Volume 30 Issue 27 by AFRAMNEWS.COM

AframNews

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

THEY’RE ERASING US FROM THE MAP

By: Roy Douglas Malonson

ey’re doing it again—just like they always have. Quietly, behind closed doors, and in the middle of summer when they think nobody’s paying attention. Only this time, it’s not poll taxes or literacy tests. It’s lines on a map. And if we’re not careful, those lines are going to erase Black political power in Houston for the next decade.

Last week, Governor Greg Abbott called a special session of the Texas Legislature. e goal? Redraw the state’s congressional maps years before the next census. at’s not normal—and it’s not a coincidence. It’s a targeted move to shake up districts in and around Houston where Black voters have his-

torically had the power to elect leaders who look like us and ght for us.

Let’s be real: this isn’t just redistricting. It’s modernday voter suppression dressed up in legal language. Why ey’re Coming for Houston

Houston has long been a political stronghold for Black leadership. From ird Ward to Acres Homes, we’ve built neighborhoods, raised families, and organized movements. Our communities have sent representatives to Austin and D.C. who’ve fought for civil rights, criminal justice reform, healthcare access, and fair funding for our schools.

Map on pg. 3

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as eo Huxtable on * e Cosby Show*, tragically passed away at the age of 54 on July 20, 2025, while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica. According to local reports, Warner was caught in a powerful rip current o Playa Grande/Manañez Beach in the Limón province. Despite e orts to save him, he drowned due to asphyxiation. He is survived by his wife and their young daughter, whose identities he intentionally kept private throughout his life.

Warner on pg. 3

APRIL 2, 1954 - JULY 13, 2025

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of a beloved individual whose life touched so many. eir kindness, strength, and unwavering spirit will be remembered by all who knew them. A true legend in Houston’s car scene, his spirit, dedication, and legacy will always be remembered. ough they are no longer with us, their memory will live on in the hearts and stories of those they leave behind.

EDITORIAL

A Revival of God Consciousness

Mills, Ph.D.

Character matters, because character is about values and lifestyles. More importantly, values inform and delineate institutional structures. Hence, if an individual has Godly character, he/she needs to prepare for persecution, but: “Fear not them which can kill the body, but not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10: 28). America, fear of God is wisdom. Fear of ungodly individuals is foolishness, because fear is the only tool the ungodly has. e Trump Administration lacks spiritual-moral leadership character because there are no independent thought processes operating, only devilish groupthink. erefore, with President Donald J. Trump it is simply “my way or the highway”. Or take it or leave it approach. America faces a crucial moral crossroads. Chaos or multi-cultural democracy. e spiritual and moral character of leaders have a signicant impact on shaping and organizing culture. President Trump’s Playbook “it’s a hoax is not working with his MAGA-Cult base concerning the Epstein Files. Pedophilia is a bridge too far even for President Trump’s ardent Christian Right Evangelical supporters, because they even know that: “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”

We Must Understand

Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

ey didn’t march into our neighborhoods with batons or barking dogs. ey didn’t shut down polling places or burn ballots. No, this time they came with pens, data, and political strategy. And just like that—without a single siren or headline—they began erasing Black political power in Houston.

at’s the danger of redistricting in 2025. It’s quiet. It’s technical. And unless you’re paying attention, you might not realize what’s been taken until it’s too late.

And they’re calling it “raceneutral.” As if pretending not to see color justi es erasing our representation.

But we know the game. We’ve seen it before. Gerrymandering may not make noise like voter ID laws or polling place closures, but it hits just as hard. Because when our votes are spread thin, our voices are silenced. And when our communities are split, so is our power. is isn’t about party politics. is is about us—our schools, our healthcare, our justice, our survival. e truth is, voter suppression doesn’t always come with ashing lights. Sometimes it comes in the form of a map, carefully drawn to make sure we don’t matter.

majority districts, includTX-29, are on the chopping block. ey want to slice up our neighborhoods and merge us with suburbs that don’t look like us, vote like us, or ght for what we

Governor Greg Abbott’s mid-decade push to redraw Texas congressional maps is more than suspicious—it’s strategic. Houston’s Blackmajority districts, including TX-9, TX-18, and TX-29, are on the chopping block. ey want to slice up our neighborhoods and merge us with suburbs that don’t look like us, vote like us, or ght for what we need.

