AframNews.com
“Addressing
By: Travis McGee
Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
THE TAKEOVER HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT MONEY AND REAL ESTATE
It’s all about Real Estate and money. It has nothing to do with Education, but everything to do with compensation. e largest school district in the state of Texas is pretty much self-su cient, meaning the taxpayers have always footed the highest bill on our tax role however the State has too much say so, but very little contributions nancially.
Our taxes take care of our schools, charter schools, smaller districts legal fees, unproven experiments, recapture, and idiotic development seminars etc. controlled by dictatorship vs leadership.
e Takeover was said to be about failing schools, however it only takes one Failing school to trigger HB 1842 which is some of the worst legislation written ever in the history of politics.
It basically says if any 1 campus is IR Improvement Required for 5 consecutive years, they could close that (1) campus or takeover the entire district. Why would they close one school vs having all the real estate, money, be over the entire district.
Since the T.E.A arrival property is being sold, money is being made, and schools will be closed. The more schools close or consolidate, the more surplus property it will be for sale and future charter schools.
How can the board president Ric Campo be a millionaire real estate CEO and vote on real estate and surplus property? How can the appointed Superintendent F. Mike Miles be so much into Charter Schools but Takeover on pg. 3
By: Family
PASTOR EMERITUS JAMES CARRINGTON, JR.
Pastor Emeritus was a devoted husband to Lady Emeritus Betty Carrington, father of eight children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. He was a great entrepreneur for over two decades with Carrington Tours in Houston and Nationwide. e ministry of Reverend James C. Carrington, Jr. began with a clear calling and commitment to the work of the Lord. On February 12, 1978, James Carrington was o cially licensed to preach the Gospel, marking the beginning of his public ministry. Later that same year, on December 27, 1978, he was ordained as a minister, a rming his dedication and readiness to serve God and His people in a greater capacity.
Shortly a erward, on January 7, 1979, Reverend James C. Carrington, Jr. accepted the call to serve as pastor of Willing Workers Baptist Church. is moment marked the beginning of a remarkable pastoral journey that would span more than four decades.
With faith, vision, and a servant’s heart, Pastor Carrington faithfully shepherded the congregation, preaching the Word of God, guiding families, and strengthening the spiritual foundation of the church.
During his 42 years of pastoring Willing Workers Baptist Church, Pastor Carrington touched countless lives through his preaching, leadership, and compassion. His ministry extended beyond the pulpit as he encouraged spiritual growth, unity, and service within the community.
Under his leadership, the ministry continued to expand. On April 13, 2008, Pastor Carrington led the
Carrington Jr. on pg. 3
EDITORIAL
A Revival of God Consciousness
Bobby Mills, Ph.D.
WAR IS HELL
e Bible declares that hell and destruction are never full. As a result, individuals driven by greed, envy, and jealousy o en remain unsatised in their pursuits. In 2024, President Trump declared no more new wars. On February 28th, 2026, President Trump started a WAR that has no end, because you cannot kill a religious ideology. Individuals can only replace a man centered ideology with a Godcentered inclusive ideology. Unfortunately, promises are made to be broken. Commitments are honored. America, lest we never forget: “ e earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Psalm 24: 1). Accordingly, our role is that of stewards rather than proprietors. e Iran War is an absolute unnecessary War, and this is why America’s NATO Allies refuse to participate nor celebrate. Accordingly, President Trump is having a hissing- t promising revenge. When, in fact, President Trump defecated on himself, sat down in it, and now he wants NATO to wipe his behind. What an ungodly shame. At the same time, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz to all her declared enemies. Hence, no more oil to Iran’s declared enemies, only friends can receive crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz. Pay back is HELL, and War is HELL to the nth degree. is is why
the Bible declares that: “the tongue is a re, a world of iniquity; and so is the tongue among our members, that it de leth the whole body, and setteth on re the course of nature; and it is set on re of hell.” (James 3: 6). James, the brother of Jesus declared that the tongue is a raging re. President Trump’s Tongue started an uncontrollable wicked-hellish ery war that has no Godly end. e devil uses the tongue to divide individuals based upon race, ethnicity, creed, sex-status, socio-economic status, and religion. is is why we must be careful with our words/ speech. is is why the Bible emphatically states: “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (Colossians 4: 5-6).
