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TwiliteZone.com—Weapons of mass destruction notwithstanding, America is the only nation to use a nuclear bomb in warfare (against the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki), to end World War II. During the “cold war” with Russia, America developed the most powerful nuclear bomb in the history of the world in 1983, that Pres. Reagan tabbed “The Peacekeeper” (nee LGM-118A), which replaced “Minuteman III” in over 100 silos. But, alas, according to the, unratified, SALT II plan, the missile is to be removed from the US nuclear arsenal by 2004. With a war going on, it will be interesting to see if Pres. Bush will deactivate the world’s most powerful weapons of mass destruction. -Bud Johnson.

LostInSpace—There was a b it of miscommunication between two African American News & Issues staff members, who both are to Wheatley-ites, that caused one of Phillis Wheatley’s greatest products to be Lost In Space. We speak of the sports and music legend, Robert Tapscott’s August 15, 2004 concert at Mount Vernon UMC, 1501 Jensen Dr., that has yet to be noted, much to chagrin of several generations of Fifth Warders whose lives were touched by the great singer. And, for sure, Tap also shaped many, young lives as director of the Julius C. Hester House. Space won’t allow us to expound on such a diverse and charismatic personalities accomplishments in depth, thus, we’ll simply share this synopsis: Robert is one of eleven children born to John W. and Annie M. Tapscott. At an early age, it was discovered that he had exceptional musical abilities.
His vocal ability was fostered at Pleasant Grove MBC and Bruce Elementary School under the watchful eyes of his mother and the late Mrs. Maggie Hicks. Robert's formal vocal training began at Phillis Wheatley High School with Mrs. Mamie Reed Lee and the late Mrs. Mattie Overton Robinson as the inspiration for the development of the gift that was bestowed upon him by God. After graduating from tile "Den of tile Wildcats", he matriculated at Tennessee State University on athletic and music scholarships, While performing in football and track, where he excelled in both sports, his stature grew musically. He became student director of the band and choir, drum major of the "Aristocrat of Bands” and soloist with the choir, Tennessee State Concert Singers and the Tennessee State Collegians Dance Band.
Participating in these groups provided opportunities for Robert to perform in many of the outstanding arenas throughout the nation, including-- Carnegie Hall. After graduating from Tennessee State University, he began sharing his talents with students, some of whom became internationally known as musicians, athletes, actors, and politicians. Robert encountered employed at the Julia C. Hester House, in the heart of the "Big Nickel," Robert these individuals while became the first black parole officer with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles in 1963. As the result of a series of promotions, he became Director of Parole Supervision. Under his directorship, Texas became the top parole system in the United States. Musically, Robert continues performing, as pianist and vocalist, with the TNB Trio, with fellow Wildcats, Newton Hinton and Bernard Walker.
Robert is an active member of the Wesley UMC in Austin, Texas, where his voice can be heard with the Intergenerational choir. Robert has been married to his college sweetheart, Margaret (“Marie”), for 53-years. They have three children, Robert II, Jacqueline, and Jonathan. Robert is a fifty-three year member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. For sure, we would be remiss not mention his piano accompanist,
Geraldine Hinton Green, who lived with her parents and four siblings in the Lyons Avenue area of Houston's Fifth Ward. "Dean", as she 'was affectionately called, attended Wheatley and participated in the Glee Club, All Girl Orchestra, Band, and Drum & Bugle Corp. prior to her graduation in 1950. She majored in music, with emphasis on piano at Texas State University for Negroes, before it was Texas Southern University.
During her undergraduate tenure at TSU, she was a member of the trombone section of the band, University Concert Choir, and the Dramatics' Club. “Dean” graduated in 1954 and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in 1962. Her professional career began in the public schools of Baytown, Texas, where she served for twenty-one years as an elementary music specialist. In 1975, she became a member of the music faculty at TSU served as Assistant Professor of Music. She retired, in1993, after 18-years. She also was a church musician and played in several churches in the Greater Houston area, as an accompanist, choir director and organist. Presently, “Dean” is in her 11th year as an employee in the Houston/Harris County Precinct one senior citizen programs. The church played an important role in Geraldine's life. Those who were among the standing room crowd that was lucky enough to share the spiritual experience are still buzzing about the Tap and Dean’s great performance. Kudos “Wildcats,” we love you.

GoodNeighbor—A posthumous Good Neighbor tribute, accompanied by a complimentary Memoriam is over due Evelyn Washington Thomas, whose long and wonderful life was celebrated at Ross Mortuary Chapel, 3618 Lyons Ave., on Sept. 2, 2004 with Rev. Alex B. Morrison, of Houston Christway Ministries officiating. Brenda Barnes, Vicky King, Eileen Barrett-Williams, and Milton Frazier participated in the order of service. Active pallbearers were: Paul Thomas, Tony Sharp, Walter Thomas and Lonnie Edwards. David Snow, Curtis Terrell III and Meade Chatham were honorary pallbearers for Evelyn, who was born on February 25, 1929, to Green and Parthenia Washington in Houston, Texas. She graduated from HISD’s Phillis Wheatley High School and earns a B.S. at Texas Southern University and her M.A. from USC.
She invested her extensive education in her community’s children, insofar as she taught in Galena Park ISD elementary schools for thirty-seven years. Meanwhile, Evelyn, a lifelong member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., met and married Wade Thomas, on Sept. 24, 1947, to fulfill a blessed life and left precious memories for her children: Faye Thomas Chatham (Meade) Paul L. Thomas; Grandchildren: Valerie Terrell Snow (David); Curtis L. Terrell, III, Maya S. Thomas; Great- Grandchildren Courtney S. Snow and Alonzo G. Terrell. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, numerous friends, and neighbors also survive her. Well-done Good Neighbor Evelyn Washington-Thomas…. Another deserving Good Neighbor salute is due Kofi Tarhaka, the hard working chair of Houston’s branch of NBUF, 2428 Southmore.
Not only he and his group on the front line whenever there has been an injustice committed in their community, but he is constantly introducing our youths to Afrocentric ideals. Currently he is gearing up for the 7th Annual Sankofa: Caravan to the Ancestors that will be held in Galveston, TX on Oct. 16, 2004. This year’s theme will focus on “Spiritual Warfare,” that Quanell X is being subjected to as we speak. Guest speakers will include Alaagba Ifa Yomi Fagbenro, of Dallas; along with Sisters Oshundunmi and Alasfia Ifalade. Momma Ruby Cormier, Dr. Khaliid Abdul Muhammad, Enomoyl Ama, Jaramoji Abede Agyeman, Dr. Lorenza Jelani Williams, Sedrick Sussberry and Olaniyi Labinjo will be honored. For info. call (713) 942-0365.

M’StonesInDaHood—Opps, we miscalculated the 2004 Kick-Off Celebration of W.A.C. H/“Stand” Encouragement & Inspirational Magazine for entrepreneurs, that was held at Houston’s Ballrooms, 14880 Bammel-N. Houston Rd., on Sept. 24, 2004. Forgive us Dawn Fobbs and welcome to the struggle…. Age is just a number, indeed, because Alberta Kennard Martin and her younger sister Rosa Lee Kennard Mitchell are still as active as ever, although their combined age is 181-years. Sis. Martin, the grandmother of Fifth Ward Redevelopment Corporation’s Kathy Flanagan Payton, is a marvel at 96, insofar as she is also blind, but still very active in her community and church. Sis. Martin is also a snappy dresser, who even stands out among her sharp dressing posse: Rosa, Rachel Wilson and Beulah Lavalier Evans.