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“Addressing
Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
WHO ARE THE NEW FACES OF THE KKK?
By: Roy Douglas Malonson
The history of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is often brought up in modern political debates, but the organization’s origins and political alliances have changed over time. Understanding the Klan’s history requires looking at the political landscape of different eras rather than assuming today’s political parties have always represented the same ideologies. The first Ku Klux Klan was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee, in 1865 by a group of former Confederate soldiers shortly after the Civil War. Its primary goal was to resist Reconstruction, the period during which the federal government sought to rebuild the South and protect the civil and voting rights of formerly enslaved African Americans. The Klan used intimidation, violence, and terrorism to suppress Black political participation and restore
white supremacy throughout the South.
During the Reconstruction era, the vast majority of white Southern politicians belonged to the Democratic Party. At that time, many Democratic leaders in the South opposed Reconstruction policies and the expansion of civil rights for African Americans. Although not every Southern Democrat supported or belonged to the Klan, many Klan members identified with the Democratic Party because it represented the dominant political force among white Southerners following the Civil War. Meanwhile, the Republican Party—founded in the 1850s—was the party of President Abraham Lincoln and generally supported Reconstruction, the abolition of slavery, and constitutional amendments granting KKK on pg. 5
By: Fred Smith
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, died on July 11, 2026, at the age of 71 following a brief and sudden illness. Preliminary findings from the medical examiner indicate that he died from an aortic dissection, a life-threatening tear in the body’s main artery, with no evidence of foul play. Graham served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 and was a prominent voice on national security and foreign policy. Throughout his career, he became one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies after years of earlier disagreements. Leaders from both political parties honored his decades of public service and dedication to the nation.
Before entering the Senate, Graham served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives after beginning his public service career in the U.S. Air Force, where he worked as a judge advocate. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, he earned a reputation as a knowledgeable voice on military affairs, judicial issues, and international relations. Throughout his decades in Washington, Graham often played a key role in bipartisan negotiations while remaining a strong advocate for national defense. His legacy includes a long record of legislative work, support for veterans, and a lasting influence on Republican politics and U.S. foreign policy.
A Revival of God Consciousness
Bobby Mills, Ph.D.
THE IRANIAN WAR
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BOX 206 Prairie View, TX 77446
An old, time-honored adage says, “Never start a fight you cannot win.” President Trump and his MAGA-aligned Cabinet started a war they could not win militarily. Since November 4, 1979, no American president other than Donald J. Trump has initiated a hot war with Iran. The obvious question is why President Trump acted so recklessly. On November 4th, 1979, militant Iranian students seized the U. S. Embassy in Tehran for 444 days holding 52 American diplomats’ hostage. Therefore, every American President from James Earl Carter (1976) to President Joseph R. Biden (2024); whether Democrat or Republican, never initiated a hot war with Iran. The obvious question is why didn’t they go to war? Moreover, what did they know that President Trump did not know or did not desire to know. The obvious answer is that they were not fool hearty, because they all knew that: “Fools make a mockery of sin: but among the righteous there is favour” (Proverbs 14: 9). President Trump and his MAGA-Cult make a mockery of everything related to multicultural democracy, because their desire is White Privilege Autocracy. Of course, President Trump’s parental heritage fled Hitler’s Germany, because at that time, even some Whites were not White enough! America, lest we spir-
itually forget racism drives individuals insane. Therefore, once again, we should always remember that fools make a mockery of sin, but among the righteous there is favor.
How Long is Too Long
By Travis McGee
Read more at aframnews.com
The Iranian War has become President Trump’s Waterloo, and he is now trying to contain the crisis he created. On July 14, 2015, the Obama Administration and an international coalition negotiated a nuclear accord with Iran. President Trump recklessly dismantled that agreement on May 8, 2018, driven, in the author’s view, by resentment of President Obama’s popularity and global respect as America’s first Black president. This was an ungodly and shameful disgrace. The world community recognizes that President Obama continues to occupy President Trump’s thoughts in deeply racial and negative ways. President Obama remains widely respected for his intellectual integrity and moral character. God-fearing people understand that an ideology cannot be destroyed by dropping bombs on innocent children and adults; a harmful political ideology must be replaced with a better one. President Trump’s reckless White Privilege Authoritarianism has pushed the world community into an international quagmire. Nation-states build alliances because they understand the need to collaborate and form coalitions in world affairs. Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto, and the Cisco Kid had Pancho; no individual is an island. Sadly, the Western democratic world—especially NATO—now knows it cannot rely on America
ROBBING PETER TO PAY PAUL
Robbing Peter to pay Paul is still robbery however the Have-nots aka the poor are more so always the victims of this type of robbery that is often disguised as a fee, a tax, or some type of much needed improvement that may or may not see.
