AframNews.com
By: Jeannie Coleman
On July 11, 2026, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church’s Boy Scout Troop 242 celebrated an extraordinary milestone as eight Afro-American Scouts were awarded the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout during the same Court of Honor. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is one of the highest achievements in Scouting, attained by only a small percentage of Scouts nationwide. To have eight young men from one troop reach this milestone together is a remarkable accomplishment worthy of national recognition. e story is even more meaningful because of Troop 242’s rich and inspiring history. e troop
EAGLE COURT OF HONOR .com
MEMORIAL SITE ON IMMIGRANT RIGHTS
By: Adolfo Flores
was founded in May 1965 by the late Rev. William A. Lawson, founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. As a young man, Rev. Lawson dreamed of becoming a Boy Scout but was denied the opportunity because there were no Black Scout troops in his hometown and he was not allowed to join a white troop. Determined that future generations would have the opportunities he was denied, he established Troop 242 shortly a er founding Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, creating a place where young men could develop leadership, character, citizenship, and a lifelong
Four days a er an ICE agent shot and killed Houston construction worker Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Organized Power In Numbers (OPIN) sta and volunteers joined Houston DSA on Saturday to canvass East End businesses and the memorial site where Lorenzo was killed, training residents and business owners on their constitutional rights amid a nationwide surge in immigration enforcement. Federal immigration agents have now shot at least 21 people since President Trump’s second term began, killing ve, including three U.S. citizens, and arrested 10,000 people nationwide in just ve days at the end of June.
DHS claims Lorenzo tried to run over an agent during a stop on July 7. e three men who were in the van with him, including his own brother, dispute that account, saying through an attorney that no agents were ever in front of or behind the vehicle. DHS has since acknowledged Lorenzo was not the target of the operation and that the agents involved were not wearing body cameras. His family and Houston o cials, including Mayor John Whitmire, are calling for an independent investigation.
Volunteers walked door to door to East End businesses, explaining what OPIN’s Neighborhood Defense Training covers: that without a judicial warrant signed by a judge, federal agents cannot legally enter private areas of a workplace; the di erence between a valid judicial warrant and an administrative warrant; and what an I-9 inspection does and does not authorize. Volunteers also helped business owners post “Employees
SAMUEL HERRERA
SEAN MYERS
LANDIN SIMS
GABRIEL HERRERA
LOGAN BOGAR
JOSHUA WILSON
ROBERT WHITFIELD III
BLAKE JARMON
SCOUTMASTER MYERS
VOLUNTEERS TRAINED BUSINESS OWNERS AND TALKED WITH NEIGHBORS AND DRIVERS ON THE STREET WHERE ICE SHOT AND KILLED LORENZO AS HE DROVE TO WORK.
A Revival of God Consciousness
Bobby Mills, Ph.D.
ICE
TX 77446
President Donald J. Trump and the MAGA-Cult movement have normalized extremism. ICE was created to manage immigration, customs, and enforcement humanely—not to function as a Gestapo-style police force. e recent fatal ICE shootings in Houston, Texas; Biddeford, Maine; and Minneapolis, Minnesota, re ect what the writer sees as a lawless mentality within ICE. is lawlessness is a clear and present example of the spiritual breakdown of law and order among law enforcement o cials, especially within ICE. We now understand why ICE o cials may resist wearing body cameras: pictures reveal the truth, while individuals can lie. Seemingly and sadly, ICE’s objective is to put certain people “on ice.” We are living in di cult and sinful times in America, and Christian service is not easy in the 21st Century because of greed, envy, and racial jealousy. As Scripture warns: “ is know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall become lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural a ection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, erce despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers
of God; having a form of Godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:1–5). America, e GOP is not a responsible multi-cultural democracy oriented governing political party. erefore, the appropriate response on November 3rd, 2026, is that ole time honored adage: “throw the weak knee-bending bums out”, because: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14: 34).
Jesus Christ was the most powerful man ever to walk the earth. Yet, He surrounded Himself with a system of accountability through His twelve disciples. He taught them to love and serve others rather than themselves. Jesus told His disciples that if they did not believe His words, they should believe because of His works: “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works sake” (John 14:11). rough the power of the Holy Spirit, the disciples would continue His work of building the Kingdom of God on earth: “as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Glory hallelujah to the King of all would-be kings. Sadly, the GOP House and Senate majorities have failed to exercise meaningful oversight of President Trump’s policy decisions. MAGA-Cult GOP members should remember: “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool that he
By Robert Slater, Community Activist, Chairman of The Culture Commission Coalition
BLACK TEXAS AT THE CROSSROADS
ere are elections, and then there are hinges. Moments where a state does not simply choose a senator, it chooses whether an entire people gets to keep a seat at the table for the next decade or gets locked out of the room entirely. November is one of those hinges for Black Texas. And I will not pretend otherwise to make anyone comfortable.
