AframNews.com
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
FINDING THEIR VOICES
By: Roy Douglas Malonson
What happens when you hand a microphone, a notepad, and a camera to a group of curious, passionate, and unapologetically bold Black youth? You get the future of journalism—and it looks a lot like Houston.
That’s exactly what unfolded June 23–27 at 2411 Emancipation Avenue, where African American News & Issues, Texas’ longest-running and most trusted Black-owned newspaper, proudly launched its first-ever Junior Journalist Program—a powerful, weeklong training experience that gave youth ages 8 to 17 an authentic, behind-the-scenes look into the media world. From journalism and podcasting to photography and weather reporting, students weren’t
just learning—they were being equipped to lead.
And the best part? It was completely free.
This summer internship-style program was a bold expression of the newspaper’s continued commitment to community empowerment, education, and media equity. By creating space for young people to explore their voice in a professional, safe, and culturally relevant environment, African American News & Issues once again proved why it’s not just a publication—but a pillar of the people.
A Program at Felt Like Purpose
This wasn’t a lecture-style camp. It was a hands-on, interactive, confidence-building media lab, infused with real-world Voices on pg. 3
STOP
Let’s keep it real—our kids are being raised in a world dominated by media, yet less than 15% of public schools offer formal media education, and the percentage is even lower in Black and low-income communities. Meanwhile, our youth consume up to 7.5 hours of media per day, much of it created without them—or worse, about them, but not by them.
And when Black kids aren’t given the tools to tell their own stories, guess what happens? Others tell it for them—often wrong, often biased, and often damaging.
That’s why African American News & Issues didn’t wait on school districts, grants, or permission. We launched the Junior Journalist Program—a free summer internship that gave Houston youth the power to write, record, photograph, and report their truth. Because we know the power of the pen—and we know how dangerous it is when we don’t control it.
Our newspaper has spent decades covering stories mainstream media ignores. We’ve reported from inside the community—not from a helicopter, but from the heart. And now, we’re passing that torch to the next generation.
This isn’t just about media. This is about literacy, leadership, and legacy.
When our youth learn media skills, they learn how to think critically. They learn to research, to question, to speak up. That’s not just education—that’s
A Revival of God Consciousness
These are extremely difficult times in which we live. Too many Americans are halted between two opinions: Multicultural Democracy and White Privilege Autocracy. Which way America?
Democracy or Autocracy! Therefore, it can rightly be said that twenty-first century America is characterized by spiritual-moral confusion, and America is upsidedown. Guided missiles and misguided men. Sadly, America is experiencing the bold and brazen misuse of governmental power, and grievance politics is on bold display. Grievance politics is about an open declaration that certain individuals do not matter. Therefore, grievance politics is a recipe for societal chaos to the nth degree. Arrest illegal immigrants, deny them due process rights, place them in cages, and even deport them to foreign countries, not of their original origin. What an ungodly shame, because it is spiritually written: “Verily I said unto you, inasmuch as ye done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40). Christian Right Evangelicals Jesus demands that we demonstrate acts of mercy towards others; even towards strangers, not devilish cruelty (Good Samaritan Story). Hence, personal involvement is required of Christians in caring for the
EDITORIAL
needs of others, because judgment day is coming. The Trump Administration is a pro at non-productivity showmanship; but slow on producing Godly universalized results that strengthens multi-cultural democracy.
Extremism is on full display as a wild undisciplined child. Sadly, now we have some GOP Politicians claiming that they care about moderation. If you value moderation, why did you choose extremism? Forethought is much better than hindsight. We all know that the socioeconomic undercurrent that drives political discourse in American society is racism. President Trump’s political magnetism is conditioned by racism and sexism. Multicultural democracy is not even a side-bar conversation with the Trump-MAGA-Cult, because their objective is White Privilege Autocracy. America, it is easy to destroy institutional structures. It is harder to strengthen and repair institutional structures. President Trump created a coalition of non-thinkers and non-readers that became the foundation of his return to the Presidency. Prior to the advent of MAGA Trumpism American democracy was the enemy of the world community.