Moving money from a storm water fund to demo dangerous or abandoned buildings is an example of robbing Peter to Pay Paul and everybody else. The address-less buildings on the list never decreased the chances of flooding anywhere. Buildings don’t attract illegal dumping or control drainage, however using drainage funds for drainage will possibly improve it and enforcing illegal dumping will detour illegal dumpers. Why would they stop if they are not going to be properly prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law? The city also plays a role in illegal dumping by staying behind on heavy trash pickup, lack of inspectors, and poor management of city depositories. Why would a depository be closed Sundays and Mondays if there is an illegal dumping problem citywide?
We not being redlined due to the number of abandoned buildings; however, we are being redlined due to flooding and drainage issues. Per the latest FEMA map 70% of areas like SouthPark are now in the floodplain. Drainage projects and detention basins are not
the same, adding a detention basin into flood plain is like putting a washtub inside of a bathtub. What happens when the tub overflows?
For the Have-nots paying taxes, mortgages, rent, insurance, car notes, groceries, etc. is a challenge the poor faces 365/24/7 and often times they have to rob Peter to pay Paul and everyone else, however they don’t have a 7.5-billiondollar budget to do so, neither do they have the authority to increase their pay like our taxing entities increase our taxes and create other bills known as fees for the poor. The Poor have to live pay check to pay check as well as prioritize their spending vs spending money they don’t have and buying more time with pink bills. They understand the difference between needs and want, and they have no choice but to be” Houston Strong” time and time again.
We often hear “, we don’t have the money” Well hell We as taxpayers don’t have it either, however we have our tax dollars stock piling in (TIRZ) Tax Implement Reinvesting Zones which were created for blighted, underserved, undeveloped areas however out of the 28 TIRZ most doesn’t meet that criteria, because they are in very affluent areas where the Haves get even more and the Have-nots get even less in areas of the greatest need.
As many hurricanes and floods the city has had the rainy-day fund should have graduated to the Tsunami Day fund during hurricane season and the Robinhood fund should be year-round after hurricane season, even though tax dollars are being kept in certain boundaries an-
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1861 1863
1861. The American Civil War began on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter, a federal fort in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.
1863 . Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation goes into effect, changing the legal status of 3 million slaves in designated areas of the Confederacy from “slave” to “free.”
1870 1865 1868 1885
1865. The thirteenth amendment passed, abolishing slavery throughout the United States.
1865
1865. On June 19, Union soldiers arrive in Galveston, Texas to spread the news of the Civil War end and subsequent freedom of slavery. This will eventually be celebrated as “Juneteenth”.
TEXAS TAKEAWAY
HOUSTON
Houston Texans co-founder and Senior Chair Janice McNair has died at the age of 89, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both professional football and philanthropy. Alongside her late husband, Bob McNair, she helped bring the NFL back to Houston by founding the Texans, and later served as the franchise’s principal owner before passing leadership to her son, Cal McNair, in 2024. McNair was widely respected for her generosity, community service, and unwavering commitment to the Texans organization and the Houston community.
AUSTIN
The Austin Transit Partnership is expected to vote on a $39 million contract that would begin the design phase for new light rail vehicles, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027.
SAN ANTONIO
Johnny Keefer, 25, is carrying plenty of momentum after finishing tied for third at the Genesis Scottish Open with an impressive 13-under-par performance. The PGA TOUR rookie’s strong finish earned him one of the final qualifying spots for The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, marking his Open debut. Keefer showcased poise and creativity throughout the week on the links-style course, continuing the promise he displayed as the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour Player of the Year. His breakout performance has positioned him as one of golf’s rising young talents to watch heading into the season’s final major.
