-registered speakers by raising your hand when called upon if you are present in the Board Room, by selecting the “Raise Hand” feature on the Zoom platform online, or by pressing *9 if joining by telephone. Those calling in will automatically be placed on mute.

After an unregistered speaker’s name or number is recognized, their microphone will be unmuted and they will be able to provide their comments.

The public may also provide comments by email to Budget.Book@RideMETRO.org or by calling METRO Customer Service at 713-635-4000 in advance of the public hearing.

LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE, ACCESSIBILITY AND SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS Upon request, METRO provides free language assistance to help patrons who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English in accordance with its language assistance plan. METRO’s public hearings are accessible to persons with disabilities. Request for language assistance and other accommodations should be directed to the Board Office at 713-739-4834 at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.

RideMETRO.org Call or text 713-635-4000

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GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

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