And we have a choice: we can ignore it until the next election rolls around and wonder why nothing changed… or we can act now—loudly, boldly, together. We didn’t ght this hard to

be erased quietly. Not now. Not

Bobby

ever.

Map Cont.

resources they need. Whether your streetlights work. Whether your community clinic stays open. Whether your neighborhood is protected or over-policed. Whether you have someone in o ce who knows your struggle—or someone who’s never set foot in your part of

this country’s history of suppressing Black voices whenever we get too loud, too organized, or too powerful.

doors. Because we’ve seen this before, and we’re not going to sit back and let it happen again.

Warner Cont.

“ is ain’t the rst time they’ve tried to silence us,” says Reverend Marcus Hayes of Fi h Ward. “But every time they try, we get louder.”

strategic. ey want to dilute the Black vote. ey want to make it harder for us to elect people who actually care about our neighborhoods. ey want our political voice

But now, the state is proposing to redraw districts like TX-9, TX-18, and TX-29—breaking up our communities and merging them with whiter, wealthier suburbs that don’t share our struggles or our priorities. at’s not just shady—it’s gone.

And they’re doing it under the false banner of “race-blind” redistricting. But come on—we know what it is.

e Real-Life Impact

When they change the district lines, they don’t just shi boundaries— they shi power. And that a ects real people in real ways. It a ects whether your kids’ schools get the

set foot in your part of town.

“If they take away our representation,” says retired educator Linda Moore from Sunnyside, “they take away our ability to ght for ourselves. And if we

Let’s not forget: back in 2021, when Texas gained two new congressional seats, they gave both of them to white-majority areas—even though 95% of the state’s population growth came from people of color. at wasn’t just an oversight. at was a message. Now in 2025, instead of xing the injustice, they’re making it worse—by going a er

can’t ght, they’ll forget us.” is isn’t speculation. is is what has hap-

is is what has happened time and time again. When Black communities lose political representation, we also lose access—access to funding, access to protections, access to change. is Is a Pattern—And We Know It is move didn’t come out of nowhere. It’s part of a pattern—one that’s deeply rooted in

the few districts

where Black and Hispanic voters still hold in uence. It’s a strategy. It’s a setup. And if we don’t ght back, it’s going to work.

But We’re Not Powerless

Here’s the part they always forget: Black people don’t back down. Faith leaders, community organizers, and everyday folks are stepping up. Lawsuits are already in the works. Churches are hosting town halls. Activists are holding rallies and knocking on

for silence. Now is the

up, and stay informed.

Now is not the time for silence. Now is the time to speak out, show up, and stay informed. Because once those new maps are locked in, they’ll be in place until 2031. at’s six more at’s six years of ignored if we don’t act. We Built is City. Don’t Let em Redraw Us Out of

new maps are locked in, they’ll be in place until 2031. at’s six more elections. more years of being igWe Built is

Let em Us Out of It. At the end of the day, this is about politics. power.

At the end of the day, this is about more than politics. It’s about

It’s about presence. It’s about being seen, heard, and respected in the city

about being seen, heard, and respected in the city we helped build. We’ve marched, voted,

We’ve marched, voted, organized, and sacri ced too much to let them erase us now. So here’s the question: Are we going to let them redraw us out of existence? Or are we going to draw the line— and ght back?

Because history is watching. And so are our children.

Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Warner was named in honor of Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal. Encouraged by his mother Pamela, he began acting at an early age and enrolled in the Professional Children’s School in New York. His early TV appearances on *Matt Houston* and *Fame* led to his breakout role as eo Huxtable in 1984. His performance earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination at just 16 years old, making him one of the most recognizable young talents of the era. While eo made him a household name, Warner’s creative pursuits expanded far beyond acting. He directed music videos in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, including notable projects for New Edition and Special Ed. He also directed episodes of hit shows like * e Fresh Prince of Bel-Air*, *Kenan & Kel*, and *All at*. Warner starred in and coproduced *Malcolm & Eddie* and later led the series *Reed Between the Lines*, showcasing his range as both an actor and a behind-the-scenes talent.