We Must Understand
Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher
THE BLACK DOLLAR LEAVES THE COMMUNITY IN 6 HOURS
Let’s be real: Black America has over $1.8 trillion in buying power — more than most countries. But if that’s true, why are we still last when it comes to wealth, ownership, and resources?
The hard truth? The Black dollar doesn’t stick around. On average, it leaves our community in just 6 hours. Compare that to other communities: the dollar circulates for about 20 days in Jewish communities, 28 days in Asian communities, and 17 days in white communities. Ours? Gone before dinner. That means the money we hustle for — our paychecks, side gigs, small business earnings — ends up building someone else’s dreams. We’re funding corporations that don’t advertise in our papers, don’t sponsor our kids’ sports,
and don’t care about our neighborhoods.
And the cost? It’s huge. We’re talking billions in lost potential, thousands of Blackowned businesses that don’t get our support, and communities that stay underfunded. Without economic power, we can’t fund our own schools, support our media, elect leaders who work for us, or pass down generational wealth. But here’s the good news: We can change this.
If just 10% of our spending went to Black-owned businesses, economists say we could create over a million jobs. That’s power. That’s progress. That’s legacy. This isn’t just about what we boycott — it’s about what we buy into. From Black-owned banks and bookstores to beauty brands and tech startups, we already have what we need.
So next time you spend money, ask yourself: Is this helping build us up — or sending our power out the door?
Let’s stop the leak. Let’s recirculate the Black dollar.
Say it with your money. Say it for your future.
A vibrant multi-cultural democratic governance system that valued leadership stewardship; even President Ronald Reagan declared that “it’s morning in America, not midnight”. With President George H. Bush we got “Points Of Light”, because Jesus is the Light of the
Bobby Mills, Ph.D.
Voices Cont.
skills and realworld
love. Each day, students created their own press passes, learned the art of interviewing, and practiced writing news articles using the foundational 5Ws and H. Sessions like “News or Not?” helped sharpen media literacy, while podcast segments gave students the chance to speak, record, and be heard.
Guided by experienced instructors like Christin Durant and Shonte Williams, and coordinated by journalist and author Sharon C. Jenkins, the energy in the room felt like something far beyond school—it felt like legacy in motion. But this program wasn’t about building the next viral star—it was about building Black media leaders with integrity. It gave students something many of them had never experienced before: a platform designed for them, with instructors who looked like them, and a newspaper that believes in investing in them.
“This was about more than journalism,” Jenkins said. “It was about giving our youth permission to be heard, to ask questions, and to realize they can change the narrative—not just follow it.”
A Grandmother’s Chance Encounter Becomes a Family Blessing The ripple effect of the program extended far beyond the walls of the classroom. Phyllis Williams, a proud grandmother, found out about the program in
the most unexpected place—while picking up ingredients for gumbo at H-E-B.
“I saw a stack of newspapers and grabbed African American News & Issues,” she said. “When I saw the headline about kids who love to ask questions and tell stories, I immediately thought of my granddaughter Trinity.” She shared the info with all her grandkids, but only Trinity stepped up. “From that point on, she was up at 4:30 every morning, excited to go. It sparked something in her. I’m so glad I picked up that paper,” she said, getting emotional.
It was a full-circle moment: the very newspaper that trained Trinity was the same one that brought the opportunity into her family’s life. That’s the power of community media. That’s the power of Black press. Why This Program— and This Paper—Matter In today’s world, where misinformation spreads like wildfire and corporate media often overlooks the truth of Black communities, the work of African American News & Issues is more essential than ever. For over two decades, the newspaper has not only reported on Houston’s Black neighborhoods— it has fought for them, uplifted them, and stood in the gap when no one else would.
The Junior Journalist Program is a continuation of that mission. It wasn’t just about filling summer schedules. It was about instilling values, building skill-
sets, and handing over the mic—literally and symbolically. Our children need to see themselves as leaders, thinkers, creators, and cultural historians. This program showed them they already are.
