Volume 30 Issue 30 by AFRAMNEWS.COM

“Addressing

AframNews.com

Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

SILENCING BLACK AND LATINO VOTERS

By: Roy Douglas Malonson

In recent days, more than 50 Texas House Democrats have taken a bold and unprecedented stand, leaving the state to prevent a vote on a controversial redistricting plan. Traveling to states such as Illinois and New York, their absence has denied the Texas House the quorum needed to advance the proposal, e ectively stalling the process. e stakes are immense. e Republican-backed plan, reportedly encouraged by former President

Donald Trump, seeks to create as many as ve additional Republican U.S. House seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Civil rights advocates say the plan would dismantle the political in uence of Black and Latino voters in key areas like Austin, Houston, Dallas, and South Texas. For Black Texans, the impact would be immediate and far-reaching. Several historically Black neighborhoods

By: Fred Smith

Marcus Christopher Skelton was born January 15th, 2004, in Houston, Texas, to Myron Skelton and Raven Wheaton (Jones). e rstborn of three children, Marcus entered the world prematurely at 33½ weeks. Doctors warned that he would face severe health challenges, predicting he would never have functioning kidneys, never care for himself, and would live with major limitations. At two days old, one of his lungs collapsed, and he endured two blood transfusions that same week. But a er six weeks in the NICU, Marcus came home—and never returned to the hospital. God had a di erent plan. Marcus faced challenges with courage and joy. He participated in Special Olympics, from basketball and track to his beloved bowling—where his slow-rolling balls often ended in strikes. He loved football, shouting “Touchdown!” or “Fumble!” with enthusiasm. In church, his praise dancing was so infectious that his Big Papa gave the children their own space to worship.

Although Marcus’s speech wasn’t always clear, his love spoke volumes. Everyone who met him felt it—his joy, his kindness, and his way of making you feel special. His hugs, laughter, and playful teasing reached deeper than words ever could. His Uncle Meeko Skelton was one of his biggest supporters, always encouraging Marcus and making sure he felt valued and included.

Marcus’s life is a reminder that adults with disabilities deserve attentive care, protection, and environments where they can thrive. Safety protocols are essential—consistent supervision, secure transportation practices, and awareness from caregivers and the community. ese measures ensure that individuals like Marcus can live joyfully, Voters on pg. 3

A Revival of God Consciousness

Gerrymandering is manipulating electoral boundaries to bene t a speci c political party; resulting in oddly shaped political districts, especially congressional districts. is ungodly partisan political practice gives one political party advantage over the other based upon race and socio-economic compositions. Redistricting is scheduled to occur every decade (10 years). Governor Gregg Abbott called a Special Session based upon a special request from President Donald J. Trump. e Texas dispute is a bold and brazen highlighting of the evils of socio-racial-economic gerrymandering. e concept of gerrymandering was coined over (200) years ago, and in the 21st century it is still alive and doing well. Remember the telephone call to the Secretary of State of Georgia, Brad Ra ensperger from President Trump: “I just need 11,780 votes”. In order to secure a second term in o ce, President Trump required a victory in the State of Georgia. Now, in 2026 to not be impeached for a third time, President Trump needs to have the GOP retain control of both e House of Representatives as well as the Senate. Hence, a er a telephone call from President Trump up jumped Governor Gregg Abbott with a special legislative session to save President Donald J. Trump from a

EDITORIAL

third potential embarrassing impeachment. Congressman AL Green has already written articles of impeachment. Sadly, instead of Governor Abbott addressing the horri c and disastrous Kerrville ood crisis, he’s carrying water for President Donald J. Trump. What an ungodly shame. is is why most Americans refer to politics as a “pile of s—t”. Manipulating congressional voting boundaries is about as undemocratic as a state can get. Hence, gerrymandering is simply voter suppression by another name, but the results are the same.