We Must Understand
Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher
WHY BLACK FAMILIES CAN’T AFFORD ESCALATION
When the United States enters another overseas con ict, the headlines o en focus on strategy, alliances, and battleeld movements. But for many Black families, the rst real sign of war is not a breaking news alert — it is a rising number on the gas pump, a higher grocery receipt, or a tighter household budget. As military tensions expand in the Middle East, energy markets are reacting with volatility. Oil prices historically climb when instability threatens supply routes, and when oil rises, everyday costs follow. e battle eld may be far away, but the economic consequences rarely are.
An unnecessary war is when a nation’s leadership goes to War, because he/she desires to play God. Hence, assuming excessive authority/ control always leads to tragic consequences, including the deaths of innocent individuals like elementary school children mistakenly targeted in Iran. Smart booms require smart managers. America, God does not make mistakes, but Presidents do! Listening is an important part of learning what not to say, because listening is Godly. is is why all individuals have one mouth and two ears. erefore, listening is a Godly quality, and attempting to play-God is a dangerous devilish lifestyle habit. Once again, during the 2024 Presidential campaign, Donald
Roughly one- h of the world’s seaborne oil ows through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane bordering Iran. Even the threat of disruption can send global oil prices higher. e United States produces more energy domestically than in decades past, but oil remains globally priced. When supply risks increase abroad, Americans feel it at home. Gasoline prices can rise within days or weeks of oil spikes. Transportation costs increase. Food prices follow as shipping expenses climb. Utility bills re ect higher energy inputs. In ation spreads outward from fuel into nearly every corner of daily life.
For Black America, this cycle carries added weight.
Federal Reserve data consistently shows that Black households, on average, hold signi cantly less accumulated wealth than white households. A greater share of income goes toward essentials like housing, transportation, and food. Emergency savings are o en smaller, not because of lack of discipline, but because of decades of wage gaps, employment discrimination, redlining, and structural barriers to asset accumulation. When in ation rises, families with thinner nancial cushions feel the impact rst and most intensely. History o ers a clear pattern. During previous Middle East con icts, including the Gulf War and the Iraq War, oil price volatility contributed to in ationary pressure. Economic slowdowns tied to energy shocks have historically pushed Black unemployment rates higher and slowed recovery. When downturns occur, hiring o en contracts in sectors where Black workers are overrepresented. Small businesses — including many Black-owned enterprises operating on tight margins — face increased supplier and utility costs. e squeeze compounds.
e reality is uncomfortable but consistent: when war drives up oil, and oil drives up prices, communities already navigating wealth disparities are hit earlier.
ere is also the human toll. Black Americans have served in the U.S. military in signicant numbers across generations. As con icts expand, so do the demands placed on service members and their families. Deployments strain households emotionally and nancially. Veteran care systems, already stretched, may face new pres-
Takeover Cont.
plenty of kids they just going to schools outside of their communities and city with things to o er like programs and viable feeder patterns vs just a building on life support. e T.E.A. has never played a signi cant role in education, however they are now playing a huge role in compensation.
March
Carrington Jr. Cont.
June of 2012, the Lord further blessed the ministry with the opening of the church’s present location, a testament to God’s make decisions for the largest school district in Texas. is is called a con ict of interest which makes it an interesting con ict. e AC doesn’t work in some of the schools but it freezing at the Administration Bldg. ey can’t a ord to keep schools open but, they can a ord to spend approximately $700,000,000 of the 2.1-billion-dollar budget on an unproven experiment also known as the N.E.S the Not Even Sure system. e district is paid per student not per administrator, however over 40 employees at 4400 W 18th St. makes over $200,000.00 a piece with very little if any experience for the position they are being over compensated for... Everyone is getting paid while we are not paying attention. e enrollment will be low as long as you have just as many charter Schools as churches in our communities. We have
Questionable legislation like HB 1842, SB 1882, and SB1365 all empowered the commissioner Mike Morath to take over our tax funded schools is like Donald J. Trump taking over and destroying countries he didn’t help build, without the legislation it wouldn’t be a F. Mike Miles or the board of Mannequins... Some may argue academic improvements have been made; however, a mouth can say anything and a pen can write anything...... What would your grades and evaluations be if you were allowed to grade your own paper????
