Bayou Beat News - August 2023

Meet the Black woman overseeing Trump's election interference case

Carlee Russell case giving uncomfortable reminders of Tawana Brawley, Jussie Smollet for Black America

Hit the bricks, NOT the books! HISD to turn dozens of school libraries into discipline centers

SCAN ME TO SUBSCRIBE

Council Member Edward Pollard remains focused on District J: 'I have more work to do'

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

Dear poet, thanks for the reminder. These days, it seems more and more is happening around the world that is leaving us speechless and stressed out, wondering what is going on and what we can do to change the flow.

We begin to absorb the issues of the worldespecially our inner circles -- to a point where it begins to drag and tear our souls down, leaving us helpless and begging for the old school Calgon, which no longer takes us away.

Is it that we need to stop expecting more? Should we stop giving so much? Do we need to start focusing on self?

LET’S CONNECT! Follow us on social media

BayouBeat BayouBeatNews

BayouBeatNews

MEMBERS OF

Houston Association of Black Journalists

CEO/Publisher

Nakia Cooper

Marketing Manager

Dana Patterson

Distribution Managers

Aaron Cooper, Vonte Cooper

Senior Writer

N.C. Greene

Contributing Writer

Natalie Greene

Columnist

Ikeoma Divine

Social Media

Alexandria Green - Jones

Graphics Nathaniel Greene

Photography

Damanion Cooper-Lee

Live Correspondent

Ciara Ross @Iamciaraross

Entertainment Coordinator

Cornel Grant

IG: @MusicMonopoly

Email: info@bayoubeatnews.com

Advertisement: info@bayoubeatnews.com

Subject line: ADS

Well, I know that all seems very selfish and many of us don't how to let go or say "No," but I ran across this poem by a talented brother who made me think that we don't have to stop doing any of the aforementioned things, but do need to stop NEGOTIATING our self-worth. Sounds confusing? Well, take a read - twice if you need to - and you will see what he means.

The Negotiated Contract

By: Em Jackson

The sister girl sat there on the couch in a fine dress with her legs crossed, her hands atop her knee, and she had brought along her fancy pooch. At first glance one would think she was there to be intimate to some degree, maybe hold hands and smooch.

With love,

Nakia Cooper Publisher, Bayou Beat News President, Houston Association of Black Journalists

But no, she was there for a counseling session, a psychological intrusion, Which was to her benefit, as she arrived at a personal conclusion:

To please others, she would no longer negotiate her happiness, her time, her energy or her peace.

To her, the negotiated contract was now voided. It had been an anchor to drag along, and now free of it, it was refreshing and an emotional release! So she stood up from the couch and she straightened her dress and re-shaped her coiffure - a nearly perfect rounded afro, She both thanked & bade the good doctor a “fare thee well,” snapped her fingers, her fancy pooch rose and followed her at her heel to its toe.

• Jackson 07.20.23

In honor of National Black Business Month, we would like to say congratulations to Jami Bertrand, who has been reappointed by City Council to the Missouri City Small Business Advisory Committee.

"As a graduate of Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses Program and a current student of Cornell University Women’s Entrepreneurship Program, it’s safe to say supporting small businesses is not only my passion, it’s my ministry. Particularly, startups. I’ve been afforded the opportunity to be a voice for the Small Business Community in Missouri City." -

Jami Bertrand

TOP STORY

Political Patience is a Virtue

By: N. L. Cooper

COUNCIL MEMBER EDWARD POLLARD REMAINS FOCUSED ON DISTRICT J: 'I HAVE MORE WORK TO DO'

In a society where instant gratification seems to be the norm, Council Member Edward Pollard stands out as a testament to the power of patience and long-term dedication in the world of politics. As Houston approaches the November 7th municipal election to choose its next mayor, one name that won't grace the top line of the ballot is that of the young and promising Council Member Pollard, who has chosen to prioritize his current responsibilities and constituents over a mayoral bid, at least for now.

At 39 years old, Pollard has already demonstrated a remarkable ability to bridge the political divide and garner support from a diverse range of individuals across the spectrum. Representing District J, which encompasses the culturally rich and diverse southwest Houston from the Galleria to Alief, he has successfully united a community of over 200,000 people, where 75 percent of the residents speak a language other than English as their first language. As an Independent, Pollard has defied partisan boundaries and has been proactive in promoting the various cultures and customs that make his district, and the city as a whole, truly unique.

