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“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
BE CAREFUL WHO YOU VOTE FOR
By: Roy Douglas Malonson
In every election season, promises come fast and loud. Campaign ads ood our screens. Speeches grow more passionate. Slogans get sharper. But when the rallies end and the cameras turn o , one simple truth remains: your vote is power. And power should never be handed away lightly.
For generations, Black communities have understood that the right to vote was not freely given. It was fought for. It cost blood, jobs, safety, and in some cases, lives. e same can be said for many Hispanic families who overcame barriers to citizenship, language discrimination, and voter suppression. at history alone should make us pause before casting a ballot based on emotion, hype, or frustration.
Too o en, political campaigns focus on symbolism instead of substance. A photo-op in the neighborhood. A speech at a church. A viral soundbite that spreads across social media. But representation without results is empty. Handshakes do not equal housing. Slogans do not lower grocery bills. Applause does not x schools. Be careful who you give your vote to. Voting is not about personality. It is not about who speaks the loudest or trends the most online. It is about policy. It is about track records. It is about asking tough questions: Did this candidate invest in our communities before election season? Did they support legislation that improved healthcare access? Did they create opportunities Vote on pg. 3
By: Fred Smith
HBCU GRAD
Jeremy Plater has emerged as a key contributor to NASA’s groundbreaking Artemis II mission, a historic step in humanity’s return to the Moon.
As part of the mission’s core team, Plater’s work supports the rst crewed ight of the Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence beyond Earth. His role re ects both technical expertise and a commitment to advancing space exploration, helping ensure that every system and procedure meets the rigorous standards required for deep space travel.
Plater’s responsibilities span critical areas of mission planning and execution, where precision and collaboration are essential. Working alongside engineers, scientists, and astronauts, he contributes to the integration of spacecra systems and mission operations that will guide the crew safely around the Moon and back. His e orts help bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world application, ensuring that the Orion spacecra and its supporting systems perform awlessly under the extreme conditions of space.
Beyond the technical achievements, Jeremy Plater’s involvement in Artemis II represents a broader vision for the future of exploration. e mission is not just a return to lunar orbit—it is a stepping stone toward long-term lunar habitation and eventual missions to Mars. rough his work, Plater plays a part in inspiring a new generation of explorers, demonstrating how innovation, teamwork, and determination can push the boundaries of what is possible and open a new era in human space ight.
e Artemis II mission itself marks a de ning moment in modern space exploration as it will send astronauts on a crewed journey around the Moon for the rst time since the Apollo era. Utilizing the powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecra , the mission will test life-support systems, navigation, and deep-space communication capabilities in a real-world environment.
A Revival of God Consciousness
EDITORIAL
THE U. S. PRESIDENCY
e U. S. Presidency is an institution, not a cultic personality. Sadly, since 2016, Donald J. Trump, has been attempting to make the U. S. Presidency a personality cult. When in fact, the U. S. e Presidency follows an advice and consent model, not a monarchy based on one person. e spiritual-moral question is simply this: is America better o because of the Trump Presidency? If not, it must be rightly said that the Trump Presidency is the most ungodly dysfunctional Presidential Administration in America’s two-hundred- yyear history. What an ungodly shame. is is why, President Trump is talking about rigged elections, because of his fears regarding impeachment proceedings. President Trump is concerned that Democratic control of the House of Representatives could lead to impeachment, and the Senate may later vote to convict him. us, President Trump is concerned about one thing, and only one thing, not getting impeached for a third time. Or perhaps two sources of pro t, his salary and family business interests, but clearly not public service. No doubt about it, President Trump and his MAGACult Cabinet Members represent absolute devilish confusion and exclusion to the nth degree. e Trump Presidency has initiated the
golden age of socio-economic political corruption. No one can deceive everyone forever, and God can never be deceived. America, sooner or later President Trump’s Golden Age of corruption shall come to an end, and children of God can sing Glory Hallelujah to God the eternal KING of all want-tobe-kings! Unfortunately, in the Grand Ole Party we have an awful lot of males that are males of another male, rather than men of God. us, overwhelming Americans of every socio-politicaleconomic status empirically know that with President Trump, it is about HIM, not THEM. In fact, President Trump has taken America into an unparalleled Golden Age of Socio-politicaleconomic CORRUPTION.