We Must Understand

Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

e Texas redistricting case underscores issues of socio-economic and racial gerrymandering. Some states have established Special Commissions made up of a bipartisan panel to draw congressional district boundaries in an e ort to address concerns about political bias. In the South and the Midwest redistricting is controlled by Republicans. Hence, this is why the South (Dixiecrats), and the Mid-West are primarily Republican controlled states. Gerrymandering simply means any congressional district lines drawn for partisan political advantage. Gerrymandering is counterproductive to a multi-cultural democratic society, because gerrymandering has a negative impact upon the basic principle of democratic accountability. Moreover, gerrymandering has a signi cant e ect on election outcome, because you have politicians choosing their voters rather

In Texas, a political ght is unfolding that could shape the balance of power until well a er 2030—and Black communities stand to lose the most. Lawmakers are considering a middecade redistricting plan, a rare maneuver that redraws district lines years before the next census. On the surface, it’s a political strategy. In reality, it’s a dithreat to Black representation and the progress our community has fought for across generations.

political outcomes until the next scheduled redistricting a er the 2030 Census. at’s because redistricting typically happens only once every ten years, a er census data is collected. Changing the lines now means locking in these disadvantages for the remainder of the decade, regardless of population growth or demographic changes. It’s a way to control the game before the next whistle blows. e impact extends beyond elections. Representation in Congress and the state legislature in uences funding for schools in our neighborhoods, infrastructure in our cities, healthcare in our communities, and policies that shape our economic future. Without fair maps, our voices are weakened in every one of these arenas.

e proposed maps would reshape voting districts in cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and parts of East Texas—areas with strong Black populations and deep cultural history. By slicing these communities into multiple districts, the plan would “crack” concentrated voting power, scattering Black voters among larger, majority-white areas. is is not accidental; it is a calculated e ort to dilute the ability of Black Texans to elect leaders who understand and prioritize our needs.

If passed, these maps wouldn’t just a ect the 2026 elections—they could de ne

History has taught us that when our voting power is targeted, it’s rarely restored without a ght. e Voting Rights Act of 1965 was won through relentless struggle. Protecting our vote today will require the same unity and determination. We cannot a ord to sit this one out. We must educate ourselves on the redistricting process, demand transparency, support legal challenges, and, above all, turn out to vote in every election. Because if these maps pass, the silence they impose on Black political power could echo until 2030 and beyond—and that’s a future we cannot allow.

Bobby Mills, Ph.D.

maps, our History has taught

rect

Voters Cont.

in Houston, Dallas, and East Texas could be split into multiple districts, scattering their voting strength and reducing their ability to elect candidates who understand and prioritize their concerns. is shi would weaken advocacy for issues like equitable school funding, healthcare access, criminal justice reform, and economic opportunity — all areas where Black communities have been ghting for change. Leaders warn that it could mean a decade of diminished political voice, even as these communities continue to drive population growth and cultural in uence across the state.

Governor Greg Abbott has vowed not to back down. He has called repeated special sessions, threatened arrest warrants and removal from o ce, and petitioned the Texas Supreme Court to expel 13 absent Democrats, including House Minority Leader Gene Wu. While legal experts note these moves face signi cant hurdles, the pressure on the absent lawmakers remains intense.

Not all Democrats chose to leave.

Representative Richard Raymond of South Texas stayed behind in Austin to resist from within the Capitol. A veteran of earlier redistricting battles, he believes the courts will ultimately weigh

in. Still, he warns that allowing “mid-decade redistricting” could spark similar tactics across the nation, eroding public trust in fair elections. Support has poured in from other states.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has called the plan “cheating” and o ered sanctuary to the lawmakers. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has renewed her push for strong er anti-gerrymandering measures in her own state. e backing from national Democratic leaders underscores the broad implications of the Texas ght, which many see as a frontline battle for voting rights. is is not the rst time Texas Democrats have le the state to block legislation. Similar walkouts occurred in 2003 and 2021. However, many observers believe this stando carries more weight, with the potential to reshape congressional power for years.

e protest has now stretched on, with absent lawmakers facing $500 daily nes, the threat of losing leadership roles, and mounting legal challenges. Despite these risks, they remain committed to holding the line, hoping to ignite a broader movement for fair maps and equitable representation. Adding to the tension, former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke’s group, Powered by People, has been covering travel

August 15, 2025

and lodging expenses for the lawmakers. is support has become the subject of a lawsuit from Attorney General Ken Paxton, who alleges the funds are being misused — a claim O’Rourke’s team denies. e con ict has also brought moments of real danger. A bomb threat recently forced the evacuation of a suburban Chicago hotel where some lawmakers were staying. In addition, Democratic leaders, including Gene Wu, have faced racially charged and xenophobic attacks, re ecting the high emotions and deep divisions surrounding the redistricting ght. If enacted, the proposed map would signi cantly alter urban districts, breaking up minority communities and diluting their voting strength. is could have a lasting impact on representation for Black and Latino Texans, in uencing policy decisions on education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and justice reform.