Council Member Pollard's inclusive and unifying approach to governance has not gone unnoticed. He has caught the attention of the Houston political scene, and whispers about the possibility of his mayoral candidacy have grown louder with each passing day. However, Pollard remains

steadfast in his decision to seek re-election to his District J seat on the Houston City Council. Many have urged him to seize the opportunity and run for mayor in the 2023 election, but he firmly believes that he has “unfinished business” in his current role.

When asked about his decision to focus on re-election instead of pursuing the mayoral race, Pollard responded with

the path to meaningful change and progress may require patience and experience. By focusing on re-election, Pollard aims to further hone his skills, expand his knowledge, and deepen his connections within the community.

One undeniable factor contributing to the intrigue surrounding Pollard's political future is his impressive fundraising prowess. During his

seasoned candidates vying for the position. This generational difference could have been a compelling factor in positioning himself as a fresh and innovative candidate for mayor, but Pollard's decision to wait and build on his current experience showcases a maturity beyond his years.

Should Pollard emerge victorious in the upcoming November election, he will gain another four years on the City Council to continue his mission of serving the people of District J. As he grows in his role, it becomes increasingly apparent that his ambition and vision extend beyond his current position. The question that lingers is whether Pollard will ultimately embrace the growing buzz and run for the city's highest office.

humility and resolve, saying, "I'm honored that so many people believe in me to lead our city, but I have more work to do for my constituents of District J. Timing is everything, and in the future, if it is the Lord's will, the right time will present itself."

Pollard's actions and choices speak volumes about his dedication to public service and his constituents. Despite the allure of the mayoral race and the possibility of becoming the city's youngest mayor, he remains committed to his current role, recognizing that

first term, which encompassed a significant portion of the COVID-19 pandemic, he managed to raise over $1 million —a feat unmatched by any first-term council member in Houston's history. This financial support demonstrates the trust and belief that individuals and organizations have placed in him as a capable leader.

One cannot ignore the age gap between Pollard and the other contenders for the mayoral seat. At just 39 years old, he stands as a stark contrast to the older and more

Time will be the ultimate arbiter, and Pollard seems content to let it unfold organically. In a world where instant gratification often overshadows long-term goals, his political journey serves as a reminder that success in politics is a marathon, not a sprint. As Houston's mayoral race unfolds and the city decides its destiny, Pollard's decision to prioritize his constituents over personal ambition sets him apart as a patient and principled leader, ready to serve when the right moment presents itself. Whether that moment will lead him to the mayor's office remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Council Member Edward Pollard is a name to watch in Houston's political landscape.

ON THE BEAT

ENTERTAINMENT

Big Pokey's cause of death revealed

By: Natalie Greene

The Houston rap scene will never be the same after the city lost a true legend, Milton “Big Pokey” Powell, who died in June at the age of 48.

The original “Screwed Up Click” member poetically took his last breath while doing what he loved: performing. Pokey was rapping on a platform in front of a crowd at Pour 09 Bar in Beaumont when he told the DJ to cue up "Fat Pat," another dearly departed H-Town legend. He then paused, took a deep breath, then dropped to the ground.

"The cause of death, in layman's terms, 'Big Pokey' had a massive heart attack," Justice of the Peace Tom Gillam III told news station KFDM in early August. "He had hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease."

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls. This buildup is called plaque. The plaque can cause arteries to narrow, blocking blood flow. The plaque can also burst, leading to a blood clot."

Big Pokey began rapping with Houston producer DJ Screw and DJ PRIMETIME in the early 1990s. He was featured on DJ Screw’s iconic mixtape, “June 27th Freestyle,” which became a landmark album in chopped and screwed hip hop.

His first full-length album, “Hardest Pit in the Litter,” came out in early 1999. He had many other hits, including “Who Dat Talkin Down,” and was also featured

Henrietta Lacks’ family settles lawsuit with biotech company

By: Stacy M. Brown / NNPA

Living relatives of Henrietta Lacks have reached a confidential settlement with Thermo Fisher Scientific, the multi-billiondollar biotechnology company that has used regenerative cells taken from Lacks decades ago without her consent.

