“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
THE FOURTH AND US
By: Roy Douglas Malonson
Every year on the Fourth of July, reworks light up the sky, ags wave with pride, and families gather for cookouts and celebration. It’s America’s birthday—the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776. But for many African Americans, the holiday brings a complicated mix of emotions. While the nation celebrates freedom, our community is still asking: freedom for who—and at what cost?
Let’s be honest. In 1776, the vast majority of Black people in America were enslaved. While white colonists were declaring their freedom from British rule, Black men, women, and children were still being whipped, sold, and dehumanized under a system that denied them any liberty at all. e very words
“all men are created equal” rang hollow as slavery thrived.
So what has the Fourth of July truly done for us? at question is not new. It was thundered loud and clear by Frederick Douglass in his historic 1852 speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”
In it, Douglass didn’t mince words. He called the celebration a sham, stating, “ is Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.” Over 170 years later, many in our community still feel the sting of that truth. Sure, times have changed. We are no longer in shackles. We’ve made undeniable progress. We’ve seen a Fourth on pg. 3
By: Sharon C. Jenkins
A Texas Historic Cemetery Marker for the “Sugarland 95” State Convict Lease Labor Camp was unveiled on ursday, June 19th. Marilyn Moore, widow of Reginald Moore, a few “95” descendants, archaeologists, genealogists, Ft. Bend ISD personnel, Friends of the Sugarland 95, elected o cials and the public gathered to honor the 93 men, 1 woman, and 1 male youth who were worked to death at the former prison camp site.
e program’s emcee Chassidy Olainu-Alade, Fort Bend’s I.S.D.’s Coordinator for Community and Civic Engagement was heartfelt and sobering. Stirring musical performances, a poetry, memorials and vintage Black and White photos of incarcerated Black men reminded us of “man’s inhumanity to mankind.” e program ended with the historical marker unveiled by Sugarland 95 descendants and then a “call to action.” An interpretive center will be constructed at the Sugarland 95 site in the future to expand and preserve the history of convict labor leasing.
Juneteenth represents the announcement of General Orders #3 by Union soldiers on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas. But ironically, the o cial end of slavery in Texas was not extended to all
EDITORIAL
A Revival of God Consciousness
Bobby Mills, Ph.D.
TRUST
Laws must be universal in their meaning, interpretation, application, and enforcement, not particularistic. Otherwise, the moral structure of society may become disordered. America, we are witnessing rsthand the Supreme Court, become not so supreme in its moral character decrees. Remember, love ful lls the law. What an ungodly disgraceful shame that lies rather than love interprets and adjudicates the law! America, chaos should never become law, because: “what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the esh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful esh, and for sin, condemned sin in the esh: that the righteousness of the law might be ful lled in us, who walk not a er the esh, but a er the Spirit“. (Romans 8: 2-4). Will someone please tell the Supreme Court if you wear the label and the robe then talk the talk, and walk the righteous walk, because God is not mocked nor fooled. Individuals as well as societies reap what they sow. erefore: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (Proverbs 29: 18). Where there is ignorance and rejection of God (Truth) sin prevails. Public morality and societal moral order must be based upon spiritual knowledge of God and God’s Laws, especially the
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Two Great Commandments. Hence, when the legal-moral meaning and interpretation of enacted laws are politicized by the highest court in the land, American society is in spiritual-moral decline and headed towards the eternal bon re. Laws must be universal in nature, application, and enforcement. Universal laws: Universal Justice. Unfortunately, e Supreme Court’s Trump-style rulings are encouraging two Americas, one Red and one Blue. Consequently, the Trump Administration is emboldened by Supreme Court rulings that are rede ning basic constitutional moral tenets; especially that no one is above the law. e law must be universal in nature and character, not regionalized. On the one hand, there is a large contingency of GOP-MAGA Americans who desire to take America back to the pre-Civil War Era of institutionalized White Privilege. While, on the other hand, President Obama rightly declared in (2008) there cannot be a Red America and a Blue America there must only be e United States of America. More importantly, if America is to spiritually thrive and socio-economically prosper and survive there must only be a Godly America or else there shall be in the nal analysis no America. Hence, it has rightly been said by President Abraham Lincoln: “A nation divided against itself cannot stand”. Spiritually, the Bible frames it in this manner: “Can two walk
We Must Understand
Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher
JULY 4TH OVER JUNETEENTH?
