Volume 30 Issue 24

July 4, 2025

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

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Vol.30, Issue 24

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African-American News&Issues

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

DEBRA AND DAVIS DESCENDANTS AND MARILYN MOORE

MARKER UNVEILED By: Sharon C. Jenkins

THE FOURTH AND US By: Roy Douglas Malonson

Every year on the Fourth of July, fireworks light up the sky, flags 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. The very words

A Texas Historic Cemetery Marker for the “Sugarland 95” State Convict Lease Labor Camp was unveiled on Thursday, June 19th. Marilyn Moore, widow of Reginald Moore, a few “95” descendants, archaeologists, genealogists, Ft. Bend ISD personnel, Friends of the Sugarland 95, elected officials 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.

The 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 “all men are created equal” rang hollow as slavery photos of incarcerated Black men reminded thrived. us of “man’s inhumanity to mankind.” The So what has the Fourth of July truly done for us? program ended with the historical marker That question is not new. It was thundered loud unveiled by Sugarland 95 descendants and then and clear by Frederick Douglass in his historic 1852 a “call to action.” An interpretive center will speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” be constructed at the Sugarland 95 site in the In it, Douglass didn’t mince words. He called the future to expand and preserve the history of celebration a sham, stating, “This Fourth of July is convict labor leasing. yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.”

Juneteenth represents the announcement of Over 170 years later, many in our community still General Orders #3 by Union soldiers on June feel the sting of that truth.

19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas. But ironically, Sure, times have changed. We are no longer in the official end of slavery in shackles. We’ve made undeFourth on pg. 3 Texas was not extended to all Unveiling on pg. 3 niable progress. We’ve seen a

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July 4, 2025

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EDITORIAL

President/Chief Editor Contributing Writers Dr. Bobby Mills Travis McGee Rachel Thompson Jazz Pazz Dr. Shelley McKinley Meeko Graphics Social Media Houston Minority business marketing website JG Design Layout Design Blue Star Web Printing Printer

A Revival of God Consciousness Bobby Mills, Ph.D.

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GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

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 firsthand the Supreme Court, become not so supreme in its moral character decrees.

Remember, love fulfills 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 flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after 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. Therefore: “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

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 bonfire. Laws must be universal in nature, application, and enforcement. Universal laws: Universal Justice. Unfortunately, The 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 redefining basic constitutional moral tenets; especially that no one is above the law.

The 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 The 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 final 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: Read more at “Can two walk aframnews.com

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 finally learned they were free, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Yet when July 4th rolls around just two weeks later, fireworks light up Black neighborhoods across the country, cookouts fill 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?

The 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 often left Black voices muted in history books, but amplified in spirit.

Meanwhile, Juneteenth remained hidden from national conversation until very recently. Only after persistent activism did it become a federal holiday in 2021. For many, it still feels unfamiliar or “new”—despite being rooted in truth.

There’s also economics. July 4th comes with nationwide discounts, days off, 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 flags tied to a freedom they didn’t share in 1776.

The 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 find out.

AA

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Brother Malonson, 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. They didn’t wait to be INCLUDED or TOLERATED. The same that we must do today.

- H.S.T.

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION Fourth Cont.

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.

The 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 reflect on different anthems— songs like “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often 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 fireworks. 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 flag and still demand

July 4, 2025

change. We can recognize how far we’ve come while fighting 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 fixed moment in time—it’s an ongoing fight. It’s a day we can use not just to grill ribs, but to fire up conversations about justice, equity, and the unfinished 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 fighters—Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X, Fannie Lou Hamer, John Lewis, and the countless unnamed heroes who dared to imagine a better nation.

This year, don’t just post fireworks 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 reflection. 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 fireworks.

AA

Unveiling Cont.

Black men. The reason- the convict lease labor system created after the Civil War as a loophole created by White government officials 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.

The system allowed financially struggling Southern states (who now had no slave labor) to manage their growing prison population while generating revenue.