church in establishing a second location in Texas City, Texas, extending the reach of the ministry and bringing the message of Christ to an even wider community. en, in
continued favor and the faithful leadership of Pastor Carrington. A er more than four decades of faithful pastoral leadership, on March 28, 2021, Pastor Carrington announced his retirement from the role of Pastor. In a meaningful and historic transition, he passed the baton of leadership to his son, Senior Pastor Eric D. Carrington, Sr. With this transition,
Reverend Carrington stepped into a new and honored role as Pastor Emeritus, continuing to be a source of wisdom, guidance, and spiritual encouragement to the church he faithfully led for so many years.
For 48 years, Reverend James C. Carrington, Jr. devoted his life to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. rough decades of faithful service, he remained
committed to sharing the Word, upli ing believers, and leading others to Christ. His legacy is re ected in the many lives he has impacted, the congregations he has guided, and the enduring ministry that continues to stand as a testimony of faith, dedication, and God’s grace.
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 servitude.
1885. A majority of Southern states pass individual state laws requiring separate schools for black and white students.
HOUSTON
DALLAS
TEXAS TAKEAWAY
e e ort to rename the street was initiated by District I Councilmember Joaquin Martinez, who serves the Magnolia Park neighborhood where the boulevard runs is in progress. Martinez noted that the renaming process is o en “lengthy” and “cumbersome,” but stressed the need to move forward without delay.
SAN ANTONIO
e Kirby City Council will convene Wednesday evening to consider and potentially vote on the removal of one of its members. Councilmember Susan Street, who was elected last year, serves alongside colleagues representing roughly 8,000 residents.
AUSTIN
Businesses in Grand Prairie are preparing for an economic boost as the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, with nearby Arlington expected to draw millions of visitors. Local hotels, restaurants, and retailers anticipate increased demand and new growth opportunities.
LEAGUE CITY
City o cials on Tuesday approved a delay of a proposed CenterPoint Energy gas rate increase.
is week, the Austin City Council is expected to vote on a strategic plan for the city’s Homeless Strategies and Operations O ce (AHSO), outlining its priorities for the coming years. e plan o ers residents a clearer picture of how taxpayer dollars will be used and what goals the city aims to accomplish through the o ce. It is designed to guide decisionmaking and improve coordination among city departments and service providers. O cials say the strategy will also help measure progress and ensure accountability as the city works to address homelessness more e ectively.
Percy Lavon Julian (1899–1975) was a pioneering African American chemist and entrepreneur who revolutionized the synthesis of medicinal drugs from plants, specifically soy sterols. He made cortisone, sex hormones, and glaucoma treatments affordable, secured over 130 patents, and broke racial barriers in science despite facing severe discrimination.
PERCY LAVON JULIAN
HMAAC APPOINTS TWO NATIVE HOUSTONIANS AND HBCU GRADS TO LEAD THE MUSEUM
By: Jillian Simpson
In November 2025, the Board of Directors of the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) unanimously voted to install Davinia Reed as the Museum’s new Chief Executive O cer, e ective February 1, 2026. She succeeds Dr. John Guess Jr., who 13 years ago was charged by the Board with making tangible the vision of an African American museum in Houston.
Mrs. Reed previously served as HMAAC’s Chief Operating O cer for
and colleagues across Houston’s Museum District, have expressed strong con dence in her leadership.
Reed has worked collaboratively with past curators to ensure timely gallery preparation, shipping, and installation of exhibitions, and has played an integral role in engaging the Museum’s Guest Curator search rm. She also represented HMAAC in initial negotiations with its Seattlebased Oculus project vendor and its Paris-based AI vendor, while helping shape the Museum’s campus expansion strategy.
lifelong dedication to family, faith, and service.
