Volume 30 Issue 19 by AFRAMNEWS.COM

AframNews.com

CAN REPUBLICANS WIN A FAIR FIGHT?

By: Roy Douglas Malonson

ey say if you can’t win fairly, just move the goalposts. In the case of Texas’s 18th Congressional District—once a stronghold for Black political power—that’s exactly what’s happening. And the truth is more disturbing than many voters realize. Let’s not sugarcoat it: Republicans can’t win this district in a fair ght. So instead of changing their message, they changed the map.

e Death of a Fair Fight

For decades, the 18th Congressional District was a symbol of Black political strength, proudly represented by Barbara Jordan and later Sheila Jackson Lee. It was a district shaped by civil rights battles and powered by Black voters who showed up, organized, and delivered results.

But in recent years, the district has become a political battle eld where the real ght isn’t between candidates—but between voters and the map itself. Enter: Gerrymandering.

e term “gerrymandering” sounds like something

JOSÉ GRIÑÁN PASSES AT 72 .com

out of an old textbook, but it’s alive and well—and it’s targeting communities like ours.

In 2021, the Republican-led redistricting process sliced and diced Black voting blocs like a political butcher. According to a report from the Brennan Center for Justice, Texas Republicans intentionally manipulated boundaries to “dilute the power of Black and Latino voters,” creating a map where Black political in uence is fractured, minimized, or outright erased.

In Houston alone, the impact is jarring. e oncecohesive 18th District has been redrawn to tuck in or carve out majority-Black neighborhoods, splitting up communities and mu ing the collective voice.

e Numbers Don’t Lie

Let’s talk data. Before the new maps were drawn: e 18th District was 61% Black and Latino combined. Post-redistricting, it dropped to just under 50%, according to the Texas Civil Rights Project. Fight on pg. 3

José Griñán, the cherished former morning news anchor for FOX 26 Houston, has passed away at 72. Over a distinguished career that spanned more than 40 years, Griñán became a respected and familiar gure in Houston journalism, admired for his charm, kindness, and unwavering professionalism. His broadcasting journey began as a documentary cinematographer with the U.S. Army, eventually leading to his rst anchor position in El Paso in 1975. In 1993, he made history as FOX 26’s rst male morning anchor, a role he held for three decades while reporting on significant events like the Waco siege, major hurricanes, and defining moments in Houston’s story. Griñán retired in 2023, leaving a lasting legacy as a mentor, colleague, and role model to many in the field. He is survived by his wife and children.

Serving for 30 years at FOX 26 Houston, Griñán became one of the station’s most enduring and recognizable gures. His presence contributed to the station’s identity and trust with viewers across generations.

EDITORIAL

A Revival of God Consciousness

Bobby Mills, Ph.D.

THE BATTLE OVER VALUES

America is engaged in a spiritual battle over values: multicultural democratic values versus MAGA White Privilege values. Values dictate institutional structures as well as lifestyles. In 2024, America elected presidential leadership that has shown absolute disregard for established principles of law and order in governmental a airs. What an ungodly shame. e Bible condemns leaders who only lead/rule for personal gain. Jesus was born and came to serve others, not to promote personal gain, big business. Servanthood leadership is lost in the hustle and bustle with a whole lot of politicians of all colors and political stripes. Leadership should never be motivated by personal gain. When God calls us to do something even when there are no monetary rewards, obey. America, know this: “ e heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money, yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us.” (Micah 3: 11). Lest we forget, God is the Lord of lords, the King of kings, and his mercy endures forever, because the question is: “Doth God pervert judgment? Or doth the Almighty pervert justice? (Job 8: 3). e answer is unquestionably no, because God is fair. Individuals can

be unfair, because of greediness. erefore, punishment is administered based on principles of justice and sin. us, “Man that is born of a woman is a few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a ower, and is cut down: he eeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.” (Job 14: 1-2). America, get right with God judgment day is coming, because the earth belongs to God, and everything in it, because all things were created by Almighty God. Human beings only invent, not create. Job said life is brief and full of trouble because of sin. erefore, individuals should not ght against each other but learn how to spiritually ght the real enemy of all of us, the devil, by: “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.” (1 Timothy 5: 22).

We Must Understand

Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

commissioner with longstanding in uence over local politics, supported Turner without addressing public health concerns.

Local Democratic clubs and donors chose to stay quiet— possibly hoping his legacy would carry him over the nish line, regardless of health.