Start with what the numbers already told us. In the March primary, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett swept the ten counties with the largest Black populations in this state by roughly 24 points. In Je erson County, nearly 60 points. at was not noise. at was a verdict. Black voters looked at the choices in front of them and rendered judgment with the only tool no one can take from us at the ballot box, our own hand on our own vote. James Talarico became the nominee anyway. What he does with the community that did not choose him rst is now the whole test of his candidacy.
To his credit, he has tried. Black churches, HBCUs, a commencement address at Paul Quinn College, a maternal mortality plan aimed at a crisis that has quietly devastated Black families for generations, endorsements from Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Divine Nine organizations, Barack Obama at his side. None of that is nothing. But state Representative Barbara Gervin Ice on pg. 7
Hawkins, who chairs the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, said the quiet part out loud: Black Texans are angry, they feel disenfranchised, and they feel used. Two thirds of Black voters currently support him. Compare that to the nearly 90 percent Beto O’Rourke and Colin Allred each pulled from us in their own Senate runs, and the gap stops looking like a rounding error. It looks like a warning shot.
State Senator Royce West put it in terms I have heard from organizers across this state for years. He sees good faith. He has also seen good faith before that evaporated the moment the votes were counted. at is not bitterness. at is a community that has been asked to trust rst and be rewarded later, again and again, and has learned what usually comes a er the asking. Talarico did not invent that pattern. But he is the one standing in front of it now, and earning our vote, not assuming it, is the only path through. Here is where I have to stop being diplomatic, because diplomacy will not save us from what is actually on the other side of this ballot. If Ken Paxton wins this seat, it will not be a normal loss. It will be the closing of a door that may not open again for a generation. Texas Republicans have already redrawn the congressional map to strip power from Black and Latino communities for the next decade. A federal Voting Rights Act gutted by the courts no longer stands between us and the next wave of restriction. And waiting in Washington is the SAVE America Act, legislation that would demand in person documentary proof of citizenship to register and strict photo ID to vote, while shipping
Crossroads on pg. 7
Culture Commission Coalition
commitment to serving others.
Over the past six decades, Troop 242 has become one of the most distinguished Scout troops in the nation. e troop has produced 229 Eagle Scouts and is recognized for having produced more Eagle Scouts than any other troop in Texas. Its alumni include community leaders, educators, military o cers, physicians, engineers, entrepreneurs, clergy, and public servants who continue to embody the Scout Oath and Law in their professions and communities.
e eight Afro-American newest Eagle Scouts continue this remarkable legacy. Each completed a signi cant community service project, demonstrated exceptional leadership, and dedicated years of hard work to earning Scouting’s highest rank.
eir achievements re ect not only their determination but also the unwavering support of their families, Scout leaders, mentors, and the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church community.
At a time when so many stories focus on the challenges facing today’s youth, these young men represent the very best of the next generation.
eir accomplishments demonstrate that character, service, discipline, and leadership continue to thrive. eir story is one of hope, perseverance, and the transformative power of mentorship and community investment.
We believe this is exactly the kind of upli ing story that resonates with audiences across Houston and would be honored if you all would consider featuring Troop 242’s historic legacy and its newest class of eight Eagle Scouts and having a couple of the Eagle Scouts highlight their experiences in scouting.
100 YEARS OF MINISTRY, FAITH, AND SERVICE
By: Min. Shawn Bingham
For one hundred years, North Main Church of God in Christ (COGIC) has stood as a beacon of faith, hope, and service in Houston, Texas. Established in 1926, the historic congregation is celebrating its Centennial Anniversary in August 2026, marking a remarkable milestone that honors generations of worship, perseverance, and community impact. e celebration is more than a recognition of longevity—it is a tribute to the countless lives transformed through ministry and the enduring legacy of one of Houston’s longstanding Church of God in Christ congregations.
roughout its century-long history, North Main COGIC has remained committed to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ while serving as a spiritual home for families across Houston. e church traces much of its modern legacy to the visionary leadership of the late Bishop William Nelson Godfrey, whose unwavering faith led to the construction of a 1,000-seat sanctuary despite signi cant personal challenges, including legal blindness. His dream of building a thriving church that would minister to generations became a reality and continues to inspire members today.
Today, the church continues that mission under the leadership of Pastor Elder Willie Collins and First Lady Ruth Collins. eir dedication to biblical teaching, compassionate outreach, and community
engagement has helped strengthen the congregation while preparing it for the future. North Main COGIC remains a place where people of all ages gather for worship, discipleship, fellowship, and service, re ecting the church’s commitment to developing strong families and nurturing future generations of believers.
e Centennial Anniversary celebration in August 2026 is expected to bring together current members, former members, church leaders, and friends from across Texas and beyond. e occasion will provide an opportunity to re ect on the church’s rich history while celebrating God’s faithfulness through ten decades of ministry. Special worship services, musical presentations, historical tributes, and fellowship events are anticipated to honor those whose dedication helped shape the church’s remarkable journey.
