Vol 28 Issue 10

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

LIVING LEGEND

BeBe

Wilson

Women Who Rise

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are recognizing the organization and podcast, Women Who Rise, created by Teara Randall. Women Who Rise is a safe place for women to come and share their story, their testimony, and what God has done for them in their life journey without judgement. In the world, there is so much criticism and even women can be guilty of tearing other women down, so this organization has made a vow to help uplift and empower women so they can reach their fullest potential.

Randall received the idea to create Women Who Rise from God. “I was praying one night, and I was telling God that I want to do more for you. I’m active in church. I’m active in ministry. We have outreach ministries, and I do everything that I can, but at the same time, I still felt like there was a void, like I wasn’t doing enough.” Randall felt like there were people out there that she could be reaching, could be helping. More importantly, she wanted to help women.

Women on pg. 3

Houston’s theater community would not be the same without Bebe Wilson’s extraordinary talent. Whether she is acting for the Ensemble Theatre, teaching theatre students, or being in leadership roles with the Talented Tenth Theater Company, Bebe has given her blood, sweat, and tears to make amazing theater in Houston. It is her dedication and commitment that is worthy of being celebrated. We are excited to see Bebe starring as Big Ma in the Stages play Cullud Wattah. We caught up with her to ask a few questions and to help Houston learn more about this awesome actress. Hopefully, you will be inspired to catch this dynamic show before it ends on March 31, 2023. Go to www. stageshouston.com for more information.

The Overflow

News: Office: (713) 692-1892

Mental health is real, and it is important that we not only check on our loved ones but take inventory of how we are feeling mentally as well. There is so much going on in the world right now. We are constantly taking in so much negative information around us such as violence, shootings, wars, racism, hatred, and the list goes on. Not to mention just regular everyday life stuff we must deal with such as bills, kids, spouses, and even our jobs. It can be overwhelming, which is why I think we all can do a better job of checking in on one another. It is easy to get caught up in your own world sometimes, but there are people in our lives who may be hurting

and who may need help, including you. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) WISQARS Leading Causes of Death Reports in 2020, suicide took the lives of over 45, 900 people and was the twelfth leading cause of death in the United States. Sadly, the report also mentioned that “suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-14 and 25-34, the third leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15-24, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 44.” This is very unfortunate, and I wish there was more that could have been done to save these individuals. We can’t bring them back, but just maybe we can help someone else. The signs may not always be there, but if we are consistent in checking up on our loved ones, it could make all the difference. I also think that we need to let go of this negative connotation that can come with mental health issues. At some point in all our lives, we have dealt with some form of mental health whether you recognized it or not, or if you accepted it or not.

EDITORIAL A Revival of God Consciousness

Bobby Mills, Phd

The 2023 Mayor’s Campaign

In 1963, Ebony Magazine featured an article on the three best cities for Black Americans to reside, thrive, and live in. These cities were Los Angles, Atlanta, and Houston. Two of these great cities have come a long way in improving socio-economic conditions and opportunities for Blacks due in part to stellar first-class Black political leadership, and one of the three cities is the mecca for Black business developmental opportunities.

Another city has shown great possibilities, but because of limited-levels of inclusionary, and vision-

ary leadership, it has not been as successful as it could and should have been in the business arena because Black business owners have not received their fair-share of prime contracts. Sadly, Blacks have always been at the bottom of the totem-poleladder when it comes to socio-economic developmental opportunities. And it seems as though in the third city, there is a political “crab-barrel-mentality” that is perpetrated by elected political leaders. Yet, and still, for the most part, all the political leaders are multi-millionaires. However, there was a breath of fresh political air that blew through this city from, 19982004, because Blacks and other minorities did receive multiple prime contracts.

For more visit aframnews.com For more visit aframnews.com We ARe lookinG foR hisToRiCAl WRiTeRs That can produce stories that address current and historical realities affecting our community. Please send your inquiries to prod@aframnews.com

Women cont. about us. Ministry is helping someone else.

After seeking an answer from God, he “just dropped it in my spirit,” Randall said. God told her, “You’ll get different women from everywhere to share their testimony, and their testimony alone can help someone else, whether it’s to accomplish their goals, it can help someone else rise from whatever hardship or difficulty they’re going through.”