Media outlets like the Houston Chronicle gave Turner glowing send-o s into retirement but asked no hard questions during the campaign about his ability to serve a full term.

ey all knew he was sick, this isn’t just about losing Congressman Sylvester Turner. It’s about the Democratic power structure in Houston that knowingly put a man with a serious cancer history on the ballot—and now, nearly 800,000 people in the 18th District have no voice in Congress. Turner publicly announced in 2022 that he had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer. He underwent surgery and radiation. While he later said he was cancerfree, insiders admit his health never fully recovered. Yet in 2024, the Democratic Party fast-tracked his nomination, replacing Sheila Jackson Lee with no primary, no vetting, and no transparency.

BLACK PEOPLE SHOULD BE AMONG THE FRONT RANKS IN THE FIGHT TRUMP

By: Bob Avakian

Some people who should know better have insisted that defeating Trump/MAGA fascism is not a ght that Black people should be involved in. A number of di erent arguments have been made in the attempt to “justify” this ridiculous position, and here I’m going to speak to how wrong this is.

One of the main arguments is this: “White people created this mess, so let them deal with it.”

First of all, there is not one uniform, undivided white people, all supposedly united behind Trump. Although just over half the white people who voted in the recent election voted for Trump, nearly half the white voters (tens of millions) did not vote for Trump—and a signi cant number of white people who are not Trump supporters did not vote at all, including some who refused to vote for Harris because of the Biden/Harris administration’s support for the Israeli genocide against the Palestinian people. Huge numbers of white people have been mobilizing in protest and resistance against Trump.

So, the notion that “white people,” in general and as a whole, are responsible for this

situation is way too simple an explanation of the problem. (It is the case that about onefourth of Black men who voted actually voted for the openly racist Trump, so that is another part of the problem that needs to be addressed.)

Trump is a fascist— which, particularly in this country, means aggressively enforcing racial oppression, as well as oppression based on sex and gender. He is openly moving to wipe out any mention of race (or gender) and the whole oppressive history of this country, as part of his determined drive to reverse even the partial gains that have been made, over the past 80 years, in the ght against this oppression. A number of years ago now, during Trump’s rst time in power, I spoke to this very clearly:

People need to understand that Trump is a genocidal racist. He may not be trying to bring back literal slavery but he is de nitely aiming to take this country back to a situation where overt white supremacy is blatantly promoted, codi ed in law and court decisions, and enforced through systematic, fullblown white supremacist violence. What sense does it make to say that Black

people should not be actively opposing this?!

Let’s get down into this further: If white people were responsible for slavery, did that mean that Black people should not have fought in the Civil War, in the way they did, becoming a major force in defeating the slave-holding Confederacy and putting an end to slavery? Or, again, if white people were responsible for the open (“Jim Crow”) segregation and racist terror that Black people were subjected to a er slavery was ended, did that mean that Black people should not have risen up in the Civil Rights and Black Liberation movements, in the 1950s and since— or that the gains that have been made through this struggle, against open segregation and legal discrimination, are of no importance for Black people?! Who would make such arguments? As for those making similar arguments now—insisting that Black people should stay out of the ght against Trump/MAGA fascism—would they even have a platform for reaching people with these arguments, if it weren’t for the gains that were made through the heroic, self-sacri cing struggle of Black people against

open segregation and discrimination? is has been a righteous struggle that has changed the way a lot of people see things, including a lot of white youth especially, motivating them to join in the struggle against this racist oppression. is has been powerfully demonstrated through the 1960s, and since— and again recently in 2020, in the massive, righteous uprising in response to the coldblooded murder of George Floyd by a heartless pig.

Trump and his whole fascist regime is aggressively moving to reverse these gains, and slam Black people (and others) back into a more openly, brutally oppressed condition: how in the world can that be a reason for Black people to stand aside from the ght against this Trump fascist regime?!

Republican candidates had lost every major race in the district for over 30 years.

But here’s the real kicker: A er the lines were redrawn, Republican candidates started showing “competitive numbers” in areas where they never stood a chance.

e maps didn’t re ect shi ing voter attitudes. ey re ected strategic voter dilution. is isn’t democracy—it’s domination by design.

What’s Really at Stake?

is isn’t just about one district. What happens in the 18th is a test case for Black voters across America.

If Republicans—and any party, for that matter— can’t win with a fair vote, and they’re allowed to change the rules of the game instead, what does that say about our democracy?

Voting should be about persuasion, not manipulation. About showing up with a better vision, not slicing neighborhoods to silence the ones who disagree with you.

But for too long, communities of color have been treated as obstacles to overcome—not constituents to serve.