“As a Clark graduate, I am thrilled to see a fellow alumna grow so much,” said HMAAC Co-President Cindy Miles. “Davinia’s calm demeanor belies her outstanding organizational skills and talent. She is perfectly suited to meet the challenges we continue to face as an African American cultural asset in Houston Texas.”
A longtime patron and joyful volunteer of HMAAC, Simpson joins the organization committed to deepening its impact across community, culture, education, and Houston’s African diasporic history.
ve years, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight while advancing the Museum’s mission to preserve, promote, and celebrate African American art, history, and culture. roughout 2025, she led the Museum’s engagement in curatorial transition, facility maintenance improvements, upgrades to its technical infrastructure, and expanded program development ensuring the institution remained both culturally relevant and operationally strong. Widely respected in museum circles as a connector and community builder,
Reed’s work bridges institutions, stakeholders, funders,
Biggers Estate, and the Johnson with public o cials as City Councilman Edward State sentative Lauren Simmons
A proud graduate of Fort Bend ISD Willowridge High School and Clark Atlanta University, where she studied Business Administration, Reed embodies the University’s spirit of “I’ll nd a way or make one.” Her career re ects a deep commitment to education, equity, and empowerment, guiding her advocacy for meaningful access to learning and community growth. Her executive leadership has been further strengthened through participation in Harvard Business School programs and business retreats. She is also a member of National Women of Achievement Inc., championing excellence, service, and leadership among women nationwide.
Reed’s work bridges institutions, stakeholders, funders, public o cials, and the broader community. Partners including the Houston Endowment, H-E-B, the John Biggers Estate, and the Johnson Family Fund, along with public o cials such as Houston City Councilman Edward Pollard and State Representative Lauren Simmons as a conneccombuild-
She has been married for 23 years to Markus Reed and is the proud mother of two daughters, Makaela and Madisynne, who inspire her
HMAAC Board Co-President Gina Carroll added, “ e Board has worked closely with Davinia and witnessed her phenomenal growth and independent thinking. We believe she is the right person to take the baton from our storied Dr. John Guess, Jr. and lead us con dently into the future.”
According to Dr. Guess, “Succession is not easy, and we have tried previously and unsuccessfully to get this done. is time we looked within the organization. A er working with Davinia Reed as my second in command, I am con dent we have found the right t, someone who understands our unique brand and is committed to enhancing it.”
Strengthening Executive Leadership
Upon assuming the CEO role, Reed immediately moved to strengthen HMAAC’s executive leadership by appointing Jillian Simpson as the Museum’s new Chief Administrative O cer.
A native Houstonian and Fort Bend ISD Clements High School graduate, she was a district champion hurdler, clarinetist in the marching band, and a founding member of her school’s Black Heritage Organization. Raised by two proud Texas Southern University alumni, she later attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. , an experience in “Chocolate City” that profoundly shaped her identity and worldview.
Jillian attended Howard University while working full-time and interning at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, fueling her passion for science, history, and disciplined learning. A er earning her degree in Marketing and International Business, she returned to Houston and began a 14year career with Chevron Corp. as a Senior Strategic Business Planner, where she led global nancial benchmarking across six continents and oversaw multiregional IT budgets totaling more Read more at aframnews.com
JILLIAN SIMPSON JILLIAN SIMPSON
JILLIANSIMPSONDAVINIA REED
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for:
Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for:
RFP #26-03-08 Microso Enterprise Licensing. Electronic submittals due by 12:00PM, ursday, April 16, 2026.
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GIFTSHOP CLOSEOUT
HISTORY
BREAKING BARRIERS: JACKIE ROBINSON’S HISTORIC MLB DEBUT
By: Fred Smith
On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson made history by becoming the rst African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. Taking the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson broke a color barrier that had excluded Black players from the league for decades. His debut was more than just a baseball milestone—it marked a significant moment in the broader struggle for civil rights in the United States. Robinson’s journey to the major leagues was shaped by both extraordinary talent and immense courage.
also for his strength of character. Rickey knew that integrating baseball would provoke backlash, and Robinson would need the resilience to endure hostility without retaliation. roughout his rookie season, Robinson faced racial slurs, threats, and discrimination from fans, opponents, and even some teammates. Despite these challenges, Robinson excelled on the eld. He quickly proved himself as a dynamic player, known for his speed, intelligence, and competitive drive.
had won the inaugural Rookie of the Year Award, helping lead the Dodgers to a National League pennant. His performance silenced many critics and demonstrated that talent, not race, should determine a player’s place in the game.
sure. War is not only an economic burden; it is personal.
at is why this moment demands preparation, not panic.
