AframNews.com
“Addressing
TO THE DADS, UNCLES AND BROTHERS WHO STEPPED IN
By: Roy Douglas Malonson
is Father’s Day, we honor the men whose love can’t be measured by DNA alone. Across the Black community, fatherhood has o en meant more than biology. It’s been de ned by presence, protection, sacri ce—and a commitment to stand in the gap, especially when others walked away.
For generations, Black men have been the backbone of families, neighborhoods, and movements. Yet their e orts have o en gone unnoticed, overshadowed by negative narratives. Today, we push those stories aside and celebrate the dads, uncles, brothers, coaches, and mentors who stepped up and never looked back.
ey didn’t do it for attention. ey didn’t do it for praise. ey did it because they knew somebody had to.
In neighborhoods where single mothers worked long hours just to make ends meet, uncles lled in at school plays. Big brothers helped with homework and kept younger siblings out of trouble. Coaches turned practice into life lessons. Neighbors o ered
rides, advice, and sometimes just a listening ear. ese men didn’t just help raise children—they helped raise hope.
Ask around and you’ll hear the stories. e father who worked two jobs but still made it to every football game. e uncle who taught his niece how to change a tire, balance a checkbook, and protect her peace. e older brother who missed out on his own childhood so his siblings could have theirs. e mentor who came from nothing and used his scars to guide someone else to success.
eir love wasn’t always so . Sometimes it was tough. But it was steady. It showed up in discipline, consistency, and presence.
ere’s a certain strength Black fatherhood carries. It’s a strength that de es statistics. One that pushes through the weight of generational trauma, mass incarceration, and systemic pressure. One that rebuilds what was broken and teaches boys to be better men. Dads on pg. 3
THE JUNETEENTH HOUSTON 2025 CELEBRATE FREEDOM .com
The Juneteenth Houston 2025 Celebrate Freedom, a city-wide initiative was held at Emancipation Park on Sunday, June 1. The celebration was a time held-tradition of freedom, community, great food, entertainment, honoring our ancestors, competitions, history, education, culture, elders and youth. As a matter of record, it was the event’s largest gathering since its inception three years ago. Seven “villages” were highlighted: Acres Homes, Fifth Ward, Fourth Ward, Independence Heights, Sunnyside, South Park and the Third Ward. Kudos to chairpersons John Niklos, II, Jason Oliver and Harrison Guy for their great work! Please check the Juneteenth Houston website for city-wide events and to order a t-shirt: https:// www.juneteenthhouston.org/
MS. JUNETEENTH HOUSTON
EDITORIAL
A Revival of God Consciousness
Bobby Mills, Ph.D.
AND FAMILY
Family is the basic institutional unit of every society. Family is a Godly spiritual unit, not a socio-economic unit. God is the designer of family, not e Supreme Court. e Supreme Court created a societal mess when they attempted to rede ned what God has already eternally de ned. Hence, the spiritual meaning of fatherhood is de ned by this scriptural verse: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22: 6). Parents should teach their children decision-making skills instead of constantly watching over them. God is a God of free will choices; not a dictator, and neither should parents become dictatorial. Families consist of statuses and role models. Male children learn how to become a man and father from their fathers as well as other male relatives. Likewise, the same is true for female children. In the Black community the family system has literally become dysfunctional, because of absentee fathers. Goes the family goes the community. erefore, we have lost three generations of Black children; especially males to the wiles of the devil in the world, because the combination of teaching and training in the way of the Lord is virtually non-existent. Mothers are obligated to teach children to love their fathers, because every child knows his/her mother,