Every June 19th, we honor Juneteenth—the day in 1865 when enslaved Black people in Texas nally learned they were free, two and a half years a er the Emancipation Proclamation. Yet when July 4th rolls around just two weeks later, reworks light up Black neighborhoods across the country, cookouts ll the air with barbecue smoke, and social media feeds explode with red, white, and blue pride. But why does America’s Independence Day still feel more “celebrated” in the Black community than our own true day of freedom?
e answer is layered—part cultural habit, part visibility, part survival.
For generations, Black Americans were excluded from mainstream national pride. Our ancestors fought in wars for a country that didn’t recognize their full humanity.
July 4th celebrations became a way to reclaim visibility and inclusion, even if symbolic.
Over time, it became tradition. Family reunions, parades, music, fashion—all of it tied to a national rhythm that o en le Black voices muted in history books, but ampli ed in spirit.
Meanwhile, Juneteenth remained hidden from national conversation until very recently. Only a er persistent activism did it become a federal holiday in 2021. For many, it still feels unfamiliar or “new”—despite being rooted in truth. ere’s also economics. July 4th comes with nationwide discounts, days o , and major media promotion. Juneteenth, still young in mainstream recognition, doesn’t carry the same commercial push—yet. But that’s changing. Each year, more Black families are lighting grills for Juneteenth instead of the Fourth. More youth are wearing red to honor the blood shed by ancestors instead of waving ags tied to a freedom they didn’t share in 1776.
e real question isn’t “Why do we still celebrate July 4th?” It’s: “What would it look like if we gave Juneteenth the energy we’ve always given the Fourth?”
It’s time we nd out.
- H.S.T. LETTER TO THE EDITOR
You say the system was not designed to include us – it was only adjusted to tolerate us. If you look through American History, from slavery–on, our people were not just tolerated, they included themselves in the contributions and achievements, by their on spirit. ey didn’t wait to be INCLUDED or TOLERATED. e same that we must do today.
Brother Malonson,
Black president. We’ve broken barriers in politics, science, sports, and business. But systemic racism still casts a long shadow—from police brutality to economic inequality, from educational disparities to voter suppression.
e reality is, the Fourth of July can feel like a contradiction. It’s a celebration of freedom in a nation that has often denied full freedom to its Black citizens.
Even today, while Americans proudly sing the national anthem, many Black folks re ect on di erent anthems— songs like “Li Every Voice and Sing,” o en called the Black national anthem, a powerful reminder of our separate journey toward justice and recognition.
Still, despite the pain of the past and the persistence of injustice, we show up. We gather with our families. We light reworks. We dress in red, white, and blue. But make no mistake—we celebrate in our own way. We reclaim the holiday on our terms. Because if anybody knows how to turn struggle into celebration, it’s us.
Our history on this soil is not just one of oppression, but of resistance, resilience, and radical hope.
We don’t have to choose between celebrating America and holding it accountable. In fact, true patriotism demands both. We can barbecue and speak truth. We can wave the ag and still demand
change. We can recognize how far we’ve come while ghting for how far we still have to go.
So what has the Fourth of July done for us?
It’s given us a spotlight. A moment to remind the world that freedom is not a xed moment in time—it’s an ongoing ght. It’s a day we can use not just to grill ribs, but to re up conversations about justice, equity, and the un nished business of liberty for all.
We don’t need to boycott the Fourth of July—we need to reshape it. Let it be a day where we honor not just the founding fathers, but the freedom ghters—Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X, Fannie Lou Hamer, John Lewis, and the countless unnamed heroes who dared to imagine a better nation. is year, don’t just post reworks on Instagram. Ask your friends: What does freedom look like for our community? Have we truly tasted liberty, or just its illusion?
Let this year’s Fourth be more than a party. Let it be a pause. A moment of re ection. A recommitment to justice. Because America’s freedom story is not complete without ours.
Until liberty is lived by all, not just promised to some, we’re not done. And on this Fourth of July, we remember: we built this country too. Let that truth ring louder than the reworks.
Black men. e reason- the convict lease labor system created a er the Civil War as a loophole created by White government o cials and businessmen to re-enslave Black men for trivial infractions.