Black families cannot control foreign policy decisions, but they can take steps to strengthen their economic resilience. Preparation begins with awareness. Understanding that oildriven inflation is possible allows households to act early rather than react late.
Sixth, stay engaged civically. Economic policy responses to in ation — such as fuel tax adjustments, energy subsidies, or small business relief programs — are shaped by elected o cials. Voting, advocacy, and community organizing in uence how economic burdens are distributed.
Preparation also includes mental resilience. News cycles during war can heighten anxiety. Constant exposure to con ict updates without actionable steps can create stress without bene t. Staying informed through credible sources, while focusing on concrete household actions, maintains balance.
By the end of the 1947 season, he
and immense courage. Signed by Dodgers executive Branch Rickey, Robinson was chosen not only for his athletic ability but
Jackie Robinson’s impact extended far beyond baseball. His courage helped pave the way for the integration of other professional sports and inspired the growing Civil Rights Movement. Today, his legacy is honored across Major League Baseball, with all players wearing his number 42 each year
1947 season, he his number 42 each year on April 15. Robinson’s breakthrough remains a powerful symbol of progress, equality, and the enduring ght against injustice.
First, review and adjust household budgets. If energy prices rise, allocate a slightly larger bu er for fuel and groceries. Even small weekly adjustments can create breathing room. Cutting nonessential spending temporarily — streaming subscriptions, impulse purchases, dining out — can build a short-term cushion.
Second, prioritize emergency savings. Even setting aside modest amounts consistently builds resilience. A goal of one month of essential expenses is a starting point; three months provides stronger security. For families with limited room in the budget, collective strategies — such as savings circles or family emergency funds — can distribute risk.
ird, reduce vulnerability to fuel spikes where possible. Carpooling, combining errands, remote work options, or public transportation can so en the blow of rising gasoline costs. For homeowners, energye cient appliances and insulation improvements reduce long-term utility strain. Renters can seek community assistance programs that o set heating and electricity costs during spikes.
Fourth, support Black-owned businesses strategically. During in ationary periods, local businesses face increased operational costs. Intentional community spending can help stabilize neighborhood economies. Economic circulation within the community strengthens resilience.
Fi h, build nancial literacy and diversify income streams. Side businesses, remote freelance work, digital skills, and cooperative ventures create additional layers of stability. e modern economy o ers more avenues for supplemental income than previous generations had during wartime in ation cycles.
Another war does not automatically guarantee economic collapse. e United States economy today is more diversi ed than in the 1970s. Domestic energy production has increased. Financial systems are more sophisticated. But oil remains foundational to transportation and goods movement. Disruptions still ripple outward. e di erence between crisis and challenge o en lies in preparation.
Black America has endured cycles of sacri ce without proportional economic gain. at history informs the urgency of preparation today. e wealth gap did not emerge overnight, and it will not close overnight. But building bu ers, strengthening community networks, and increasing economic awareness create protection against external shocks. e lesson of past con icts is not despair. It is strategy.
If energy prices climb and in ation tightens, the squeeze will be felt.
e question is whether families are positioned to absorb it or whether it deepens existing strain. By acting early — before prices surge further — households can reduce vulnerability.
War abroad may be beyond individual control. Economic readiness at home is not.
Another war should not automatically mean another setback for Black families. But history shows that without preparation, the burden falls unevenly. In moments of escalation, awareness becomes protection. Community becomes insurance. Planning becomes power.
e battle eld may be overseas. e preparation begins at home.
OF SAVINGS AISLES AISLES and