His television career remained strong over the years, with acclaimed performances in series such as *Community*, *Sons of Anarchy*, *Suits*, *Major Crimes*, and *American Crime Story*, where he portrayed Al Cowlings. From 2018 onward, he captivated audiences

as Dr. AJ “ e Raptor” Austin in * e Resident*, earning a devoted fan base. Even amid controversy surrounding * e Cosby Show*, Warner remained proud of the show’s cultural contributions and its place in television history. Beyond the screen, Warner was a gi ed musician, poet, and speaker. He formed the jazz-funk band Miles Long and played bass with the Atlanta-based Biological Mis ts. His 2022 album *Hiding in Plain View* earned a Grammy nomination, and in 2015 he won a Grammy alongside Lalah Hathaway and the Robert Glasper Experiment for “Jesus Children.” Based in Atlanta with his wife and daughter, Warner valued privacy, family, and purpose. His sudden loss le an undeniable void, with tributes pouring in from gures across the entertainment world, remembering him as a thoughtful, multi-talented, and deeply respected artist.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s family life was de ned by deep a ection and a strong commitment to privacy. Around 2016 or 2017, he married a woman who worked as an attorney in Connecticut, whom he met through a mutual friend. Honoring her preference for a low pro le, Warner chose never to share her name or show her publicly.

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

Civil Rights Act of 1964. is landmark legislation outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Voting Rights Act of 1965 Signed into law by Lyndon B. Johnson, this act aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote.

March on Washington (1963). Over 250,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., for jobs and freedom. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

Malcolm X’s Assassination (1965). A prominent Black nationalist and former Nation of Islam leader, Malcolm X was assassinated in Harlem while speaking at the Audubon Ballroom.

Founding of the Black Panther Party (1966. Founded by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale in Oakland, California, the Black Panther Party aimed to combat police brutality.

Integration of the University of Mississippi (1962). James Meredith became the rst African American admitted to the segregated university, under federal protection a er violent riots.

Loving v. Virginia (1967) e U.S. Supreme Court struck down laws banning interracial marriage, ruling them unconstitutional.

CONROE

TEXAS TAKEAWAY

With additional support from the state, Conroe ISD has greenlit a $33 million compensation plan for its workforce.

Conroe ISD Chief Financial Ofﬁcer Karen Garza announced that the preliminary budget for 2026 is set at $761.05 million, an increase from the current $711.97 million.

AUSTIN

A resolution set for a vote by the Austin City Council on Thursday would initiate a study into creating a local air trafﬁc controller academy

ARLINGTON

Barber receives unexpected support and opens up about how his life and business were affected after witnessing a tragic salon murder-suicide.

HOUSTON

This fall, life is about to get a lot easier for San Antonio residents. H-E-B, Texas’ beloved grocery chain, has ofﬁcially announced the grand opening date for its new store on the city’s Northwest side.

SAN ANTONIO

Texas Athletics revealed the 10 inductees for its 2025 Hall of Honor class on Wednesday. The induction ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. on September 12 at the LBJ Auditorium and Conference Center.

DALLAS

A Stanley Cup champion and the voice who brought the moment to life are set to be inducted into the Dallas Stars Hall of Fame.

Etta James, born Jamesetta Hawkins, was a highly in uential American singer known for her powerful vocals and versatility across genres like blues, R&B, soul, and jazz. She rose to fame with hits like “At Last” and “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” and despite personal struggles with addiction and tumultuous relationships, she achieved signi cant success and recognition, including multiple Grammy Awards and inductions into various Halls of Fame. Her music has in uenced countless artists and continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and raw power.

ETTA JAMES

SENATOR BORRIS L. MILES NAMED TO THE TEXAS SENATE REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE POLITICAL

By: Justin Concepcion

I did not ask for this ght, but I will not back down from it. Being appointed to the Texas Senate Redistricting Committee is a monumental responsibility, and I intend to meet that responsibility head-on. Let me be clear: Donald Trump is orchestrating a and dangerous attempt to strip

Remember, this isn’t redistricting. It’s RIG-DISTRICTING.

representation, not because it’s right, not because it’s constitutional, but because it’s politically convenient. is is nothing more than a blatant, shameful and racist power grab, rooted in fear of changing demographics and the growing political voice of Black and Brown folks. is isn’t redistricting, it’s RIGDISTRICTING.

coordinated power away from Black and Brown voters in this state. ey are targeting congressional districts right here at home with strong Black and

is isn’t redistricting, it’s RIGDISTRICTING.

e Trump Administration has put a target on the backs of those who have dared to

to make it easy for them. I will be the voice in that room ghting to protect what we, as a community, have built. I will stand in the gap for my constituents and for every voter who refuses to be silenced. But I need the community’s help; I cannot do this alone. It’s time to beat the drums and sound the alarm. Republicans have stacked the deck against us.