The settlement sets a precedent, potentially leading to complaints seeking compensation and control of Lacks’ cells, famously known as “HeLa” cells, the world’s first cells capable of replicating outside the human body.

“The parties are pleased that they were able to find a way to resolve this matter outside of court and will have no further comment about the settlement,” civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump and Chris Seeger, who represent the family, wrote in a news release.

Lacks, a cancer patient, succumbed to the disease shortly after receiving treatment in 1951.

Following her death, researchers at Johns Hopkins discovered that the cells sampled from Lacks’ cervix could regenerate outside the human body.

They shared those groundbreaking cells, which were instrumental in developing polio and COVID-19 vaccines, in addition to the world’s most common fertility treatment. The problem is, they did not have permission to do so.

For decades, Lacks’ contributions to science remained unrecognized but the truth is now known globally.

Lacks’ story has since become a best-selling book and, in 2017, Oprah Winfrey starred in the big screen biopic, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.”

“It’s a real honor to have a family member that’s genetic makeup is that important to the world,” Lacks’ grandson, Ron Lacks, said in an earlier interview.

HPD substation to be renamed after slain sergeant

By: Natalie Greene

Mayor Sylvester Turner, along with the Houston City Council, recently voted to rename a police substation after Sgt. Harold Preston, a Houston Police Department veteran who was shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call.

On Oct. 20, 2020, Preston and two other officers were trying to help the wife of Elmer Manzano peacefully move out of her home when Manzano opened fire.

"Every day, police officers respond to unsafe locations. Law enforcement is a dangerous job, and officers put their lives on the line because they love and want to protect our city,” Turner said on the day of the fatality.

Preston was sworn in as a law enforcement officer in August 1979 and served 41 years. For over 20 years of his career, he worked with HPD’s Southwest Division. He was planning to retire at the time of his death.

Now, the Southwest Patrol Station, located at 13097 Nitida Street, will be renamed in his honor.

On the day the renaming was approved, it was noted on the city council agenda, “Sergeant Preston’s actions on October 20, 2020 saved several lives which required him to make the ultimate sacrifice.”

It went on to say, “Sergeant Preston’s many years of outstanding service to his department and the City of Houston have been highly commendable and will leave a strong legacy of performance that others will emulate.”

#SALUTE

Carlee Russell case giving uncomfortable reminders of Tawana Brawley, Jussie Smollet for Black America

It looks like we have another damn Tawana Brawley or Jussie Smollet on our hands!

Carlethia “Carlee” Nichole Russell, the 25-year-old Alabama woman who went missing last month under bizarre circumstances had Black America holding its breath praying that she did not do what many were speculating she did.

Charges have been filed against the young woman because it appears that her disappearance all part of a made-up storyline, seeking attention, possibly from her boyfriend, due to a reported feud with a female rival.

Here’s a recap of the timeline of events given by the Hoover Police Department.

On July 13, Carlee called a 911 operator at around 9:24 p.m. saying that she saw a toddler in a diaper along the side of an interstate near Birmingham, Alabama.

After the 911 call, she called a relative telling them the same thing, then abruptly stopped talking, but the line “remained open.” That relative reported hearing a scream.

And just like that – she was gone – leaving her distraught

By: N. L. Cooper

mother and father pleading for answers on national television and almost everyone around the country praying for her safe return.

Then ... two days later, Carlee returned home at around 10:45 p.m. Surveillance video shows her walking down the street in her neighborhood before she banged on her front door.

SO WHERE THE HECK WAS SHE? MANY INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW...BUT WE DOUBT SHE WILL EVER REALLY TELL THE TRUTH.

Investigators said she told them when she got out of her vehicle to check on the child, a man with orange hair and a bald spot came out of the trees, picked her up, made her go over a fence and forced her into a car.

She said the next thing she remembered was being in the trailer of an 18-wheeler with a woman and a baby. She went on to say, when she woke up the next day, the woman fed her cheese crackers and played with her hair.

Carlee said she was eventually able to escape and ran through the woods before coming out near her home.

Police suggested that some

things weren’t quite adding up and laid out a timeline of the bizarre occurrences leading up to her “disappearance.”

The Hoover police captain said that Carlee took a “darkcolored bathrobe, a roll of toilet paper” and other items that belonged to her employer, the Woodhouse Spa Birmingham, at around 8:20 p.m.

