Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
By: Roy Douglas Malonson
Bill Collins didn’t just play football—he made history every time he stepped onto the field. As the first Black football captain to lead the University of Colorado for an entire season, Bill broke barriers, silenced doubt, and left a legacy that continues to inspire generations. On July 31, 2025, he passed away in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer. His life was a testament to what it means to rise, lead, and open doors for those who follow.
Before Bill became a college football pioneer, I knew him as the young man who lived just 100 feet away from me in Acres Home. Even then, it was clear he had something special. At George Washington Carver High School, he was the starting quarterback on the football team and the starting pitcher for the baseball team. He didn’t just play—he excelled. On the field and in the classroom, he
By: Roy Douglas Malonson
It was more than just music—it was a cultural moment. As Kendrick Lamar and Drake, two of the most powerful and influential Black artists of this generation, traded diss tracks and personal jabs, millions of people around the world tuned in. Fans picked sides, timelines lit up with analysis, and the entertainment industry saw a surge in engagement and revenue. But behind all the beats and bars, a much older, darker playbook was unfolding. What many saw as a rap battle was really just a modern-day reminder of the age-old strategy: divide and conquer.
This tactic has been used against our community for centuries. It’s how colonizers controlled nations, how enslavers managed plantations, and how governments disrupted civil rights movements. Keep them distracted. Keep them competing. Keep them divided. That way, they’ll never unify—and if they don’t unify, they’ll never build real power.
The Kendrick vs. Drake feud became a global event, but for many in the Black community, it became a digital battleground. Twitter threads turned into turf wars. Friendships turned cold over who had the better verse. Instead of using our platforms to push culture forward, we spent weeks debating which millionaire won the lyrical war—while the same systems that benefit from our division sat back and watched the numbers climb.
But this isn’t new. We’ve seen it before. East Coast vs. West Coast. Light skin vs. dark skin. Caribbean vs. African American. Male vs. female. Even within movements for justice, division has crept in and caused fractures that never fully healed. Divide us by color, class, geography, gender, or ideology—and you prevent us from ever realizing how powerful we are together. That’s the scary part. Because when we’re united, we shift history. We’ve
A Revival of God Consciousness
THE CITY OF PRAIRIE VIEW
Prairie View is a small city in Waller County, northwest of Houston. The population of Prairie View is less than 9,000. Eighty-five percent (85%) of Prairie View’s population is Black. Prairie View is the largest Black populated city in America. The city of Prairie View was established in 1969 with the motto: “Productive, United, and Indomitable”. The city is governed by a strong mayoral form of government. The mayor serves as both city council chair and chief executive administrator. The median income of residents is 25,000.00 per year. Approximately (25%) of the population is below the poverty level. The city is primarily noted for Prairie View A&M University, the second oldest public university in the state of Texas. Prairie View A&M University is an acclaimed HBCU. Prairie View A & M University was established in 1876. Its current student population is (9,893). PVAMU’s Motto is: “Changemakers are bred here, Pioneers emerge here, and Excellence lives here”. What a Godly Motto! PAMUV’s President, Dr. Tomikia LaGrande is noted for her intellectual expertise in strategic planning and student development success outcomes. Recently, Mayor Ronald Leverette and Dr. LaGrande had an in-depth strategic planning session concerning collaboration between the city of Prairie
EDITORIAL
View and Prairie View A & M University. One of the primary discussion items was about student housing developmental capacity as well as discussions concerning improving the overall quality of communal life both for the community as well as the student population. An off-campus housing initiative is of the utmost importance to the overall developmental well-being of PVAMU as well as for the city of Prairie View. For example, PVAMU received (10,819) applications for its in-coming (2025) freshman class but only had the capacity to accept a freshman class enrollment of (8,457). This is a positive challenge, as Prairie View can use selective admissions to raise standards and improve student performance, unlike many other HBCUs. Consequently, PVAMU does not have an enrollment problem. Thereby, potentially improving graduation rates. Another discussion point was improving the quality and community accountability of policing both on campus as well as in the city. Policing in the twenty-first century, particularly in college towns, raises a range of sensitivity issues. Consequently, the Prairie View Police Chief and the PVAMU Campus Police Chief are working together to enhance public safety and community well-being concerns. Additionally, Mayor Ronald Leverette has secured a once in a lifetime industrial job creating/developing contractual relationship with OYH Construction Materials Company. OYH will build a 100-million-dollar plant, and OYH has 30 years of
We Must Understand
Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher
IS SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP BLEEDING BLACK WALLETS DRY?