but a wise child knows his/her father. Hence, a child’s mother is his/her rst teacher. e role of fathers is to train children in the way of the Lord, because a father’s role model is God. Fathers must learn how to rule like God rules, justly. Fathers cannot visually perceive God but must recognize God’s presence through the experience of forgiveness for their transgressions. Since all individuals have sinned and come short of the glory of God, e Holy Spirit (Truth) convicts all individuals of their sins. Forgiveness is o ered by God through repentance, allowing us to be cleansed and spiritually renewed. Family breakdown in the Black community is literally o -the-chart, because too many Blacks have attempted to transform that which is ordained of God to function as a spiritual unit into a materialistic unit, resulting in the absolute destruction of Black Family structure. For example, since the 1960’s Black families have been in decline. Today, only (42%) of Black children live-in two parent families, compared to 70% of all other children. Sadly, 48% of all Black children are growing-up in one-parent family environments. Consequently, absentee fathers are doing precisely what the Bible tells fathers not to do: “and ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6: 4). Absentee fathers cannot disciple and train children in the way of the Lord. Parenting in the 21st century can present many challenges. Parenting takes a lot of Godly love and patience. It is vital that parents always
We Must Understand
Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher
On June 19, 1865, two and a half years a er President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and delivered a message that should have been old news: all enslaved people were free. at day became known as Juneteenth—a day of freedom, yes, but also of betrayal. e truth is this: we were freed, but they didn’t tell us. More than 250,000 Black men, women, and children remained in bondage in Texas long a er they had been legally freed. Enslaved people were never informed of Lincoln’s order because no one forced slaveholders to obey it. Instead, plantation owners continued to exploit Black labor, knowing full well that their time was up—but refusing to acknowledge it until the Union Army was literally on their doorstep. e story of Juneteenth is not just a celebration of freedom. It is a reckoning with America’s deliberate delays, its institutional silences, and the painful reality that freedom for Black people has never been freely given. It has always been delayed, distorted, or denied. When we talk about Juneteenth today, it cannot just be about reworks and federal holidays. It must be about the truth. at even when freedom was written on paper, it was hidden in practice. at those in power made an intentional
decision to leave our ancestors in chains because it bene ted them economically. at liberation was not granted—it was eventually forced.
And even a er the word nally came, the chains never fully disappeared. e 13th Amendment, passed later in 1865, included a fatal loophole: slavery was abolished “except as punishment for a crime.” at clause opened the door to convict leasing, Jim Crow segregation, and mass incarceration—systems that continue to disproportionately target and dehumanize Black people to this day.
Juneteenth still hits hard because it is a reminder that freedom for us has always come late. We were freed, yet never given land. We were freed, yet blocked from education. We were freed, yet denied the right to vote. We were freed, yet still hunted by laws, policies, and lies designed to keep us economically and socially bound. is day carries weight not just because of what happened in 1865, but because of everything that followed. A er Juneteenth, Reconstruction o ered a brief glimpse of what real progress could look like— Black legislators, Black-owned businesses, and Black communities building from nothing. But it was soon crushed by white supremacist violence and systemic rollback. From the fall of Black Wall Street in Tulsa to the rise of redlining and underfunded schools, every step toward Black advancement has been met with resistance. And yet, we keep rising. For generations, Black families have kept the spirit of Juneteenth alive through backyard barbecues, freedom parades,
HOW SYSTEMS TRIED TO PUSH BLACK FATHERS OUT
By: Roy Douglas Malonson
Welfare once came with a warning: No man allowed.
Starting in the 1960s, welfare policies such as Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) punished Black households for having a father present. If a man was in the home, families could be denied bene ts—forcing many fathers to leave so their children could receive basic support.
“Man-in-the-house” rules tore families apart.
Caseworkers conducted surprise inspections—opening closets, checking for shoes, toothbrushes, or signs of a male presence. It wasn’t just humiliating. It was strategic. e system incentivized father absence and penalized stability in Black homes. is wasn’t about help—it was about control.
Black families were disproportionately affected. By the 1970s, nearly 50% of all Black children were receiving welfare, compared to
just 20% of white children—despite similar poverty levels. But only Black families were systematically targeted and surveilled.
ey pushed Black fathers out—and blamed them for leaving.