During this process, Randall has learned so much about herself and about other people. “I’ve learned that it’s not all about me and how I feel. I have never been one to go live on social media.

I never liked it. That was one thing I struggled with. I’ll post a picture, but going live, like my face on camera, it’s nerve-wracking.”

Randall chose to put this struggle on the back burner and help women rise. “God had to show me that this platform is not about you…because a lot of time ministry is not

It is literally about bringing God the glory and shedding light on his goodness and what he’s done, and letting someone else know that this is the same God that can do it for you too.”

She also learned that she has the potential and the capacity to do things she never thought she’d do.

Randall has many goals for the organization. She is currently working on getting Women Who Rise

more platforms to reach more people. Women Who Rise is currently on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Since the show is

currently online only, she would also love to move the show from an online presence to a physical

presence. In addition, she wants the organization to be present in the community, in neighborhoods, and even in women’s shelter, so they can share their testimony and what God did for them. Above all else, she wants women to know they’re not alone, and that they’re not the only ones going through a hard time. There are two things that Randall wants people to take away from the show. The first thing is that no matter what the situation is, you can rise.

“I don’t

care what the situation, what the circumstance, I don’t care who said you can’t rise, you can rise from it.” The second thing she wants people to take away from the show is that in order to rise, you need God. “I don’t ever want any woman to think, oh, I can rise, and I can do it all by myself. I want you to rise, but I want you to know that it’s going to be with the help of the Lord.”

Women Who Rise is a positive show and Randall believes that more shows like this are needed. “The world is hurting, and our world is in bad shape. People need to know that there is a God…I think more platforms like this are needed to show people that with God, you can have so much peace.”

Randall is a phenomenal woman who has chosen to rise, and she wants other women to rise with her.

For more visit aframnews.com

Teara Randall interviewing First Lady Daniele Murray.

Teara Randall

Women’s empoWerment Breakfast

By: Crystal LaShan

Brothers Organized 4 Change presented Dr. Ruth J. Simmons’s “HER-OES” HONORS, which was a great Women’s Empowerment Breakfast celebrating some of Houston’s most outstanding Women leaders. Their motto was “Because There Are No Heroes Without Her,” which was a lovely way to describe the fantastic women honored. These extraordinary leaders serve in various organizations volunteering countless hours, and giving their talents to our Houston community.

According to Chance Roberson, “We will be honoring some amazing women throughout the remainder of the year. These ladies have shown grace, poise, and strength in our communities and have been on the front line of the struggle.” Mr. Roberson was hands-on for the entire breakfast representing Broth-

ers Organized 4 Change as he congratulated every honoree. Everyone enjoyed a delicious buffet with catfish and grits, croissant breakfast sandwiches, fruit, and french toast souffle as we learned about Houston Sheroes of the Past, such as Christa Adair of Adair Park, Julia C. Hester of The Hester House, Beulah Shepphard, Mayor of Acres Homes, and several others. The historical Houston Past Shereo that stood out the most for me was Josie Robinson, who created the first Master Planned Community for Middle-Class Black people in the country right here in Houston. Hats off to the Brothers 4 Change organization for celebrating Houston’s legacy of Black Women Excellence.

Lorannette Lewis-Kennedy was presented her award by Brothers 4 Change Chance Roberson.

L to R: Madonna Fowlkes, Kendra London, and Folade Madzimoyo

MC Marsita Jordan shared a lot of amazing information about Houston Women’s history.

Danielle Frazier received the first Dr. Ruth J. Simmons HER-OES Honors Award of the day.

