Community News

TwiliteZone.com—It was only fitting to hear from Robert “Mr. History” Powell, the old Buffalo Solider close to Black History Month. Powell, who is also known as “Mr. Pittsburgh” to those who listen and call in to Ralph Cooper’s Sports Rap, on KCOH (1430 AM) radio, has been ailing. Nevertheless, he was talking plenty of noise when he called in to give his historical insight on Jack Johnson, who has been rediscovered by Black America since the PBS documentary about the first Black heavyweight champion of the world. Powell, a re-tired merchant seaman, from Port Arthur, Texas, also is well known as a living historian, who is in great demand at Black schools during Black History Month. Incidentally, Mr. Pittsburgh was smart enough not to bet on a Steelers victory over the New England Patriots. You’re still sharp old soldier, we love you.


LostInSpace—Because of a failure to communicate, the Christmas reunion of five generations of the Rice clan was Lost In Space. On the other hand, it could’ve been God’s plan, insofar as Hattie (Byrd) and John Rice just happened to be featured in African American News & Issues’ very first Valentine Day special edition. Then again, the lovely, 92-year-old couple, who recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary, stays so busy until it’s difficult to keep up with them. The massive gathering of the clan was at the home of their beloved daughter, Hattie Rice Montgomery, and son-in-law, Robert. Robert Montgomery III and his wife Tawanna represented the grandchildren; Danielle, Robert IV and Rashard are the great-grands and last, but not least, is Shanece Luria, the Rice’s great-great granddaughter. John and his always-fashionable dressed spouse, seldom miss a church service, or any event that they’re invited to. Happy Valentine’s Day John and Hattie, you’re definitely an inspiration to young romantics who’re still taking a chance of love and marriage.


MeMories—A complimentary memoriam, is due the family and love ones of Leon Edward Robinson, who’s very productive life was celebrated at Bethlehem BC, in DeBerry, TX, on Nov. 27, 2004 with Pastor Jerry Wade officiating. Rev. A. Leon Hicks, Evangelist June Ghoston, and Rev. Robert Hudley blessed the order of service, with song, prayer, and scripture readings. Active pallbearers were Providence and New Zion MBC. Michael Bray, Kenny Okoeguale, Taylor Robinson, James Young, Roy Crockett, Kenneth Man, Michael Steve Johnson, Kerry Cade, Joe Louis Agers and Joedell Booty were honorary pallbearers for Leon, who was born a twin on Nov. 21, 1951 in Carthage, Texas, to Myrtle Louise and Benjamin C. Robinson, Sr. Leon's twin preceded him in death.
Leon loved the Lord so, that he accepted Christ at an early age. He moved to Houston as an adult, met, and married Gloria Johnson, who preceded him in death. To this union three lovely daughters were born. Their names are Erica, Kimberly, and Deon. In Houston, Leon worked with various trucking companies, H.I.S.D., and finally with the City of Houston. Leon loved people and was known by many. Many knew him for his smile, jokes, and kindness. God called Leon to his heavenly home on Nov. 19, 2004. Although gone, he definitely wont’ be forgotten, because of cherished memories he leaves the people who loved him dearly: his wife, daughters and the children he raised as his own: Michael, Alice, Frankie, and Kenny (Big Boy); his sisters, Rozieler Pryor, Alma Burns, Serrill and Emma Horton; brothers, Joe Pryor (Barbara), Dewitt Robinson (Candy), Kenneth Robinson, Benjamin (Wichelle) Robinson. Well-done Leon Edward Robinson.


HoodWatch—Congrats to Jodie Giles, another one of those high achievers from Houston, Texas’ Fifth Ward community, who was recently named chairman of Greater Houston Partnership. Believe it, or not, but Jodie and his pal Rodney Ellis was among Rev. Ray Martin’s first kids to enroll at HOPE Development’s George Fore-man Gym on Lyons Ave. @ Jensen, long before Big George became a heavyweight champion and Rev. Ray founded PABA. An always-jovial Jodie, who takes care of serious business as senior VP at First Albany Capital, replaces Rob Mosbacher, Jr. as chairman of the most political influential apolitical organizations in the city. Congrats Jodie…. Bennett-Brooks Literary Society will hold its 13th Annual Black Authors Breakfast on Feb, 5, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. at the Victual Restaurant, 3814 Lyons Ave. @ Pannell Street.
Featured authors are Rev. William Lawson, author of "Lawson's Leaves of Love", Phyllis Dixon, author of "Forty Acres", and Samuel A. Kempt, author of "The Pac-man Plan” -a book about Reparation.” Tickets may be obtained by calling Odessa Sayles @ 713-633-27…. Ken “Juice” Williams, the former Milby High School and UH basketball star, is doing a great job of coaching at Gulf Shores Academy, that is gaining national recognition. Gulf Shores Academy (22-4) was the marquee attraction of the "Basketball City Shootout" at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York, when they played Mount Zion Academy (N.C.), on Jan. 22, 2005.Gulf Shores Academy’s Gerald Green is the number one rated prospect in America in several polls. The 6-9 multi-talented offensive machine is scoring at a 29-ppg clip, including a 45-point effort recently in the "West Virginia Showcase.” According to NBA Draft.net, he's currently rated as the 9th pick in their 2005 NBA Mock Draft.
Green has signed a "letter of intent" to play for Eddie Sutton at Oklahoma State. He was the MVP of Reebok's ABCD All-Star Game last year, leading all scorers with 20 points…. The Shrine of Black Madonna, 5309 MLK Blvd., will host a Tribute to The Ancestors & Elders, presented by the New Black Panther Party For Self Defense, on Feb. 11, 2005, from 6-10 p.m. Honorees will include: The Nation of Islam’s Minister Louis Farrakhan, Conrad Worril, Deloyd Parker, Mother DeLaney,
Dr.Edith Jones Roy Douglas Malonson, and more. For info, call (713) 534-4021, or (713) 645-1071…. The African American Health Coalition Inc., will hold their annual membership drive event at the Breakfast Club, 3711 Travis @ Alabama, on February 10, 2005, from 6-9 p.m. State Sen. Rodney Ellis, District 13 will be honored at the event, that will also feature opening remarks by Mayor Bill White and comments City Councilmember Ada Edwards. Dr. Karen Hill, Medical Director of Amerigroup Corp., will be guest speaker and a special performance will feature jazz guitarist Joe Carmouche, For RSVP call (713) 566-6289.
If you’re a jazz lover, you don’t want to miss Jazz For Peace, a special benefit concert at St. Luke The Episcopal Church, 3530 Wheeler Ave. and The Wilfred O. Allen Education Foundation Inc. on Feb. 6, 2005 from 4-7 p.m. Rick DellaRatta, will be the featured artist. According to a recent article in the Savannah Times, Rick is one of the finest jazz pianist alive. For ticket in-formation call (713) 748-5974, or (713) 356-8108.