“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
HOUSTON
Historic homes in Freedmen’s Town to be preserved, restored and transformed into affordable housing. Freedmen’s Town, located along the Buffalo Bayou in Houston’s Fourth Ward, once served as the first African American community for the last of the enslaved people.
FORT WORTH
THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
NO ONE SAW COMING IN THE BLACK
COMMUNITY
By: Afram News Staff Writer
For generations, the Black community has been celebrated for its strength, resilience, and ability to overcome systemic adversity. But beneath that resilience lies a crisis that has remained hidden for too long: an urgent and growing mental health epidemic that is a ecting Black Americans at every level— from children and teens to adults and elders.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services O ce of Minority Health, Black adults in the United States are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems such as major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder compared to the general population. However, Mental Health on pg. 3
Fort Worth decided April 8 to contribute $200,000 toward the construction of a Vietnam War memorial along Camp Bowie Boulevard.
MONTGOMERY
Lake Conroe Area Republican Women host ‘My American Hero’ essay contest. Lincoln Elementary’s Deshawn Lawson is recognized during Lake Conroe Area Republican Women’s “My American Hero” luncheon.
GALVESTON
Rep. Randy Weber introduces legislation aimed at pipeline improvement. Weber introduced legislation focused on improving the United States’ aging pipeline infrastructure for current and future energy sources.
AUSTIN
Austin nonprofit Dell teams up with free STEM program that’s working to expand opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math, commonly called STEM.
Bobby Mills, Ph.D.
ere is an ole political adage be careful what you vote for, it just might be to your absolute detriment.
Too many Americans who voted for President Trump are now loudly declaring this is not what I voted for; but it is, because Trump told the world exactly what his sociopolitical economic intentions were, they are chronicled in the GOP Project 2025 playbook. Promises made. Promises kept. It is time to
playbook. Promises made. Promises kept.
rather than individuals
take your medication now. Individuals reap what they sow, because it is written: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his esh shall of his esh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” (Galatians 6: 7-8). America, this scriptural verse is the foundational natural law of life both spiritually and physically, because every action has a corresponding reaction. erefore, what goes around comes around due to the law of reciprocity. e Trump Presidency’s approach is to divide and conquer, lacking the spiritual insight that unity leads to strength. Sadly, this is why President Trump has assembled a billionaire class-cabinet of self-serving money-making individuals rather than individuals who have a public service conscience. Moreover, “Making America Great Again” is simply subliminal messaging concerning “Making America White Again”, something that America has physically never been and can never become. is is what
It’s time we said it plainly: Black families are still healing from wounds we didn’t cause. From the forced separation of families during slavery to modern-day struggles with systemic racism, incarceration, and poverty, generational trauma is real — and o en invisible.
That cycle can stop with us.
It starts with acknowledging that love and pain can coexist in our families. It’s allowing fathers to hug sons without shame. It’s mothers apologizing to daughters. It’s siblings learning to forgive. It’s teaching our children that strength doesn’t mean su ering in silence — it means being honest, vulnerable, and open.
We can’t fix what our ancestors endured. But we can choose what we pass on:
• Love that is expressed, not just assumed
• Freedom to feel without fear
• Joy rooted in cultural pride
• Healthier emotional tools for future generations
conscience. Moreover, “Making
Great Again” is simply subliminal messaging
But healing doesn’t begin in courtrooms or protests. Healing begins at home — around kitchen tables, on porches, in bedrooms where silence used to live. For too long, we’ve been conditioned to suppress pain just to survive. Now, a new generation is daring to ask a di erent question: How do we break the cycle so we can nally thrive?
Generational trauma shows up in quiet but powerful ways:
“Making White Again”, never become.
• e way we inch at raised voices
• e way we struggle to say “I love you”
• e silence around depression, abuse, or addiction
Yes, therapy matters. Yes, conversations matter. But so does laughter. So does breaking generational “rules” that were built on trauma. So does showing our sons how to cry and our daughters how to speak without shrinking. Churches, schools, barbershops, and community centers can support the healing process. But the most powerful work starts in our own four walls. We don’t need perfection — we need intention.