Media narratives painted Black men as irresponsible, while ignoring the structural forces at work: job discrimination, mass incarceration, the War on Drugs, and housing laws that refused to rent to families with male heads of household.
But here’s the truth: Black fathers didn’t disappear. ey were pushed.
According to a CDC study, Black fathers (even those who live outside the home) are more involved in their children’s lives than any other racial group—
And it’s a strength that teaches daughters that real love isn’t abusive, absent, or afraid. It’s protective. It’s present. It’s powerful. Father’s Day isn’t just about the men who gave life. It’s about the men who give love. is weekend, cookouts will be lit. Ties and tools will be gi ed.
their legacy. Men who show up even when it’s hard.
e truth is, fatherhood in our community isn’t one-size- ts-all. It’s layered. It’s collective. It’s cultural. It’s the village mentality in motion.
reading to their kids, helping with homework, and providing daily care. Our men were never absent—they were erased.
From sleeping in cars so families could keep bene ts, to working o the books to avoid disquali cation, Black fathers showed up in quiet, sacri cial ways the system never acknowledged.
Now it’s time we set the record straight. is Father’s Day, we honor every dad, uncle, big brother, and mentor who stepped up. e system may have tried to remove you—but your presence remains undefeated.
e war on Black fatherhood was real—but love fought harder.
But let’s not forget the deeper meaning. Let’s upli the image of Black men who nurture, guide, and protect—not just with words, but with action. Let’s rewrite the narrative. We know the numbers. We’ve heard the criticisms. But what we don’t hear enough are the countless stories of Black men standing tall in their families, churches, and communities. Men who refuse to let absence be
So to every man who answered the call when it wasn’t his responsibility—to the ones who raised kings and queens without a blueprint—we thank you.
To the stepdads who never used the word “step,” the godfathers who became anchors, the grandfathers who returned to raise another generation—we see you. We honor you.
And to the brothers and mentors still rising, still healing, still learning—we encourage you. e work you do is holy.
As we re ect today, let us commit to building a
future where more Black boys grow up knowing the love and leadership of strong, grounded men. Where fatherhood is celebrated, supported, and seen as sacred. Where presence is the rule—not the exception. Let’s tell our sons they matter. Let’s remind our men they’re valued. Let’s give our fathers their owers while they can still smell them. Because the truth is— when Black men show up, communities thrive. So from the pages of this newspaper to the porches, barber shops, schools, and living rooms across the country…
Happy Father’s Day to every Black man who chose to love, to lead, to li , and to be there. You are more than enough. You always were. And today, we say it with our whole hearts— thank you.
THROUGH THE LENS OF TIME: BLACK HISTORY IS 24/7/365
1920 1921 1932
1954 1941
1920. e Harlem Renaissance marks the rst time that mainstream publishers and critics turned their attention seriously to African American literature, music, art, and politics.
1921. e Greenwood massacre occurs, where mobs of white residents attacked black residents and businesses in the wealthy Black Wall Street district in Tulsa.
1954. In Brown v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court unanimously overturns the decision of Plessy v. Ferguson and legally mandates public schools to integrate.
1932. e Tuskegee Institute collaborates with the U.S. government to conduct syphilis experiments on African American men.
1941. e Tuskegee Airmen become the rst graduates from an all-African American pilot training program to subsequently ght in
1942. Civil-rights leader, James Farmer, founds the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE).
HOUSTON
CONROE
TEXAS TAKEAWAY
Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo have responded to safety concerns in advance of the upcoming “No Kings” protest, set for Saturday, June 14, 2025. The protest is part of a national movement opposing President Trump’s military parade and takes place on his 79th birthday.
FORT WORTH
“Do Something Good For Your Neighbor,” a small pavilion overlooking Lake Como created by Matt Niebuhr and David Dahlquist of the Art Studio at RDG Planning & Design, is featured in an exhibition in Venice, Italy. Fort Worth Public Art is associated with the project.