In fact, Donald J. Trump has led America into a signi cant period of Presidential corruption. Let’s hope America, as a multicultural democracy, avoids future Presidential corruption.
President Trump’s immoral war on constitutional democracy in many ungodly ways has been aided and abated by the not so, Supreme Court, because they have injected partisan politics into law enforcement and judicial court rulings. Laws are universal, not particularistic. Laws apply to everyone regardless of status. Laws are universal.
Sadly, President Trump has so-called Christian Right Evangelical Followers who have a form of religiosity, but not Godliness. e Pharisees were religious hypocrites. e Bible speaks of the time
MASTER PILOT AWARD RECIPIENT
By:Lone Star Flight Museum
Captain John Dyer was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1949. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he joined the United States Air Force Flight School a er graduating from North Carolina A&T University in 1971. Dyer served as the top ight instructor and was the face of the U.S. Air Force recruiting e orts during the Vietnam War. As part of the 89th Airli Wing, he ew high-ranking members of the
U.S. Government. Dyer has logged more than 21,000 ight hours, which included ying for Continental Airlines and Fed Ex. He was a pioneer in the Ultralight movement. He retired from commercial aviation in 2009.
Houston community through aviation. Dyer is an accomplished jazz musi-
A lifetime and dedicated member of the EAA and OBAP, Dyer has remained deeply committed to aviation education and mentorship. In 2022 he received the prestigious FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award recognizing y or more years of safe civil and military ying. On November 15, 2025, the City of Houston proclaimed “John Dyer Day”, recognizing his achievements and contributions to the cian, avid golfer, and in life is ever
longtime resident of Spring, Texas. “Nothing worthwhile ever easy.”
Bobby Mills, Ph.D.
CAPTAIN JOHN DYER
Vote Cont. your vote to. Ask yourself: Who bene ts if this candidate wins? Who loses? What policies will change? Who will be appointed to positions of power? How will federal dollars be distributed? What protections will remain in place? ese are not partisan questions. ey are practical ones. e power of the Black and Hispanic vote has reshaped American politics time and time again. at in uence should not be treated as a reactionary tool but as a strategic instrument. Voting should be thoughtful, not impulsive. Strategic, not emotional. Based on facts, not fear. Democracy works best when voters demand results, not just rhetoric. It works best when communities organize beyond election cycles and track whether leaders ful ll their commitments. It works best when citizens remember that a ballot is not a gi — it is an investment. And every investment deserves careful consideration.
for minority-owned businesses? Did their leadership increase or reduce economic inequality? ese are measurable questions with measurable answers. History shows that no political party has a permanent claim to any group of people. Communities that vote without conditions o en nd themselves taken for granted. When politicians believe your vote is automatic, they have little incentive to compete for your needs. Real political strength comes from leverage — from making candidates earn support with concrete commitments. But accountability works both ways. We must also take responsibility as voters. Research matters. Understanding how local, state, and federal policies impact daily life matters. Too many people focus only on the presidential race while ignoring school board elections, city council seats, district attorneys, and state legislators. Yet these local positions o en have the most direct impact on our neighborhoods, policing, education, and economic development. Emotions can cloud judgment. Anger at one party can push people to the other without examining whether that alternative truly aligns with their long-term interests. Frustration with rising costs or crime can make bold promises sound appealing. But promises without a detailed plan are simply words.
Be careful who you give
Before you check that box, pause. Research. Re ect. Ask what tangible outcomes will follow. Because once your vote is cast, the consequences — good or bad — belong to all of us.
Be careful who you give your vote to.
