Volume 31 Issue 8

March 27, 2026

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

Vol.31, Issue 8

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African-American News&Issues

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

PASTOR EMERITUS JAMES CARRINGTON, JR.

By: Family

THE TAKEOVER HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT MONEY AND REAL ESTATE By: Travis McGee

It’s all about Real Estate and money. It has nothing to do with Education, but everything to do with compensation. The largest school district in the state of Texas is pretty much self-sufficient, 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 financially.

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.

The 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

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.

The 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 officially 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, affirming his dedication and readiness to serve God and His people in a greater capacity.

Shortly afterward, on January 7, 1979, Reverend James C. Carrington, Jr. accepted the call to serve as pastor of Willing Workers Baptist Church. This 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 Carrington Jr. continued to expand. On April 13, 2008, Pastor Carrington led the on pg. 3

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March 27, 2026

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EDITORIAL

President/Chief Editor Contributing Writers Dr. Bobby Mills Travis McGee Rachel Thompson 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.

WAR IS HELL

STORIES, PICTURES, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, EMAIL TO

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GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

The Bible declares that hell and destruction are never full. As a result, individuals driven by greed, envy, and jealousy often remain unsatisfied 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: “The 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. The 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-fit 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. This is why

the Bible declares that: “the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; and so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” (James 3: 6). James, the brother of Jesus declared that the tongue is a raging fire.

President Trump’s Tongue started an uncontrollable wicked-hellish fiery war that has no Godly end. The devil uses the tongue to divide individuals based upon race, ethnicity, creed, sex-status, socio-economic status, and religion. This is why we must be careful with our words/ speech. This 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).

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.

This is why all individuals have one mouth and two ears. Therefore, listening is a Godly quality, and attempting to play-God is a dangerous devilish lifestyle habit. Once again, during the 2024 Presidential Read more at campaign, Donald aframnews.com

We Must Understand Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

WHY BLACK FAMILIES CAN’T AFFORD ESCALATION

When the United States enters another overseas conflict, the headlines often focus on strategy, alliances, and battlefield movements. But for many Black families, the first 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.

The battlefield may be far away, but the economic consequences rarely are.

Roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane bordering Iran. Even the threat of disruption can send global oil prices higher. The 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 reflect higher energy inputs.

Inflation 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 significantly less accumulated wealth than white households.

A greater share of income goes toward essentials like housing, transportation, and food.

Emergency savings are often smaller, not because of lack of discipline, but because of decades of wage gaps, employment discrimination, redlining, and structural barriers to asset accumulation. When inflation rises, families with thinner financial cushions feel the impact first and most intensely.

History offers a clear pattern.

During previous Middle East conflicts, including the Gulf War and the Iraq War, oil price volatility contributed to inflationary pressure. Economic slowdowns tied to energy shocks have historically pushed Black unemployment rates higher and slowed recovery.

When downturns occur, hiring often 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. The squeeze compounds.

The reality is uncomfortable but consistent: when war drives up oil, and oil drives up prices, communities already navigating wealth disparities are hit earlier.

There is also the human toll.

Black Americans have served in the U.S. military in significant numbers across generations. As conflicts expand, so do the demands placed on service members and their families. Deployments strain households emotionally and financially. Veteran care systems, already stretched, may face new pres- Escalation on pg. 7

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION Takeover Cont.

make decisions for the largest school district in Texas.

This is called a conflict of interest which makes it an interesting conflict.

The AC doesn’t work in some of the schools but it freezing at the Administration Bldg.

They can’t afford to keep schools open but, they can afford 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.

The 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. The enrollment will be low as long as you have just as many charter Schools as churches in our communities. We have

March 27, 2026

plenty of kids they just going to schools outside of their communities and city with things to offer like programs and viable feeder patterns vs just a building on life support. The T.E.A. has never played a significant role in education, however they are now playing a huge role in compensation.

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????

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Carrington Jr. Cont. 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.

Then, in June of 2012, the Lord further blessed the ministry with the opening of the church’s present location, a testament to God’s

continued favor and the faithful leadership of Pastor Carrington.

After 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,

AFRAMNEWS.COM 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. Through decades of faithful service, he remained

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committed to sharing the Word, uplifting believers, and leading others to Christ. His legacy is reflected 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.

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March 27, 2026

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GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

THROUGH THE LENS OF TIME: BLACK HISTORY IS 24/7/365 1864 1864. The Fugitive Slave Law is repealed.

It considered to still hold in the case of Black Americans fleeing from their enslavers in border states that were loyal to the Union government.

1887 1887. The Thibodaux massacre occurs in Louisiana.

TEXAS

1865

1900

1868

1870

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. The fourteenth amendment is passed, guaranteeing citizenship rights and equal protection under law.

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 servitude.

SAN ANTONIO

The effort 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 often “lengthy” and “cumbersome,” but stressed the need to move forward without delay.

The 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 officials on Tuesday approved a delay of a proposed CenterPoint Energy gas rate increase.

1885. A majority of Southern states pass individual state laws requiring separate schools for black and white students.

TAKEAWAY

HOUSTON

DALLAS

1885

_______________________________

This week, the Austin City Council is expected to vote on a strategic plan for the city’s Homeless Strategies and Operations Office (AHSO), outlining its priorities for the coming years. The plan offers residents a clearer picture of how taxpayer dollars will be used and what goals the city aims to accomplish through the office. It is designed to guide decisionmaking and improve coordination among city departments and service providers. Officials say the strategy will also help measure progress and ensure accountability as the city works to address homelessness more effectively.

