Historically Black colleges and universities in America remain as vital as ever, and University of the District of Columbia President Ronald Mason Jr. took less than a minute to explain. “We’ve held America together until it’s able to figure out its issues with race,” Mason said during a visit to National Newspaper Publishers Association’s (NNPA) state-of-the-art television studio in Northwest, Washington, D.C. “The challenge for America is that you hear companies say they can’t find talent – whether it’s cybersecurity, nursing, or IT,” Mason expressed. “Well, one reason is that, for the system America designed to exist, 77 percent of the wealth is controlled by 10 percent of the population, and 90 percent of that 10 percent is white.” Further making the case, Mason continued: “Either white people are supreme, or we live in a system designed to produce those kinds of numbers. There is no science to say that the first thing is right, so it’s the second. “To produce those outcomes, you have to have a system that eliminates talent as part of the education process because you can’t allow talent to compete on the basis of natural talent and end up with those kinds of numbers.” Mason visited the NNPA studios to tape an appearance on the PBS-TV and PBS-World news and talk show, The Chavis Chronicles, with host and NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. He declared that HBCUs “overproduce” the talent needed to fill significant positions inside and outside corporate America. “We correctly diagnose the problem, we know what the issue is, and we know what our students face and are up against,” Mason remarked. “We learn to implement an education system that adjusts to the damage that white supremacy tries to do. People need not support HBCUs out of the goodness of their hearts. They need to do it because they need the talent and 90 percent of the talent in America is inside these vast and untapped resources that HBCUs specialize in and produce.” Earlier this year, UDC announced an Independent Economic Impact Study that revealed the University generated $406 […]
UDC president explains tremendous value of HBCUs Read More »
For more than the last four decades, Houstonians proudly line the streets for the annual Black Heritage Society’s MLK Parade, but do you know who is responsible for its creation? Civil Rights ‘warrior’ Ovide Duncantell.
Houston Black History: Ovide Duncantell Read More »
NNPA NEWSWIRE — The NNPA is the global media partner for the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN), an advocacy and marketing partner of the United Nations, and we had an opportunity to interview an African American leader in motorsports, Chris Miles, Global Motorsport Marketing Advisor and Diversity & Inclusion Strategist for ARDN, as well as principal owner of Starting Grid, Inc., to get his opinion on the diversity initiatives happening now in the world of motorsports.
INTERVIEW: “Motorsports in America: Do Black Lives Matter?” Read More »
NNPA NEWSWIRE — As President of the Texas Black Expo (TBE), my primary interest is the economic part of the system—the creation and growth of Black-owned business enterprises. You’d think that such an effort would be greeted with universal approval from everybody, regardless of ethnicity. What could possibly be wrong with strengthening the economic position of Black businesses—and therefore Black families? Don’t we believe in capitalism, free markets, and the positive power of entrepreneurship, regardless of the color of the entrepreneur?
COMMENTARY: The American Economic System Works Just Fine—for White People Read More »
By Rebecca S. Jones HOUSTON – Alma Allen began teaching within the Houston Independent School District at the age of 21. Initially, she taught at Parker Elementary School and Grimes Elementary School. Swiftly advancing and soaring through the ranks of education, she later became Assistant Principal at Foster Elementary School and then served as principal at Peck Elementary School, Windsor Village Vanguard Magnet School and G.B.M. Turner Elementary School. She also worked in Human Resources and Central Administration. After offering nearly four decades of impeccable service to HISD, she retired. Thereafter, she continued her career in education as an Adjunct Professor at both Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University; and was also elected to serve on the State Board of Education for over 12 years, where she remains Vice Chair of Public Education for the State of Texas. Her educational background precedes her insomuch that she holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Education degree from Texas Southern University and a Doctor of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston, as well as a certificate in administration and supervision from the University of Houston. Representative Allen was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives on November 2, 2004 and has served consecutively until this day. During her tenure, she has passed numerous bills. Over the years, she has received many awards and honors, including Principal of the year, District 5, and Outstanding Alumnus of the University of Houston. She also received the Texas Freedom Network “Walking the Walk Award”, from then-Governor Ann Richards, the Living Legend Award, presented by the Texas Alliance Of Black School Educators and was honored in her hometown of Livingston, with Alma Allen Day. Rep. Allen is a member of the: Houston Association of Professional Administrators, American Association of Supervision and Curriculum, Texas Association of School Administrators, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Texans Concerned for Superior Schools, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Democratic Women, The American Association of Curriculum and Development and the Council of Negro Women. Today,
Living Legend: Alma Allen Read More »
HOUSTON – Moses Adams, Jr., retired Houston Independent School District teacher and Texas Southern University Arts Department graduate created a mural of slaves brought to America. The mural tells a story of how slaves were brought over in slave ships and sold to slave owners. Once they were sold, they were brutally beaten and abused. Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass laid the foundation for slaves to escape with the help of the Underground Railroad abolitionist. When President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation for slavery to be abolished in 1863, Texas didn’t get the news until June 19, 1865.
Emancipation Proclamation Mural Read More »
HOUSTON – Tammie Campbell took a quantum leap from Alcorn State University in rural Mississippi to a nationally recognized author, social advocate and civil rights leader. After reading “Snow White” to her daughter, Campbell wanted to convey a message to her and other young girls about their inner beauty and God-given talent. This inspired her to establish the Honey Brown Hope Foundation and write the Honey Brown series that includes: Honey Brown In Search of Her Identity, a young African-American girl’s dream to become the first female president; Honey Brown Salutes Her Roots, a young girl’s adventurous trip back in time to meet her Ancient Egyptian ancestors; Honey & Sir Just Wanna Hoop, a college student breaking the gender barrier to play on a co-ed Olympic basketball team; Guess Who’s Going to the White House, a college student’s plea for the President to include Black History in American History books. To encourage readers to access the source of a healthy image, God and His son, Jesus Christ, Campbell also wrote The Spirit Within. Believing that liberty is God’s gift to humanity and everyone should be equally valued, Campbell petitioned Merriam Webster and Random House dictionaries to remove or redefine the n-word in 1991 and got the NAACP involved. In 2007, she held a symbolic n-word burial that was featured nationally on CNN and in Manhattan City Council News and on all local/state media outlets including the Houston Chronicle’s front page. To advance this effort, Campbell created an anti-n-word campaign and wrote an editorial in the Houston Chronicle on 10/31/10 called, “N-word Remains far too Pervasive.” Her anti-n-word initiative has gained national support from New York City Councilman Leroy Cormier and Hawaii State Representative John Mizuno. Campbell constantly works to remind people to live Dr. King’s diversity dream and discourage racial bias as highlighted below: * Supported President Obama’s 2009 school message by organizing a unity prayer vigil that was featured locally and internationally on Canada Raw News Story * Created and annually distribute a diversity and eco-friendly calendar called, “We Love America Healthy, Clean and Green” * Hosted and sponsored
Living Legend: Tammie Campbell Read More »
October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