Beyond its sanctuary walls, North Main COGIC has consistently demonstrated its commitment to serving the surrounding community. rough food drives, youth mentorship, pastoral counseling, outreach ministries, and community events, the church has sought to meet both the spiritual and practical needs of Houston residents. is emphasis on service re ects the broader mission of the Church of God in Christ denomination, which has emphasized evangelism, holiness, and community ministry since its founding in the early twentieth century.
As North Main Church of God in Christ celebrates 100 years, its story is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering devotion. From humble beginnings in 1926 to becoming a respected institution in Houston’s faith community, the church has weathered economic hardships, social
change, and the challenges of changing generations while remaining steadfast in its mission. e centennial serves not only as a celebration of the past but also as a renewed commitment to continue sharing the Gospel and serving the city for decades to come.
Reaching a 100-year milestone is an extraordinary achievement for any congregation. For North Main COGIC, it represents a century of answered prayers, faithful leadership, and a community united by faith. As members gather to celebrate this historic anniversary, they honor the pioneers who laid the foundation while embracing a future lled with hope, purpose, and continued ministry. e church’s centennial stands as a powerful reminder that a legacy built on faith can inspire generations and leave a lasting impact on an entire community.
THROUGH THE LENS OF TIME: BLACK HISTORY
1864 1887
1864. e Fugitive Slave Law is repealed. It considered to still hold in the case of Black Americans eeing from their enslavers in border states that were loyal to the Union government.
1887. e ibodaux massacre occurs in Louisiana.
1900 1870 1865 1868 1885
1865. On June 19, Union soldiers arrive in Galveston, Texas to spread the news of the Civil War end and freedom of slavery, eventually celebrated as “Juneteenth”
1900. A majority of Southern states pass laws that required African Americans to be separated from white citizens in railroad cars and depots, hotels, and other establishments.
1868. e fourteenth amendment is passed, guaranteeing citizenship rights and equal protection under law.
1870. e eenth amendment is passed, guaranteeing that a citizen’s right to vote would not be denied on account of race, color, or previous condition of
1885. A majority of Southern states pass individual state laws requiring separate schools for black and white students.
HOUSTON
AUSTIN
TEXAS TAKEAWAY
TEMPLE
Malfunctioning railroad crossing signals in east Houston are raising safety concerns for drivers and residents who travel through the area. Faulty lights, warning bells or crossing arms can create confusion and increase the risk of accidents, particularly at busy intersections. Residents are urging railroad operators and local officials to address the problems quickly and ensure the warning systems are working properly.
Meta has brought its massive AI-focused data center in Temple, Texas, online, marking another major technology investment in Central Texas. The facility represents an investment of more than $1 billion and is designed to provide the computing power needed for Meta’s expanding artificial intelligence workloads. The project is also expected to contribute to the Temple-area economy through jobs, infrastructure investment and increased business activity.
SAN ANTONIO
Austin ISD is considering the immediate closure of Paredes Middle School ahead of the 2026–27 school year due to ongoing concerns about student academic performance. Under the proposal, students would be reassigned to Bailey or Mendez middle schools based on where they live.
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has proposed ending the city’s Ready to Work job-training program as one option for helping close San Antonio’s budget gap. The proposal has divided City Council members, with some questioning its costs and results while others argue it provides valuable workforce training for residents.
Lucille Elizabeth Bishop Smith, was an African American entrepreneur, chef, and inventor. She invented the first hot biscuit mix, and has been called “the first African American businesswoman in Texas. Born September 5, 1892, in Crockett, Texas, to Mary Jackson Bishop and Jesse Bishop servitude.
LUCILLE ELIZABETH BISHOP SMITH
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LOCAL
DR. LATONYA M. GOFFNEY AS PRESIDENT OF AASA
By: Ashley Brown
Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Go ney was installed July 7 as the 2026-27 president of AASA, e School Superintendents Association, the nation’s premier organization representing more than 13,000 school system leaders.
e installation took place during AASA’s Legislative Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. Go ney will serve in this volunteer leadership role while continuing to lead Aldine ISD.