At its core, this is more than a statelevel dispute. It is a national test of whether diverse communities will continue to have a meaningful voice in American politics, or whether partisan maneuvering will fracture their in uence. e outcome could shape the political landscape for the next decade, making this one of the most consequential political stando s in recent memory.

20 YEARS AFTER KATRINA

By: Guy Rankin

20 Years A er Katrina: e Untold Story of a Leader Who Changed Disaster Housing Forever

As the nation marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, countless stories will be retold — stories of resilience, heartbreak, and extraordinary leadership in the face of chaos. Among them is one that too few people know: the story of Guy R. Rankin IV, the architect of a housing model that not only transformed how America responded to Katrina’s displaced but has shaped federal disaster housing policy ever since.

In August 2005, as oodwaters swallowed New Orleans and evacuees poured into Houston, Rankin — then CEO of the Harris County Housing Authority — received a 3 a.m. call that would de ne his career. Within hours, he and his team created a bold, unprecedented plan to move people directly from cots in the Astrodome into private housing. e approach, pairing immediate placement with wraparound services,

became the framework for the federal Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP) and ultimately helped rehouse more than half a million people across 48 states and six U.S. territories.

e “Houston model” has since been adapted for disasters from Superstorm Sandy to California wild res — a testament to the enduring power of Rankin’s vision. Yet, despite the scope of his impact, his name rarely appears in the headlines.

Two decades later, as the country faces an era of increasingly frequent and severe disasters, Rankin’s story is more than history — it’s a reminder of what’s possible when decisive leadership meets innovative thinking. His record proves that the right person, in the right role, can change the course of lives and communities.

From the Astrodome to America: How Guy Rankin’s Houston Model Rehoused Half a Million People — and Changed U.S. Disaster Response Forever

In the chaotic days

a er Hurricane Katrina’s landfall in August 2005, as New Orleans lled with water and the Gulf Coast reeled, Houston became America’s front door for the displaced. Inside the cavernous Reliant Astrodome and surrounding complex, thousands of cots lined the oor. Children clutched donated toys; weary adults queued for meals and showers. At the peak, 27,100 people found temporary refuge here, but over 65,000 would pass through in what became one of the largest and fastest human relocations in modern American history. And remarkably, most didn’t stay long.

A 3 A.M. Call at Changed Everything It was 3:00 in the morning when Guy R. Rankin IV’s phone rang. On the other end was Texas Governor Rick Perry. e message was urgent: 1,200 evacuees are on their way to the Houston Astrodome. You’re in charge of housing them. As CEO of the Harris County Housing Authority (PHA

THROUGH THE LENS OF TIME: BLACK HISTORY

1441. e rst enslaved Africans are transported

1464. Sonni Ali ascends the throne of the Songhai kingdom. By his death in 1492, the Songhai control a vast trading empire that lasts until the end of the 16th century.

1517. lack plantation slavery begins in the New World when Spaniards begin importing enslaved people from Africa to replace Native Americans.

1565. e Spanish take enslaved people to St. Augustine, the rst permanent settlement in what would later be the state of Florida.

1619. A Dutch ship with 20 enslaved Africans aboard arrives at the English colony of Jamestown, Virginia.

1650. e Yoruba Oyo Empire begins growing powerful in what would later be southwestern Nigeria. e empire reaches its height in the rst part of the 18th century.

AUSTIN

TEXAS TAKEAWAY

SAN ANTONIO

Newly Released Uvalde Records Indicate District Withheld Info, Ignored Educators.

The Texas Department of Transportation is commemorating the completion of an extensive, months-long initiative conducted beneath the surface of Central Texas.