Medicine on pg. 5
• e belief that therapy isn’t “for us”
But here’s the truth: trauma unspoken becomes trauma repeated. And if we don’t name it, we risk handing it to the next generation wrapped in the same silence that hurt us.
ere is no quick x for centuries of harm. But there is hope. And every time a Black family decides the trauma stops here, we make room for something better.
Because healing isn’t just a possibility — it’s a choice.
And that choice begins at home.
By Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher
despite the need, only one in three Black Americans who require mental health care actually receives it, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
What’s even more troubling is that the suicide rate among Black youth has been rising at an alarming pace. A 2019 study published in JAMA Pediatrics revealed that Black youth under age 13 are twice as likely to die by suicide compared to their white peers—a nding that stunned researchers and community leaders who had long believed suicide was less prevalent in the Black community.
e COVID-19 pandemic only worsened this reality. Black Americans su ered disproportionate losses—from higher rates of COVID-related deaths to steeper economic hardship and housing instability. ese external pressures only compounded internal ones—grief, fear, isolation, and anxiety—all while many in the community still lacked access to quality, culturally competent mental health care.
Part of the issue is rooted in historical trauma. e Black community has endured centuries of oppression, including slavery, segregation, police brutality, redlining, and mass incarceration. ese traumas haven’t disappeared— they’ve simply evolved, leaving emotional scars that are rarely treated. At the same time, cultural stigma around mental illness has long discouraged open dialogue or professional treatment. Many in the Black community have grown up hearing messages like “we don’t talk about our business outside this house” or “pray it away.” While spirituality has long been a source of strength and comfort, it has sometimes replaced needed mental health support—leaving individuals to su er in silence.
According to the American Psychological Association, only 4% of psychologists in the United States identify as Black, making it di cult for patients to nd therapists who share or fully understand their cultural background. is lack of representation can create a disconnect between patient and provider, discouraging many from seeking care. But change is happening.
In recent years, mental health awareness has gained momentum in the Black community. Online platforms like erapy for Black Girls, e Loveland Foundation, and Black Mental Wellness have emerged to connect individuals with Black therapists and resources. Public gures such as Taraji P. Henson and Charlamagne a God have shared their mental health journeys, helping to normalize therapy and emotional vulnerability for millions.
Social media is also playing a powerful role. Younger generations—especially Gen Z—are pushing back against stigma by openly discussing their experiences with anxiety, depression, and trauma. ey are embracing therapy, self-care routines, and mindfulness practices. ey are encouraging each other to speak up. is cultural shi could spark a mental health renaissance for Black Americans—if the momentum continues.
Still, the barriers remain. Mental health services are underfunded and o en inaccessible in many predominantly Black communities. High costs, lack of insurance, long waitlists, and mistrust of healthcare systems—built on decades of racial discrimination— continue to prevent many from getting the help they need.
So what’s the solution?
Experts point to a multi-layered approach: expanding mental health services in schools, workplaces, and community centers; increasing the number of Black mental health professionals; training all therapists in cultural competency; and breaking the silence within families and faith institutions through open dialogue and education.
is isn’t just about healing individual people—it’s about healing a people. It’s about creating a new legacy, where strength is not measured by how much pain we can endure, but by how boldly we can pursue healing.
e mental health crisis in the Black community is no longer invisible. e signs are here. e data is clear. And the time to act is now.
Because true strength isn’t silence— it’s the courage to speak, to seek help, and to say, “I deserve to feel whole.”
LOCAL
NATIONAL BLACK UNITED FRONT CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
By:NBUF Houston
On Saturday. April 19, 2025, from 4:00pm-7:00pm the National Black United Front (NBUF) Houston Chapter will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the acquisition and transformation of it’s headquarters at 2428 Southmore Blvd. Houston, Texas 77004. Speakers, music, food, poetry, and a historical exhibit will mark the community milestone. e event is a fundraiser to help keep the group independent and strong. For tickets please go to https:// www.ze y.com/ticketing/30th-anniversary-celebration-building-a-blackpower-institution-from-the-groundup, or scan QR code on yer attached or call 832-422-7806.
