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Jarvis Unity in the CommUnity Prayer Breakfast January 13 to feature speaker Dr. Tomika Duffey-Johnson

Jarvis Unity in the CommUnity Prayer Breakfast January 13 to feature speaker Dr. Tomika Duffey-Johnson

(Hawkins, Texas)—Jarvis Christian University is hosting its annual “Unity in the CommUnity” prayer breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2024 celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who advocated for fairness and equality for all citizens through powerful, prayerful and peaceful protest.  Cost for the breakfast is $10 with proceeds supporting community scholarships benefiting current JCU students and local high school students in Wood and Upshur counties who choose to attend JCU. Deadline to register for the breakfast is Wednesday, January 10. Those interested can register at www.jarvis.edu and click on registration for the Unity in the CommUnity Prayer Breakfast. Guest speaker for the MLK Prayer Breakfast will be Jarvis alumna Dr. Tomika Duffey-Johnson. After completing her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2000 at Jarvis, she earned her a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Prairie View A&M and her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree from Southern Methodist University.  She served the Mesquite Independent School District for 23 years as an elementary special education teacher, a fourth-grade general education teacher, an elementary and middle-school campus principal. She recently accepted an executive director role with feeder schools at the Houston Independent School District. Born and raised near Gilmer in a rural area known as Simpsonville, Texas, she is the second of eight children reared by her mother and grandparents. At Jarvis, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her favorite quote from Dr. King is: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving.” Dr. Johnson is respected as a servant leader who is committed to empowering her family, friends, students, teachers, parents, and colleagues to achieve a level of excellence beyond what they can imagine.    The annual prayer breakfast provides an opportunity for local community members and leaders to pray for area schools, businesses, city government, law enforcement and JCU with a goal to foster unity among diverse ethnicities throughout East Texas. Jarvis Christian University educates a diverse population of students of all ages intellectually, socially, spiritually and […]

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The 33rd Annual Banquet Gala

The 33rdAnnual Banquet Gala

By: Sheba Roy The 33rd Annual Banquet Gala at the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development was a remarkable affair. The event took place on October 27th 2023 at the Acres Home Chamber event center located at 6112 Wheatley St. Guests from across the city attended the occasion sponsored in part by HEB, The City of Houston, and Aldine ISD. Notable attendees included Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and Congressman Al Green, Congressional candidate Amanda Edwards, three candidates for Texas State Senate District 15, Molly Cook, Karthik Soora, and State Representative Jarvis Johnson among others.   he scholarship fundraiser was hosted by Master of Ceremonies Donnie Lewis, the “Louisiana County Boy”, and included a dinner curated and served by Celebrity Chef Willie Holmes and his staff, while saxophonist Cleo Fox played along with popular tunes prior to the beginning of the awards ceremony. For the last two years the Acres Home Chamber of Commerce for Business and Economic Development has partnered with Lone Star College Houston North Victory campus to provide a scholarship to one of their students in their Workforce Program. This year the scholarship award was presented by Dr. Quentin Wright to Felecia Mayon.   She shared that her academic journey and life experience have led her to pursue a degree and a career in substance abuse counseling. With the receipt of this scholarship she will be able to attend classes at no cost to her for the upcoming semester. Chamber CEO and Board Chairman Warren F. Muhammad said “It’s important to stimulate educational and training opportunities in the trade sector in order to increase employment and avenues for entrepreneurial development.”   Mayor Sylvester Turner and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee were able to take a photo with the scholarship winner as well as the three other award recipients, City of Houston Director of Community Relations Janice Weaver with Special Recognition, Entrepreneur Award recipient She Happy Hair co-founder Marcus Bowers, and founder of the Acres Home Advocacy Group Ebony Rain Eatmon Community Service Award.   Claude Cummings, Jr. was the keynote speaker for the annual

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I am running to be your State Senator to continue building a better Texas

