Vol 28 Issue 2

January 29, 2023

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

Vol. 28, Issue 2

African-American News&Issues

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

Stevie Wonder Pays Respect to Miola Laws

By: Afram News

Front Row (L to R)-Jason Jackson, Tim West, DeLance Frelow, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Craig Boyd, and Charles Carter, Middle Row (L to R)-Jabari Collins, Dr. Don Prier, Merrel Stewart, Brandon Prince, Alfonse Hubbard, CJ Warnie, Joe Presswood, Lynn Phipps, Lawrence Cook, Dante Moore, Back Row (L to R)-Zonnie Johnson, Joseph Jefferson, John Murray, and Darrick White

A Brotherhood Like No Other By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.

The historic Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., was founded on January 9, 1914 by the Honorable A. Langston Taylor, Honorable Leonard F. Morse, and Honorable Charles I. Brown. The organization was built around the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship, and service.

The founders created the organization with the community in mind and wanted each prospective member to be judged by

their character and not by other elements such as race, status, etc. It was their vision and their foundation that has led the organization to 599 active chapters and 225K members initiated since its creation, and 109 strong years of brotherhood.

DeLance Frelow, president of Phi Beta Sigma Alumni Chapter, designated as Sigma Theta Sigma, one of the Brotherhood several unique Alumni Sigma cont. on pg. 3

At the age of 103, Miola Donahue Laws, also known as the matriarch of the Laws family, leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered forever. The funeral service for Miola Laws was held at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. Among those paying their respects at her service was singer songwriter Stevie Wonder.

A Houston native, Mrs. Laws attended Blackshear Elementary, which was one of only three Black elementary schools during that time. She also graduated from Jack Yates High School, where she was recently honored as one of the matriarchs of her class of 1937.

The Laws family is known for their musical talents and were skilled at other talents as well. Mrs. Laws and her late husband Hubert Laws were parents to Hubert Laws Jr. (an international classical and jazz musician); Eloise Laws-Ivie (vocalist, actor, and author); Ronnie Laws (international jazz musician and saxophonist); Johnny Laws (a veteran and vocalist); Debra Laws (vocalist and Broadway actor); Blanche Laws-McConnell (former church minister of music and general manager of Angelus-Funeral Home in LA), Dr. Donna Y. Laws (a professor, author, inspirational speaker and classical dancer; and Charlotte Laws-Thompson (former author and poet who was an “Ikette” for Ike and Tina Turner.

Miola Laws will greatly be missed and leaves behind many friends and loved ones who will keep her memory alive.

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January 29, 2023

EDITORIAL

President/Chief Editor

Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D. - Editor Contributing Writers Dr. Bobby Mills Dr. Chelsea Davis Bibb Crystal Lashan Travis McGee Kenneth Payne Tristar Web Graphics - Layout Design/Print

The Overflow By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.

News:

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

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

You can’t erase history, and you can’t act like it never existed. In recent news, Florida Governor DeSantis discussed his take on why the proposed AP (Advanced Placement) African American course has been rejected, and will not be allowed in Florida schools. In a letter to the College Board from his administration stated, “As presented, the content of this course is inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value.”

The course includes topics such as the Black Lives Matter Movement, Black Feminism, and reparations. It also includes topics about Black communism, and critical race theory. I don’t see what the issue is.

These topics have been a part of Black history for years, and it is important that students are educated about it. The course started as a pilot last fall and is supposed to be offered across the nation in the 2024-2025 school year.

According to CNN, “It

was developed over the last decade and is intended to be a multidisciplinary study of the African American diaspora that includes literature, the arts, science, politics and geography.” I think it’s beautiful that this course was proposed. We need more courses like this.

Rejecting this course is like rejecting the identity of Black culture. This is a part of who we are, our culture, our identity. It seems as time progresses, more and more Black history is being watered down or not discussed all together. It is important that we voice our opinion and stand up for what we believe in. If we don’t then who? However, you can’t fight for something you know nothing about, so it’s important that we learn and know our history so we will know what we’re fighting for and why we’re fighting for it.

We need history. We have to preserve it and talk about it so we can continue to learn from the past. Our ancestors fought for us, and when I mean us, I am not just talking about Black people, I am talking about America.

They wanted a better America for everyone because they saw one possible. We can’t let that vision die. We can’t let history die. It’s not just about us, but about the generations that are coming behind us as well.