In 2006, I ran for o ce to serve the people, to give voice to the voiceless, to ght against injustices and ght for what’s right. I will ght against all of the schemes to redraw the future of Texas into an image of hate, into an image not representative of the people who live here. We will not be erased.

on silencing historically communities by drawing

e Trump Administration has put a target on the backs of those who have dared to speak the truth. And now, the MAGA machine is hell-bent on silencing historically Black and Brown communities by drawing lines that cut through our neighborhoods and our voices. at is a violation of the Voting Rights Act. at is a violation of our democracy, and I will not stand for it.

Senate District 13,

Senate District 13, the one of the largest minority-majority Senate districts in Texas—includes two of the congressional districts directly in their crosshairs: Congressional Districts 9 and 18 are steeped in a rich history.

Senate districts in

in their crosshairs: Districts 9 and 18 history.

ere is nothing legal about this; this is a political attack against Democracy. A strategic assault to steal the 2026 Election and ip control of Congress, even if it means gutting Black and Brown political power in Texas. ey may have rigged the game, but I refuse

Brown

ECHOES OF THE PAST: A DEFINING MOMENT IN HISTORY HISTORY

Emmett Till was a 14-year-old African American boy from Chicago who traveled to Money, Mississippi, in August 1955 to visit relatives. Raised in the North, Emmett was unfamiliar with the strict racial codes of the Jim Crow South. While in Mississippi, he reportedly whistled at or spoke irtatiously to Carolyn Bryant, a white woman working at a grocery store. ough the exact nature of the interaction remains debated, this alleged breach of racial etiquette set o a tragic chain of events.

Several nights later, Emmett was abducted from his great-uncle’s home by Roy Bryant, Carolyn’s husband, and his half-brother, J.W. Milam. e two men beat, tortured, and ultimately killed Emmett, dumping his body into the Tallahatchie River, weighed down by a fan tied around his neck with barbed wire. When his body was discovered days later, it was so mutilated it was barely recognizable. His mother, Mamie TillMobley, insisted on an open-casket funeral in Chicago to show the world the horror of what had been done to her son.

e case quickly gained national and international

attention. Photographs of Emmett’s body published in Jet magazine shocked the public and highlighted the brutal reality of racism in America. Despite compelling evidence, including eyewitness testimony and the identi cation of Emmett’s body, an all-white, all-male jury acquitted Bryant and Milam a er just over an hour of deliberation. A few months later, protected by double jeopardy, the two men admitted in a paid magazine interview that they had indeed murdered Till.

countless activists, including Rosa Parks, who cited Till when refusing to give up her bus seat later that year. Mamie Till-Mobley went on to become an educator and civil rights advocate, dedicating her life to seeking justice and sharing her son’s story. Emmett Till’s legacy lives on as a symbol of the deep racial injustices of the past and the continued ght for equality.

A DAY THAT SHAPED OUR FUTURE

Emmett Till’s murder became a turning point in American history, sparking outrage and mobilizing the Civil Rights Movement. His death inspired

Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, stands as one of the most iconic and powerful moments in American history. Speaking from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, King addressed a crowd of over 250,000 civil rights supporters, calling for an end to racism and urging for equality and justice. His vision of a future where people “will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character” resonated deeply across the nation and around the world.

e speech was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement,

capturing the hopes and frustrations of millions who faced systemic discrimination and segregation. King’s eloquence and moral clarity inspired activists and ordinary citizens alike, galvanizing e orts to challenge segregation laws and ght for voting rights. His reference to the Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation Proclamation underscored the unful lled promises of freedom and equality for African Americans. King’s words were not just a call for racial justice, but also a plea for nonviolent resistance and brotherhood among all people. e speech emphasized unity and peaceful protest, re ecting King’s

philosophy shaped by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings. e phrase “I have a dream” was repeated as a hopeful refrain, painting vivid pictures of an America where racial harmony and equal opportunity were realities.

Over the decades, the “I Have a Dream” speech has been studied, celebrated, and commemorated as a milestone in the struggle for civil rights. It helped pave the way for landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech remains a timeless reminder of the ongoing pursuit of justice and the enduring power of hope.