Go ney was elected president-elect by AASA’s Governing Board in 2025 and has served on the organization’s Executive Committee. Her installation marks a national leadership milestone for Go ney and re ects her dedication to student opportunity, educator excellence, and the life-changing power of public education. She previously served as president of the Texas Association of School Administrators during the 2023-24 school year. “ ose of us who work alongside Dr. Go ney see every day that her leadership is grounded in service, hope and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child,” Chief Communications O cer Sheila Adams said. “Her installation as AASA president is a well-deserved national honor, and we are proud
may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness without God” (1 Corinthians 3:18–19). Someone should remind President Trump and his GOP MAGA-Cult House and Senate that while people may fool one another, but God is never fooled or mocked. Individuals reap what they sow. ICE’s unprofessional and uncivilized behavior under the guise of immigration enforcement has become a national and international disgrace. Now the world is asking what happened to the spiritual meaning of the declaration inscribed on the Statue of Liberty. Perhaps the inscription should read: “For Whites Only.”
that Dr. Go ney will continue leading Aldine ISD while helping
Only” signage designating private areas of their workplaces as o -limits to law enforcement without proper authorization.
public education across
that Dr. Go ney will continue leading Aldine ISD while helping advance the future of public education across the nation.”
As AASA president, Go ney said she looks forward to working alongside school system country to strengthen place in classrooms
At the growing memorial on the street where Lorenzo was killed, volunteers spoke directly with neighbors, mourners, and drivers passing by, sharing know-your-rights information with the community closest to the shooting.
“Nobody should have to learn their rights standing at a memorial for their neighbor,” said Neidi Dominguez, Executive Director of Organized Power In Numbers (OPIN). “But that’s where we are right now, and that’s what our sta and volunteers were doing this weekend, on the same streets where Lorenzo was killed, talking to neighbors, drivers, and business owners about what to do if ICE shows up. is community deserves protection, not fear.”
Business owners who complete the training are asked to sign a pledge to post know-your-rights signage and protect their employees if ICE shows up.
As AASA president, Go ney said she looks forward to working alongside school system leaders across the country to strengthen public education while continuing to champion the work taking place in classrooms throughout Aldine ISD.
“ is is an incredible honor, but more importantly, it is an opportunity to serve,” Go ney said. “Public education is one of the most powerful promises we make to children, families, and communities. Every child deserves access to outstanding educators, meaningful opportunities, and a future lled with possibility. I am honored to serve AASA and to stand alongside superintendents across the country as champions for public education. at work is national, but it is also deeply personal. I carry Aldine with me — our students, our families, our educators and our unwavering belief that hope is not just something we talk about. It is something we build every day.”
“ is is an incredible tantly, it is an opportunity to serve,” Go ney said. “Public education
Crossroads Cont.
Go ney’s presidency comes as AASA advances e Public Education Promise, a national framework focused on
ensuring every child in every community has access to a future-ready education that prepares students for college, career, citizenship, and life. e initiative emphasizes student-centered learning, highly e ective educators, community partnerships, and meaningful measures of student success. at vision re ects work already underway in Aldine ISD, where students bene t from specialized campuses, magnet programs, career and technical education pathways, early college opportunities, leadership experiences and other innovative learning environments designed to help every student discover their strengths, pursue their aspirations and prepare for the future.
state voter rolls straight to the Department of Homeland Security. e Brennan Center found more than 21 million Americans lack ready access to the documents this law would require, and Black Americans are disproportionately among them. Nearly half of Black Americans under 30 lack ID matching their current name and address. Elders born before the civil rights era, in counties that never bothered to issue birth certi cates to Black children, would be asked to produce paperwork that was never given to them in the rst place. at is not an accident of dra ing. at is the point. Understand what that combination means when it is all working at once. A hostile map. A hollowed out Voting Rights Act. A federal law engineered to strike our elders and our young people from the rolls in the same stroke. Layer a Paxton controlled Senate seat on top of that architecture, and you are not looking at four di cult years. You are looking at the machinery for a generation in which Black Texans cast ballots that count for less, in districts drawn to swallow our voice, under rules built to disqualify the very people who built this state’s Democratic coalition with their feet on the pavement and their names on the rolls. ere may not be another o ramp a er this one. at is the crossroads in the title, and I did not choose that word lightly. So here is the position, stated plainly. Black Texans are right to be furious that our vote has been assumed rather than earned. We are right to demand Talarico show up in every county, not just the ones with cameras, and to make him answer for every year this party banked our turnout while neglecting our neighborhoods. Hold him to that. Organize. Demand more. at ght is legitimate and it is not nished. But do not confuse that ght with the temptation to sit this one out in protest. Sitting out does not punish the party that took us for granted. It hands the machine to the people building the very walls we are trying to keep from closing. is is not about whether James Talarico has fully earned our trust. It is about whether Black Texas still has a ghting position to stand on when the next election comes, and the one a er that. Survive this one with our power intact, and the argument with our own party continues on our terms. Lose it, and there may be no terms le to argue. e Culture Commission Coalition will keep pushing this campaign, publicly and without attery, to nish the work it has started. And we will keep telling our community exactly what stands on the other side of this ballot. Not because the nominee is owed our loyalty. Because our survival is owed our vote.