Afterward, she ordered food from a Mediterranean Café and picked it up before going to Target, where she bought some granola bars and CheezIts ... remember those cheese crackers she said her captors fed her? She remained in the Target parking lot until 9:21 p.m.

Then after the mysterious 911 call happened at 9:24 p.m., police arrived to the scene within 5 minutes but there was no sign of Carlee or the alleged child. Carlee’s purse, an Apple Watch and the takeout order were found inside the car, but the snacks she bought from Target were nowhere to be found.

Investigators also discovered a slew of bizarre searches Carlee made before she vanished.

The police chief said that Carlee searched information about Amber Alerts and “how to take money from a register without being caught.”

She also searched for the movie “Taken,” which is about a retired CIA agent who had to save his own kidnapped daughter.

Sadly, this was all a lie but not something that we haven't seen before. It is screaming Smollett and Brawley.

The younger generation will keenly remember Smollett –the Empire actor now fallen from grace – staging a hoax saying he was attacked by Trump's MAGA supporters. That led to a huge trial, where he was found guilty of lying to police.

Those who are a bit older may remember how Brawley shamed a younger Rev. Al Sharpton when he became her spokesman. To refresh your memories, in the fall of 1987, Brawley, who is African-American, was found disheveled inside a trash bag with racial slurs written across her body in Wappingers Falls, New York. Brawley, who was 15 years old at the time, claimed she was kidnapped and repeatedly raped by a group of white men.

This, too, turned out to be a lie and she ended up being ordered to pay restitution in the case.

According to 2021 FBI data, Black people account for 31% of missing person reports despite making up only 14% of the US population.

Cases involving missing white women and children are urgently treated and receive national attention, but when it comes to Blacks, the search activity is disproportionately low. Carlee’s actions may further jeopardize the thousands of Black people who are currently missing.

Sorry, Black America, we have been duped – and embarrassed – yet again.

Free College Tuition EDUCATION

Houston college offering free degrees to students with absentee fathers

By: BBN staff

The College of Biblical Studies is on a mission to eradicate father absence through a tuition-paid scholarship designed to address and overcome the plight of children growing up without a positive father figure. "Emerging Leaders" is a scholarship program for young men, ages 17 to 30, designed to address the father absence epidemic in communities around the nation.

The Emerging Leaders program has been established to support, counsel, mentor, and provide a tuition-paid, accredited degree to young Christian men who meet eligibility requirements. Research and data show father absence negatively affects children socially, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Father absence is a key factor in a life of poverty, familial abuse and neglect, and incarceration.

“Father absence is a worldwide epidemic changing the framework of society in a devastating way,” said CBS President Dr. Bill Blocker. “This crisis first affects the family and then the community. It is such a serious crisis affecting all areas of society that we must address it head-on.”

Students credit CBS and Emerging Leaders with changing their mindset, their future, and their children’s future.

"I was living a reckless life. I had no hope. No one believed in me. I was the 'Black Sheep' of the family. I dropped out of high school. But it was at the lowest point of my life that God came, rescue me, pointed me toward CBS," said Giancarlo

Callejas, Emerging Leader Scholarship Recipient. "I wanted a role model. When I heard about this program, it was a blessing because they provide someone who can mentor you. The Emerging Leaders Program made me be the man that I am now. It helped me re-establish my relationship with my father and it taught me how to be a good father to my daughter."

Dr. Maggie Rodriguez, executive director of student success, reminds everyone the degree is not just for people seeking to get into ministry.

CBS also offers a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Leadership, which is equal to a Bachelor's in Business Administration. This degree can help you in multiple professions.

Abigail's Army is a scholarship for women. Different requirements are for that program. Contact the college for more information.

Again, the programs are FREE with NO STRINGS ATTACHED. The goal is to educate students and help them grow to be productive members of society.

"We're the best kept secret and we're trying to change that," President Blocker said.

MORE BIG NEWS! The College of Biblical Studies has also launched a college basketball program. The Athletic Department proudly announced the appointment of Danny Evans as the Men’s Basketball Head Coach and Patricia Luckey as the Women’s Head Coach for their inaugural season in fall 2023. Bayou Beat News will have more on the basketball program in next month’s edition.