EL PASO
Water pressure problems continue to affect the Downtown El Paso jail, with officials working to maintain normal operations while repairs and system improvements are underway.
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 1868. The fourteenth amendment is passed, guaranteeing citizenship rights and equal protection under law.
1885. A majority of Southern states pass individual state laws requiring separate schools for black and white students.
George Edward Alcorn Jr. is a Texas-born inventor, engineer, and physicist whose groundbreaking work at NASA has earned him more than 40 U.S. patents. His invention of the X-ray imaging spectrometer has played a significant role in advancing space exploration and astronomical research. Born in San Antonio, Alcorn’s achievements have made him one of Texas’ most accomplished African American inventors and a trailblazer in aerospace technology.
GEORGE EDWARD ALCORN JR.
citizenship and voting rights to formerly enslaved people.
The federal government, led by Republicans in Congress, responded by passing the Enforcement Acts, including the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871. These laws authorized federal action against the Klan and helped weaken the organization during its first incarnation.
The Klan experienced a major revival in 1915, becoming a nationwide movement rather than simply a Southern organization. This second Klan expanded its targets beyond African Americans to include Catholics, Jews, immigrants, and others it considered “unAmerican.” During the 1920s, the Klan claimed millions of members and held influence in several states, including Indiana, Colorado, Oregon, and Texas. Members could be found in both major political parties because the organization often sought influence wherever political power existed. In some states, Democratic politicians courted Klan support, while in others Republicans also
accepted endorsements or benefited from Klanbacked voters.
By the mid-20th century, the Klan reemerged again to oppose the Civil Rights Movement. During the 1950s and 1960s, Klan groups committed bombings, murders, and acts of intimidation against civil rights activists, Black churches, and supporters of racial equality. These actions were widely condemned by leaders of both major political parties and by the federal government. It is also important to understand that America’s political parties changed significantly over the 20th century. Beginning with the New Deal era and accelerating during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, many conservative white Southern voters gradually shifted from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party, while many African American voters increasingly supported Democratic candidates. Historians generally describe this as a longterm political realignment rather than a
sudden switch. Today, historians generally agree that the original KKK was closely associated with white Southern Democrats during Reconstruction because that reflected the political alignment of the post-Civil War South. However, the Klan itself has never been officially affiliated with either major political party, and over its history it has attempted to influence politicians across the political spectrum when doing so served its goals. Modern Democratic and Republican leaders alike have repeatedly denounced the KKK and its racist ideology. The Klan’s enduring legacy is not defined by a single political label but by its campaign of racial terror, voter intimidation, and violent opposition to civil rights. Studying this history in its full historical context helps explain how political coalitions evolved over time and why it
EDUCATION
APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED FOR MUSEUM SCHOOL
By: Amanda Tower
The Museum School of East Dallas, a tuitionfree public charter school serving students in kindergarten through 8th grade, is accepting applications for its inaugural school year, which begins August 11. Located at 11110 Garland Road in East
School models in Texas, providing immersive, integrated learning opportunities for students in the 75228 ZIP code.
Designed in partnership with the surrounding community, the public charter school received approval from the Texas State Board of
with kindergarten through 5th grade. Each year, additional grade levels will be added to grow into a preK-8th grade school. Leasing a building from the Gospel Light Eritrean Baptist Church
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Greeting...
This letter serves as a formal outcry by descendants and legacy families of historic Independence Heights. We are expressing our profound betrayal in the very foundations that our ancestors fought to incorporate into this community as the first African American municipality in Texas.
Mardie Hawkins Paige, former President, and the Council Members of the Historical Independent Heights Super Neighborhood 13 have flagrantly violated the commitments of our descendants to safeguard our local welfare and the historical integrity that binds us to our shared history by electing the First Caucasian President behind closed doors—and without giving formal notification to the residents of the community regarding the election sidelining the voices that built this neighborhood.
To address the recent erosion of the social bonds and shared history that hold our community together, we request the opportunity to share our perspective.