A Revival of God

Consciousness Bobby Mills, Phd

The Immorality of the Presidency In the history of America’s Presidency, we have had forty-six Presidents. How many were spiritual moral men who used the Bible as their leadership guide?

It is historically recorded that George Washington, America’s first President never told a lie, but unfortunately, he lived a lie. He lived America’s original sin by owning 600 slaves! Among America’s initial sixteen Presidents,

12 were slave owners.

Slavery is an act against God, and the spiritual moral teachings of Jesus Christ. Many of America’s Presidents have had moral character failings, and President Donald J. Trump leads the immorality list, because he instigated an overthrow of America’s democratic form of government.

Boldly, Trump has the unmitigated gall to seek reelection in 2024.

Moral Question: what restrained House Slaves from seeking retribution on slave owners? Possible Theoretical Answers: were they the offspring of Slave Owners? Or was it the Pie in the Sky Christianity slaves were taught?

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 Chapters across Houston, discussed how the organization is composed of a group of men who believe in the three principles (brotherhood, scholarship and service) established by the founding members. He stressed the importance of brotherhood within the organization and how “individuals that are not even blood related become your brothers.”

Chapter Education Chairman Dr. Don Prier explained that the organization is “a wondrous band of like-minded, highly educated individuals” and he joined not only for the brotherhood who he considers family, but also to help solve real life problems, and to have a group of people he can turn

Brotherhood cont.

January 29, 2023 to for help. “We work in a wide range of industries, but we can all get together and provide each other advice…and we all have a skillset that makes us all successful,” he stated.

One of the best parts is how this group of men are giving back through mentoring and guiding our youth. Dr. Prier said, “These men have made themselves available so that they can actually be there for our kids and actually provide mentorship opportunities as well as helping them develop their skill sets.”

When they are not mentoring the youth, they are out in the

L to R-Dr. Don Prier, Justice Abu, Kevin Akowuah, Tim West, and Jaleen Caston

community giving back and being community activists.

Recently, this chapter held a community event called Carver Day at George Washington Carver High School (G. W. Carver) in Aldine ISD. The purpose of the program was to invite the public to G.W. Carver and celebrate the legacy of the late George Washington Carver, an innovator in STEM

AFRAMNEWS.COM 3

L to R-Jose Becerra, Lawrence Cook, and Jorge Isidore

Dr. Don Prier and Alfonso Hubbard pictured with students at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center

On Jan. 9, 1914, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was founded at Howard University

and a prominent member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Additionally, it is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the school’s students, faculty and members of the Acres Homes community.

The beauty of Carver Day is that it also celebrates and unites all members of the Divine 9. The program is supported by the Sigma Theta Sigma Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta member Monikka Mann, owner of both the 44 Engineering Robotics Group

and Gryphon Engineering and Technology. It was a great night as three Proclamations were awarded to the school (as well as a section of the Championship Bus robot named Victory) to be placed in the Carver Heritage Center.

When discussing how the organization has evolved over the years, President Frelow mentioned the increase in membership and how the organization has shifted as the world has shifted.

Dr. Prier and President Frelow proudly discussed the representation they now have in different entities than they did before. “We have opportunities that we necessarily didn’t have when the organization was first founded.

We have representation in almost every field such as government, education, business… and because we have these guys in those different areas, it gives the younger or collegiate students an opportunity to advance …and that’s a great niche that comes with being a part of this organization.”

For more visit aframnews.com

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January 29, 2023

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

The Art of Governing: Breakfast with Brilliance Honoring Brooke Thompson Knowing who can make, execute, and interpret the law is very important for young Black women in America.

Introducing the 2022 Debutantes to leaders on every level of government was a priceless gift that will enrich their understanding of how law and order works.

The Art of Governing: Breakfast with Brilliance Honoring Brooke Thompson was an excellent way to introduce these accomplished Debutantes to several city, state, and federal elected officials.

Every person of color and marginalized demographic should be exposed to this opportunity. This exceptional program, which promotes the understanding of how government affects

your everyday life is crucial to maximizing the benefits and avoiding challenges that can arise. During the Art of Governing program, each level of government was explained, and the roles and responsibilities of each official were outlined. The young ladies were exposed to the political processes of developing and passing policies and laws.

Local, state, and federal leaders explained how policy is developed and how bills become law.

The Shape Community Center, Boys and Girls Club of America, or an all High School Senior classes would greatly benefit from this invaluable information, exposure, and insight. This is how leaders are inspired, energized,

and motivated to seek more knowledge and explore careers in government. This is a blueprint for developing and nurturing young leaders. During the Art of Governing program, the elected officials also explained how to vet a candidate’s platform to see how a vote for them would directly impact their lives.

