(l-r) Leon Mitchison (on the end), El Franco Lee (middle, back) and the Imani Jazz Ensemble of the Imani School.

The NBUF building in 1995

Over the years the NBUF building has provided meeting and organizing space for numerous groups, projects, causes and efforts. The facility has been used for storage and distribution of humanitarian aid following Allison, Katrina, Ike and the earthquake in Haiti.  A number of community food drives have also been implemented at the site. Providing people of African descent with proper historical and cultural information through a library, study circle and guest speakers have been a staple of the organization.

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Joseph & Helen Gilbert

If the Senate passes a bill that reduces education spending by $3 or $4 bilion, service cuts will be necessary but not as deep. Differences in the House and Senate bills would be worked out in a conference committee so that one bill emerges for both houses to approve or reject. It is interesting to note that the House chose not use the state’s Rainy Day Fund to reduce the severity of the cuts, and it will be important to see if the Senate takes the same approach.

Members of Girl Scout Troop 22090 planted a tree along Ferguson Way in Acres Homes as part of Keep Houston Beautiful Day on Saturday.

Tj Baker

Former Republican candidate for Congress District 18

 She has been with Fort Bend ISD for 11 years.  She began working for FBISD as a Substitute teacher.  She has worked with all grade levels, in all areas of dealing with students, as well as in the administrative & library capacity.

Dr. Crystal Cooper, Victor Simon and Dr. Robert Pettit

Green Chapel AME Members
processional march from 618 E. 35th St. to 3318 Link Rd.

The theme of the festive occasion was “One Church-Ministering to the 6th Generation” with concentration on  Ecclesiates 1:4: “One Generation Passes Away, And Another Generation Comes.”

We believe that given the great diversity of issues and opportunities facing Africans in American communities that this should be a day of  focus and positive action for our overall uplift.

Mrs. Lovenia Wormley Posey, who has outlived most elected-Presidents, thought she would never see the day that we would elect our First Black President.

Mrs. Posey’s childhood is one that none of us could have imagined going through. She unfortunately  became an orphan at a very young age. Her father was killed and her mother died during childbirth, therefore she never had the opportunity to really know either of them.

Many ex-cons are just looking for a second chance at life

The biggest problem they face is being unemployed. Depending on what crime they have committed, many employers turn a side-eye to ex-convicts. No doubt this causes ex-cons to return to the life that got them placed in the Criminal Justice system in the first place. Just as you have some that get out immediately and become repeat offenders, you have some ex-cons who are just trying to right their wrongs. 

In 2011, I am confident it is crystal clear to us if there is  “No Pain! No Gain!”

The Houston Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division (“IAD”) was created in 1977 with the mandate to investigate allegations of misconduct against employees of the Department.  IAD is a fact finding entity and operates as an administrative procedure as defined by Chapter 143.In effect, IAD functions much like a human resource department in a typical company; passing on to department heads the every-day and often mundane procedural violations like an ‘at fault’ minor car wreck or not completing a report on time.  Those more serious allegations of criminal misconduct are investigated directly by IAD. IAD’s mandate to investigate allegations of police misconduct places the department and its employees in a unique position.  IAD is charged with the protection of the public from those officers who violate the public trust.

Drug abuse and addiction continue to ravage the African -American community and are particular impediments for African -American men. The impact on the community has manifested in disparities in employment opportunity, academic achievement, and other measures both economic and health-related

Bro. Kofi Taharka

HOUSTON-  The release of the video of Houston Police Officers beating of 15 year old Chad Holley has sparked a bevy of responses including: press conferences, town hall meetings, news articles, talk show banter and street corner discussion.  The National Black United Front (NBUF) along with the New Black Panther Party, The Nation of Islam Muhammad Mosque#45, Operation Outreach OG1, the House of Greenwood and many community members has set a goal of ending police terrorism and brutality in Houston.  In order to reach this goal we have set forth certain demands which include: the creation of a Civilian Review Board with subpoena power, proper funding and prosecutorial power.