A Celebration of Community & Potential
The week closed with a heartfelt graduation ceremony. Students received certificates, took photos, and shared reflections on what they had learned. Some left inspired to become anchors, others to write books or launch their own podcasts. One thing was clear: their confidence had grown— and so had their sense of purpose.
Special recognition goes to Michael Myles Hayes, Rhonda Lynn Jenkins, and Ferrell Phelps, whose time and dedication helped make the experience unforgettable. And special thanks to D’Art Event Services for donating the space and believing in the vision.
Looking Ahead: Your Child Could Be Next
As word spreads about the success of this pilot program, families across Houston are already asking when the next Junior Journalist Program will launch. If you missed it this time, don’t worry— we’re just getting started. Because this is more than a newspaper initiative. This is our legacy, our children, our future.
African American News & Issues isn’t just covering the story—we’re writing the next chapter. And the pen is in our youth’s hands now.
JUNIOR JOURNALIST ARTICLES
FERRELL E. PHELPS: A SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS VISIONARY
By: DayVia Smith
Ferrell E. Phelps is a person whose talents and a big heart. He is a talk show host, a celebrity photographer, and an entrepreneur who really cares about making the world a better place. He’s the founder of the Skin I’m In Model & Talent Agency (SIIM), which is an amazing company that wants to shows everyone that they are beautiful, no matter what they look like. The agency is all about diversity and acceptance. They have this great motto: Every Body Should Be Represented.” It’s not just a business, its a movement to help people feel good about themselves and their own skin.
Mr. Phelps’ journey to creating SIIM Agency started with his photography and a series of exhibitions. These shows were so successful that they inspired him to start an agency that would actually represent and celebrate people from backgrounds. He used his photography skills to raise money and show everyone the Freedman’s Town Documentary Project. He was capturing what life was like for the people who lived there after the Civil War by taking pictures of the reenactment on the old brick streets. He wants to make sure their stories are never forgotten.
I was in an interview with him and I asked him, “What is some advice you could give to young people interested in photography? “ And he said.”Snap, Snap, Snap Away!”
Ferrell E. Phelps Jr. is more than just a successful person with a lot of jobs. He’s a true visionary who uses his talents to make a difference. From his photography and books to his talk show and his agency, every thing he does has a purpose. He’s all about celebrating diversity, honoring history, and giving voice to people who might not have one. He’s a great example of how you can use your skills and passions to create positive change in the world. He’s a really inspiring person whose gifts can help others and make the world a better place at the same time.
RHONDA JENKINS—SPARKLES OF LIFE
By: Dayanna Smith
After Rhonda endured four miscarriages over nine years, she and her former husband welcomed healthy twin daughters on March 2007. This experience inspired her to launch Sparkles of Life in 2008, turning her personal journey into a mission to share hope and support with other families who are struggling with infertility and desiring to be parents.
She launched Sparkles of Life to offer education, emotional support, and even IVF grants to couples in need. Her work is rooted in faith, perseverance, and the belief that every family deserves hope on the journey to parenthood. Through her organization, Rhonda has turned her personal pain into a powerful force of compassion, lighting the way for others to find their own “Sparkles of Life.”
She was impressed with my interview and she said, “Good job.” Here’s what I think about this interview: she was inspiring to me, and she made me so happy. I was smiling the whole time. I hope to see her in-person in the future someday.
THROUGH THE LENS OF TIME: BLACK HISTORY IS 24/7/365
1950. Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Ralph Bunche: Dr. Ralph Bunche wins the Nobel Peace Prize for his ability to mediate the Arab-Israeli war in the Middle East from 1947 to 1949
1951. An estimated 4,000 White people riot in Cicero, Chicago, when news of the community’s first Black family—Harvey Jr. and Johnetta Clark and their two children.
