Photo: From the left: Leonardo Valle, Ria Bovell,
Raymond Ross, Thomas Reed, Lamar Jackson,
Frank Preston, Kristina Preston, Miriam Bovell,
Gloria Bovell and Ronald Bovell

In the days of the Apostles when the Church was being organized, before there were church houses, it was commonplace to hold worship service or church (ekklesia - called out body) in the home of the disciples. In this spirit, Bro. and Sister Ronald and Gloria Bovell invited the congregation to have an open Bible Class in their NE Houston Home. The class was taught by Bro. Thomas Reed, minister of Darien Loop Church of Christ, 7040 Darien St. Beginning with “The Foundation of Christianity,” the study was well accepted by everyone in attendance who were also treated to refreshments afterwards. The Bovells were married on the island of Trinidad and Tobago on February 3, 1974. Shortly after Ronald Jr. was born. In 1977 their second son Nigel was born and their daughter Ria was born in 1982. In 1990, they moved to the U.S. settling in Houston. They are faithful members of the Church of Christ for at least 32 years.
Many churches are beginning to explore the idea of home Bible studies or cell groups, which are generally intended to personalize Christian fellowship, especially in this age of the mega churches.

On most days of the week, but especially on the weekend, there is probably no other place, with the exception of the church where you can find such a variety of instruction, conversation and role models for people of all ages as our neighborhood beauty and barber shops. Recent plays, movies and books have portrayed the impact on society that beauty and barber shops play in shaping the lives of our community.

One of the ties that bind us is our hair. Amid the politics, religion, sports and current events, the latest do’s are being put together. It is also true that many of these establishments are networking havens, where one can buy on the spot items ranging from clothing to freshly baked foods from vendors who wouldn’t end their rounds without stopping by.

Yet it is easy to forget that these staples of the community are actually enterprises that allow barbers and beauticians to ply a trade that can keep someone gainfully employed for an entire career. Many owners have been in business for 40 or more years, which is a testament to what someone can do if they would only learn a trade.

Photo by Jesse Simon: Essie Wynn (Barber), Steve Harrison (in chair) and Hexser Holliday at Sam Gayle’s Barber Shop.

Senior citizens who participate in
social programs such as the ones
available at the Northeast Multi-
Service facility, located at 9720
Spaulding, enjoy longer, healthier
lives. Participants here are social-
izing, while enjoying a nutritious
meal following a lively game of
dominoes.
                 Photo by Jesse Simon


Booker T. Washington, founder of the Tuskegee Institute of Learning, told Blacks and Whites on the heals of slavery about a ship lost at sea for many days. Suddenly sighting a friendly vessel, they sent from their mast the signal: “Water, water. We die of thirst.”

(Back to forward) Neiya U. Valley, Detrick Williams, Robert Powers and
Lavoy Powers develop their skills at the Finnigan Park  Community Center.
Photo by Jesse Simon

Back in the day, there didn’t appear to be much opportunity in the Fifth Ward, located east of downtown Houston, but it produced a lot of great people like the late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan and the late CongressmanMickey Leland.

Many young people gathered at Finnigan Park, donated by Annette Finnigan during the Depression. Due to segregation, the only park available for Blacks was Emancipation Park.

In time, the Finnigan Park Project was developed making it a multi-purpose community center.
Located at 4900 Providence Street in the Fifth Ward, also known as Da’ Nickel, the kids would shoot some ball, ride bikes and hang out with their friends. Many of them dreamed of making it big in sports and the park gave them a place to show their skill and improve their talent. Others retreated to the world of music and made a name for themselves in that arena such as Arnett Cobb, Milton Larkin, and Illinois Jacquet—to the modern day rap group Geto Boys. It is also the original home for the jazz fusion group Joe Sample and the Crusaders.
The old saying, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop,” rang true throughout the area and although many kids got into trouble,  it would have been the case for many more if it wasn’t for Finnigan Park.It offered hope and outlets for constructive activity and it still does. Today, all ages can go to the park and build their computer skills, take line dancing, ABE/GED classes and courses through Houston Community College and more.

From the left: Printis Rabb, Rosie Lang, Patricia
Smith-Prathe and Charlie Wagner enjoy fresh air
as they take a healthy stroll on the walking trail
provided by the North East Family YMCA, located
at 7901 Tidwell.

                                           Photo by: Jesse Simon

According to a recent report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average life expectancy for people in America has increased and seniors can look forward to longer lives than their parents enjoyed.
Many people begin preparing for old age once they hit 40 to 50 years old. But our bodies do not come with expiration dates. Just like a car, if we take proper and consistent care of them we can be almost as healthy, if not just as healthy, at 70-years-old as we were at 27-years-old. The human body grows weakened through normal wear and tear, but aging is accelerated through neglect and abuse.