PERCY LAVON JULIAN 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.

READ MORE AT AFRAMNEWS.COM

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

March 27, 2026

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LOCAL

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 Officer, effective 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 Officer for

five years, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight while advancing the Museum’s mission to preserve, promote, and celebrate African American art, history, and culture.

Throughout 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 JILLIAN SIMPSON builder, JILLIAN SIMPSON

DAVINIA REED

Reed’s work bridges institutions, stakeholders, funders, public officials, and the broader community.

Partners including the Houston Endowment, H-E-B, the John Biggers Estate, and the Johnson Family Fund, along with public officials such as Houston City Councilman Edward Pollard and State Representative Lauren Simmons

and colleagues across Houston’s Museum District, have expressed strong confidence 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 firm. 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.

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 find a way or make one.” Her career reflects 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.

She has been married for 23 years to Markus Reed and is the proud mother of two daughters, Makaela and Madisynne, who inspire her

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.”

HMAAC Board Co-President Gina Carroll added, “The 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 confidently into the future.”

According to Dr. Guess, “Succession is not easy, and we have tried previously and unsuccessfully to get this done. This time we looked within the organization. After working with Davinia Reed as my second in command, I am confident we have found the right fit, 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 Officer.

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.

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.

After 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 financial benchmarking across six continents and oversaw multiregional IT budgets totaling more Read more at aframnews.com

JILLIAN SIMPSON

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March 27, 2026

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CHURCH

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

Rev. Curley Randle, Sr. Pastor

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

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

RFP #26-03-08 Microsoft Enterprise Licensing. Electronic submittals due by 12:00PM, Thursday, April 16, 2026.

RFP #26-03-10 – Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Sign. Electronic submittals due by 3:00PM, Monday, April 20, 2026.

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March 27, 2026

HISTORY

Escalation sure. War is not only an economic burden; it is Cont. personal.

BREAKING BARRIERS: JACKIE ROBINSON’S HISTORIC MLB DEBUT

By: Fred Smith

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson made history by becoming the first 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.

Signed by Dodgers executive Branch Rickey, Robinson was chosen not only for his athletic ability but

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.

Throughout his rookie season, Robinson faced racial slurs, threats, and discrimination from fans, opponents, and even some teammates.

Despite these challenges, Robinson excelled on the field.

He quickly proved himself as a dynamic player, known for his speed, intelligence, and competitive drive.

By the end of the 1947 season, he

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.

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 on April 15. Robinson’s breakthrough remains a powerful symbol of progress, equality, and the enduring fight against injustice.

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Sixth, stay engaged civically.

Economic policy responses to inflation — such as fuel tax adjustments, That is why this moment demands energy subsidies, or small business preparation, not panic. relief programs — are shaped by Black families cannot control foreign elected officials. Voting, advocacy, and policy decisions, but they can take community organizing influence how steps to strengthen their economic economic burdens are distributed. resilience. Preparation begins with Preparation also includes mental awareness. Understanding that oilresilience. News cycles during war can driven inflation is possible allows heighten anxiety. Constant exposure to households to act early rather than conflict updates without actionable steps react late. can create stress without benefit. Staying First, review and adjust household informed through credible sources, budgets. If energy prices rise, while focusing on concrete household allocate a slightly larger buffer actions, maintains balance. for fuel and groceries. Even small Another war does not automatically weekly adjustments can create guarantee economic collapse. The breathing room. Cutting nonessential United States economy today is spending temporarily — streaming more diversified than in the 1970s. subscriptions, impulse purchases, Domestic energy production has dining out — can build a short-term increased. Financial systems are cushion. more sophisticated. But oil remains Second, prioritize emergency savings. foundational to transportation and Even setting aside modest amounts goods movement. Disruptions still consistently builds resilience. A goal ripple outward. The difference between of one month of essential expenses is a crisis and challenge often lies in starting point; three months provides preparation. stronger security. For families with Black America has endured cycles of limited room in the budget, collective sacrifice without proportional economic strategies — such as savings circles gain. That history informs the urgency or family emergency funds — can of preparation today. The wealth gap did distribute risk. not emerge overnight, and it will not Third, reduce vulnerability to fuel close overnight. But building buffers, spikes where possible. Carpooling, strengthening community networks, and combining errands, remote work increasing economic awareness create options, or public transportation can protection against external shocks. soften the blow of rising gasoline The lesson of past conflicts is not despair. costs. For homeowners, energyIt is strategy. efficient appliances and insulation If energy prices climb and inflation improvements reduce long-term utility tightens, the squeeze will be felt. strain. Renters can seek community The question is whether families are assistance programs that offset heating positioned to absorb it or whether it and electricity costs during spikes. deepens existing strain. By acting early — Fourth, support Black-owned before prices surge further — households businesses strategically. During can reduce vulnerability. inflationary periods, local businesses War abroad may be beyond individual face increased operational costs. control. Economic readiness at home is not.

Intentional community spending can Another war should not automatically help stabilize neighborhood economies. mean another setback for Black Economic circulation within the families. But history shows that without community strengthens resilience. preparation, the burden falls unevenly.

Fifth, build financial literacy and diIn moments of escalation, awareness versify income streams. Side businesses, becomes protection. Community remote freelance work, digital skills, and becomes insurance. Planning becomes cooperative ventures create additional lay- power. ers of stability. The modern economy offers The battlefield may be overseas. The more avenues for supplemental income preparation begins at home. than previous generations had during wartime inflation cycles.

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