From 1995 to 1997 NBUF’s small group of dedicated activists spent 20,000 Self-Determination hours transforming an abandoned house turned “Crack House” into the organization’s headquarters. e major overhaul took place on the weekends and a er work. Real estate, nance, roo ng, plumbing and electrical were all contracted out to African American businesses in compliance with NBUF’s institutional practices.
with NBUF’s institutional practices. Demolition, hauling, structural rehab, sheet rock, painting, oors, decoration, and all other interior and
exterior work was done by NBUF members and community allies. In 1995 as soon as a new roof and a few basic amenities were completed NBUF’s weekly community meetings began at the location. In less-thanideal conditions the group continued it’s renowned work in the areas of social justice activism, humanitarian aid/relief, African-centered education, as well as local, national, and international organizing.
A er 16 years of dedication from members and community fundraisers the chapter was able to pay o the mortgage and “burn the note” on the property. e building known in the community as “ e Black House” has been home to countless organizing efforts, aid projects and important meetings. e raising of this independent institution is a testament to what a small, organized and committed group can accomplish with community support. NBUF welcomes community members to mark this 30th Anniversary milestone.
Forward Ever, Backward Never
Forward Ever, Backward Never
August 28, 1963: Approximately 250,000 people take part in e March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Martin Luther King gives his “I Have A Dream” speech as the closing address in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
September 15, 1963: A bomb at 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama kills four young girls and injures several other people prior to Sunday services. e bombing fuels angry protests.
July 2, 1964: President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law, preventing employment discrimination due to race, color, sex, religion or national origin.
February 21, 1965: Black religious leader Malcolm X is assassinated during a rally by members of the Nation of Islam.
March 7, 1965: Bloody Sunday. In the Selma to Montgomery March, around 600 civil rights marchers walk to Selma, Alabama to Montgomery—the state’s capital—in protest of Black voter suppression.
August 6, 1965: President Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to prevent the use of literacy tests as a voting requirement. It also allowed federal examiners to review voter quali cations and federal observers to monitor polling places.
April 11, 1968: President Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act, providing equal housing opportunity.
BLACK HISTORY FUN FACTS
- George Washington Carver – A pioneering agricultural scientist and inventor, Carver developed hundreds of uses for peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other crops, revolutionizing Southern agriculture and promoting sustainable farming practices.
- Katherine Johnson and NASA – A brilliant mathematician, Johnson’s calculations were crucial to the success of early space missions, including John Glenn’s orbit of Earth. Her story was featured in the lm Hidden Figures.
- Hip-Hop Culture Emerges (1970s) – Born in the Bronx, hiphop started as a cultural movement among African American and Afro-Caribbean youth, blending music (rap, DJing), dance (breakdancing), art (gra ti), and style. It’s now a global phenomenon.
- Bessie Coleman (1921) – Coleman became the rst African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license, a er being denied training in the U.S. and going to France to learn. She broke racial and gender barriers in aviation.
- Hiram Revels (1870) – Revels was the rst African American U.S. Senator, representing Mississippi during the Reconstruction era. His election was historic in showing how newly freed Black Americans were beginning to shape political life.
the Trump Administration’s policies and tactics are about concerning immigration. In fact, President Trump in his rst term as President boldly declared: “I don’t have a problem with immigration as long as the individuals are coming from Norway, Switzerland, and Sweden”. In other words, from White populated countries.
Will someone please spiritually inform President Trump, Elon Musk, and their MAGA-cult followers that: “ e earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof: the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Psalm 24: 1). In fact, America wisdom is strength, and it pays dividends to work on acquiring wisdom. Hence, money is only a tool. Use it as a tool. Or use it as a fool. erefore, “be not envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.” (Proverbs 24: 1-2). America, never forget that spiritual wisdom is too high for a fool, because a fool has said in the heart of his mind there is no God and nal spiritual judgment. Even a fool knows that no individual regardless of socioeconomic statuses as well as so-called racial characteristics escapes physical death, because: “as it is appointed unto men once to die, but a er this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9: 27a). You wanted it. You got it. Individuals reap what they sow. On November 5th, 2024, (74.4) million Americans sowed to the whirlwind, and now America is reaping hellishness; without spiritually understanding that: “Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satis ed.” (Proverbs 27: 20). Sadly, we have too many Americans: “Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the forwardness of the wicked; whose ways are crooked, and they forward in their paths.” (Proverbs 2: 14-15). America has a wealth of knowledge but lacks practical spiritual understanding. us, from day one, January 20th, 2025, of the Trump Administration, it has been medicine taking time. Amen.