From the late 1860s to 1912, Texas operated a convict leasing system in which the state leased incarcerated mostly Black men to private companies for labor on plantations, railroads, and mines. e system allowed nancially struggling Southern states (who now had no slave labor) to manage their growing prison population while generating revenue. Convict labor leasing was pro table for state and private enterprises, but also gained a reputation for its inhumane conditions, brutal punishments, and high mortality rates for its leased Black convicts. e late and dearlymissed Reginald Moore, a former prison guard and community activist, sounded the alarm for many years about the history of convict leasing in Ft. Bend and even warned o cials about unmarked burials on prison sites. He lived long enough to witness his admonition come to fruition when construction of a new educational facility resulted in the excavations of 95 Black bodies aged 14
to 70 years old. Moore le the Sugarland 95 task force in frustration a er it was revealed the school district would resume Project with fellow to 70 years old. Moore 95 task force in revealed the school construction on the site. He formed the Convict Leasing and Labor advocates and friends.
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SUGARLAND 95 DESCENDANTS UNVEIL THE HISTORICAL MARKER
THROUGH THE LENS OF TIME: BLACK HISTORY IS 24/7/365
1980. e Miami race riots occur a er the acquittal of four Dade County police o cers who caused the death of Arthur McDu e during his arrest.
1982. President Reagan launches the War on Drugs, creating the O ce of National Drug Control Policy to coordinate drugrelated legislative, security, research, and health policy.
1986. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is rst celebrated as a national holiday.
1991. Anita Hill testi es against Clarence omas in front of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.
1992. e Los Angeles riots, four days of rioting occur as a direct response to the videotaped beating of Rodney King and the subsequent acquittal of the
LAPD o cers involved.
1994. O. J. Simpson is acquitted a er almost a year of litigation of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
DALLAS
AUSTIN
TEXAS TAKEAWAY
CEO Lisa Atherton is steering Fort Worth’s iconic Bell Textron through a critical turning point. This contract holds the potential to reshape Bell and Fort Worth in a way similar to Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jet award nearly a quarter-century ago.
HOUSTON
Houston’s East End community is concerned that expanding the convention center could sever their remaining ties to downtown. Portions of downtown streets could be permanently shut down to allow for the George R. Brown Convention Center’s $2 billion expansion.
SAN ANTONIO
Nearly 100 full-time employees at Austin Public Health (APH) have been affected by recent federal funding reductions. According to APH, the 95 impacted roles span a range of positions, including nurses, licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), environmental scientists, disease surveillance specialists, program coordinators and supervisors, community health workers, youth program specialists, and others.
An Austin-based home battery company focused on easing the strain on Texas’ power grid is extending its services to the rapidly growing suburbs around San Antonio. Base Power recently revealed a new partnership with Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC) to help supply backup power to more homes during severe weather-related outages.
Althea Gibson was a pioneering American athlete who broke racial barriers in both tennis and golf. She was the rst African American to win a Grand Slam title in tennis, winning the French Open in 1956. Gibson also won Wimbledon and the US Open singles titles in 1957 and 1958, and was a dominant force in women’s tennis in the late 1950s. Later, she became the rst African American woman to compete on the LPGA tour. Her achievements helped pave the way for future generations of Black athletes.
1995. e Million Man March is organized by Louis Farrakhan to protest the disproportionate number of African Americans incarcerated.
THE PASSING OF ALVIN DWIGHT WEAVER POLITICAL OBITUARY
By: Jon Marie Rogers
Alvin Dwight Weaver was born to Juanita and John Henry Weaver on March 27, 1947.
He began his education at Garden City Elementary School and was part of the rst class integrated into Klein High School in 1966. He later graduated from Carver Senior High School that same year. During his school years, he was active in baseball and track and developed skills in agriculture and auto mechanics.
Following graduation, Alvin attended Prairie View A&M University. In 1968, he was called to serve his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He proudly served as a Specialist Four from 1968 to 1969 and continued his love for baseball by playing while enlisted. For his honorable service, he was awarded the Army Medal for Meritorious Service in the Republic of Vietnam.
A lifelong learner and committed servant, Alvin was a proud member of Boy Scout Troop 582 under Mr. O’Neil Stevenson. He was a liated with several distinguished fraternal organizations, including the Universal Grand Lodge AF & AM No. 1 East Gates Lodge #80, the American Legion and the United Most Worshipful Scottish Rite Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Texas, Inc., Pleasantville No. 9.
For the past 36 years, Alvin has been an active and devoted member of Starlight Church, where he served in many roles: Chairman of the Deacons, member of the Finance Committee, Sunday School Teacher, Usher, and Brotherhood Ministry.