A Historical Pattern Repeating Itself

History tells us that whenever Black political power rises, there’s pushback. From Jim Crow laws to voter ID restrictions to modern-day gerrymandering, the playbook hasn’t changed—it’s just evolved.

In 1965, we needed the Voting Rights Act to prevent exactly this kind of suppression. But a er the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder, which gutted key protections, states like Texas wasted no time drawing maps that would have been illegal just a decade ago.

Today, those maps stand. And unless they’re challenged—legally, politically, and publicly—they could be used as blueprints to silence Black voices in districts across the country.

Can ey Win a Fair Fight?

e short answer? No. And they know it.

at’s why they redraw maps instead of rewriting policies. It’s why they divide neighborhoods instead of uniting voters. And it’s why the ght for voting rights is far from over.

Let’s be clear: We’re not victims—we’re voters. But voters need fair maps to make their voices heard. If we allow political gamesmanship to determine our future, we’re surrendering the very power that generations before us bled to secure. is isn’t just about one seat. It’s about whether Black voters still matter in a system increasingly rigged against them.

Yes, oppression of Black people would exist even if Trump weren’t in power—because this oppression is built into this system of capitalism-imperialism. What all this shows is not that all the struggle against this oppression didn’t accomplish anything. What it powerfully demonstrates is that the whole

And if we don’t stand up now, the next district on the chopping block could be yours.

THROUGH THE LENS OF TIME: BLACK HISTORY IS 24/7/365

1864 1887

1864. e Fugitive Slave Law is repealed. It considered to still hold in the case of Black Americans eeing from their enslavers in border states that were loyal to the Union government.

1900 1870 1865 1868 1885

1865. On June 19, Union soldiers arrive in Galveston, Texas to spread the news of the Civil War end and freedom of slavery, eventually celebrated as “Juneteenth”

1887. e ibodaux massacre occurs in Louisiana. 1900. A majority of Southern states pass laws that required African Americans to be separated from white citizens in railroad cars and depots, hotels, and other establishments.

HOUSTON

amendment is passed, guaranteeing citizenship rights and equal protection under law.

amendment is passed, guaranteeing that a citizen’s right to vote would not be denied on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

FORT WORTH

TEXAS TAKEAWAY

Waymo has begun testing its self-driving robotaxis in Houston, representing a key milestone in the company’s planned expansion for 2025. Around ten vehicles are currently operated manually by trained drivers as they navigate neighborhoods like Midtown, Norhill, and Greenway, along with major highways such as I-45, I-10, and I-69. The goal of this testing phase is to gather data on local trafﬁc behavior and evaluate the potential for launching a fully autonomous service in the area.

AUSTIN

Lawsuit Alleges Wage Theft and Harassment by Former Texas Attorney General Leaders During Paxton Impeachment. A woman who was part of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s 2023 impeachment defense team has ﬁled a lawsuit against two of her supervisors on that team, alleging sexual harassment and wage theft.

SAN ANTONIO

Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes, who has spent 20 years in uniform focusing on reducing violent crime, promoting ofﬁcer mental health, and building community trust, is stepping down to spend more time with his family. He will remain in his role through the end of May.

For the second time in as many nights, a cluster of strong thunderstorms swept into San Antonio, and even dropping a bit of hail on the north side of Bexar County. First, on Monday night and into Tuesday morning, 2.01 inches of rain fell at San Antonio International Airport.

MAE JEMISON

Mae Jemison is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut who made history as the ﬁrst African American woman to travel into space. She ﬂew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on September 12, 1992, serving as a mission specialist. Born on October 17, 1956, in Decatur, Alabama, Jemison was inspired by science and space from a young age. She earned degrees in chemical engineering and African and Afro-American studies from Stanford University, and later a medical degree from Cornell University. Her achievements continue to inspire generations to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

As the Official Bank of FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, Bank of America is on your corner and in your corner. Because with the right team, Houston businesses thrive and communities prosper.

Hong Ogle President, Bank of America Houston

Let’s get to work on your next goal. Contact one of our business specialists in Houston at bankofamerica.com/localbusiness

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for: RFP #25-05-03 OKR Cloud Based Solution. Electronic submittals due by 3:00PM, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Contact: pamela.johnson@lonestar.edu or (832)813-6782.

Must Register to Bid: https:// lonestar.ionwave.net/Login. aspx. If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the on-line registration process, contact MCvendors@lonestar.edu.

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for: RFP #25-05-07: LSC Foundation Customer Relationship Management Solution. Electronic submittals are due by 2:00PM, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Contact Jennifer.larue@lonestar. edu or (832)813-6794.