Pictured: (Seated left to right)  Deloris Jolivet 55 (Sergeant-at Arms), Elaine Jackson Williams 65 (President), William White 66 (Vice President), (standing) Shirley Dubose 66 (Asst. Secretary), Annie Gillian 54 (Reporter), Loretta Batiste 68 (Corr. Secretary), Craig Miller 63 (Treasure), Sandra Whittaker 67 (Secretary), Algenia Scott Davis 62 (Parliamentarian) and Jesse Simon 57 (Chaplain).

HOUSTON- The Phillis Wheatley Metropolitan Alumni & Ex-students Association is still going strong in 2011, awarding scholarships, assisting in purchasing uniforms and band instruments. They recently held a meeting to elect officers for the 2011-12 section

The beating of Chad Holley by HPD officers has ignited a
nationwide firestorm of protests and debate.
                                                      Photo: Isiah Carey

HOUSTON- “I’m appalled and deeply disturbed by the actions of the officers shown in the video. The kicking and stomping of a 15-year-old boy by these officers was brutal, unwarranted and shameful. It is especially disturbing when those charged with keeping us safe so blatantly abuse their power and violate our trust. These individuals are not above the law and must be appropriately dealt with,” said Representative Garnet F. Coleman (D-Houston) who was one of the first, but certainly not the last to  comment on the video of HPD officers beating 15-year old Chad Holley into unconsciousness.

Ruby Lee Sanders Mosley

HOUSTON—The City of Houston will recognize Ruby Lee Sanders Mosley for her commitment and service to the Acres Homes community by renaming the Acres Homes MSC Auditorium in her honor. This celebratory recognition will take place in the Auditorium of the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center on Feb. 5 at 11 am.

Texas State Representative Harold V. Dutton hosted his Annual Christmas Party in the Fifth Ward (affectionately called The Nickel) in the gymnasium of The Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church, 4300 Noble Street, NE Houston, where Leonard N. Barksdale, serves as pastor. Dutton, who could have been a game show host in another life, skillfully directed the children, in groups, 2-8 years and 9-12 years old, through a series of contests for the big-ticket prizes, including hula hooping; unscrambling words, singing and dancing.

State Rep. Harold Dutton hosted his annual Christmas
party for children in the Fifth Ward.

The citizens of Chasewood weren’t the only ones exposed to high levels of alpha radiation. By law, water supplies cannot exceed 15 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L) of gross alpha particles (radiation).  However, the EPA only requires that the entire water system, as a whole, not reach 15 pCi/L.  So, for example, if only a few wells in the entire water system test above that amount, it won’t matter in large water systems because it will be averaged out by areas without detected alpha radiation. Houston’s main water system covers over 642 square miles.  If a few wells test high for radiation, that will easily be averaged out by wells without alpha radiation.  Therefore, pursuant to EPA guidelines, the City would not be required to send a notice to residents, even in the neighborhoods that were above the legal limit.

Senior citizens from Harris County Precinct One crowded into The Kashmere Annex 36 building, 3815 Cavalcade to enjoy Commissioner El Franco Lee’s Annual Holiday Wassail Tea Party.
The theme of the joyous occasion was “Let it snow. Let it snow.” Director David Benson served as master of ceremonies and led the group in songs and gave out prizes.

Most of us who grew up in church, remember songs like, “Give Me That Old Time Religion.” The song goes on to say, “It’s good enough for me.” With roots dating back to 1873, the traditional Gospel song encouraged us to embrace our parent’s values.

Per EPA regulations, alpha/photon emitters (referred to as “gross alpha particles” in the City’s letter) may not exceed 15 picocuries per Liter (pCi/L).  However the Public Health Goal is ZERO.  

On at least one occasion, water tested in Chasewood registered 20 pCi/L.  What’s more, when the test showed that amount, affected residents were not notified. 

In a one-page report entitled “2009 Gross Alpha Detected in Large Cities in the United States,” Houston by far had the highest level of alpha gamma detection.  
The next-highest city was Riverside, CA at 17 pCi/L, the only other city with detectable alpha gamma above 10 pCi/L.

Dr. Juanita Wallace

DALLAS- Advancing the NAACP’s mission with a new inspired purpose of nurturing more community action, membership and people involvement, Dr. Juanita Wallace is undaunted and ready to take on challenges in her second term as Dallas Branch NAACP president.