1952. For the first time in more than 70 years, the Tuskegee Institute finds that there are no lynchings reported in the United States.
1953. Racial segregation in Washington D.C. public places is declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in District of Columbia v. John R. Thompson Co., Inc.
1954. First Black Air Force General: Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr. is the first Black person to be appointed as an Air Force general after serving in World War II and the Korean War.
1955. Marian Anderson is the first Black woman to perform a lead singing role with the Metropolitan Opera, also called the Met.
CONROE
AUSTIN
TEXAS TAKEAWAY
The rapidly expanding chain, known for its cheeseburger sliders, seasoned waffle fries, and milkshakes served from a 750-square-foot “Smorangecolored” shipping container called a “Can,” is spreading throughout Texas. Its first Montgomery County location opened in Willis in the fall of 2024.
HOUSTON
The city council has revised the “civility ordinance,” which bans sitting, lying down, or leaving personal belongings on sidewalks in 12 designated areas of the city between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. In Downtown and East Downtown Houston, the restrictions will now be enforced around the clock.
SAN ANTONIO
The Lower Colorado River Authority announced that all floodgates were closed on Wednesday after heavy rainfall and flooding across Central Texas in July. Gates at the Buchanan, Wirtz, and Starcke dams had been opened Monday afternoon, with Lake Buchanan reaching full capacity. By Wednesday morning, the LCRA reported that all floodgates at Buchanan Dam were shut, while one gate at both Wirtz and Starcke dams remained partially open.
San Antonio officials announced they will release the majority of 911 calls and other emergency response records connected to the June 12 flash floods, which claimed 13 lives on the city’s Northeast and West sides.
ARLINGTON
General Motors is relocating Escalade production from Arlington to Michigan.
Katherine Johnson (1918–2020) was an exceptional American mathematician whose work was instrumental in NASA’s early space exploration efforts. Celebrated for her expertise in orbital mechanics, she accurately calculated flight trajectories for landmark missions, including the first human spaceflight and the Apollo 11 moon landing. As a trailblazer for both women and African Americans in STEM, her meticulous, often manual calculations played a crucial role in the success of these missions and opened doors for future generations.
1956. May 18: Harry Belafonte’s album “Calypso” is released. This becomes the first record by a solo artist to sell more than 1 million copies.
KATHERINE JOHNSON
JUNIOR JOURNALIST PROGRAM EMPOWERS YOUTH VOICES IN HOUSTON LOCAL
By: Sharon C. Jenkins
The spirit of storytelling and truthseeking came alive for a group of eager young minds during the Junior Journalist Program, held June 23–27 at 2411 Emancipation Avenue in Houston. Sponsored by African American News & Issues and made possible by the generous space donation from D’Art Event Services, this weeklong immersive experience offered youth ages 8–17 the chance to explore the power of media, journalism, and podcasting firsthand.
The program was coordinated by Sharon C. Jenkins, a veteran journalist and author, with instruction led by Christin Durant, a dynamic media personality and podcast host, and Shonte Williams, who served as the energetic games coordinator. Together, they created a safe, empowering space where students could discover their voice and learn the skills of observation, research, interviewing, and publishing.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in interactive sessions including “What is Journalism?”, ethical reporting, and multimedia storytelling. They created DIY press passes, played the “News or Not?” game to understand different types of content, and wrote their very first articles using the classic 5Ws and H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How). Each afternoon, students were encouraged to share their work aloud, receiving supportive feedback and building confidence in their craft. A standout moment of the week came from a touching testimony by Phyllis Williams, a proud grandmother who discovered the program in an unexpected way.
“Well, I was at H-E-B trying to get me some gumbo,” she laughed. “And while I was in there, I found some pamphlets on a cart. I looked over and saw a newspaper — African-American News & Issues. I said, ‘Hmm... aromnews.com? I’ve never heard of
that. Let me look.’”
Williams recalled flipping through the pages with curiosity until a headline stopped her cold.