On any given Sunday, you’ll find churches packed with faithful Black believers—singing, shouting, and sowing. But outside those church walls, many of those same believers are struggling to pay rent, keep the lights on, or put food on the table. Meanwhile, some pastors are living lavishly—driving luxury cars, wearing designer suits, and living in gated communities. The question we need to ask is uncomfortable but necessary: Are we financing the gospel or just funding someone else’s lifestyle?
Historically, the Black church has been a source of strength—spiritually, politically, and emotionally. It carried us through slavery, Jim Crow, and civil rights. But in today’s climate, some church
ferings, many Black families are giving beyond their means in hopes of a “breakthrough” that never seems to come. It’s not a sin to be successful. But when the flock is struggling while the shepherd thrives, something is off. If a pastor drives a Benz while his members catch the bus, we have to ask: Where’s the accountability? Where’s the financial transparency? We’re not saying stop giving—we’re saying give with wisdom. Spiritual leadership should empower the community, not extract from it. We need churches that teach financial literacy, credit repair, business ownership, and how to build generational wealth— not just how to sow into someone else’s.
The solution? Demand transparency. Support pastors who reinvest into their members. Attend churches that offer real-life tools, not just spiritual hype. And most importantly, know that God wants you to prosper—not stay broke in the name of faith.
Because if the church is the body of Christ, then every part—not just the head— should be thriving. Say Amen
Bobby Mills, Ph.D.
stood out as a leader, a thinker, and someone destined for greatness. Opportunities for Black youth were scarce back then, especially in leadership positions on the field. Back then, they didn’t allow Black kids to be starting quarterbacks in white colleges. That role was considered off-limits. No matter how much talent a young man like Bill had, there was always a ceiling. But he never let that stop him. He carried himself with quiet determination and kept preparing for greater things. His road to college football wasn’t easy. He didn’t receive a scholarship out of high school. Instead, he wrote letters, advocated for himself, and walked on to the University of Colorado football team without any promises. But by the spring of his freshman year in 1966, he had earned that scholarship—and much more. From 1967 to 1969, he played with heart and power, helping lead CU to a 21–11 record and two bowl victories.
The defining moment of his legacy came during the 1969 Liberty Bowl, when Colorado played against an allwhite Alabama team. The racial tension in Memphis that night was thick. And when it came time for the coin toss, Bill’s white co-captains stopped short—letting him walk alone to midfield. That moment was powerful. He called “tails,” won the toss,
and led Colorado to a 47–33 victory. But more than that, he led with dignity and courage. That coin toss wasn’t just about football— it was a moment of defiance, pride, and representation. When I look at college football today, I see Deion Sanders coaching at Colorado and his son Shedeur Sanders starting at quarterback. That same program that once didn’t allow men like Bill to lead at that level now uplifts them. And I know—without a doubt—that Bill Collins helped make that possible. His senior season was legendary. He earned second-team All-Big Eight honors and tied a school record with 23 tackles in a single game. Over his career, he racked up 167 tackles, 11 for loss, and eight pass deflections. But the numbers only tell part of the story. What really made him special was his presence. Bobby Anderson called Bill’s walk to midfield “the most courageous moment” in CU football history. Eric Harris said he “made contact” with people’s lives—and I couldn’t agree more. Bill moved through the world with purpose and humility. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Esther D., seven children—daughters Tammy Franklin (Kirk), Da’Vidra West, Tamara Collins, Dawn Wilburn, Kimberly
Tripp (Derrick), Celeste Howell (Keith), and son William “Bill” III (Novelette); 21 grandchildren: Kerrion, Carrington (Maxx), Caziah (Alena), Kennedy, Micah, Brandon, Andrew, Imani, Derrick II, Kelise, Gideon-Michael, William III, Caleb, Stephen-Gabriel, Evadney, John-Alan, Dylan, Kendyl, Kason, Kenzlie, and Keith III; and two greatgrandchildren, Shiloh and Levi Noelle. His celebration of life was held on August 7 in Dallas, where guests were asked to wear his favorite colors—blue and tan.
Bill Collins lived the way he played: with courage, integrity, and quiet strength. His story is more than athletic achievement— it’s about transformation. He showed young Black men that leadership is not given—it’s earned, claimed, and often fought for.
To the next generation—especially those coming out of Acres Home— remember this: you don’t need permission to be great. You need purpose. Bill Collins had it. And because of him, so can you. Rest well, “Foots.” You were always steps ahead, and even in passing, you’re still clearing the path for the next generation.
