Michael Williams scores GOP
points at AHCCC’s luncheon
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Although I was raised a Democrat, after I became
a businessman, I learned to diversify. Therefore, I became a Redeemer, meaning I’m
for whoever will redeem me and my people. So, after meeting Texas’ Railroad
Commissioner Chairman Michael Williams up close and personal, as he charmed Acres Home
Citizens Chamber of Commerce’s Sept. 3, Network/Luncheon audience at Tidwell Estates,
1126 W. Tidwell @ Wheatley, I will have no problem voting for a couple of Republicans in
the upcoming Nov. 5, 2002 general election. And the “Lunch Bunch’s”
response to the dynamic and charismatic speaker certainly indicate that he scored some
points for the GOP that might make Black Democrats think twice before voting a straight
ticket.
Speaking with the passion of a Baptist preacher, Williams, a former federal prosecutor,
made a strong case for considering the man or woman, rather than the plan, when we go to
the polls to choose a candidate that will work in the best interest of African-Americans
in general and Black Texans in particular. Williams, without a doubt, won a few friends
and influenced a whole lot of people to reconsider their blind loyalty to the Democratic
Party that has never elevated an African American to the powerful position that he chairs
in the state of Texas. A standing room rowd seemed to turn Williams on, as he roamed from
table to table, sometimes touching a shoulder, or appearing to talk directly to one person
in particular.
And, when he talked of Black entrepreneurship, better education plans and gaining access
to economic mainstream through political participation, the rapt audience’s heads
figuratively nodded, “You’ve got my vote Michael.” Dynamic speaking aside,
Williams has already put his money where his mouth is. He has committed more campaign
advertising dollars to the Black media than any other candidate so far. Nevertheless,
that’s economics and has nothing to do with politics. Williams is fully aware that
AAN&I is his state’s widest circulated newspaper with a Black perspective that is
as easy to find in the state capitol as it is in Houston.
In fact, he was intent on meeting Bud Johnson, to ask our old African warrior why he
starts each week’s Eyeview with “Woebeit.” Meanwhile, Williams shared the
podium with Harris County Clerk Beverly Kaufman, who is making sure voters won’t have
the problems with the e-slate that they had in Florida, but she also shared time with a
group representing BTW High School. Cutting to the chase, AHCCC served a full plate of
good information, just as they serve full plates of good food at their monthly (first
Thursday) network/luncheons, which was held for the first time in Tidwell Estate’s
spacious Child & Adult Development Center.
Among the packed crowd were: City Councilmember Carol Mims Galloway and her aide John
Poore; Danielle Carter and Regina Brown, from Judge David Patronella’s office; Julia
Perez, Rev. Homer Lewis, Irundell Lewis and Lena Matthews (Matthews Center); Lola Johnson
and Charlotte Sync (Dimension Mortgage); David Beine (County Clerk’s office); Ella
Sayles, Callie Hector and Janet Gaston (Sr. Citizens); Robert Thomas (Aldine ISD), Jason
Rose (Need & Hooper P. C.), Tom Jarvis and Brandon (H.E. B.) and Trina Lowery, of
NHC-Carver. Also present were: Zeb Strong, Jr. (Marathon Oil), Yotarsha Lee (Doctors
Hospital), Debbie Hargrove (Smith Academy), Janette Hammond, Harold Warner, Jr. and Center
Point Energy’s Don Aaron.
Melvin Houston, a candidate for County Judge also showed up with several of his supporters
to break bread with Gwen Henderson and Acqua LeBlanc (Stovall Academy), Gabrielle Hadnot
(HBAD), Roderick Dow (C.P.A.), Dr. Victor Keyes and Oliphant (BTW), John Gibbs
(A.C.T.I.O.N.S. CDC), David Jost, Michael Edwards, Dr. Robert Maloney and Patsy Flowers
(HCCS), James White (White Ins.), Pat Matthews (CIS/Wesley), Lowis Canton (City of
Houston), Cornelius Crockett (Quantum Energy), Roy Moore (MHMRI), Fannie Dailey (Highland
Heights), Yolanda Laws ( Enterprise realty), Alfonso Hernandez (Parkinson Society) and
barber Booker T. Spencer.
Aaron Hughes, Cherith Randle and Paralee Shivers of METRO also enjoyed the luncheon along
with: Glenn Etienne (Falcon Energy), Daniel Gonzalez (Black Heritage Society), Cynthia
Buggage (Sheila’s office), Latasha Carr (Tidwell Estates), Jimmy Dansby (Employee
Benefits), Helen Grace (United Way), Thelma Hatchett Lastrap (community activist), Doreta
Hatchett (Community of Faith Church), Robert James (Diversified Life Ins.), Willie Taylor
(YAMO Tobacco Prevention), Dernille Mitchell, Malik Kenyatta, Andre Fleming, Lena Gibbs,
Hannibal Myers, Jacques Harris, Martina Dowdell, Carnay Ellis, Iris Williams, Shanna
Hawkins, Femi Otukoya, Willie Baker, Edward Jones and Beverly Fountain.
As usual the Chamber’s Robert Leday did a masterful job of coordinating the meeting
and Keith Silas introduced guests with gusto. The Chamber’s matriarch, Beulah Shepard
offered prayer. For sure, Michael Williams, et al, will be a tough act to follow but John
E. Pickleman, Chancellor of North Harris Montgomery Community College District, is
certainly equal to the task. Pickleman will speak on the future of Carver Center and
NHMCCD at the Nov. 7, 2002 network/luncheon, that will be held at Carver Center, 2330
South Victory @ Carver Road, from 11 a.m.-12:15. Call 713/692-7003 to RSVP by Nov. 4,
2002.
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