The young ladies also

heard about how to become a candidate and how to campaign.

They were also allowed to engage in a question-and-answer discussion. At the end of the program, they were presented with certificates from each of the offices.

Debutante Brooke Thompson was presented a proclamation by Texas State Representative 184 Ronald Reynolds.

For more visit aframnews.com Brooke Thompson with Texas Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee’s Chief Deputy District Director/ Senior Adviser Eric Goodwine.

Texas State Representative 147, Jolanda Jones, explains the importance of knowing your rights.

2022 Jack & Jill Debutantes were dressed to impress for the Art of Governing Event.

Debutante Brooke Thompson with Houston City Council Member Dr. Carolyn Evans – Shabazz.

The Art of Governing Hostesses were (L to R)-Rhonda Skillern-Jones, Janelle Collins, Nomathemba Armstrong, Rosalind Brooks, Tracie Wilson-Payne, Brooke Thompson, Leslie Thompson, Melanie Bibbs, Marshelle Simms, Telisa Toliver, Cordelia Tullous, and Gena Avery Knowles

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

January 29, 2023

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

AFRAMNEWS.COM 5

The Phi Beta Sigma Official Conclave Kick Off & Scholarship Celebration Celebrating Culture for Service, The Phi Beta Sigma Official Conclave Houston 2023 Kick Off & Scholarship Celebration was a Greek love fest for the Divine Nine lead by the Phi Beta Sigma Brotherhood. They honored community leaders and their scholarship recipients with special recognition to honor Phi Beta Sigma Brother Captain Victor Glover who is a NASA Astronaut and Houston Community Leader.

Culture of Service awards were given in Education, Business, and Social Action. Mayor Sylvester Turner was in attendance to receive his Culture of Service Award in Social Action and he promised to turn Houston blue this summer when the Phi Beta Sigma Conclave is held right here in Houston.

Culture of Service Honorees (L to R) County Treasurer, Dr. Carla Wyatt and The Breakfast Klub Owner, Mel Davis enjoy catching up with Sherifat Lawal Price, Senior Vice President of Lending at Unity National Bank.

Phi Beta Sigma is ready to paint H-Town Blue (L to R) Phi Beta Sigma Member Eldridge C. Peugh; Phi Beta Sigma Member and Main Program Honoree US Naval Captain and NASA Astronaut Victor Glover; City Of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Phi Beta Sigma Member Dominique Hill

Richard Boone cutting the rug with Rhetta Washington McCoy, Southern Regional Director Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

Howard vs.

Morehouse Watch Party

Dress to kill(L to R) Jessica Hill, Cindy Wallace, and Nastassia Onyekwena we’re loving the every minute of the Phi Beta Sigma Celebration.

Ready to receive all of his deserved praise, Captain Victor Glover-NASA honor and CoTrina Matthews-Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.-Omicron Gamma Zeta chapter.

a Chocolate City Christmas

Morehouse Houston Alumni President Derek Garrett congratulates Howard Alumni Houston President, Erika Gentry MD MBA.

Morehouse Graduates, Carnegie Mims and his wife and Howard Graduate, Aziza Mims we’re enjoying the friendly rivalry.

Morehouse and Howard graduates pose for a group picture after Howard won the basketball game.

Girlfriends’ Christmas Party presents a Chocolate City Christmas. The 2022 Hostesses (L to R)-Jenè Guess-Cash, Founder Tracey Walker, Hostess Dawn Eaden

6 AFRAMNEWS.COM

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NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids, in duplicate, addressed to OST/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority will be received at 5445 Almeda Rd, #545, Houston, TX 77004, until 2:00 pm (CST) on Friday, February 17th, 2023. Hard copies of the bid must be delivered in person. Bids will be publicly opened and read at 2:05 PM on Friday, February 17th 2023 for furnishing all necessary materials, equipment, superintendence, labor, and incidentals for the Construction of Additional Park Upgrades and Improvements at Park at Palm Center. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS are on file at www.civcastusa.com. There is no cost to download the Bid Documents but you must register at civcastUSA.com.

The right is reserved, as the interest of the Owner may require, to reject any and all bids, and to waive any informality in bids received. In Person Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 5445 Almeda Road, Suite 545, Houston, TX 77004, on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 10:00 am (CST).

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GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

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GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

January 29, 2023

AFRAMNEWS.COM 7

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