“It said, ‘Do you have a young person who loves to ask questions? Tell stories? Dream of making a difference with their voice?’ And I thought about my granddaughter... I sent the info to all my grandkids. I told them, ‘Who wants a challenge?’”
Only one responded — her granddaughter Trinity.
“She said, ‘I’ll do it!’ and from that point on, she was so excited. She was up at 4:30 every morning. Every day this week, she’s been motivated. She just loved the whole thing,” Williams shared with emotion. “I’m so glad this was in the newspaper, because if it hadn’t been, I wouldn’t have known. Thank you.”
The success of the Junior Journalist Program is a testament to the power of community, literacy, and legacy. It gave students an authentic look at what it means to be a media maker — not just consumers, but creators of culture and truth. The program closed with participants
receiving certificates of completion from AFRAM.
As the next generation of storytellers stepped forward with confidence, one thing became clear: the future of journalism is in powerful, passionate hands.
Special thanks to Michael Myles Hayes, Rhonda Lynn Jenkins, and Ferrell Phelps for their outstanding contributions of time to this initiative.
DAVANNA SMITH
DAVID SMITH
DAYVIA SMITH
GPRHONDA LYNN JENKINS
MICHAEL MYLES HAYES
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for: CSP- # 25-07-08 LSCS Kingwood Campus Performing Arts Bldg Roof Replacement Electronic submittals due by 2:00PM, Monday July 28,2025. Contact: dina.sauser@lonestar. edu or (832) 813-6532.
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 MC-vendors@lonestar.edu.
MY INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL MYLES HAYES JR.
By: David Smith
This week I had the honor to interview Michael Myles Hayes Jr. He is a kind-hearted young man who plays baseball and is an actor. He was very polite and very direct. When I asked the questions, he wasn’t rude, but straightforward and did not hesitate to give me an answer.
When I grow up I want to play baseball because I really like throwing baseballs and play catch with my family.
THE STORY OF UKNALA: MY MAGICAL UNICORN BESTIE
By: Trinity Roni Wells, Age 8
Hi! My name is Trinity Roni Wells and I’m 8 years old. I’m going to tell you a real story about me and my unicorn best friend. Her name is Uknala.______ She’s all white and shiny like a cloud, and her horn is a beautiful mix of purple and pink, like cotton candy on a rainbow. Uknala has a little sister named Sparks. Sparks lives in my backpack, for real! She’s pink and purple with a sparkly mane and big black eyes that look like shiny buttons. She’s six years old and full of energy. Uknala is ten, just like me — we have so much in common! We had a big birthday party for Uknala at my house. All of her unicorn siblings came — like 11 to maybe 20 of them (I didn’t count ‘cause it was a lot). Her older sisters planned a surprise and took her somewhere super special. I don’t know where they went because it was a big secret, but when they got back, she was smiling so hard her horn was glowing! So I know she had a great time.
At her party, we had cake (but NOT red velvet — we don’t like that), cookies (chocolate chip is the best), and just a little bit of candy like M&M’s. We don’t eat a lot of sweets. Uknala and Sparks are more into fun than food! When we go outside, I ride my scooter and Uknala and Sparks ride with me or walk beside me. I live in an apartment, so we don’t have a playground, but we use the sidewalk like it’s a magical path. We love going to the pool because my unicorns like to get wet and splash, but they don’t like the beach. Too much sand, they say!
Uknala’s favorite color is pink and Sparks loves purple. Sometimes I dress them up with little bows on their tails, and they look fabulous — like they’re ready for a unicorn fashion show.
I only have two unicorns, but that’s all I need. They’re my best friends and we do everything together. The Story of Uknala is full of fun, love, and sparkles — and it’s just getting started.
MY INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL MYLES HAYES JR.: BALLPLAYER, ACTOR, AND REAL-LIFE SUPERKID!
By: Jedidiah Gregory, Age 9
Hi, I’m Jedidiah Gregory, and guess what? I got to interview someone really awesome — Michael Myles Hayes Jr. He’s a teenager who plays baseball, acts, makes movies, and even talks about stopping bullying. He’s super cool, and he was really nice to answer all my questions!