Over a four-month period, the team devoted 18 days to the detailed mapping of Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown. According to an ofﬁcial statement from TxDOT, the resulting three-dimensional model of the cavern will serve as a valuable resource in the planning and development of future infrastructure projects along the I-35 corridor.

The Alamo Colleges District Board of Trustees has formally approved a plan to consolidate the faculty senates of its ﬁve colleges into a single, district-wide advisory body. As part of this restructuring, up to 89 faculty senate seats may be eliminated. The decision aligns with the requirements of Texas Senate Bill 37, which mandates that faculty senates remain advisory in nature and limits their membership to no more than 60 individuals.

CONROE

With the beginning of the new school year, The Woodlands Family YMCA has partnered with Conroe ISD to expand its after-school program to additional campuses in the Conroe area.

Stokely Carmichael, later known as Kwame Ture, was a prominent gure in the Civil Rights Movement, known for popularizing the “Black Power” slogan. He initially championed nonviolence as a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), but later advocated for a more assertive approach, emphasizing self-determination and racial pride. His call for Black Power re ected a shi towards black nationalism and a focus on building independent black communities, rather than solely seeking integration into white society.

to Portugal.

1746. Poet and storyteller Lucy Terry, a enslaved teenager, composes the poem “Bars Fight,” the earliest existing poem by an African American.

STOKELY CARMICHAEL

Katrina Cont.

code TX441)

— and as the point man for emergency housing coordination across Texas counties — Rankin didn’t hesitate. By dawn, he was inside the Astrodome, walking the oor, studying the rows of cots, and assessing the magnitude of what was about to unfold.

By 7:00 a.m., he was back in his o ce. He called in two of his most trusted sta members and posed a question that would rede ne disaster housing: What if we created a voucher program just for disaster victims? Both sta ers agreed instantly. Within hours, the concept was set in motion.

From Concept to Mass Deployment

Rankin’s next calls were to apartment developers and property owners. e pitch was urgent: We need your units now. People are sleeping on the oor of the Astrodome.

One night during that rst week, an extraordinary thing happened — a brand-new apartment complex, so new it hadn’t even received its certi cate of occupancy,

opened its doors to evacuees. Families who had been sleeping under stadium lights were turning keys in brandnew locks within hours. Rankin’s team furnished units, coordinated wraparound services, and built a national network from the Astrodome oor.

e model was simple but powerful: nd units, secure them, furnish them, and move people immediately — while pairing housing with case management to ensure stability.

A Moment at Changed His Drive Rankin learned quickly from the human moments that came with the work. One day, in his usual hustle through the Dome, he urged three women to pick up the pace so they could be processed faster. ey looked at him and said quietly, “Our kids are dead. Can you give us a moment?”

e words stopped him

cold. e deep sorrow behind them reminded Rankin that this wasn’t just about housing — it was about restoring lives, dignity, and hope. at moment gave him and his team an

even deeper resolve to make life right for those who had lost so much. Scaling to the Nation What began as an emergency voucher idea in one Texas county rapidly became the framework for a national response. e federal Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP) — administered by HUD and funded by FEMA — was supercharged by Rankin’s local blueprint.

With federal backing, private-sector partners stepped in. Southwest Airlines and Continental Airlines ew evacuees to new homes across the country. Moving companies transported belongings, nonpro ts provided furnishings, and local PHAs from coast to coast opened their doors.

In just weeks, more than 500,000 people were housed across 48 states and six U.S. territories. From Houston apartments to Ohio

suburbs, from California towns to Puerto Rican neighborhoods, evacuees were

given not just shelter, but a fresh start.

18-Hour Days and 1 A.M. Calls

For Rankin’s team, the work was relentless — 18-hour days that stretched into months and years. e phone rang at all hours, including 1:00 a.m. calls with the Secretary of Homeland Security, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and a Senator from Illinois who would later become President of the United States.

National media took notice. Invitations came from e O’Reilly Factor and e Oprah Winfrey Show. Rankin declined the spotlight, staying focused on the mission.

“I appreciated the calls,” Rankin says, “but the real thanks goes to God rst — and to my dedicated sta , the best people on the planet, who gave up so much of their own lives over two years to keep housing disaster victims all over America.”

e Statewide Pledge

When Perry made his public

promise that Texas would shelter evacuees, he had the weight of FEMA and HUD behind him. But the speed and e ectiveness of that promise depended on local execution.

