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October 16, 2026

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

Vol.31, Issue 37

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We the People

Your vote and your money are the two most powerful things you have. Be careful who you give them to.

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

- Roy Douglas Malonson

FIRST-GENERATION RECOGNITION AWARDS REACH THREE-YEAR HIGH By: HISD

ATTACK ON WOMEN OF COLOR By: Roy Douglas Malonson

The debate over Donald Trump and his words toward powerful Black women and women of color is a major topic in American politics. Over the years, Trump has had many public arguments with female lawmakers, reporters, and legal oﬃcials from minority backgrounds. These arguments have divided the public into two main groups. One group believes his words are based on unfair ideas about race and gender. The other group believes his words are just his standard way of fighting anyone who opposes him, no matter who they are.

Critics, civil rights leaders, and political opponents argue that Trump uses specific, harmful words to target women of color in high positions. They point to his public arguments with legal leaders like New York Attorney General Letitia James and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. They also point to his clashes with lawmakers like Maxine Waters, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In these Attack on fights, critics notice a pattern. Trump

pg. 3

HISD students who would be the first in their families to graduate from college are earning more national recognition for their academic achievements, marking a second consecutive year of growth. In 2026, HISD students earned 588 FirstGeneration Recognition Awards from the College Board, up 28% from 2025 and 48% from 2024. The awards recognize students for strong grades and performance on the PSAT or Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Across all categories, HISD students earned 2,143 National Recognition Program awards. The achievements reflect HISD’s commitment to preparing students for success beyond high school. Every Student. Future Ready.

October 16, 2026

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EDITORIAL

President/Chief Editor

Contributing Writers Dr. Bobby Mills, Travis McGee, Rachel Thompson, Fred Smith, Nicole Washington, Aisha Robinson, Marcus Williams, TJ Baker Meeko Graphics Social Media Houston Minority business marketing website JG Design Layout Design Blue Star Web Printing Printer

A Revival of God Consciousness Bobby Mills, Ph.D.

DAWN BUCKINGHAM: TEXAS LAND COMMISSIONER

STORIES, PICTURES, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, EMAIL TO aframnews1982@gmail.com

713-682-1892

PO BOX 206 Prairie View, TX 77446

We are looking for historical writers That can produce stories that address current and historical realities affecting our community. PLEASE SEND YOUR INQUIRIES TO

AFRAMNEWS1982@GMAIL.COM

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

I met Commissioner Buckingham nearly four years ago through Perry L. Wooten, a former constable and political consultant to the Baptist Ministers’ Association under Dr. Max A. Miller’s leadership. She attended the event with her son, a Texas State University business student who was preparing to attend medical school at UT. Robert Mohammed was one of the speakers. Her son was not troubled by the message; instead, he listened with an open mind. Afterward, I spoke with him and shared several of my books. The point I want readers to remember is this: mothers are our first teachers, and they help shape our value systems. In that moment, I saw Dawn Buckingham as a decent,

God-fearing, honorable, and open-minded person because her son reflected those values. Recently, my wife and I also met the Commissioner’s husband during church services at Covenant Glen Methodist Church. Just as men choose women, women also choose men. Dawn’s husband is a first-class, God-fearing professional. Therefore, I can honestly say Texas is blessed to have a Godly professional serving as Land Commissioner—one who serves all Texans without fear or favor. For example, Perry and I attended an open-forum testimonial event for Harris County residents whose homes were destroyed by Hurricane Harvey. Most of the homeowners in attendance were Black and Brown. I witnessed first-hand individuals testifying how Commissioner Buckingham came to their homes went through the “valley” with them, refurbished their homes and in many cases rebuilt their homes. Most of these individuals were elderly Black and Brown homeowners who could not afford Federal Flood

Dawn on pg. 7

We Must Understand Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

ATTACK ADS IN POLITICS Political campaigns in Texas often use attack ads to weaponize the state’s most pressing challenges, focusing on emotional messaging rather than detailed policy solutions. Here is how the major issues facing Texas are integrated into this political strategy: Political campaigns often use attack ads instead of just talking about their own plans because political strategists believe negative messaging is highly effective at winning elections. While voters often say they dislike these commercials, campaigns continue to use them because they are proven to grab attention and shape how people view the candidates. One major reason the GOP runs these ads is to define their opponents early. In any election, the primary goal of a campaign is to convince voters that the other candidate is not qualified for oﬃce. By focusing on a rival’s past votes, statements, or policy positions, attack ads try to create a negative image that is hard to shake. Strategists argue that it is much easier to give voters a reason to vote against someone than it is to persuade them to vote for a complex legislative plan. Another reason is shifting the political focus to major Texas issues. When a party faces a challenging political landscape, they use sharp ads to frame

