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Green pleased AHCCC “Lunch Bunch’s” taste

City Councilmember Ronald Green proved to be, not only pleasing to the “Lunch Bunch’s’ political astute taste, but the smorgasbord of information he served was easy to digest when he spoke at Acres Home Citizen Chamber of Commerce’s May 6, 2004 monthly network/luncheon at North Harris College-Carver Center, 2330 S. Victory @ Carver Rd. Once the 33-year-old attorney started speaking, it became very obvious why he beat an incumbent, inasmuch as his confident, all inclusive, self depreciating and sometimes humorous style of speaking completely relaxed the “Lunch Bunch,” because it was easy to identify him as being one of “OUR” own who is definitely going places.

Perish the thought that my impression was prejudiced, but I must admit that I was just a little bit surprised and pleased when Green publicly thanked me with a gift and proclamation (acknowledging the Honorary Degree that was to be presented to me during Houston Community College System’s, May 8, 2004 commencement ceremonies at Reliant Stadium), although he had already thanked me—for my support privately--after his upset victory over incumbent Bert Keller, who challenged him for Michael Berry’s vacated City Council seat. Green cleverly soften the Lunch Bunch’s mood and explained his tardiness at the same time, when he explained that he had to rescue his wife who had unexpected car trouble.

Nevertheless, it was his engaging, relaxed presence that had them eating out of his well manicured hands. His humorous litany about how he finally got a chance to speak at a Chamber luncheon (after being told that he wasn’t ready several times ) also delighted the crowd. On the other hand, he turned very serious when he spoke about the crucial role African American News & Issues played in helping a first time, young candidate win the election. Green demonstrated his appreciation by sending us a VIP invitation to his inaugural. But the first term City Councilman, who grew up in Third Ward, really pushed the right button when he asked, “Who anointed those of us over in Third Ward to be the ones who run politics in the city?” He wisely concluded that any Black candidate must go through Acres Home to win a citywide position.
Earlier he hit on another subject close to political astute, grassroots Black leader’s hearts when he talked about the late Congressman Mickey Leland. He said that Mickey not only was responsible for training young people to become politicians, but also helped many of them get into the business sector. “One of the philosophies that I have, is when I’m climbing, I always climb with one hand and pull with the other. The best thing about being At-Large position is that I can go all over the city and there’s a hold lot of talent out here in Acres Home,” Green said. And among those applauding him the loudest was the senior citizens, led by Beulah Shepard, who ran for City Council herself. Our treasured seniors, Earnest Houston, Callie Hector, Ovetta Hunter and Rankie Johnson also were well pleased with Green’s performance.

The Chamber’s Angela Perry, Barbara Brown and Quinton Murray were in the house with AHCDC’s Hosea Harris and Arnold Brown. Also present was Marcus Van Milburn (Sheraton Suites-Houston); Frank Jeanes, Clifford Brown and Natasha Young (Center Point); Bert Thomas (Dana Publishing); Patsy Flowers (HCC-NE); Robert Bennett (Red Cross); Carolyn Kenner and Anna Patrick (Metro); Keilone Gordon (Infinity Speaking); Morgan Twitty (Shekinah Glory Church); Martin Woodard (A.R.C. Northeast); Latasha Wilson (Kingwood College); Pat Matthews (Wesley-CIS); Katrina Dowdell (Highland Heights); Super barber, Booker T. Spencer and Raymond Groves, Jr. & Lester Houston, of Parent Leadership Union. Candidates for Aldine ISD, Sydney Brewer, Michael Harris and Maurice Parker, broke bread with past president Emmit Hill.
Others enjoying the speech were North Harris College-Carver Center’s Dr. Joanna Mann, Ann Swint, Randy Bates, Jo Ellen Christy, Shannon Robinson, Shameka Cooper, Tawana Burke and Charlesley Watt. Dorothy Hubbard, represented Sheila Jackson Lee’s office; Kassaye Kessayi, accompanied the speaker; Shareen Larmond and Etta Crockett represented Sen. Whitmire’s office and Bailey Davis stood tall for TSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship. Also at the event were: Jackie and Darryl Thomas, the faithful Metrolift drivers, along with Jasmin Castillo and Tannessa Maddox. Darlene Carter, of Mt. Ararat BC, was the lucky ticket holder (a gift certificate from Lacy’s Cafeteria & Restaurant, 9606 Mesa@ Tidwell: 713/631-3962), but she graciously presented it to Oveta Hunter, who was celebrating her 80th birthday.

The Chamber’s Robert Leday, as usual, did a masterful job of coordinating the network/luncheon and Keith Silas introduced the speaker with his usual flair. Silas, a realtor and chairman of Acres Home Positive Interaction Program, will be the guest speaker at the Chamber’s June 3, 2004 network/luncheon, that will be held at New Jerusalem Ministries, 1613 W. Little York (opposite Fire Station 67). He will discuss “Safety in Acres Home.” To RSVP by June 1, call (713) 692-7003. As always, before Beulah Shepard closed the meeting with prayer, I gave an update of Chamber business, which included announcing our 12th Annual Juneteenth Business Expo/Zydeco/Rhythm & Blues Festival 2004 that will be held under the big tent from 2-8 p.m. on June 19, 2004. Malonson Company Inc.’s grounds, 6130 Wheatley.

The featured artist will be Nooney & The Zydeco Floaters; BTW High School’s Band, The “Baby Ocean of Soul, featuring the Oceanetts and Ray Brown’s Show & The Showtime Band. The historical festivities will be broadcast on the Boxx (KBXX 97.9 and Power 97.5 FM) LIVE! This years event—that’s FREE to the public—is sponsored by: H-E-B Pantry Foods, Center Point Energy, Malonson Company, Inc., WP & Associates, Aus-Tex Electric, JM&P Construction and African American News & Issues newspaper. For information and directions call Sharon Johnson @ (713) 692-7003.