AUSTIN
The Conroe Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce, which marked its 90th anniversary last year, has been selected as a finalist for the national 2025 Chamber of the Year award. The organization represents over 1,600 chambers of commerce and affiliated business and economic development groups, with a network of more than 9,000 industry professionals.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson confirmed that the Texas National Guard could be called in to support the Texas Department of Public Safety during this weekend’s protests in Austin. On Tuesday night, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced plans to deploy the Texas Army National Guard to various locations across the state in response to protests expected throughout the week and into the weekend.
Nat Turner (1800–1831) was an enslaved man who led the most violent slave uprising in U.S. history in 1831. A deeply religious and charismatic leader, Turner believed he was divinely chosen to fight for the freedom of enslaved people. In Southampton County, Virginia, he organized a group of fellow enslaved men and launched a revolt that resulted in the deaths of at least 55 white individuals. The rebellion was quickly crushed, and Turner was eventually captured, put on trial, and executed. His actions and subsequent “Confessions,” recorded by a lawyer, became a powerful symbol of resistance against slavery.
1947. Jackie Robinson becomes the rst African American to play on a Major League Baseball team.
World War II.
NAT TURNER
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
CITYWIDE CHEMICAL
NOTICE
OF
IN
ASSISTED CONTRACTS
As required by Section 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 26, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County has determined a proposed overall goal of 21% for the participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) in its FY26 – FY28 contracts which are funded by U.S. Department of Transportation.
e proposed goal and its rationale are available for inspection during normal business hours at the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Headquarters, 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002; and at https://www.ridemetro. org/about/business-to-business/procurement-opportunities#programdocuments. e Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County and the Federal Transit Administration will accept written comments on the proposed goal through July 31, 2025.
Written comments may be directed to Metropolitan Transit Authority Ofce of Economic Business Opportunity, Attention: Karen Hudson, P.O. Box 61429, Houston, Texas 77208-1429 or Federal Transit Administration: Attention: Gail Lyssy, Regional Administrator, Region VI, Federal Transit Administration, 819 Taylor Street, Room 14A02, Fort Worth, TX 76102.
COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSAL OST/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority, COH TIRZ #7 3131 Emancipation Avenue, Suite 225 Houston, Texas 77004
Project Name: Emancipation Ave Asphalt Milling and Overlay from McGowen Street to Pierce Street, CIP# T-0711-A, WBS N-T070000-0004-7 Project Location: Northern ird Ward, Houston, TX Estimated Construction Cost: $1.5 Million Bid Date and Time: 07/08/2025 Proposals will be accepted until 2:00 PM on the proposed date shown above only on the CivcastUSA.com website. Proposals received a er the deadline will not be accepted. Accepted proposals will be posted on CivCastUSA.com by 07/11/2025 a er the bid opening. A full bid tabulation will be posted a er bids are reviewed and conrmed by the Owner. Although cost is a factor, proposals will be evaluated by other factors in addition to the cost. Lowest cost proposal does not guarantee selection of the proposer. Copies of the CSP Documents may be obtained online from www.civcastusa.com; search OST/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority TIRZ #7. Contractors and the public must register on this website to view and/or download speci cations and plans for this project. ere is NO charge to view or download documents.
Proposers may submit questions online through CivcastUSA. Addenda and other documents will be addressed and posted on the CivcastUSA website. Project consists of the mill and asphalt overlay resurfacing of Emancipation Avenue between the McGowan Street and Pierce Street intersections, the replacement of the concrete curb, and the replacement of the concrete sidewalks and ADA ramps along Emancipation Avenue within the said project limits. e Project includes City of Houston Standard Construction Speci cations for Storm Drainage, Street Paving and Tra c Control, which are incorporated into the Project. ese Standard Speci cations, along with Standard Details, may be acquired at no cost on the City’s website at https://www. houstonpermittingcenter.org/o ce-city- engineer/design-and-constructionstandards . Proposers shall comply with City Ordinance 2013-0428, Chapter 12, Article C, City of Houston Code of Ordinance’s, as amended, and City of Houston O ce of Business Opportunity Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) Procedures.