Texas-specific crises in a way that benefits their platform. For example, campaigns focus heavily on border security and illegal immigration along the Texas-Mexico border, using aggressive ads to spark immediate public anxiety rather than debating long-term federal reforms. Similarly, issues like the reliability of the Texas power grid (ERCOT) and skyrocketing property taxes are frequently turned into political weapons. Instead of engaging in long debates over complicated infrastructure investments or complex economic policies, campaigns use these everyday hardships to quickly blame their rivals for failed leadership. Finally, attack ads work because of human psychology. Research shows that people naturally pay more attention to negative news and threats than they do to positive updates. Fear and anger are powerful motivators. A scary or urgent ad about what might happen if the other side wins—whether it warns about a collapse of the energy grid or an increase in crime—is often much better at getting people to show up and vote on Election Day than a standard ad listing a candidate’s achievements. In the end, political parties run attack ads because they are a proven tool to win races. For campaigns looking to protect or flip seats in the Texas Legislature or Congress, these ads are seen as a direct and eﬃcient way to use their campaign money. While it can make political debates feel more divided, negative advertising remains a central strategy because, in the world of politics, it works. AA

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION Attack Cont.

often questions the intelligence, honesty, and patriotism of these women. For example, he has called some of these leaders “corrupt” or “low IQ.” Critics say he does not use these same types of insults against white men. They argue that this language plays into old, unfair stereotypes that suggest women of color are not smart enough or fair enough to hold powerful jobs. To critics, this is a clear plan to make the public distrust these leaders and to help his own political standing. On the other side, Donald Trump and his supporters strongly deny that his words are based on race or gender. They say Trump is a political fighter who hits back against anyone who attacks him first. Defenders point out that Trump has a long history of using very harsh, mocking language against white male politicians, judges, and news reporters. Because he treats everyone the same way in a fight, his supporters say his language is colorblind. From this point of view, his angry words are simply a reaction to political disagreements, lawsuits, and what he sees as unfair news media. For the people who vote for him, this style is seen as a good thing. They see it as a sign that he is honest and willing to challenge powerful people directly, without worrying about being politically correct. Beyond the words themselves, the debate also involves the laws Trump signed while he was president. Supporters argue that people should judge Trump by his actions and policies rather than his public fights. They frequently talk about the First Step Act, a bipartisan law that reformed federal prisons and helped many Black and Hispanic individuals.

October 16, 2026 They also point out that Trump signed a law that gave permanent federal funding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Furthermore, supporters say his economic choices helped bring unemployment numbers for minority workers to historic lows before the global pandemic. They believe these actions prove that his goals were meant to help all Americans, regardless of their background. However, political experts show that these public arguments still cause deep divisions among voters. Most Black women and women of color continue to vote overwhelmingly for Democratic candidates. Many of these voters feel that the harsh public language is genuinely harmful to the country and cannot be ignored. At the same time, recent election data shows a more complicated picture. Republican campaigns have started to gain support from small but important groups of Black and Hispanic voters, particularly men. This shows that while public words matter a lot to some people, other voters care more about the economy, jobs, and specific laws. In the end, this ongoing argument shows a basic disagreement about how we look at political speech today. One side believes we must look at public words through the history of race and gender in America. The other side believes these fights are strictly about regular politics and personal disputes. Both sides have strong views, and the debate remains a central part of how people view leadership and power in the United States. AA

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BUSINESS

HOUSTON SELECTED TO ADVANCE COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING By: Cindy Wallach