Must Register to Bid: https:// lonestar.ionwave.net/Login.aspx.

If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the on-line registration process, contact MCvendors@lonestar.edu.

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for: RFP #25-04-07 Student Accommodation Management Database for Lone Star College System. Electronic submittals due by 2:00PM, Monday, June 23, 2025. Contact: janet.bradley@lonestar. edu or (832)813-6299. Must Register to Bid: https:// lonestar.ionwave.net/Login.aspx. If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the on-line registration process, contact MCvendors@lonestar.edu.

Rev. Dayle Perry, Pastor

LOCAL EDUCATION

TSU BOARD OF REGENTS AND PRESIDENT LOOK TO THE FUTURE

By: TSU Media

One year ago today, Texas Southern University’s Board of Regents voted unanimously to appoint James W. Crawford III, Vice Admiral and Judge Advocate General of the Navy (Ret.), as TSU’s 14th President.

“As we launched the search, leaders across Texas shared their a ection for TSU as a historic institution and noted the need for leadership to provide strategic focus and to enhance student success metrics. President Crawford met all our criteria, and then some,” said Brandon L. Simmons, Chairman of the TSU Board of Regents. “Our board has assumed responsibility for working together — adopting the motto ‘One Band, One Sound’ — and supporting our President’s ability to provide long-term, stable leadership.”

Re ecting on his rst year, President Crawford said, “ is rst year at Texas Southern University has been a remarkably heart-ful lling experience. e depth of desire and capability in our students to succeed is awe-inspiring. In collaboration with the Chairman and the entire Board of Regents, we are shaping a vibrant future to make ‘excellence in achievement’ more than

JAMES W. CRAWFORD III

a motto, but a philosophy in action.”

On his rst Legislative Session in Texas, “Walking into the Texas Capitol for the rst time, no doubt, everything is bigger in Texas, and I believe that our approach and engagement with the Legislature on bold and transformative initiatives for our students matched the Texas ethos of bold aspirations and expectations,” said President Crawford.

“I am grateful for all of our state leaders in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government for their substantive engagement with our President during his rst session,” said Chairman Simmons.

“ ey asked thoughtful questions about

academic achievement, faculty excellence, and the status of facilities.”

By: Sheba Roy

As the regular 140-day legislative session comes to an end, important legislation, such as the state budget, is still outstanding. Chairman Simmons said, “While we await the outcome of the Session, we are working to support our President as he implements reforms and upgrades across the university. We have been inspired by Federal and Texas DOGE e orts, and we are currently engaged in what we believe is a rst-of-its kind operational and resource allocation review with the aim of improving

CAMPAIGN TALK VS. COMMUNITY TRUTH

Multiservice Center

residents. With the passCongressman Sylvester Turner and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson

e Acres Home community has long been a place where local politicians seek to gain support. Each election season, campaign signs appear en masse along W. Montgomery, eventually surrounding the Multiservice Center with the names of every candidate vying for the votes of Acres Homes residents. With the passing of the Honorable Congressman Sylvester Turner and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the Congressional seat long held by the Democratic Party is now open, leaving many Congressional District 18 residents concerned that it could be lled by a Republican.

On ursday, May 15, 2025, the Acres Home community attended a meet-and-greet featuring ve declared candidates and one potential candidate who has yet to o cially enter the race. e regularly scheduled monthly Super Neighborhood Council meeting was packed with

and visitors eager to hear from the lineup: Robert Slater, Amanda Edwards, Christian Menefee, Isaiah Martin,

Corisha Rogers, and Jarvis Johnson. e event was organized by community newcomer Howard Chatman with United rough Change a Non-Pro t Organization, with Super Neighborhood Council President and lifelong resident Latisha Grant serving as moderator. e meet-and-greet quickly turned into a forum as Chatman posed pointed questions to each of the declared candidates and directly asked Johnson when he planned to o cially enter the race. Johnson responded that

he was waiting for the community to devise a plan, stating, “Right now, I don’t need to le. Because the only thing I’d be ling for would be to raise money, and money has never won a race. It’s your plan, and it’s your opportunity to work hard. I want to talk to the people before I’m too presumptuous and say, ‘Vote for me because I’m the best candidate.’ I think it’s important that the community knows who you are before you

CORISHA ROGERS, AMANDA EDWARDS, CHRISTIAN MENEFEE, ROBERT SLATER, ISIAH MARTIN, JARVIS JOHNSON