First, I asked him about baseball because I love sports too. Michael said he plays for the Decan Wildcats in high school and Saber Baseball for travel ball. He’s been with Saber since sixth or maybe even seventh grade, and he loves it. He said his team is like family, and his coach treats him like a son. That’s what you call real team spirit!
When I asked what he wants to do in the future, he said he hopes to go to a Division One college and keep playing baseball, but he also really loves acting. So, he might do that too. I think it’s cool that he has big dreams in both sports and showbiz!
Then, my friend asked how he became an actor, and Michael said it was all because of his mom! She got him started, and he just kept going. He even has an agent! When he was five, he was trying all kinds of things — baseball, soccer, swimming, flag football, and acting. Acting was the one he took really seriously even as a little kid.
I also asked when he wanted to become a producer. He told us this awesome story about how he loved watching Teen Titans, and Beast Boy was his favorite. He used to write about what his own version of Beast Boy would look like. When he was around 9 or 10, he told his mom he wanted to turn that into a movie. That’s how his love for producing started.
Michael even made his own short film about bullying. He said in fourth and fifth grade, he saw a lot of bullying and wanted to do something about it. He made the film to show that bullying isn’t okay, and that bullies might need someone to talk to, too. That’s really powerful.
At the end, I told Michael thank you for talking to us. He said it was an honor and that we asked amazing questions. He even said he wants to help make a film again — and I hope I get to work with him someday! Michael Myles Hayes Jr. is not just talented — he’s thoughtful, brave, and inspiring. I think he’s a real-life superhero.
YOU’RE INVITED TO A PUBLIC MEETING
I-45 NORTH HOUSTON HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (NHHIP) SEGMENTS 1 & 2 VIRTUAL MEETING
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2025
5 – 7 P.M.
REAL-TIME QUESTION & ANSWER SESSIONS
YOU MAY ACCESS THE PUBLIC MEETING BY VISITING THIS LINK: WWW.VIRTUAL.NHHIPPUBLICMEETINGS.COM OR USE THE QR CODE BELOW.
Join us to learn more about the Interstate (I)-45 NHHIP – a transformative project designed to reduce congestion, enhance safety, improve mobility, drive economic and community opportunities and bolster flood resilience across the Houston region.
This meeting will spotlight Segments 1 & 2, offering the latest updates on segment progress, key project activities, and how TxDOT is fulfilling its commitments to property owners, tenants, communities, and other stakeholders.
PROJECT LIMITS:
The project spans I-45 from I-69 to Beltway 8 North, including I-69 improvements between Spur 527 and I-45 in Harris County, Texas. This encompasses the reconstruction of the downtown Houston freeway loop system, including I-45, I-69, I-10, and State Highway (SH) 288. I-45 will be rerouted from the west side of downtown Houston to run parallel with I-69 and I-10 until it exits the downtown area and continues north.
The public meeting will be conducted in English with Spanish interpretation available. If you need an interpreter or document translator because English or Spanish is not your primary language, or have difficulty communicating effectively in English or Spanish, one will be provided to you free of charge. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. If you need interpretation or translation services or if you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend and participate in the public meeting, please contact Gabriel Adame, Public Engagement Coordinator, at 713-802-5199 or Gabriel.Adame@txdot.gov, no later than 4 p.m., Friday, July18, 2025. Please be aware that advance notice is required as some services and accommodations may require time for the project team to arrange.
ku 713-802-5199 kugirango mwishyure ibisabishijwe byihutirwa cyangwa niba mufite ubutabera bwo guhumurizwa /guhindurwa ku rurimi. Mandarin: Mandarin (traditional Chinese): 如出席和参与会�需要特殊照顧或需要口譯 /
713-802-5199 Mandarin (simplified Chinese): Vietnamese: Xin hãy g
713-802-5199
I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP)