Urban Strategies, Inc. (USI) announced they received a $1.5 million grant from Truist Foundation. The grant will support the expansion of the USI Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), creating stronger bridges to capital, business growth, and wealth creation for emerging entrepreneurs in Houston, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Memphis, TN; Jacksonville, FL; and Philadelphia, PA. USI is a national institution advancing peoplecentered, place-based strategies that strengthen families, build community wealth, and transform neighborhoods nationwide. The new grant builds on a $1.5 million grant Truist Foundation awarded to USI in 2023 to advance similar work in Norfolk, VA; Baltimore, MD; and Fort Myers, FL. Together, USI and Truist Foundation are working to change more than who has access to capital; they are helping change the systems that determine who have the opportunity to build, own, grow, and create wealth. The grant funding will allow the USI CDFI to expand its loan fund, business support infrastructure, and application system to reach entrepreneurs who have faced barriers to traditional sources of capital. Business owners will have access not only to financing, but also to credit-building tools, technical assistance, knowledge, networks, and resources necessary to start, sustain, and grow thriving enterprises. “Economic growth begins with opportunity. When entrepreneurs have access to the

capital, support, and resources needed to bring their vision to life, the impact extends far beyond a single business,” said Don Terrell, Truist market president. “Through this work, Truist Foundation is supporting the people and communities that drive local economies forward. We are honored to be a part of this initiative that expands opportunity, encourages business growth, and helps create lasting prosperity in Houston and communities across the country.” “We are deeply grateful to Truist Foundation for continuing this journey with us. This work is about more than access to capital; it is about ownership, economic power, and creating the conditions for people and communities to build wealth on their own terms,” said Duncan. “Entrepreneurs are not simply beneficiaries of neighborhood revitalization; they are builders, employers, innovators, and essential drivers of it. This investment allows us to put capital and infrastructure behind their ideas and aspirations. What we are launching in these cities is part of a much larger movement toward community ownership and shared prosperity. And we believe this is only the beginning.” For nearly five decades, USI has worked alongside families and communities to confront the systems and conditions that perpetuate poverty. Its work recognizes that neighborhood transformation cannot be measured solely by new buildings or physical investment. Lasting transfor-

mation requires families to be stable, residents to have economic power, entrepreneurs to have access to capital, and communities to participate in and benefit from the wealth being created around them. Through this work, USI is investing in that broader vision: communities where residents are not displaced from opportunity but positioned to own, lead, build, and prosper. USI CDFI Since 2018, USI’s CDFI has raised and deployed nearly $12 million in financing to support affordable housing development and economic growth. These investments have contributed to the creation of 3,820 jobs and the preservation of nearly 2,315 units of housing nationwide. USI has also supported more than 250 entrepreneurs through technical assistance. The USI CDFI is an extension of the institution’s broader commitment to economic mobility and community wealth building. By combining flexible capital, technical assistance, business infrastructure, and USI’s deep presence in communities, the CDFI is helping build an ecosystem in which entrepreneurs can move from ideas to enterprises, enterprises to employers, and economic participation to ownership and wealth. Learn more at www. usi-cdfi.org. Urban Strategies, Inc. Urban Strategies, Inc. (USI) is a national nonprofit institution with nearly five decades of experience working alongside communiWealth on ties to build the conditions pg. 7

October 16, 2026

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GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

THROUGH THE LENS OF TIME: BLACK HISTORY IS 24/7/365 1948

1954

1955

1965

1913

1959

July 26, 1948: President Harry Truman issues Executive Order 9981. It stated that “there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed forces without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin.”

May 17, 1954: Brown v. Board of Education, a consolidation of five cases into one, is decided by the Supreme Court, effectively ending racial segregation in public schools. Many schools, however, remained segregated.

August 28, 1955: Emmett Till, a 14-year-old from Chicago is brutally murdered in Mississippi for allegedly flirting with a white woman. His murderers are acquitted, and the case bring international attention to the civil rights movement.

March 9th, 1965: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a group of protestors from Brown Chapel to Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.

March 10th, 1913: Harriet Tubman died in Auburn, New York. March 10th is observed as Harriet Tubman day in the United States, to remember the contributions she made.

March 11th, 1959: A Raisin in the Sun, the first Broadway play produced by a Black woman, Lorraine Hansberry, debuted at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.

TEXAS

DALLAS

Houston’s MacGregor Park began a $75 million renovation to modernize the historic 65-acre park in southeast Houston. Supported by public and private funding, the project includes improvements to park amenities while preserving its community signiﬁcance. Construction is expected to continue through late 2028. ________________________________

Dallas ISD planned to open its summer internship interest form on October 21, giving high school students an opportunity to explore career experiences. The program aims to help students develop workplace skills, gain professional exposure and prepare for future education and employment opportunities.