POLITICAL
TEXAS WEIGHS IN ON BIRTHRIGHT DECISION
By: Dallas County Democrats
The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling involving birthright citizenship has sparked strong reactions across Texas, with elected officials, legal experts, immigration advocates, and community organizations weighing in on what the decision could mean for the state’s future. While the ruling did not eliminate birthright citizenship, it has intensified debate over immigration policy and the role federal courts play in issuing nationwide injunctions, setting the stage for additional legal challenges in the months ahead. Texas leaders have largely responded along familiar political lines. Supporters of stricter immigration enforcement praised the decision as an opportunity to revisit long-standing questions about immigration policy and federal authority. They argue the ruling could allow states greater flexibility as legal disputes continue through the court system, while encouraging Congress to address broader immigration reforms. Meanwhile, immigrant advocacy groups and civil rights organizations expressed concern that the decision could create uncertainty for families
across Texas, home to one of the nation’s largest immigrant populations. Many advocates emphasized that the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment remains in place, reassuring parents that children born in the United States continue to be recognized as U.S. citizens under existing law. Legal scholars note that the decision is likely to have far-reaching implications beyond immigration. By addressing the authority of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions, the Court has altered how future constitutional challenges may proceed. Instead of a single district court order temporarily blocking a federal policy nationwide, lawsuits may increasingly produce different outcomes in different parts of the country until the Supreme Court issues a final ruling.
Business leaders, educators, and healthcare providers in Texas are also closely watching the legal developments. Many organizations serve diverse communities and say they are working to provide accurate information while encouraging families not to make decisions
when it is not in use allows both communities to serve East Dallas without overlap.
based on rumors or misinformation. Several nonprofit groups have expanded legal education efforts to help residents understand what the ruling does— and does not—change. As debate continues, immigration remains one of Texas’ most significant political issues, influencing legislative priorities, border security initiatives, and statewide elections. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to fuel further discussion among policymakers and advocacy groups about the balance between federal authority, constitutional protections, and state interests.
Although opinions remain sharply divided, legal experts agree that the conversation surrounding birthright citizenship is far from over. Additional lawsuits are expected, and any direct challenge to the constitutional interpretation of the 14th Amendment would likely return to the nation’s highest court. Until then, Texans across the political spectrum continue to follow the issue closely as its legal and political ramifications unfold.
Created with the goal of igniting joy for learning in all students through an extended day museum school approach, The Museum School of East Dallas (TMS) aims to prepare students for high school and beyond with handson, minds-on immersive learning and flexibility for families. Students can stay until 5 p.m. without the additional worry of costly after-school care with TMS extended day offerings that reflect student and parent survey responses. A range of extracurricular activities allow students to explore their interests and discover their talents.
What is a Museum School?
Students learn best through exploration, reflection and real-world connection. The museum school model brings learning to life through immersive, integrated learning expeditions within the community, treating the world as a classroom and learning as an active, hands-on experience. Much like project-based learning, TMS students engage with real places and real people in the community, connecting purpose and academic content to the world around them in meaningful ways. Instead of relying on textbooks, museum school students also learn through documented reflection and quarterly, highquality professional
student work exhibitions celebrated with community partners. During the first week of school, TMS students will engage in outdoor learning opportunities at the Dallas Arboretum. A range of experiential learning opportunities is baked into the curriculum, from learning expeditions and service projects to outdoor education and project-based learning with community partners like the Arboretum, Dallas Children’s Theater, the Perot Museum, Owenwood Farm, and more. These experiences help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world around them.
“For too long, families have been expected to fit into schools that were designed without them. The Museum School of East Dallas flips that model. We spent two years listening to families, educators and community members before designing a school that reflects what they told us they wanted for their children,” said Loren Colman, TMS superintendent. “As the first official co-designed school in Texas and the first museum school in the state, we’re proving that when communities help shape schools, children thrive. We hope this is just the beginning, not only for East Dallas, but for a future where families have a greater voice in shaping public education.”
TMS is making realworld learning come
to life for students in Far East Dallas with its diverse by design model, beginning with an introductory summer camp July 20 through August 7. Families are invited to get a taste of the immersive learning approach and get to know future classmates before school starts. A ribbon cutting event will take place August 8 and classes begin August 11.