HISTORY
FROM SEGREGATION TO STARDOM
By: Fred Smith
Jackie Robinson made history on April 15, 1947, when he stepped onto the eld for the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the rst African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. At a time when segregation still shaped much of American life, Robinson’s debut was more than a sports moment—it was a powerful challenge to long-standing racial barriers. His presence on the eld symbolized a shi toward equality and opportunity in
professional sports. Robinson’s journey to the major leagues was not easy. Before joining the Dodgers,
he played in the Negro Leagues, where African American players were forced to compete due to segregation. Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey selected Robinson not only for his talent but also for his strength of character, knowing he would face intense discrimination. Robinson endured racial slurs, threats, and unfair treatment from fans, opponents, and even some teammates, yet he remained composed and focused on proving himself through his performance.
skill, and demonstrated exceptional athleticism. His performance earned him the inaugural Rookie of the Year Award, and he helped lead the Dodgers to the World Series. Beyond statistics, Robinson’s success forced many critics to reconsider their views, helping to open the door for other African American players to enter the league.
the broader Civil Rights Movement, inspiring change across American society. His courage, resilience, and excellence helped transform Major League Baseball and le a lasting legacy of equality and progress. Today, Robinson is remembered not just as a great athlete, but as a pioneer who changed the game—and the nation—forever.
Jackie Robinson’s impact extended far beyond baseball. By breaking the color barrier, he
became a key gure in performance. On the eld, Robinson quickly showed he belonged. In his rookie season, he hit .297, stole bases with remarkable
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 rst Black family—Harvey Jr. and Johnetta Clark and their two children.
1952. For the rst time in more than 70 years, the Tuskegee Institute nds 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. ompson Co., Inc.
1954. First Black Air Force General: Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr. is the rst Black person to be appointed as an Air Force general a er serving in World War II and the Korean War.
1955. Marian Anderson is the rst Black woman to perform a lead singing role with the Metropolitan Opera, also called the Met.
1956. May 18: Harry Belafonte’s album “Calypso” is released. is becomes the rst record by a solo artist to sell more than 1 million copies.
HOUSTON
DALLAS
TEXAS TAKEAWAY
e Toyota Center is expected to undergo a dramatic transformation through a reported $180 million renovation project aimed at modernizing the arena and elevating the fan experience. Plans include the addition of a striking 20,000-squarefoot glass atrium, upgraded entrances, new premium lounges and retail spaces, and fully renovated suites, all designed to create a more dynamic and immersive environment for visitors.
BRYAN
Greg Abbott is scheduled to speak ursday a ernoon at the future home of the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute facility. He will also deliver remarks and take part in a groundbreaking ceremony at the site in Bryan.
SAN ANTONIO
e Dallas City Council has voted to remove Cesar Chavez Day from its list of o cial city holidays, a decision that has sparked debate among residents and community leaders. However, critics argue that eliminating the day diminishes recognition of Cesar Chavez and his legacy of advocating for farmworkers’ rights and social justice. Supporters of the holiday say it represents an important cultural and historical acknowledgment for Latino communities in Dallas.
In San Antonio, new educational initiatives are giving high school students a head start on careers in teaching by allowing them to enter educator preparation pathways before graduation. ese programs, o en developed through partnerships between local school districts and colleges, provide students with hands-on classroom experience, dual-credit coursework, and mentorship from professional educators. By introducing the fundamentals of teaching early, the initiatives aim to address ongoing teacher shortages while inspiring a new generation to pursue careers in education. Supporters say the programs not only strengthen the future workforce but also create opportunities for students to return and serve their own communities as quali ed teachers.
WALTER LINCOLN HAWKINS
Walter Lincoln Hawkins (1911–1992) was a pioneering American chemical engineer and inventor who revolutionized the telecommunications industry through his work in polymer chemistry. He is most famous for developing a long-lasting, inexpensive plastic coating for telephone cables that made universal telephone service possible.