The 2010 economic crisis has continued to take a major toll on the Black community. With unemployment on the rise, families are finding it harder than ever to provide for their loved ones, making the holidays not so jolly. John and Marcia Tillman realized the struggles of the people in their community and saw an opportunity to help.

“Knowing that so many families wanted to celebrate the things they are thankful for this season, even in hard times, but can’t afford to fix a large meal, really opened our eyes. We wanted to give back,” Mrs. Tillman said.
The Tillmans own three McDonald’s restaurants and are founders of My McBlessings Inc. They used their resources to help meet the needs of their neighbors, giving out over 450 baskets to families in need. The baskets included everything necessary for a traditional holiday meal, including a turkey, cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce, all the trimmings and more.

Members of Garden Oaks Church of Christ, 4926 North Shepherd Drive, where Mr. Tillman serves as Minister, joined McDonald’s employees in the holiday spirit of giving.


John & Marcia Tillman (left) and some of the hard-working volunteers.                           
Photo by Jesse Simon

Texas State Representative Harold V. Dutton, hosted his annual Christmas in the Nickel Party, at The Julia C. Hester House, 2020 Solo Street. Jennifer Kellough Holmes is the executive director of the Hester House.

Rep. Dutton, who could have been a game show host in another life, skillfully directed the children in two groups, 2-8 years-old and 9-12 years-old, through a series of contests for prizes. Children participated in Hula Hoop, Scrabble, singing and dancing contests. There were no losers, however. Everyone who participated won a computer, printer, I Pod, DVD player, or bicycle. Santa gave out prizes to every child. Reborn, a Christian rap group also performed.

Sponsors for the event included Wal-Mart, The Wal-Mart Foundation, AT&T, Comcast, TXU Energy, Center Point Energy, Blackridge, Randall’s, and TLC.

The congregation and friends, had a hand clapping good time at the First Christian Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 3920 New Orleans Street, in The Fifth Ward, Revered Q.R. Smith, Senior Pastor and Reverend Michael G. Simmons, Associate Pastor. This inspirational Concert was underwritten by, Deacon James Little who generously does much benevolence for the Church.
Psalm 96: 1-4: “Sing to the Lord a new song, sing to the Lord, all the earth, Sing to the Lord, Praise His name, for great is the Lord and most worth of praise”. This program was dedicated in loving memory to Mrs. Tina Marie McGee.
Happy Birthday To: James Little, Winifred Marble, Delois Smith, Lauren Hooks, and Steven Rose.
Photos:
1. Deacons: Charles Carter, Ronald Guy, James Little, and Arthur Hurd
2. Rev. A. Wayne Pollard, Rev. Michael G. Simmons, Rev. Quinton R. Smith and Rev. Robert McGee
3. First Lady Delois Smith
4. Tiffany Woodley, Vinnesha Jones, Rodnecia Roberts, James Marble, Rachelle McGee and Makayla Green
5. Finnessa White, Lillie B. Davis, Sarah E. Brown and Martha Adams
6. Delois Smith and Lauren Hooks
7. Sis. Winifred Marble and Sis. Johnnie Mae Guy
8. Regina Green and Mary Baskin
9. David Bell
10. Pamela Pollard

GALVESTON- Hurricane Ike made its final landfall over the area as a strong category 2 Hurricane, with category 4 equivalent storm surges, on Sept. 13, 2008. The mayor and leaders of the city called for a total evacuation. Avenue K. Church of Christ, 5501 Avenue K, the only predominantly Black C.O.C in Galveston, was ravaged by the storm.

HOUSTON- Betty Anderson recently celebrated her Seventieth Birthday “Seventies Style”, with family and friends at The Enchanted Courtyard, 6701 Homestead Road, in Northeast  Houston. Attendees were asked to dress in the “Good-Old Days” Seventies’ attire, with afro-puffs, mini-skirts, high-heels, platform shoes and bell-bottom pants and everyone “Boogied-Down” to the old school disco music.
Photos:
1. Betty Anderson, Jonathan and Brinell Slocumb
2. Bridget Clark flashes the “Peace” sign.
3. Robert Fleming, Jon Justice and Robert Harris
4. Bettye Word, Dr. J.W. Ligon, Erma Ligon, Alphretta Holloway, Kathleen Green, Willie Green, Gloria Jolivet, Paul Stiner, Gloria Stiner, Shirley Webber, Roy Johnson, Shalic Renfro and Dorothy Simon