I am running to be your State Senator to continue building a better Texas

I am no stranger to service, I’ve been serving communities in Houston in some capacity since 1995. From running a non-profit to serving on the Houston City Council and now serving in the Texas House. We’ve been through a lot: Hurricane Harvey, the ongoing COVID pandemic, Winter Storm Uri, the failure of our electric grid, and now — coming under attack from Greg Abbott. In this political climate, our communities can’t afford to have inexperienced leadership. That’s why I’m running to be your next State Senator. I have been on the battlefield while right-wing extremists have attacked our communities, stripped away women’s reproductive rights, politicized flooding projects, and underfunded our public schools while pushing voucher of the budget-writing committee, I’ve secured millions of additional dollars for public schools in Houston and our local universities, like Texas Southern University. As vice-chair of two public safety committees, I’ve fostered relationships across the aisle without compromising my values. This district is a diverse and vibrant place to live, but with many communities facing real problems- they deserve a leader who can bring home solutions, not just empty promises. I am committed to being a leader who advocates for you, your family, and your community. As your next State Senator, I will work tirelessly to ensure our communities thrive. I can’t do this without you, can I count on your support?   In Service, Rep Jarvis Johnson

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Vote for your children’s future: Aldine ISD elections

Education first, education for all. African-American News&Issues is continuing the mission of keeping the community educated and informed. And when it comes to educating our youth, we must always know who are in those key positions making decisions that will affect our children’s futures.  With the upcoming election for the Aldine ISD School Board of Trustees, we want to introduce you to two candidates. Meet Steve Mead: Steve Mead has been a resident of the Aldine community since the age of four, and the owner of Component Sales and Services, a geotechnical lab equipment company servicing the Aldine community for over 50 years. He served on the boards of Aldine YOUTH, Aldine Noon Optimist Club, Aldine Scholarship Foundation, Aldine Improvement District, MacArthur Dance and Booster Club, Aldine Fire Department and the North Chamber of Commerce. Mead says he has the experience to protect our valuable taxpayers’ dollars and knows the value of having the necessary resources to educate and prepare every student for success in college, career, and life.  His strong belief is that families know their children best, and it is critical that we listen to the voice of the community if we are going to build the solid foundation necessary to raise the student achievement. Mead and his wife Jill have three daughters, all of whom attended Aldine ISD schools and graduated from MacArthur Senior High School. Mead Middle School is named in his honor. AANI: What position are you running for? Mead: I am running for school board trustee position 5 AANI: Who are you running against? Mead: I am running against Emmanuel Guerrero, a 24-year-old who is not married, no children and no school board experience. AANI: What do you feel you bring to the table that your opponent does not? Mead: I have been active in the community for over 50 years serving on organizations that support children. AANI: What programs, if any, are you proud of implementing in Aldine ISD? Mead: I am proud of our program to expand dual language, immersion, new P-Tech schools, CTE programs at Archie Blanson Technical School, all girls’

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Agriculture Science Conservation Camp

By Marcus Glenn HOUSTON – Black United Fund of Texas, Nature Heritage Society, Four W’s Fishing Team and a group of professional Black outdoorsmen created the Agriculture Science Conservation Camp to expose youth to careers in agriculture and conservation. The Acres Home Chamber for Business & Economic Development recently, had 21 participants from both the Acres Homes and Missouri City communities. During the week long day camp, participants had a chance to learn about marine biology from Mr. Bill Balboa Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologist and also dissected a shark. They also visited three local farms, RST BioScience where they learned about aquaponics; Seeds of the Soil where they learned about raised bed growing systems, chickens and rabbits and the Big City Gardener’s garden at Kashmere Multi Service Center, where they learned about composting and adding soil amendments to help plants and trees grow. Continuing, participants learned about law enforcement and conservation from Game Warden Lt. Kevin Malonson, before visiting the R&S Deer Ranch to expose the youth to agri-business and conservation. While at the ranch, activities included: archery with Mr. Kendrick Gray; fishing with Mr. Greg Akins; boater safety education Mr. Thomas and kayaking with Mr. Willard Franklin. Additionally, participants competed in a fishing tournament won by Mr. Kyle Brown. After the R&S Deer Ranch visit, participants concluded the camp with a tour of the campus of Prairie View A&M University. We’d like to thank our partners and sponsors, the Acres Homes Chamber for Business & Economic Development, TPWD, Mr. Roy Malonson, State Rep. Jarvis Johnson and Bea Dot Catering, Drew Academy, Bethel Place Church and our awesome volunteers. For more information please visit agconservationcamp.org and buftexas.org. Photo courtesy of Marcus Glenn