SPORTS
STUDENT EARNS GOLD MEDAL IN INAUGURAL SPECIAL OLYMPICS COMPETITION
By: Amy F. Cooper
Lone Star College-Montgomery is proud to announce that Kendall Young, a student in the lifePATH program, has earned a gold medal at the Special Olympics Texas Area 4 and Area 6 Basketball Skills Competition. is victory marks a signi cant milestone as the rst o cial competition for the LSC-Montgomery Special Olympics Delegation.
e event, held at York Junior High School in
Spring, Texas, saw Kendall compete in the Division 2 Basketball Skills category. To secure the top spot on the podium, Kendall demonstrated mastery in three timed events: speed shooting, cone dribbling, and alternating chest passes. Under the guidance of Coach Brett Boswell and with the support of LSC System Head of Delegation, Dr. Jarome Davis, Kendall’s preparation culminated in a performance that perfectly de ned the spirit of the games.
Beyond his own competition, Kendall’s leadership was on full display as he spent his morning volunteering to assist during the Division 1 shooting events. His sel essness and sportsmanship re ect the Special Olympics athlete oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
LSC-Montgomery gold medalist Kendall Young showcases his skills and school spirit at the Special Olympics Texas basketball competition at York Junior High.
“ is milestone speaks volumes about the dedication and spirit of our LSC-Montgomery Special Olympics team,” said Brett Boswell, the manager of sports and recreation and coach for the LSC-Montgomery Special Olympics team.
“In his rst competition, Kendall’s achievement is truly inspiring and sets a strong foundation for what lies ahead. It re ects our ongoing commitment to creating opportunities where every student can engage, grow, and reach their full potential.”
For Kendall, this gold medal is more than an athletic achievement; it
is a testament to his personal journey of resilience. A er facing initial challenges at another university, Kendall chose to start over in LSCMontgomery’s lifePATH program. Since then, he has ourished both socially and academically, earning a spot on the President’s List and receiving the lifePATH Campus Ambassador and Social Light Awards. Kendall’s success, both on the court and as a student leader, has been strengthened by a dedicated network of mentors and active community engagement. rough his commitment to academics, dedication to service, and pursuit of excellence, his story serves as a powerful reminder of what students can achieve when they believe in themselves and are supported along the way.
Success stories like Kendall’s are made possible by the dedication and support that highlight LSCMontgomery’s value in fostering student success. For more information about the Special Olympics at Lone Star College, please visit LoneStar. edu/Special-Olympics.
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
LEGAL NOTICE
Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for:
RFP # 26-02-03 COSMO Salon Equipment Electronic submittals due by 2:00PM, Friday, MAY 1, 2026.
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.
e Houston Independent School District Purchasing Services Department located at 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, TX 77092 is soliciting Request for Quali cations (RFQ) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view speci cations and submit their responses at the following link https:// houstonisd.ionwave.net/ Login.aspx until 11:00 a.m. (CST) Friday, April 24, 2026, for the following solicitation:
RFQ 26-04-02 Independent Auditor For Annual Financial Audit
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for:
RFP #26-03-07 – Cohesity Hardware and Implementation. Electronic submittals due by 3:00PM, Monday, May 4, 2026.
Pre-proposal conferences via Microso Teams will be held in conjunction with this RFQ. Information regarding dates, times, and instructions to receive a link to join the meeting can be located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab speci c
Contact: clave@lonestar.edu or (832)813-6723. 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 MCvendors@lonestar.edu.
LOCAL
HISTORY LUNCHEON WAS A HUGE SUCCESS
By: Donal Ware
Fort Bend County,Texas:
Suburban Sugar Land Women 37th Women’s History Month
Luncheon Celebrated, Honored and anked Four Outstanding 2026 Women’s History Honorees: eresa Allen - Murray; Margaret Allen,DDS; Belinda Allen; & Carol McCutcheon, Mayor, City of Sugar Land!