Dr. Ruth J. Simmons Her-oes Honors Award Honorees. L to R-Dr. LaKisha Green, Koswa Williams, Krista Folade Madzimoyo, Cylenthia, Hoyrd, Alfreda Calhoun, Cynthia Nailah Burton-Nelson, Marsita Jordan, Danielle Frazier, Kendra London, Lorannette Lewis-Kennedy, Tiffany Echevarria, and Kimberly Youngblood.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

CeleBrating Champions: JaCk & Jill of ameriCa, inC. north houston suBurBan Chapter 2023 Champions for Children gala

By: Afram News

Houston, TX-Minute Maid Park’s Union Station on Saturday March 11, 2023, was aligned with some of Houston’s best known Who’s Who in community leadership for the Champions For Children Gala presented by the North Houston Suburban Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. The sold-out gala which was co-emceed by KHOU’s Mia Gradney and Len Cannon honored philanthropic heavy weights, including music artist | actor Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson - Founder of G-Unity Foundation; Astros Foundation Executive Director Paula McCann Harris; and Texas Children’s Hospital President and CEO Mark A. Wallace. Mayor Sylvester Turner and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee also spent their evening at the gala, each presenting proclamations to include one from Congressman Al Green.

“The Champions For Children Gala exceeded our fundraising goal due to the generous support of our sponsors and we are grateful for all of them, no matter what level they chose to support,” stated Gala Chair Nikki Hamler. JP Morgan Chase & Co. led the

list as the event’s Platinum Medal Title Sponsor, followed by Texas Children’s Hospital and the Astros Foundation, who supported at the Gold and Silver Medal levels, respectively. Net proceeds of the Gala will benefit the Jack & Jill Of America Foundation, Inc. and Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Garden City. “Needless to say, we are excited to be able to support two outstanding organizations serving children and youth. NHS selected Salvation Army BGC Garden City as our local nonprofit beneficiary because it is within our Chapter’s geographic boundary and provides valuable programming for low income, at-risk children in the Acres Home community”, said NHS President Marvalette Hunter.

Guests were entertained by the award-winning Joe Carmouche & Band, Gregory Daniels (Saxman) & Tess Reed (prodigy violinist) and a good time was had by all. Some of the noted personalities in attendance included Kisha Porch, Head of Retail Banking, Small Business and Online Products for JP Morgan Chase, “A Different World” star actress Charlene

Brown, Dr. Lesia CrumptonYoung, President of Texas Southern University, Houston Police

Chief Troy Finner, Houston Fire Chief Sam Pena, celebrity speed artist Ange Hillz and Pastor Marcus Cosby of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

A highlight of the evening was the live auction facilitated by Auctioneer Bennie Lambert, who started a friendly bidding war over several curated items including a live performance art piece painted by famed artist Ange Hillz while violinist Tess Reed performed. The 4’

x 6’ artwork, which took about 8 minutes to complete, appropriately pictured an African American boy and girl proudly adorned with their gold crowns.

L to R-Mayor Sylvester Turner, Fire Chief Sam Pena & Wife, Police Chief Troy Finner

L to R-Honorees: Mark A. Wallace & His wife, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Paula McCann Harris.

Marvalette Hunter, President & Nikki Hamler, Gala Chair, North Houston Suburban Chapter of Jack and Jill of America

Honorees with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Gala Committee, NHS Chapter

Chasing The RugBy and FooTBall dReam

By: Asia Williams

It is very common to hear about athletes chasing the American football dream, however junior John McDonald’s dedication to the sport is like no other. Growing up in many different sides of Houston such as Memorial, South Park, Sunnyside, and Third Ward, McDonald has been chasing his own football dream for the past 14 years and

when training together. We would work feet in the field to train mobility,” McDonald stated. He mentioned that growing up with an older sibling who played the same sport was never difficult. Even though they both played different positions at the time, he always found it as fun motivation. Not only did McDonald and his

side also played for a while. In his younger years, McDonald played football outside of school on a little league team called American Youth Football. He was placed on the 3rd Ward 49ers team where he played until middle school and then switched to a different league team, Texas Youth Football Association. Here, he played for

playing for this second family of his came to an end in his last year of middle school. In eighth grade, it was McDonald’s first year playing football for a school team at Crispus Attucks Middle School. Not only was it his first year playing school football, but he was also selected for an all-star team. He played for both the 713 Cardinals and

the South Houston

All Stars. Since he already had previous experience playing football, he found middle school football very easy. This allowed his skills to stand out to recruiters at football games. In between the time of eighth-grade and his first year of high school, he continued to train and workout in his downtime with his older brother who currently plays

football at Texas State University as a running back.

For more visit aframnews.com

John McDonald

McDonald on the field against Heights High School.

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