Foundation Communities celebrated the opening of Burleson Studios in southeast Austin, adding another affordable housing option to the city’s rental market. The development reﬂects ongoing efforts to address housing costs and help residents remain connected to employment, transportation and essential services as Austin continues to grow.

March 12th, 1917: The first Black Girl Scouts troop was formed in the New York area.

TAKEAWAY

HOUSTON

AUSTIN

1917

________________________________

SAN ANTONIO Residents raised concerns about expanding data center development, including electricity demand, water consumption and neighborhood impacts. Community discussions highlighted the challenge facing city ofﬁcials as they balance technology investments and economic growth with infrastructure needs, environmental considerations and residents’ quality of life.

JOSHUA HOUSTON Joshua Houston was formerly enslaved by members of Sam Houston’s household and became a respected community leader after emancipation. He settled in Huntsville, where he participated in civic and political life during Reconstruction. Houston’s experience illustrates the transition from slavery to citizenship in nineteenth-century Texas. His life also offers insight into the challenges Black Texans faced while building independent lives and institutions after emancipation.

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October 16, 2026

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LOCAL

SORORITY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF SERVICE AND IMPACT By: Erin Barnett

Greetings! The Houston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is celebrating a historic milestone: 100 years of transformative service and impact in Houston. Chartered on January 27, 1927, by seven visionary, service-oriented women, the chapter made history as the first Black female Greek-letter organization to establish a chapter in Houston, Texas. Since then, generations of Delta women have

WIFE

helped shape the community through educational initiatives, civic engagement, advocacy, scholarship programs, and public service. The Centennial celebration will honor the chapter’s remarkable legacy while showcasing the organization’s continued impact across Houston and beyond. Highlights of the celebration include: • Participation in the Texas Southern University Homecoming and the H-E-B Thanksgiving

Day parades • Community service projects and public engagement events • Historical and legacy programs recognizing a century of leadership and service • “A Century of Elegance,” the chapter’s signature fundraising gala on January 30, 2027, bringing together community leaders, elected oﬃcials, partners, supporters, and members to celebrate 100 years of excellence.

As one of Houston’s most historic service organizations, the Houston Alumnae Chapter’s Centennial provides a unique opportunity to tell the stories of women whose leadership, advocacy, and volunteerism have impacted generations of Houstonians. Media Interview Opportunities: The Houston Alumnae Chapter is available for interviews and feature stories focused on: • The chapter’s his-

toric 100-year legacy in Houston • The lasting impact of Black women in leadership and public service • Community outreach, scholarships, and advocacy initiatives • Multi-generational stories of sisterhood and service

Television, radio, digital, podcast, and print media are invited to connect with chapter leadership, Centennial Committee members, and longtime members whose stories reflect a century of service, resilience, AA and impact.

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www.DawnBuckingham.com

POL. ADV. PAID FOR BY DR. DAWN BUCKINGHAM CAMPAIGN

PROUDLY ENDORSED BY: Baptist Ministers’ Association of Houston & Vicinity Rev. Dr. Max A. Miller Jr. Dr. Robert E. Childress Dr. Bobby Mills

October 16, 2026

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Rev. Curley Randle, Sr. Pastor

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for:

• RFP #26-09-08 – Interpreting Services. Electronic submittals due by 10:00AM (CT), Wednesday, November 4, 2026. • Contact: janet.bradley@lonestar.edu or (832)813-6299.

RFP #26-08-14 – DigiCert SSL Licensing Subscription. Electronic submittals due by 12:00PM, Friday, November 6, 2026. 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 MC-vendors@lonestar.edu.

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.

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for:

RFP #26-10-02 Fire Science Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA). Electronic submittals are due by 10:00AM (CT), Friday, November 6, 2026. Contact Jennifer.larue@lonestar. edu or (832) 813-6794. Must Register to Bid: https://lonestar.ionwave.net/Login.aspx.

RFP #26-10-03 Instructional Equipment. Electronic submittals are due by 10:00AM (CT), Friday, November 6, 2026. Contact Jennifer.larue@lonestar.edu or (832) 813-6794.