SSLW 2026 Women’s History Month Luncheon was SOLD OUT a month in advance! It was held Saturday, March 28, 11:30am – 1: 00pm, Hilton Garden Inn, 722 Bonaventure Way, Sugar Land, Texas 77479. is auspicious annual event program consisted of: Welcome by Jeanie Robins, Chair; Prayer by Mable Scott Austin; Women’s History eme
by Zaria Laddie; Mission Tribute by Zaria Laddie; Dr. Felica York, Key Note Speaker; delicious lunch served; Presentations and Awards by Jeanie Robins; Call to Action by Jeanie Robins; and Closing Remarks by Mable Scott Austin. SSLW were absolutely ecstatic to celebrate, honor, and thank four amazing 2026 Women’s History Honorees! ese honorees serve sel essly with their hearts, heads, and hands! Zaria Laddie, Mistress of Ceremony and Dr. Felicia York, guest speaker kept everyone joyfully engaged! Honorees received designer crystal plaques & keepsake programs! Mable Scott Austin was presented a surprise via an award for her lifetime service
GUARDIANS OF THE JOURNEY
By: Becky Mayad
& vision by Mayor McCutcheon!
NINE GENEROUS SUPPORTERS: Williams; Magnus Charitable Trust; Monica’s Brides Flowers; e Cee Suite; Amazing Smiles Dental Spa; Mose & Mable Austin; Eric and Jeanie Robins; Dianne’s Cookies; and Ka’Tina Smith.
SPECIAL THANKS to the incredible 2026 Women’s History Committee: Jeanie Robins, Vice President, Programs, Platinum Partner, & Event’s Chair; Mable Scott Austin, Founder, Lifetime Partner; Jaela Ketchum Hernandez, Chair, Social Media and Program Co Chair, Community Involvement, and Charles Robins, Photographer!
e African American Museum, Dallas today announced the formation of e Mandela 12: Guardians of the Journey, a host committee of 12 respected Dallas-area professionals who have committed their leadership, in uence and time to ensure the success of Mandela: e O cial Exhibition.
On view June 13-Nov. 1, 2026, the Mandela exhibition chronicles the extraordinary life and global legacy of Nelson Mandela – a freedom ghter, political prisoner and former president of South Africa – in the context of key people and places closely associated with his life and their impact on him. e exhibition is object rich, displaying many artifacts that have never been previously seen outside South Africa, thanks to the cooperation of the Mandela family and others close to him. e exhibition launches just as North Texas prepares to welcome millions of visitors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lisa Brown Ross, president and CEO of the African American Museum, Dallas. “ e Mandela 12 re ect the spirit of service and qualities of character that de ned Nelson Mandela’s life,” added Ross. “ eir commitment illuminates this global exhibition and ensures it reaches across our city and region, inviting people of all ages to re ect on the power of resilience, leadership, justice and courage.”
As Dallas prepares to host this internationally recognized exhibition, e Mandela 12 will serve as civic ambassadors, advancing awareness, cultivating partnerships, and helping secure resources necessary to deliver a transformative experience for families, students and visitors across North Texas.
“ e Mandela 12 represent leadership in action,” said Margie J. Reese, the museum’s chief programs o cer.
“Exhibitions of this scale require more than coordination – they require stewardship. ese Guardians of the Journey understand the responsibility of presenting Mandela’s legacy with integrity while ensuring broad access for the community.”
“Nelson Mandela was a very principled leader. His legacy is synonymous with the triumph of the human spirit, and he will forever be associated with overcoming adversity, forgiveness and a steadfast, iron-clad conviction of honor,” said
Chaired by Karl Biggers, the committee brings together executives, artists, entrepreneurs, attorneys, educators and community
The Mandela 12 members (from left to right): KC Nlemchi, Jason Harkey, Ian Shaw, Antonio Kidd, Karl Biggers, Jethro “Trey” Pugh, Sienzhi Kouemo, Matthew Osborne, Rodney Thomas Jr., Mark Malveaux, Dorian Goodwin, Byron Sanders (not pictured)
Top row: Belinda Allen, Zaria Laddie, Jaela Ketchum Hernandez, Theresa Allen-Murray
Bottom row: Margaret Allen, DDS, Mable Scott Austin, Jeanie Robins, Carol McCutcheon, Mose Austin
OF SAVINGS AISLES AISLES and