Jaylon and Zerrick

ZERRICK GIBSON
Contributing Writer

“Life is good. Life is gold. Life is what we make it.” I’ve heard that statement repeatedly throughout my childhood, and now, as time ticks, I realize that quote has been the basis for much of my decision making and the way I view life. For a minute, I felt like the relationships in my life reflected the lyrics of Alicia Keys’ song “Unbreakable.” This was especially true when it came to me and my little brother. But now, I see all that glitters is not gold.

They say that 60 is the new 50, if that is so, then 80 is the new 70. Surrounded by family and friends, Annie Guidry celebrated her 80th birthday, Friday night at The chateau Malveaux. I was amazed because every time the DJ would play a Zydeco CD, Guidry would spring to the dance floor. This burst of energy caused me to ask her about the source of her stamina and longevity.

BENCHLEY—Oct. 23 was a day of commemoration as it marked the fulfillment in the tri-fold relationship of coach, player, and coach’s wife.  On day mixed with rain and sunshine, in Benchley, Texas, the first community established in southwest Robertson County, on U.S. Highway 190, over 50 football players and supporters came from across the state and nation at the invitation of Coach Charles Brown and his wife, Carolyn, for their 2010 Football Family BBQ at the Lazy -5 Ranch.

City’s elderly and poor to suffer most under new guidelines which more than double current rate to $1,000, plus $7.50 per mile

The City of Houston did it after all.  On Nov. 17, the Houston City Council raised ambulance rates from $415 to an astonishing $1,000 plus $7.50 per mile.  For the record, I voted no to this incredible increase. If you will recall, there was an earlier effort to jack the fees up to $800.  

Grand Court Order of Calanthe, Katie Holmes Court #465, hosts Dress for Success drive to help women entering or re-entering the marketplace

Recent findings in the report, “Lower-Income Women Face the Job Market,”  by the Women Employed Institute, suggest “Lack of career planning information and skills is a fundamental barrier to envisioning a meaningful series of steps to move from low-paying jobs to something better. Public policies perpetuate this inadequate preparation by requiring poor women seeking government assistance to get any job, regardless of their interests or skills.”

Onoray Davis, standing in front of his tractor with the late Willie Ray (wewe)
Phillips said, “a man has to do, what a man has to do.”

Travelling the beautifully manicured highways of the Lone Star State of Texas, one can see miles of fenced off acreage, consisting of cows, bulls and horses lazily grazing without a care in the world. One might see a big house on the hill and think of movies like “Gone with the Wind” and “The Big Country.”

One might also think of television shows like “Bonanza” and “Dallas.” A natural question is,  “Whom does this land belong to?”

By Craig Anthony Nicholas

HOUSTON- America is beholden to grass roots pioneers whose activism, organizing, and ministry have raised the bar for giving back.  In the pattern of Marva Collins, Mary McCloud Bethune, and others who have contributed to a great heritage of empowerment and freedom through education, Houston’s own Beatrice Mayes is championing a legacy of achievement in the community.

The most significant Suburban Bus company in the Houston Area was the Pioneer Bus Co., (PBC), formed in 1939. In 1962, the PBC was acquired under the same ownership as Rapid Transit Lines (RTL), but remained operated separately, although National City Lines (NCL) acquired RTL in 1966. PBC routes were absorbed into the RTL route structure. An additional Independent bus company, the Acres Homes Transit Co. (AHTC) was acquired by RTL/NCC in 1968.

Ken Marsh shares techniques aimed at helping job
seekers network fearlessly.
                                         Photo: Tuala Williams

According to Networking guru, Ken Marsh, the old adage still rings true. It’s not what you know, but who you know. And networking is no longer just for entrepreneurs and business professionals.

It has become “a must” for anyone who hopes to get ahead in today’s economy.
According to the US Bureau of Labor, approximately 80 percent of all jobs are never advertised.

And the majority of these positions are filled through networking. However, for many, just the idea of networking has the power to induce sweaty palms and heart palpitations.

Anxiety is one of the major reasons that people fail to network appropriately. According to Jacquie Hall of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston, the fear of rejection and the unknown are the two main fears holding people back from networking.