Convict labor leasing was profitable 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.

The 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 officials 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

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to 70 years old. Moore left the Sugarland 95 task force in frustration after it was revealed the school district would resume construction on the

site. He formed the Convict Leasing and Labor Project with fellow advocates and friends.

AA

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July 4, 2025

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GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

THROUGH THE LENS OF TIME: BLACK HISTORY IS 24/7/365 1980

1982

1986

1991

1992

1994

1995

1980. The Miami race riots occur after the acquittal of four Dade County police officers who caused the death of Arthur McDuffie during his arrest.

1982. President Reagan launches the War on Drugs, creating the Office of National Drug Control Policy to coordinate drugrelated legislative, security, research, and health policy.

1986. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is first celebrated as a national holiday.

1991. Anita Hill testifies against Clarence Thomas in front of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.

1992. The 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 officers involved.

1994. O. J. Simpson is acquitted after almost a year of litigation of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.

1995. The Million Man March is organized by Louis Farrakhan to protest the disproportionate number of African Americans incarcerated.

TEXAS

TAKEAWAY

DALLAS

HOUSTON

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’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. _______________________________

AUSTIN

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 Althea Gibson was a pioneering American athlete who broke racial barriers in both tennis and golf. She was the first 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 first African American woman to compete on the LPGA tour. Her achievements helped pave the way for future generations of Black athletes.

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GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

July 4, 2025

OBITUARY

THE PASSING OF ALVIN DWIGHT WEAVER By: Jon Marie Rogers

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POLITICAL

WE ARE NEXT By: Michael D. Moore

The Real Reason: Follow the Money America spends approximately $100 to $200 a day to house each prisoner in domestic facilities.

That’s roughly $60,000 per inmate per year. Now, imagine if the U.S. outsourced incarceration to places like Thailand, where the cost of Let me break it down clearly. housing a prisoner might be as While most assume ICE little as $3 a day—or about $90 a (Immigration and Customs month. (Not Saying That Thailand try, through which Alvin coached in Enforcement) only targets Would Do It) It’s just an example of. the Sylvester Turner Youth Baseball undocumented immigrants, From a corporate standpoint, League, the St. Monica Cowboys AAU/ there’s a more subtle strategy math is a gold mine. Each NFL JPD football team, and the Urban brewing. A new target is being prisoner shipped overseas could League Youth Academy. scoped—African Americans with generate an annual surplus of over A true man of God and a “gentleman’s long criminal records, especially $58,920.00 per head. gentleman,” Alvin was known for his those labeled as “unproductive” Now multiply that by nurturing spirit, calm demeanor, and by societal standards. The plan the 1,230,100 prisoners compassion. He was always attenmay not yet be law, but the logic in the United States as tive to the needs of his wife, children, and infrastructure are already in of 2022, and you’re Read more at T:4.75" grandchildren, great-grandchildren, motion. staring at a potential 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. The question must be asked: Are African Americans the final victims swinging from the modern-day hanging tree, crafted not by rope but by policy, profit, and privatization?

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 often made it a point to meet the chefs and bring home new spices or recipes to share.

In addition to cooking, Alvin was gifted 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 fiercely. He always went above and beyond to support his children and grandchildren, celebrating their milestones and simply cherishing their presence in his life.

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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 first 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 affiliated 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-

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July 4, 2025

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July 4, 2025

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EDUCATION

HONORING LONE STAR COLLEGE CFO WITH INAUGURAL AWARD By: Mindi G. Funderburg

Kristy Vienne, Ed.D., associate vice chancellor, Finance and Administration and chief financial officer for Lone Star College System, originally planned to become a corporate attorney but decided to pursue finance after taking a job at Edward Jones. The switch led to a remarkable career in finance, 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 beneficial 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 financial leaders that are among the nominees, and by my colleagues at Lone Star College System.”

HBJ’s inaugural CFO Awards highlight the top finance officers who work

tirelessly to manage every aspect of their company’s financials. The 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 financial 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

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