Dear Gov. Abbott,
As you are aware, on March 5, 2025, Hon. Sylvester Turner, U.S. Representative for the 18th Congressional District passed, leaving a vacancy for the district. Unlike other positions that can be lled by appointment, his sudden death le a vacancy that cannot be lled by appointment. It can only be lled by special election set solely by you. Although your ofce has publicly indicated that you intend to set the election soon, there has been no indication of when the election will be set. I am writing to urge you to set a date for the special election for the 18th Congressional District. is is of particular concern to me because the 18th Congressional District also overlaps with the 13th Senatorial District which I represent.
e Texas Election Code (“Code”) states that “it is the intent of the legislature that the application of the Texas Election Code and the conduct of elections be uniform and consistent throughout the state.” Additionally, our democratic system is one that ensures that all persons should be equally represented on the local, state and federal level. However, the current vacancy in the 18th Congressional District leaves many of the constituents in my district without representation and without a voice in Congress. Due to the tragic and unforeseen deaths of two representatives, the constituents have now been without representation for a big part of the past year with no representa-
tion in sight until an election is called and a candidate is elected.
As indicated by the Code, your conduct in setting the special election should be uniform and consistent throughout the state and for all constituents. In at least three (3) instances in the past, you have chosen to act immediately and decisively when calling a special election.
-In 2024, following the death of Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee, you called a special election within two (2) weeks of her passing.
-In 2018, you suspended state law and called for a special election a er Rep. Blake Farenthold’s seat was vacated even though a primary election was set for a few months later.
-In 2022, you indicated that it was imperative to ll the vacancy of U.S. Rep Filemon Vela Jr. to ensure his district was represented as soon as possible.
In addition to these examples, there are instances in state elections where you have also acted quickly to call a special election to assure that a district and its constituents are not without representation.
-In 2020, you issued a proclamation setting an emergency special election to replace Sen.Pat Fallon on August 23, 2020 with the election to be held on September 29, 2020.
-In 2018, you issued a proclamation on November 9th ordering an expedited special election on December 11, 2018 for the Texas State Senate a er the resignation of Sylvia Garcia. You honored the request of Rep. Garcia who stated that thousands would be without representation in the state
legislative session without the call of the election.
-In 2019, another special election was called in January 2019 due to the vacancy created when Sen. Alvarado vacated her state representative seat a er winning the seat vacated by Sylvia Garcia.
ese are only a few examples where you have acted in the best interest of the constituents regardless of party a liation. It is for these reasons that I urge you to move forward in making the same proclamation and calling a special election for the 18th Congressional District. e time has passed for it to be feasible for the seat to be placed on the election already set for May 3”d. However, based upon past actions by you, an election before the end of May is possible should you choose to act immediately and decisively.
I am imploring you to set the earliest date possible for the special election for Congressional District 18. e citizens of this district have a right to be represented. ey deserve nothing less.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Borris L. Miles
Senator, District 13
EDUCATION
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY 2025 TIGER BALL RAISES MORE THAN $1 MILLION
By:TSU
e Texas Southern University (TSU) Foundation announced that it raised $1.25 million for student scholarships at its annual Tiger Ball, held Saturday, April 5 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. More than 700 attendees, including TSU leadership, donors, faculty, sta , alumni, elected o cials, community leaders, students, and friends—gathered to celebrate TSU’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.
e event was led by TSU Foundation Chairman Dr. Frazier Wilson, TSU President Vice Admiral James W. Crawford III, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Tiger Ball Chair and TSU Foundation Trustee Argentina M. James, TSU Associate Vice President of Development & Alumni Engagement Charlie Coleman III, Student Government Association President Katelayn Vault, and KTSU Radio on-air personalities Donna Franklin and TSU Student Regent Taylor Getwood. Festivities began with a “Parade of Partners,” powered by the internationally recognized TSU Ocean of Soul Marching Band, highlighting the evening’s theme of collaboration and student achievement.