FINANCIAL SLAVERY 2.0
By: Fred Smith
Everywhere we turn, we’re being sold something. A new phone, new shoes, a car we can’t afford—but somehow feel like we need. For Black America, this is more than just advertising. It’s a carefully constructed system that preys on our pain, our progress, and our purchasing power. And the worst part? We’re spending billions, but owning nothing. Modern marketing has evolved into a silent form of control. We’re no longer in physical chains—but our minds are shackled by brands that know exactly how to sell to us. They use our culture, our slang,
our music, our fashion. They study our habits, track our data, and use it to flood us with ads designed to trigger in security, status anxiety, and impulse. It’s not accidental—it’s engineered. And it works. Black consumers in America have over $1.8 trillion in buying power, yet we own less than 2% of the nation’s wealth. That means we’re spending, but not building. We’re making others rich while our neighborhoods lack investment, our schools stay underfunded, and our future generations inherit debt instead of assets.
This is Financial Slavery 2.0—an economic system where we’re free to consume anything, but conditioned not to own a thing. It’s not just about money. It’s about mindset. If we keep measuring success by what we wear, drive, or post on social media, we’re playing right into their hands.
So what’s
at aframnews.com
LEGAL NOTICE
THROUGH THE LENS OF TIME: BLACK HISTORY IS 24/7/365
1932 1942 1865 1870 1947 1868 1941
1932. The Tuskegee Institute collaborates with the U.S. government to conduct syphilis experiments on African American men.
1941. The Tuskegee Airmen become the first graduates from an all-African American pilot training program to subsequently fight in World War II.
1942. Civil-rights leader, James Farmer, founds the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE).
1947. Jackie Robinson becomes the first African American to play on a Major League Baseball team.
1865. Mississippi is the first state to legislate Black Codes post–Civil War, restricting rights and discriminating against free African Americans
1868. The fourteenth amendment is passed, guaranteeing citizenship rights and equal protection under law.
1870. The fifteenth amendment is passed, guaranteeing that a citizen’s right to vote would not be denied on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
TEXAS TAKEAWAY
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Montgomery Independent School District (MISD) is proud to announce the official open house for its newly constructed Career and Technical Education (CTE) center, The DEN. This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in the future of MISD students, offering expanded opportunities for hands-on learning, industry certifications, and real-world skills development across a variety of career pathways.
AUSTIN
The City of Austin has issued an update on Phase 2 of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center project, which began construction nearly two years ago.
SAN ANTONIO
Six Flags CEO to Step Down as Company Reports $100 Million Loss in Second Quarter
CONROE
Conroe and Willis ISDs to Convene Saturday to Discuss Water Issue at New School Facility.
FORT WORTH
BJ’s Wholesale Club to Open First Texas Location in Fort Worth. The membership-based retailer, a competitor of Costco and Sam’s Club, is currently developing a new location along Altamesa Boulevard near Chisholm Trail Parkway in southwest Fort Worth.
John Lewis was an American icon of the Civil Rights Movement and a longtime U.S. Congressman representing Georgia’s 5th district. Born in 1940, he became a key leader in the fight for racial equality, known for his courage, nonviolent activism, and commitment to justice. He played a pivotal role in pivotal events like the Freedom Rides, the March on Washington, and the Selma to Montgomery marches.
CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER AND U.S. CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS
HOUSTON NATIVE TRAINS TO JOIN U.S. NAVY SUBMARINE FORCE LOCAL
By: (Ms. Ashley B Craig) Navy Office of Community Outreach
Seaman Recruit Dominic Maryland, a native of Houston, Texas, is training to be part of the U.S. Navy’s 125-year tradition of service under the sea.
Maryland graduated from Sharpstown High School in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.
“I learned to keep pushing, to never stop the uphill climb and that greatness is never easy,” Maryland said.
“No matter the stress around me, I just keep pushing no matter what the situation is.”
Maryland joined the Navy six months ago. Today, Maryland is a student at the Naval Submarine School, training to serve as a sonar technician (submarine) in the submarine force.
“I joined the Navy to build a better future for myself and to start a career, not just a job,” Maryland said.
Located aboard Naval Submarine Base New London, the Naval Submarine School is where officers and enlisted sailors receive the basic knowledge needed to join operational submarine commands in the fleet.
U.S. Navy sailors are training at the schoolhouse alongside members of the Royal Australian Navy who are part of the AUKUS Pillar 1 Optimal Pathway, a partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States aimed at helping Australia acquire a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
Once in the fleet, the foundation established at submarine school allows sailors to build competence and proficiency in operating and maintaining submarines and all their systems. The school also provides refresher and advanced training to members of the submarine force and those supporting submarine commands to increase proficiency in specific skills.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the U.S. Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically
advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.
After completing their training, Maryland will serve aboard or in support of one of the Navy’s three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines, ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines. Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.
The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarines produced by the U.S., replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each guided-missile submarine is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of
the submarine force, Maryland is part of the rich 125-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America. Maryland has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of my weight loss journey where I’ve lost 115 pounds in six months,” Maryland said. “I proved to myself that I could do anything I set my mind to and continue to stay in physical shape and stay disciplined.”