TMS is now accepting applications for students in kindergarten through 5th grade for the upcoming school year. Learn more and submit the simple application online at https://www. tmseastdallas.org/. About The Museum School of East Dallas
A free-tuition public charter school approved by the Texas State Board of Education, The Museum School of East Dallas is redefining education through exciting, immersive experiences supported by community partnerships that promote exploration and discovery, provide opportunities for reflection and lead to curated end-of-unit exhibitions. The first and only National Association of Museum School models in Texas, we are igniting joy for learning in all K-8th grade students and creating opportunities to realize their potential and thrive in high school and beyond. Learn more at https://www. tmseastdallas.org/.
LOCAL
THE 37TH TEXAS BLACK INVITATIONAL RODEO
By: Taylor Mayad
The 37th Texas Black Invitational Rodeo is set to bring the excitement, heritage, and traditions of Black cowboy culture back to Dallas on **Saturday, July 25, at 7 p.m.**, inviting families from across North Texas to celebrate a rich legacy that has helped shape the history of the American West. As one of the region’s most anticipated summer events, the rodeo combines fastpaced competition with cultural pride, offering an evening of thrilling entertainment while honoring the contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls. Hosted in Dallas, the annual event showcases talented riders competing in classic rodeo events including bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, steer wrestling, and relay races. Spectators can also enjoy crowd favorites such as mutton bustin’, where young riders demonstrate their courage by holding on tight to running sheep. Throughout the evening, rodeo announcers and performers share stories that highlight the often-overlooked role African Americans played in settling the West, working cattle ranches, and building the ranching traditions that continue today. Historians estimate that nearly one in
four cowboys during the late 1800s were African American, yet their stories have frequently been left out of mainstream history books. The Texas Black Invitational Rodeo was established to help preserve and celebrate that heritage while inspiring new generations to learn about the pioneers who broke barriers on the frontier. Today, the event has grown into one of the nation’s premier celebrations of Black Western culture, attracting competitors and fans from across Texas and beyond. Beyond the arena, visitors can experience a festive atmosphere featuring Western fashions, cowboy hats, polished boots, sparkling belt buckles, family-friendly activities, music, and vendors offering food, crafts, and unique merchandise. The event provides an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together and experience the traditions, sportsmanship, and community spirit that have long been associated with rodeo culture.
Whether you’re a lifelong rodeo enthusiast or attending for the first time, the 37th Texas Black Invitational Rodeo promises an
unforgettable evening filled with heartpounding action, rich history, and Texas-sized hospitality. Organizers encourage fans to shine up their boots, grab their hats, and prepare for a night celebrating the enduring legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls whose contributions continue to leave a lasting mark on the Lone Star State and the American West. This year’s event pays tribute to the late Western trailblazer Cleo Hearn. Known affectionately as “Mr. Black Rodeo,” the National Rodeo Hall of Famer spent more than 50 years breaking racial barriers and educating audiences on the diverse history of the American West. Today, his four sons carry his torch forward, partnering with the African American Museum to produce this beloved annual tradition that celebrates community, culture and cowboy excellence.
Sponsors of the Texas Black Invitational Rodeo are Oncor, Atmos Energy; State Fair of Texas; Dallas Mavericks; Boot Barn; Cavender’s; Attorney Cedric Johnson; Paramount/ Nickelodeon – PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie; Desiree Kelley, Kitchens and Kocktails; Andrew Henderson; Brenda Jackson; Chocolit Tye; Food Trap; City of Dallas Office of Arts and
Culture; City of Dallas Park & Recreation; and Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District. Season sponsors of the African American Museum are Visit Dallas and the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture. Media partners are NBC 5 and Telemundo 39. With proceeds benefiting the African American Museum, tickets start at $28 (plus
fees) with VIP box seats available for $55 (plus fees) at eventbrite.com. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the Grand Entry Parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the competition at 7 p.m. For more information, go to aamdallas.org. Follow the museum on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.
20k 10k
veterans hired since 2015
more to be hired by 2031
$2MM donated in FIFA World Cup 2026™ tickets
We’ve proudly been serving communities around the country for 240 years.
Here in North Texas, we have an ongoing commitment to the veterans who make us stronger — helping them access careers, transition programs, housing, and now unforgettable experiences like FIFA World Cup 2026™ tickets.