During the program, Dr. Wilson spoke on the impactful legacy of TSU alumni and the importance of investing in TSU’s future.
“Texas Southern University truly is e Heart & Soul of Houston,’ and tonight we celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of our 8,100 students across 11 colleges,” said Dr. Wilson. “Whether it is our debate team winning its h world championship in South Korea, consecutive student selections to the W.E.B. DuBois Fellowship at Harvard, pioneering work of Dr. Robert
respective elds, TSU’s impact resonates far beyond campus. From a 77% urgood Marshall Law School student bar
ve-year passage rate to a $610 million economic contribution to Houston, we stand united in empowering the next generation through the TSU Foundation’s student scholarship program.”
President Crawford outlined a bold vision for the institution, announcing the $1 million Tiger Ball fundraising goal and revealing that $800,000 had been raised by mid-evening.
intends to make long term impact pledged an initial gi of $250,000 to support student scholarships. e couple intends to make long term impact, focused on the student experience at TSU, pushing donations beyond the $1 million mark. at generosity sparked another $100,000 in on-the-spot contributions.
its third consecutive year as presenting sponsor. “We are grateful to those who made the decision to invest in our students,” he said. “Likewise, we look forward to the di erence these investments will make in their lives as students, and in their future. It’s more than money. ey are cultivating dreams. is support will allow our students to achieve what they desire to achieve and what we all know they can achieve.”
Yolanda Adams, Gerald Smith, Megan ee Stallion, and Michael Strahan, blazing trails in their
“As we reimagine TSU’s future, our priorities
“As we reimagine TSU’s future, our priorities
include strengthening mental health services for students, leveraging data analytics and intelligent automation to enhance support, expanding career development programs and exploring ways to reduce tuition while increasing nancial support,” he said. “With the leadership of the TSU Board of Regents and the TSU Foundation, and through events like this—and donors like you—we are also committed to growing our research capacity and advancing toward Carnegie R1 status, ensuring that TSU continues to
ing work of Dr. Robert Bullard or alumni like Yolanda Adams, Gerald Smith, Megan ee Stallion, and Michael Strahan, blazing trails in their that TSU continues to thrive.”
In response to President Crawford’s call for additional support, a TSU alumni couple who
In response to President Crawford’s call for additional support, a TSU alumni couple who
A key highlight of the evening was the recognition of Challenge O ce Products and Furniture Solutions as the presenting sponsor and Corporate Sponsor of the Year. e company contributed $100,000 in memory of its founders, Roy and Olivia Barbosa, demonstrating its longstanding commitment to student scholarships. is marks
ed $100,000 in memory of its founders, Roy and Olivia Barbosa, demonstrating its longstanding scholarships. is marks
Guests were also introduced to the TSU Foundation’s new executive director, Robin Tanya Humphries Watson, who brings two decades of nonpro t management and fundraising experience. e night concluded with a performance by Grammy Award–winning artist LeToya Luckett, who kept the ballroom energized with a medley of her greatest hits.
Focusing on collaboration, celebration, and commitment to TSU’s next generation of leaders, this year’s Tiger Ball surpassed its fundraising goal and rea rmed the university’s vision for a bold and innovative future. To support ongoing scholarship e orts, visit https://giving.tsu.edu/.
DIVERSITY
H-E-B’s Supplier Diversity Program works hard to ensure we’re selling goods and utilizing services from a wide variety of Texan businesses. We’re proud that our suppliers are as diverse as the Lone Star State itself.
As a former small business ourselves, we believe in and celebrate the value & strength that working with small businesses, local businesses, and businesses owned by diverse suppliers, women, LGBTQ+, Veterans, and disabled Texans brings to both our business and the communities we serve.