Alvin had a deep passion for youth development and tirelessly worked in his community, particularly with young athletes. Alongside many family members, he served in the Acres Homes Youth Association as both a football and baseball coach. With a vision to elevate youth sports in the community, the family helped launch the St. Monica Youth Sports Minis-
try, through which Alvin coached in the Sylvester Turner Youth Baseball League, the St. Monica Cowboys AAU/ NFL JPD football team, and the Urban League Youth Academy.
A true man of God and a “gentleman’s gentleman,” Alvin was known for his nurturing spirit, calm demeanor, and compassion. He was always attentive to the needs of his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and godson—giving generously of his time, wisdom, and resources to ensure their well-being.
A man of many talents, Alvin was also an excellent cook. Known especially for his legendary barbeque, he delighted in preparing meals for family gatherings, holidays, and even all-male Pampered Chef parties. During his travels, he o en made it a point to meet the chefs and bring home new spices or recipes to share.
In addition to cooking, Alvin was gi ed with his hands—so much so that many believe he missed his calling as a carpenter. He also had a deep love for the outdoors, having been a long-time member of the Six Hundred Yard Hunting Club, enjoying memorable hunting trips with family and friends.
Above all, Alvin loved his family ercely. He always went above and beyond to support his children and grandchildren, celebrating their milestones and simply cherishing their presence in his life.
WE ARE NEXT
By: Michael D. Moore
In a time where justice should evolve, we are witnessing the rebirth of an old system under a new disguise. It’s no longer ropes and trees, it’s raids and transfers. e question must be asked: Are African Americans the nal victims swinging from the modern-day hanging tree, cra ed not by rope but by policy, pro t, and privatization? Let me break it down clearly. While most assume ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) only targets undocumented immigrants, there’s a more subtle strategy brewing. A new target is being scoped—African Americans with long criminal records, especially those labeled as “unproductive” by societal standards. e plan may not yet be law, but the logic and infrastructure are already in motion.
e Real Reason: Follow the Money
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America spends approximately $100 to $200 a day to house each prisoner in domestic facilities. at’s roughly $60,000 per inmate per year. Now, imagine if the U.S. outsourced incarceration to places like ailand, where the cost of housing a prisoner might be as little as $3 a day—or about $90 a month. (Not Saying at ailand Would Do It) It’s just an example of. From a corporate standpoint, math is a gold mine. Each prisoner shipped overseas could generate an annual surplus of over $58,920.00 per head. Now multiply that by the 1,230,100 prisoners in the United States as of 2022, and you’re staring at a potential Read more at aframnews.com
LEGAL NOTICE
Request for Competitive Sealed Proposals will be received by Lone Star College for: CSP #25-05-01 – North Harris School of Cosmetology Renovations Electronic responses are due by 2:00 PM on 7-31-2025
Contact: Lydia Sterling, Sr Commodity Manager @ Lydia. Sterling@lonestar.edu Must Register to Bid at: http:// lonestar.ionwave.net/Login. aspx. If registered, please log in to Ion Wave for additional information. For assistance with the online registration process, contact MC-Vendors@lonestar.edu.
Rev. Dayle Perry, Pastor
HONORING LONE STAR COLLEGE CFO WITH INAUGURAL AWARD EDUCATION
By: Mindi G. Funderburg
Kristy Vienne, Ed.D., associate vice chancellor, Finance and Administration and chief nancial o cer for Lone Star College System, originally planned to become a corporate attorney but decided to pursue nance a er taking a job at Edward Jones. e switch led to a remarkable career in nance, prompting numerous accolades, including being named one of the top CFOs in Houston by the Houston Business Journal (HBJ).
“Finance itself has always attracted me because of the strategic impact it has
on an organization. I love working with others to solve problems, come up with creative and bene cial solutions, and most of all, help people,” said Vienne. “I am completely honored to be recognized by the Houston Business Journal, especially given the distinguished nancial leaders that are among the nominees, and by my colleagues at Lone Star College System.”
HBJ’s inaugural CFO Awards highlight the top nance o cers who work
tirelessly to manage every aspect of their company’s nancials. e 30 honorees, including Vienne, will be celebrated at a luncheon on July 23 at the River Oaks Country Club.
“Lone Star College System continues to grow and advance under Dr. Vienne’s leadership,” said Valerie Kot, LSC senior associate vice chancellor, Financial Reporting and Operations and deputy CFO. “Dr. Vienne leads the institution’s nancial system with strategic
measures to ensure the institution has access to the latest services and resources to support all employees and students.”
Vienne, who has 27 years of experience working in higher