Maryland serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means that there’s a future ahead of me as long as I don’t take my ‘foot off the gas,’” Maryland said.
Maryland is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my father and mother, Reginald and Hazel Tolbert, and my sister, Brianna Tolbert, for all their love and support,” Maryland added.
PHOTO BY FIRE CONTROL TECHNICIAN SEAMAN RECRUIT DUNCAN WOODWARD, NAVAL SUBMARINE SCHOOL
WHO REALLY WINS WHEN WE FIGHT? SPOILER: IT’S
By: Fred Smith
When Kendrick Lamar and Drake went to lyrical war, the world watched like it was a championship game. Twitter trended. TikTok exploded. Fanbases clashed in digital gladiator pits. Every post, every hot take, every side chosen fueled a fire much bigger than music. But here’s the twist: while we were busy battling each other online, someone else was cashing the checks.
Let’s be real—every stream of a diss track, every reaction video, every think piece published put more money into the machine. Labels, media platforms,
US LOCAL
NOT
themselves? They may have walked away with increased numbers, but the real winners were the gatekeepers of an industry that thrives off conflict. It’s a business model: stir division, profit off distraction, repeat.
And this isn’t new.
From slavery to segregation to the East Coast vs. West Coast beef, “divide and conquer” has always been the strategy used to keep us from recognizing our collective strength. The blueprint hasn’t changed—just the platforms. The moment we argue over who’s “king,” we stop asking why we haven’t built the
lines, we’re not starting businesses, mentoring youth, or building generational wealth. Every second lost in conflict is a second not spent in creation. Every dollar used to stream drama is a dollar not reinvested in our communities. And every tweet in a feud feeds the illusion that only one of us can shine. The truth is, unity doesn’t go viral. But it’s where the real power lies. When we stand together, we shift culture, we influence policy, and we set the economic tone. That’s the real threat to the system— and that’s exactly why it wants us divided.
So, the next time we’re pulled into a headline, a beef, or a trending topic that pits us against each other, let’s ask a simple question: who benefits from this? If the answer isn’t “us,” then we might be looking at a distraction in disguise. It’s time to flip the script. Compete less. Collaborate more. Celebrate each other’s wins without feeling threatened. That’s how we rise. That’s how we win. Because if we don’t, someone else will keep winning off our division—and we’ll keep paying the price.
done it before. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the March on Washington. From the rise of Black Wall Street to the global wave of protests after George Floyd. Unity is our weapon. And the system knows it.
So when we glorify beef—especially public beef between influential Black voices—we have to ask: who benefits?
The media platforms that profit off the clicks?
The record labels that love viral conflict? Or the power structure that knows we’re too distracted fighting each other to focus on economic justice, community development, or mental health?
That doesn’t mean we can’t have competition. Iron sharpens iron. Hip hop was built on battling. But there’s a difference between sport and sabotage. There’s a difference between pushing each other to be better and tearing each other down in front of the world for entertainment.
The danger comes when we treat beef like a spectacle instead of a symptom. A symptom of how we’ve been conditioned to see each other as enemies instead of allies. A symptom of a culture that praises individualism but forgets collective progress. A symptom of generations taught that there’s only room for one at the top.
But there is a way forward.
We need to shift the narrative. When conflicts like this arise, let’s
ask bigger questions. How can we turn this moment into a conversation about ownership in the music industry? How can we leverage the attention to build platforms that we control? How can we educate young people on the importance of unity and critical thinking when consuming media? We also need more public examples of collaboration—projects where artists, activists, educators, and entrepreneurs work together, across differences, for a greater goal. Let’s make unity go viral. Let’s normalize partnerships, community wealth, and collective wins. Most importantly, we need to protect our culture. Not just from outsiders, but from the internalized division that’s been planted in us. That means checking ourselves when we start to tear someone down online. That means teaching the next generation how to disagree without destroying. That means knowing the difference between a moment of entertainment and a historical pattern of manipulation. Because at the end of the day, Kendrick and Drake will be fine. They’ve got the money, the fans, and the platforms. But we—the people watching—have to decide whether we’ll fall for the trap again… or finally break the cycle. The choice is ours.
GREAT EDUCAT RS THE HEART OF LEARNING STARTS WITH
Nominate a deserving teacher, counselor, principal, early childhood learning center, school board or school district.
Created in 2002, the H‑E‑B Excellence in Education Awards was designed to honor and thank outstanding public school professionals. Through this program, H‑E‑B awards over $780,000 annually to deserving educators who go the extra mile to serve their students and communities.
To submit a nomination or application, go to HEBLovesTeachers.com Deadline for nominations September 30