Emerging Leaders and

More information about Emerging Leaders and eligibility requirements can be found at CBSHouston.edu/ emerging-leaders.

About the College of Biblical Studies

About the College of Biblical Studies

Indianap7000 Regency Square

education with sev-

has provided biblically based education to more than 26,000 students since 1976 and

The College of Biblical Studies is located in Houston, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and online. The Houston campus is located in southwest Houston at 7000 Regency Square Blvd. Leveraging its academic rigor and biblical worldview training, CBS offers an accredited college education with several programs in the Spanish language. Students receive transformational education and training for service to families, ministries, businesses, and communities around the world. CBS has provided biblically based education to more than 26,000 students since 1976 and is ranked as one of the lowest tuitions in Texas.

Hit the bricks, NOT the books!

By: N. C. Greene

Please forgive us if we lose a little professionalism by asking, “What in the heezy is going on at HISD?” We are all about a better use of space, but perhaps we are missing the mark on this one.

The Houston Independent School District has announced that it will be eliminating librarian positions at 28 schools this upcoming year and creating “Team Centers” at some of the libraries, where kids with behavioral issues will be sent.

This is another part of new superintendent Mike Miles’ reform program, the New Education System, also called the (NES).

Currently, there are a total of 85 schools that have joined Miles’ program, and of those, 28 campuses will lose their librarians, but Miles said those librarians will have the opportunity to transition to other roles within the district. The remaining 57 NES schools’ librarians will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Miles said students are behind on reading levels, especially in 4th grade, but “riddle me this,” wouldn’t NOT PROPERLY UTILIZING THE libraries hurt them even more? Why not have an aggressive program to RESTORE the joy of reading and learning, using the library as the hub and heartbeat of the schools?

Houston Mayor Sylvester Tur ner does not agree with

this move, fearing it would hurt students in underserved communities.

"You cannot have a system where you're closing libraries for some schools in certain neighborhoods, while moreaffluent neighborhood schools have libraries that are open and stocked with books and other resources," he said.

He also said of Miles’ actions, "No one can take action in this city as though you are the general and you are less than your soldiers."

Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis also expressed indignation over Miles’ decision.

“Removing libraries takes the state’s censorship efforts and attacks on communities of color to a new level,” Ellis said. “These actions – along with their efforts to ban books, end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, target trans youth, and remove college professors –smacks of oppressive tendencies reminiscent of dark times in history that we must not repeat.”

There are 274 campuses in HISD. Latino children make up a majority of HISD students, accounting for about 62% of the student population, according to the Texas Tribune. Black students make up the second largest group in the district at 22.1%.

Research shows that schools with high-quality library pro-

grams lead to student achievement, including better test scores and reading skills, according to the American Library Association. On the flip side, over disciplining and removing students from classrooms is more likely to exacerbate behavioral issues than to correct them, according to Texas Appleseed, an Austin-based justice organization.

What happens now?

Well, when it comes to the new “Team Centers,” the district explained they are designed for students to work individually or in teams throughout the school day. Students with behavioral issues will also be placed in these centers, where they will be able to join their class virtually.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who is currently running for Houston mayor, is also against this move and hinted there could be possible federal intervention.

"Eliminating the libraries are a direct hit on Brown v. Board of Education, which in 1954 decided to integrate our schools. It is a violation of the 1964 Civil Rights Act dealing with accommodations," Jackson Lee said. "This speaks loudly to the Department of Education and the Department of Justice, who has indicated many things to me that this is getting their attention."

Is this racist? Is this an abuse of power? Or does Miles have a vi-

sion many just aren't seeing yet?

Miles, who has a Black father and a Japanese mother, is one of eight children and has a strong military background. He came to Houston as part of the controversial TEA takeover, appointed by Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath. Morath replaced former HISD Superintendent Millard House II and the entire elected school board.

The local chapter of the NAACP and many other Black and Latinx community leaders say this screams the "school-toprison pipeline."

“Nelson Mandela stated that the clearest depiction of a nation’s character is seen in how it treats its children,” said NAACP Houston President Dr. James Dixon. "The thought of closing and repurposing libraries in schools is not only insulting, but it’s also repulsive.”

Miles said in response to his critics, “I cannot and will not govern the state's largest school district by press conference or press release. The time for politics is over, and we will not be distracted by intentional misinformation. I will work with anyone who is serious about improving the learning and life outcomes of HISD students."