County Judge Robert Eckels transformed the Reliant complex into a processing center for the entire state. In sworn Senate testimony, he documented the scale: 65,000 evacuees processed, 27,100 sheltered at peak. But its real role was as the nerve center for a national dispersion — one that would rewrite disaster housing history.

e Legacy at Endures

Nearly two decades later, the “Houston model” still shapes how America responds to catastrophic displacement.

e DHAP framework remains in place, adapted for disasters from Superstorm Sandy to California wild res. e essential mechanics —

Hundreds of thousands of Americans have bene ted from the model since Katrina — many without knowing it began with a 3 a.m. phone call, a few trusted colleagues, and the conviction that every disaster victim deserved more than a cot in a stadium.

Better Prepared, Because of Houston e numbers speak for themselves: half a million people placed into homes, countless landlords and communities mobilized, and a federal housing response infrastructure that’s faster, smarter, and more humane than it was before 2005.

For those who lost nearly everything in Katrina, the pain was immeasurable. But because of the commitment and service of people like Guy Rankin, the Astrodome became more than a shelter — it became a gateway to a fresh start. For many, it was the close of one book and its pages blank and ready

rapid intake, immediate placement into private housing, integrated case management — trace directly back to Rankin and TX441’s 2005 operation. the opening of another, its pages blank and ready to be rewritten.

CHAMBER BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT LOCAL

By: Sheba CreativeAF

e Acres Home Chamber is excited to introduce Chamber Spotlights, a new initiative designed to highlight and celebrate our Business Partner level members. ese spotlights aim to showcase the incredible businesses that are making an impact in our community. We’re kicking o this series with a special feature on HER Business Solutions, founded by Ronica Hebert, with Kathleen Gordon leading the marketing e orts and a team of dedicated business solutions experts, including Jasmine Wolford, Dorothy Turner, Shanique Williams, Ariel Davis, and Brooklyn Hayward. Together, this dynamic team is making waves in the Acres Home area.

1. What inspired you to start your business, and how did you choose Acres Home as your base?

Starting HER Business Solutions was fueled by a desire for nancial freedom and a passion for making a di erence in our community. Choosing Acres Home as our base was an easy and natural decision. is is where we grew up. I know the people, the struggles, and the strength that live in this neighborhood. I wanted to be part of the positive change and serve as an example to others that success is possible. If you can speak it, you can achieve it.

3. How has being part of the Acres Home Chamber impacted your business or growth?

ere truly aren’t enough words to express how grateful we are for the Acres Home Chamber. From day one, including our grand opening and ribbon-cutting, they’ve been by our side o ering support, encouragement, and valuable resources. eir ongoing commitment has played a key role in helping us grow and stay connected to the larger mission of community empowerment.

4. What makes your business unique, and how are you serving the community in ways that larger companies don’t?

HER Business Solutions proudly represents women in business,

women leading, building, and creating impact in the communities we serve. While we run a for-pro t business, we also believe in the importance of giving back. We o er free services and educational sessions, especially for youth transitioning out of high school into college, many of whom are ling taxes for the rst time. Our focus on mentorship, accessibility, and empowerment sets us apart from larger companies that may not have the same community-centered approach.

2. What’s one challenge you’ve overcome as a small business owner, and how did it shape your journey? One of the biggest challenges we faced was simply learning how to be an e ective and impactful small business. We had to learn how to stand out and make our mark. Networking, showing up to community events, and hosting our own gatherings helped us build strong relationships and trust. ese experiences have shaped us into a business that is deeply rooted in the community we serve.

strong relationships and trust. ese

impact in the communities for-pro t business, we also

we believe will bene t our clients and the community at large. e best way the community can support us is by continuing to spread the word, attend our events, and take advantage of the resources we o er. We’re here to grow with Acres Home, and we’re excited about what’s to come.

5. What’s next for your business, and how can the community support you?

We’re currently focused on expanding, adding new team members and additional services that

For more information on HER Business Solutions visit them online at www.herbusinesssolutions.com. To join the chamber, visit us online at www.acreshomechamber.com, or by attending an in person

the community at large. e best

event.

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.