March 5, 2023
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Vol. 28, Issue 7
African-American News&Issues
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
Rita Hamilton
Rev. Dr. Theodore Judson Jemison (far left) (Grandfather of Councilman Edward Pollard) and Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. (far right)
Mentorship is Priceless
By: Crystal LaShan
Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” This quote reminds me of the importance of mentoring our youth. Mentorship gives our scholars a strong foundation and the confidence to take the next step. Through mentorship, it allows our youth to know someone cares about the choices they make in life. Even when they don’t make the right choice, a caring mentor will be there to help them figure out the next steps towards improvement. The City of Houston Councilman Edward Pollard of District J was blessed with one of the best mentors in the world, Rev. Dr. Theodore
Judson Jemison. He was not only Councilman Edward’s beloved grandfather, but a mentor to the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rev. Dr. Jemison was not only Godfearing, but a compassionate and loving leader who believed in standing up for change. Dr. Jemison believed in the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This mindset allowed Dr. Jemison to trust that God would protect him, which allowed him to pursue equality and justice for all. It is a little-known fact that Dr. Jemison created the blueprint for the Civil Mentorship Rights Movement’s bus boycotts. cont. on pg. 3
Kings and Queens Among Us Foundation By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.
Raised in Acres Homes and a graduate of Booker T. Washington class of 1986, Rita Hamilton enjoys helping others and loves working with kids. She grew up in poverty and didn’t get exposed to much outside of her environment, but always knew she wanted to branch out and see what the world had to offer. She received her cosmetology license in 1993 and became a foster parent in 1998 in the state of Nevada, where she opened a therapeutic foster home. In 2004, she moved back to Houston, and obtained a bachelor’s in theology in 2015. In 2020, she became foster parent of the month and has been with her current agency for 12 years. “I’ve always had love and have love for kids. When my mom passed away, I moved to Reno, and that’s when I found my purpose in life.” Queens and Kings cont. on pg. 7
BLACK HISTORY IS 24/7/365, NOT 28–29 days
FREE