HISD cutting dozens of librarians, turning some school libraries into centers for students with ‘behavioral issues’

HEAT EXHAUSTION VS. HEAT STROKE DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE?

By: Natalie Greene

The Greater Houston area has been seeing brutal, triple-digit temperatures, causing city leaders to re-activate public health heat emergency plans, providing resources for people to take refuge. City libraries and multi-service centers have been functioning as cooling centers, in addition to other resources being made available, but we want to give you some awareness and tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe on high alert, particularly when it comes to recognizing the signs oh heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke Do you know the difference?

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Excessive sweating

• Cool or moist skin

• Nausea or vomiting

• Muscle cramps

• Fast and weak pulse

• Throbbing headache

• Red, hot, and dry skin (no longer sweating)

• Extremely high body temperature (above 103°)

• Nausea or vomiting

• Confusion

• Loss of consciousness

• Rapid, strong pulse

If these symptoms occur, you’re urged to call 9-1-1 immediately and try to lower the person’s body temperature until help arrives.

To AVOID any heat-related illnesses, health officials suggest these tips:

• Increase water consumption: Drink lots of liquids but avoid beverages with caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar because they can result in the loss of body fluid.

• Conduct outdoor work or exercise in the early morning or evening: People that are not used to working or exercising in hot temps are encouraged to slowly and gradually increase heat exposure over several weeks.

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that permits the evaporation of perspiration.

• Do not leave infants, children, senior citizens or pets unattend-

ed in a parked vehicle: Avoid doing this even if the windows are cracked open. Check to make sure everyone is out of your vehicle and don’t overlook children who may have fallen asleep.

• Wear hats to help prevent sunburn as well as heat-related illness: Also apply sunscreen, which protects from the sun’s harmful rays and reduces the risk of sunburn.

• Seek accommodations in air-conditioned facilities.

• Take frequent cool baths or showers: Do this especially if your home has no A/C.

Those symptoms are slightly different and elevated for a HEAT STROKE. Those symptoms include:

COMMUNITY

Harris County Clerk’s Office’s 3rd Annual Back-to-School Birth Certificate Event another success

By: HCCO staff

The Harris County Clerk’s Office (HCCO) issued close to 200 birth certificates during its third annual Back-to-School Birth Certificate event on July 29. The program was created to help families obtain the necessary records to enroll their children in school, specifically helps working parents who cannot visit HCCO during regular business hours.

“This time of year can be stressful for parents rushing to get everything they need for back-to-school,” said Harris County Clerk Teneshia

Hudspeth. “Offering this service on a Saturday helps families cross one more thing off their to-do list.”

This year, HCCO partnered with the Office of Harris County Precinct Two Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct Two, Place Two Judge Dolores Lozano, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia of the 29th District of Texas, State Representative Mary Ann Perez of District 144, Harris County Constable Precinct 2 Jerry Garcia, Harris County Resources for Children and Adults, Harris County

Department of Education, Northwest Educational Center, Trinity Dental Centers, the Farah Law Group, and the Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. in partnership with Alpha Merit Group Educational Foundation, Inc. to offer free backpacks, school supplies, dental and haircut services, and more.

“It was exciting to see families line up early to be one of the first 50 to get a complimentary birth certificate courtesy of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.,”

added Clerk Hudspeth. “We are grateful for these partnerships and hope to continue offering community events like this one in the future.”

HCCO also offers an online ordering system that allows people to securely purchase birth certificates. The online service is especially helpful for customers who do not live in Harris County or simply do not have time to visit one of HCCO’s 11 locations. For a list of other available online services, visit www.cclerk.hctx.net.

U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan to oversee former President Trump’s election interference case

JudgeTanya S. Chutkan will preside over the case of former President Donald Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

This decision comes after Chutkan’s previous involvement in key motions related to the January 6 committee’s investigation.

Chutkan has a history with Trump. She denied his 2021 motion to prevent records from being given to the January 6 committee.

In her decision, she emphasized that “Presidents are not kings, and Plaintiff is not president.”

This ruling showcased her commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

A trailblazer in her own right, Chutkan’s background is impressive.