Bid bond in the amount not less than ten percent ( 10 %) of the total amount of the cost proposal must accompany each proposal as a guarantee that the selected proposer will enter into a proper contract and execute bonds and guaranties on the forms provided within ( 10) days a er the date contract documents are received by the selected proposer. Proposal security shall be in accordance with Section 00200– Instruction to Proposers and Section 11.6 of the General Conditions of the Contract (Document 00700).
Pre-proposal Meeting: A MANDATORY in-person (virtual option provided upon request) pre-proposal meeting will be held on 06/16/2025 at 10:00 AM CST at 3131 Emancipation Ave., Suite 225, Houston, TX 77004. Contact with Authority sta or engineers/consultants with regards this project is not permitted and will disqualify the bidder. All communications should be by email: Projects@AgilityEngg.com.
Mr. Hexser Holliday Director of Capital Projects Planning and Development OST/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority TIRZ #7 Email: Projects@ AgilityEngineering.com
Rev. Dayle Perry, Pastor
KINGSMEN PROJECT UNITES BLACK MEN AND BOYS DOING SOME GOOD IN THE HOOD LOCAL
By: Kingsmen Project
On Saturday, May 31st, a powerful celebration of unity, pride, and purpose unfolded in Houston as Black men and boys from across the city gathered for the rstever Kingsmen Project. Founded by visionaries Devon Castro and Justin omas, the event was created to upli and highlight positive images of Black men and boys — a mission brought to life through an unforgettable day of fellowship and inspiration. e day began with warm welcomes from female hostesses, setting the tone for an atmo-
sphere of respect and community. A er checkin, attendees made their way to the cafeteria for an opening program hosted by the Gents of Booker T. Washington. e program included a heartfelt welcome, engaging icebreakers, a moment of prayer, and a lively networking hour that allowed attendees to connect and share their stories.
Following the program, participants were each given a symbolic handkerchief and escorted by members of the 100 Black Men of Houston to the Vision Communi-
ty Statue. ere, the energy continued to build as professional photography and videography captured the powerful presence of these Kings — representing a wide range of professions and backgrounds — standing together in unity.
e Kingsmen Project was more than just an event; it was a bold and beautiful representation of Black excellence. With excitement in the air and purpose in their hearts, every man and boy in attendance helped make history and set a powerful tone for future gatherings.
By: Travis McGee
We o en hear about all the bad things happening in the hood, but there’s plenty of good happening too. One example is e Worthing Hight School Alumni Scholarship Challenge, established by Travis McGee, Class of 1992. Now in its third year, the challenge—like most great things— started o small but with big intentions. e purpose of the challenge is to provide more direct support to encourage graduating students. Too o en, we show up for homecomings and homegoings, but not for the actual schools and communities where we grew up. We may host events in the name of our alma mater, but that’s not the same as actively supporting the students. is challenge is open to all
graduates in every class because we believe that if everyone does something, everything will get done. e challenge itself is simple: Every graduating class is asked to raise a minimum of $1,000. Each class manages its own funds, determines its scholarship criteria, and selects its own scholarship recipient(s).
For example, if a school has 68 graduating classes, that could equal $68,000 or more in scholarships—with full participation. And the scholarships are not just for college students— they also apply to those pursuing trade school education. is year, ve classes from Evan E. Worthing High School accepted the challenge: Michael Jones, President, Class of 1990
Greg Fisher, Class of 1991
Tamichia Seals, Class of 1992
Kenitra BennettEdwards, Class of 1993 Kelvin Gardner, Class of 1995 ese dedicated alumni represented their classes and came through strong! Special recognition goes to, Mr. Tracy Stephens (Worthing graduate) and the Sunnyside Civic Club, whose organization matched the Class of 1992’s award. Together, they raised $10,840.00, awarding ten deserving students with scholarships of $1,000 or more (each).