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Ten Years in the Community

By Rebecca S. Jones Celebrating Ten Years with Acres of Angels HOUSTON – Over a decade ago, native Houstonian, Edna Griggs, was divinely-inspired to establish an initiative which would bring awareness to youth regarding the effects of diabetes. Being a victim of the disease, Edna strongly believed if she could build a network which educated children on good eating habits and other preventive measures, it would greatly decrease the chance of diabetes developing in the youth. From a genuine desire to create a health-conscious perspective, her non-profit organization, Acres of Angels has emerged into a charity dedicated to, organizing community events, enrichment activities and informative seminars which empowers the Greater Houston area and surrounding communities. Acres of Angels: A Decade of Service to the Community Mardi Gras Party In the inception of Acres of Angels, Edna began hosting Mardi Gras parties at the Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local Union Hall. At the time, she was a veteran employee of AT&T and member of the CWA Local Union 6222. McKinney Management, the financial advisors for CWA Local Union 6222 and local electoral candidates were sponsors for the first several years of the event. A great portion of the proceeds from this annual function was donated to Texas Children’s Hospital. Annual Diabetes Walk After dedicating 42-years of service to AT&T, Edna retired and immediately began expanding the reach of Acres of Angels. She organized a Diabetes Walk at Lincoln City Park located at 979 Grenshaw, 77088, which takes place every March. For six years, residents, leaders and elected officials from various communities and vendors, health professionals and a host of other participants have gathered in its support. Over the years, the Walk has grown to include: Zumba, line dancing and free blood pressure and diabetes screenings. The primary objective of the Diabetes Walk is to convey that, “diabetes can be prevented or maintained through proper diet and exercise.” Aside from hosting the Walk, Acres of Angels remains passionate and committed to visiting the elderly and youth populations to ensure they have the proper resources available to live a comfortable, healthy and

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Confederate Heroes???

By State Rep. Jarvis Johnson, Texas District-139 Much of the discussion surrounding Confederate Heroes and monuments are centered around preserving heritage. But whose heritage is worth preserving? For some of us, it is not possible to separate the brutality of slavery from the actions of confederate soldiers. This conflict is deeply personal to me, my family line can be drawn back to a slave being raped by her white slave owner. Not everyone has stories from their ancestors they can be proud of.  My great-great grandmother Janie’s life was full of violence and suffering. She was born into slavery, separated from her mother at five, raped remorselessly, bore children from those rapes, and lived separately from her fair-skinned children who lived with their white father. To many, the Civil War was so long ago, the war and the consequences of it are taught in History class, but for me, it was shared through my Mother and Grandfather’s words. Confederate monuments and holiday’s honoring “heroes” is a visualization of how this part of US History has been sanitized and white washed. When I look at monuments honoring the Confederacy, I see a painful depiction of the brutality that created my family line. The definition of  hero is “a person admired for achievements and noble qualities” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Are the actions of Jefferson Davis and Robert E Lee heroic by this definition so that they warrant an official state holiday to remembering them? While leaders such as Robert E Lee may have fought nobly in a brutal war, it is impossible to separate that he not only was fighting on the side that defended the act of slavery, but he himself was a slave owner.  Owning slaves was inhumane, and a shameful part of America’s past, not a noble quality. If Texans want to remember their family members who fought and died in the fighting for the Confederacy, I encourage them to honor them on their deceased family members birthday, anniversary of their death or any other day of importance. Neither the state nor federal government have holidays to

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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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