She was born in Kingston, Jamaica and moved to the United States to pursue higher education.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from George

By: Stacy M. Brown / NNPA

Washington University and later graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Chutkan began her law career working in private practice and later at the District of Columbia Public Defender Service.

After that, she joined the law firm Boies, Schiller, & Flexner LLP, where she specialized in white-collar criminal defense for a total of 12 years.

Legal experts described Chutkan as incredibly dedicated to justice and fair representation as a public defender. They said her commitment to ensuring equal access to justice was evident. Her colleagues said her extensive experience in complex legal matters and criminal defense undoubtedly contributed to her well-rounded understanding of the law.

Chutkan was appointed to the District Court for the District of Columbia by former President Barack Obama in 2014.

Chutkan has a reputation for be-

ing a fair and committed judge.

Still, she hasn’t shied away from imposing harsher sentences than the Justice Department initially requested in cases involving January 6 defendants.

When federal prosecutors suggested that Matt Mazzocco serve three months of home confinement and probation after he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, Chutkan insisted that there must be consequences “beyond sitting at home” for individuals involved in an attempted violent overthrow of the U.S. government.

“If Mr. Mazzocco walks away with probation and a slap on the wrist, that’s not going to deter anyone trying what he did again,” Chutkan asserted from the bench. “It does not, in this Court’s opinion, indicate the severity – the gravity of the offenses that he committed on Jan. 6.”

Ultimately, she sentenced Mazzocco to 45 days in jail and 60 hours of community service.

Many observers said her stance reflects a belief in the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions during the insurrection.

The judge has refused to bow to political pressure or executive privilege.

In addition to denying Trump’s emergency motion in 2021, attempting to prevent the National Archives from turning over his administration’s records to the January 6 committee, she has remained steadfast in upholding the law.

“For a lot of people, I seem to check a lot of boxes: immigrant, woman, Black, Asian. Your qualifications are always going to be subject to criticism and you have to develop a thick skin,” Chutkan was quoted as saying in a February 2022 profile posted by the federal judiciary.

‘They Cloned Tyrone’: Conspiracy theory or documentary?

The buzz of the new Netflix movie, “They Cloned Tyrone,” is sparking conversations on Black social media threads. What looks like a normal urban movie turns out to serve as a mindbender, forcing you to take a closer look at your surroundings and everyday occurrences.

What is a conspiracy theory?

This term has been thrown around as soon as something is said in contrast of popular opinion or what is regurgitated on mainstream media. What if these theories were true? Documentaries are supposed to be based on facts presented in the commentary.

If you've traveled to different cities in the United States, you will see similarities in the "Hoods" (lower income Black neighborhoods). On every other block, there is a corner store, liquor store, church, Black beauty supply, barbershop, hair salon, and fast-food restaurants. You always know you're there when you make it to a “Martin

By: Ikeoma Divine

Luther King Blvd.” Is this a coincidence or is this set up by design?

SPOILER ALERT!!!

For those who haven’t seen the movie, I’m sorry to give some things away. But for those who have, some viewers have expressed that it’s really making them wonder if there is truth behind it.

This movie places an emphasis on the stereotypes in these communities that are cloned…. the gangster, the pimp, the prostitute, and the preacher. Each character plays a role in the decay of themselves, their families, and communities for little to no financial gain. Every hood has them. Coincidence?

Let’s explore a few “what ifs” based off the movie, and some other scenarios that make you say “hmmm … ”

WHAT IF:

• There are chemicals injected in our food, hair, and body

products that could alter our moods or slowly sterilize and kill us.

• The music we listen to was infiltrated with subliminal messages that controlled our moods and actions.

• The religions were forced on us in order to hide the real truth to the path of spiritual enlightenment and freedom.

• We are being programmed through social media to hate ourselves to the

ourselves to the point where we attack each other over topics such as gender wars, and misogynoir.

• Our DNA has been studied and used in medical technology. How many Henrietta Lacks are there? Why is melanin $445 a gram and how is it being used to protect cells from sun damage?

Some believe that once they reveal things to the public in the media, they have already accomplished their goal and are preparing us to accept it mentally. Could these experiments have started when ghettos were being developed? At this point, there would be more than 60 years of data and specimens collected, if this is true.

So, what do you think about They Cloned Tyrone? Conspiracy theory or documentary?