If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the on-line registration process, contact MCvendors@lonestar.edu.

Rev. Dr. Edwin A. Davis, Pastor

Sunday School 8:15am Sunday Services 9:00am

BAPTIST CHURCH “We are a church on the move.” -Isaiah 40:30

Rev. Dayle Perry, Pastor

PUBLIC NOTICE

INCOME TAX • Unﬁled Tax Returns • Liens • Levies (Wage, Bank, Other) • Audits • Appeals • Oﬀer in Compromise • Employment Taxes • Installment Agreements • Payment Plans • Other IRS Problems

• 401 (k) • 403 (b) • Pension • Proﬁt Sharing • Deferred Comp. • IRA • ESOP • DROP • Teacher Retirement System (TRS) • Other Employer Retirement Plans

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.

LEGAL NOTICE

The Houston Independent School District Purchasing Services Department located at 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, TX 77092 is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https://houstonisd.ionwave. net/Login.aspx until 10:00 a.m. (CST) Thursday, November 5, 2026, for the following solicitation: RFP 27-09-07 Dedicated Internet Services (E-Rate Eligible) Pre-proposal conferences via Microsoft Teams will be held in conjunction with this RFP. 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 specific to this solicitation.

AFRAMNEWS.COM African-American News&Issues

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

October 16, 2026

Dawn Cont. Insurance. We should

never forget that leadership is about setting positive examples. Above all, leadership is not about Party Labels. Leadership is about personal responsibility. My wife and I are voting for Commissioner Buckingham, and if you cast your vote for her “all” Texans will be blessed. After all, is said and done, Dawn Buckingham is a Godly leader that all Texans can wholeheartedly embrace and be proud of. Listed below are some of the accomplishments of Commissioner Dawn Buckingham: Veterans: Delivered more than $1.5 billion dollars in Veterans home Loans. Helping thousands of Veterans and their families achieve homeownership. Public Schools: Generated more than 6 billion dollars for Public Schools without raising taxes through responsible stewardship of state lands and the Permanent School Fund. Disaster Recovery: completed the

Hurricane Harvey homeowner recovery mission, rebuilding 8,750 homes and helping more than 13,000 families, while delivering 3.7 billion for disaster recovery and flood mitigation. Protecting the Coast Line: Leading the Texas Coastal Project, the largest coastal protection project in U. S. history, including a world-leading storm surge barrier system protecting critical communities, ports and industry. Preserving our Shoreline. Completed the largest beach nourishment project in Texas history, restoring 14.5 miles of beaches and dunes at McFaddin Beach, while investing millions more to combat erosion, restore marshlands, and protect Texas’ 3,400 miles of shoreline. A Godly Reminder: if you are a member of The Jesus Party, I do not have to remind you that it’s not about the political party, but the PERSON. AA

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Wealth Cont. in which children, families, and neighborhoods can thrive.

Founded in 1978, USI has grown from a community-based organization into a national platform for people-centered, place-based transformation. Working at the intersection of housing, education, health, economic mobility, community leadership, and systems change, USI brings residents, public agencies, philanthropy, business, and community institutions together around a shared commitment to expanding opportunity and building stronger communities. USI’s work is grounded in a simple belief: people should not merely survive neighborhood change; they should have the power, resources, and opportunity to shape it and prosper. Today, USI is active in 63 communities across 19 states and two territories, partnering with more than 100,000 individuals, 30,000 families, and a network of more than 1,000 organizations. Across its work, USI is helping move communities from programs to systems change, from access to ownership, and from managing poverty to building pathways toward prosperity and generational wealth. Learn more at www.usi-inc.org. Truist Foundation Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation’s leading initiatives – the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at www.TruistFoundation.org. AA

JAMES TALARICO HAS HAS A PROVEN RECORD OF

FIGHTING CORRUPTION C TO LOWER YOUR COSTS

VOTE JAMES TALARICO FOR U.S. SENATE!

ELECTION DA D DAY AY - NOV AY NOVEMBER O EMBER 3 OV LY VO V EARL TING - OCTOBER 19 - 30 VOTING ENDORSED BY:

Rep. Christian Menefee

Texas’ T Te xas’ 18th Congressional Dist.

PAID P PA ID FOR BY TALARICO FOR TEXAS

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October 16, 2026

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION