AFRAM

We MUST Understand: Our Black Soldiers have come a long way!

AFRAM — Sat, 25 May 2013 21:05:03 +0000

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

Decoration Day is the holiday that had originally been set aside to celebrate and honor the legacy of fallen Union and Confederate soldiers who had lost their lives fighting in battle. Records date its establishment all the way back to 1868. Although it was originally named, Decoration Day it is now known as, Memorial Day.
We MUST Understand that, African-Americans have participated in every major United States war that has ever been fought. Even when Blacks were not allowed to vote or be treated like their counterparts; they still had to fight. And yet, in spite of their service and dedication most Blacks were still never given the recognition or respect that they earned fighting alongside Whites. Believe it or not, it has been a long journey for Blacks who have served and contributed to this country.
The contributions of African-American soldiers have been numerous. Blacks have never been a stranger to war. You see, African-American News & Issues readers, it was Black soldiers who had to fight for freedom, recognition, respect, the right to vote and so many other privileges that Whites inherited by birth.
Nevertheless, Black soldiers persevered during the midst of war; continuing to fight and not settle for simple labor positions. Even though the odds were against them, they still aspired for higher positions that were only occupied by White soldiers. Despite the discriminatory practices, Black soldiers served as engineers, chemists, intelligence officers, chaplains, and served in infantry, cavalry and medic units. Just because you can not trace a lot of it back to the History books does not mean they did not exist.
In spite of obstacles, threats, segregation, and discrimination; African-Americans exemplified service within the military that helped to break down barriers for other Blacks and service men and women.
As a result, Black soldiers are no longer just following orders, but leading as officers, and helping to keeping America safe.
We MUST Understand that it is not just important to Black History, but American History altogether, that we acknowledge Black soldiers and their contributions to the United States armed forces. After all so many Blacks have had a major impact on the military and have given their lives fighting for freedoms that they did not even enjoy.
There is one thing about me and I have always been this way. I just don’t believe that you should wait until a certain time of the year or until a certain holiday comes up before you say thank you, or show people signs of love or respect. With that being stated, even though this is our Memorial edition I think that we should not only seek to remember those who have lost their lives serving the country; but we should be concerned for those who sacrificed their lives for this country and are still here.
So in this Memorial Day edition, I would like to encourage our faithful and loyal readers of African-American News&Issues to, take time to acknowledge and salute each and every soldier that has not only given their life for this country, but lives for this country.
Ultimately, they are owed far more than they are given in return for all that they have sacrificed; by simply ensuring the safety and freedoms of the American people.

Maxie Sanford: 103 Years of Grace

AFRAM — Sat, 25 May 2013 20:55:49 +0000

By: Rebecca S. Jones
African-American News & Issues
HOUSTON – ‘Splendid Grace’ defines the 103-year-old, charming and witty personality of retired U.S. veteran and devoted Deacon Maxie Sanford. He was born May 10, 1910 to the late William and Emma McDonald Sanford in the Hawthorne Community of New Waverly, Walker County, Texas. Sanford was one of 13 children. He, along with his siblings were reared and raised in the nurture and admonition of Christ, by his parents. Sanford and his family were devout members of Jasper Missionary Baptist Church in Hawthorne. Upon reaching young adulthood, he moved to Houston where he met and married Mrs. Viola Webster Sanford.
Continuing with the family values and spirituality that Sanford had been previously exposed to in New Waverly by his parents; when he left home, he didn’t leave his God. Equipped with a desire to serve the Lord, Sanford and his bride joined Progressive New Hope Baptist Church in Houston. Together, he and his wife have devoted over a century of service to the Progressive New Hope Baptist Church. Sanford, chaired the Board of deacons and headed the financial board for over four decades. During that time, the loyal deacon prided himself in the fact that he was always on time for church service. He stated that he would, “arrive at Sunday School ahead of time and be there until the very last service concluded.” He was named ‘Man of the Year’ twice by his church. In his capacity as chair of the City-wide Baptist brotherhood, he has traveled to a plethora of Baptist conventions and conferences throughout the nation. Additionally, he has been bestowed with various honors and has stood before many churches and national leaders.
Mr. Sanford was inducted into the United States Army on June 1, 1943. He served in the 389th Engineer General Service Regiment. This particular battalion was the year before Sanford was enrolled into the Army. The 389th Engineer Battalion (Separate) (Colored) was a unit for Blacks. It was initially activated on May 5, 1942 in Camp Gordon, Georgia. It was later relocated to the Desert Training Center and from there it was expanded, reorganized and redesignated on August 20, 1943 and named as the 389th Engineer General Service Regiment (Separate) (Colored). As a member of this division Sanford worked on bridges, roads, railroads and buildings located in combat zones.
In addition to his service in the 389th Engineer Regiment, he fought in the battles and campaigns of Northern France, the Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. Furthermore, Sanford served in World War II. World War II followed two decades after World War I. It proved to be even more horrendous than the first. Rising to power in an economically and politically unstable Germany, was Adolf Hitler and his National Socialist (Nazi Party). Collectively Hitler and the Nazi Party rearmed the nation and signed strategic treaties with Italy and Japan to further his agenda of world domination. Hitler’s invasion of Poland in September 1939 drove Great Britain and France to declare war on Germany, insomuch that World War II resulted. World War II was a fierce battle and has went on record as having taken more lives and destroying more land and property around the globe than any previous war. Among the estimated 45-60 million people killed were 6 million Jews murdered in Nazi concentration camps as part of Hitler’s diabolical “Final Solution,” now known as the Holocaust. Mr. Maxie Sanford lived, worked and fought through this grim period in World history.
When asked of a few memories from his service in the military, Sanford immediately began expounding upon his experience with the Germans during World War II. He vividly recalled how his team lost a lot of men and tanks. He explained that for, ten days and nights, cold, fog and rain invaded the puck tents that they slept in. The tents were stationed roundabout the Communication center. After nearly two weeks of living in such conditions, his commander finally assembled the crew together to shower. Sanford informed of how they had to travel many miles just to shower. Not long afterwards, he remembers travelling across 80 miles of water to get to their unit’s next project. In the midst of the war, Sanford was a part of a crew that was constantly in danger. He reflected back on how the Germans nearly trapped he and his crew as they were trying to finish building railroad tracks.
Another memorable experience for Sanford was when a decision had been made to build a camp between France and Germany. His group was responsible for the constructing of the camp. After the camp was completed, it was determined that the camp needed an office. Sanford’s commanding officer immediately called upon him and told him what was needed. Sanford said that he asked for a pencil and paper; and drew a diagram of the office and all necessary tools needed to complete it. It was from this experience that Sanford was awarded a three day pass to Paris, France. As Mr. Sanford shared in on his wonderful experience in Paris, much joy and pleasure illuminated from his face as he bore record of his precious memories.
Due to Sanford’s outstanding service and dedication to the United States Army he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal and European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal complete with four Bronze stars. However, he also has a gallery of many more commendations. Upon the completion of his military duty, Sanford returned home where he rejoined the WKM Oil Supply Company. There he established a career and dedicated over 40 years of service to it WKM Oil Supply Company.
Although Mr. Maxie Sanford has been blessed to see many seasons, people, places and things come and go, he rests assured that he is blessed to still be here. During an interview, the retired soldier explained that, “My vision gets kind of dim at times but I don’t really have any aches and pains; I eat three meals a day and overall I feel good”. Sanford exclaimed that, “God’s grace and mercy has brought and kept me throughout my entire life.” He went on to add that, “I had twelve brothers and sisters and they are all gone; but I thank the Lord that he has kept me here.” He was blessed with 56 years of marriage to Mrs. Viola Webster Sanford before her passing, no children were born through their union. Mr. Maxie Sanford celebrated his 103rd birthday on May 10, 2013.
African-American News & Issues salutes Mr. Maxie Sanford for his dedication and contributions to the United States Army. Not only would we like to pay homage to Mr. Maxie Sanford for the services rendered to our nation, but we salute every soldier that has enlisted and sacrificed for the greater good of the American people!

“Gatekeepers” shares History & Legacy of Carver

AFRAM — Sat, 25 May 2013 20:40:29 +0000

Joan Massey talking with Carver students

By: Junell Cain, (President, George Washington Carver School Alumni)

HOUSTON- The George Washington Carver School Alumni of Aldine ISD welcomed over 120 students from the History Classes at Carver Magnet School. As students toured the Carver Heritage Room, they learned more of the History of George Washington Carver High School and the Acres Home Community.
On hand to share many experiences from the past were: Mrs. Oveta Hunter (class of 1943), Mrs. Alpha Gamble (class of 1948), Mr. Charles Hobley (class of 1958), Mr. Dalton Roberts (class of 1958), Ms. Joan Truitt Massey (class of 1962) and Mr. Robert Flake, Jr. (class of 1964) to name a few.
All these presenters had very interesting stories to tell of the days Carver was known for its Literary and Drama Awards to the days of sports when Carver went to the State Finals in Basketball in 1958.
The Class of 1967, who are the “Gatekeepers” for the Carver Heritage Room was there to express the importance of preserving our History and Leaving a Legacy here at Carver for all to see. They were, Junell Cain, Gloria Collins, Herbert Darby, Mitchel Gaines, Guy Johnson, Albert Newsome and Charles Wright.
The Heritage Room is open every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 11a.m. – 2p.m. and every 3rd Thursday of each month from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. during the School Year.
For more information or if you would like to donate and article or item to the Heritage Room please call 713-806-9889.

Acres Homes Chamber’s May Luncheon

AFRAM — Sat, 25 May 2013 20:35:16 +0000

(back row) Students from Harper Alternative School, James Ingram (white suit) and Principal Glass (far right)
(front row) Oswald Scott, Rev. F.N. Williams, III, Rev. F.N. Williams Sr., Minister Robert Muhammad, Roy Douglas Malonson, Judge Warren Fitzgerald, Andrea Cooksey

HOUSTON- Minister Robert Muhammad Came to the Acres Homes Chamber for Business and Economic to speak at the Beulah Ann Shepard Building. A much needed message “The Time and what must be Done.” He pointed out that “it was time for us to wake up, wake up and pay attention what is really in front of us, wake up and see everything around us for what it really is.” Additionally, he told the crowd to “look at the different systems that are put in place to keep you in place. Do you know them and what they are? Do you know how they are being used to keep you at the same level and stop you from growing?” Minister Muhammad broke it down and gave this example along with many more. There is a complete system set in place that can keep you going in circles unless you take a step outside of yourself and look at what is happening outside of what you see and do. What you think you want is not what you want. It is simply an illusion carefully planned out and placed in front of you to control the mind. How can that be said? The first step, one entity comes up with an idea. Second step, next entity that lobbies that idea and passes is along. Third Step, the next entity and bring life the idea by physical creation or legal processing. Fourth step, the next entity popularizes the idea by promoting it on the radio, TV, commercials, and even get famous people with influence to promote it and makes it so everyone wants it or has to have it. The fifth and final step is for the last entity to sells it to the public. This process is just repeated on different fronts with the clothes we were, the things we watch, the music we hear, and the products we buy. After someone is awake and can see the reason behind the reason it does not stop there. Minister Muhammad relayed the message so that we awaken collectively and make a change. The time is now, and we must awake to the situation around us.

Jarvis to host Summer Enrichment Programs

AFRAM — Sat, 25 May 2013 20:32:23 +0000

HAWKINS- Jarvis Christian College will host a Summer Enrichment Program for boys and girls ages 6 to 14, beginning Monday, June 10th thru Friday, August 23rd. Parents and guardians of children ages 6 to 14 are encouraged to apply before the deadline of May 31, 2013. The program will be held Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Classes such as reading and English will be held in the mornings. In the afternoons children will engage in fun activities such as swimming, basketball, volleyball, movies and more! For more information call 903-730-4890, Ext. 2172.

The Advanced Summer Enrichment Program will be held on the Jarvis campus, Sunday, June 9 thru Friday, July 19th. First-time freshmen are encouraged to apply to the program now. ASEP aims to bridge the gap between high school and college through academic course work, enrichment activities, and building relationships with students, faculty, and staff. The program also offers instruction and tutoring. For more information call 903-730-4890, Ext. 2202.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Summer Science Institute will be held on the Jarvis campus, Sunday, June 9 thru Thursday, July 18th. High School juniors and seniors and college students interested in doing research on animals and plants are encouraged to apply now. Participants will study organisms in their environment and make publishable or marketable their conclusions. Students will live on campus and earn college credit. For more information call 936-556-2289, or email wgodwin@jarvis.edu.

The mission of the Jarvis Christian College is to prepare each student intellectually, socially, spiritually and personally to participate in and contribute to a global and technological society. For general information, call 903-730-4890 or visit www.jarvis.edu.

Miss PVAMU 2013-2014 Crowned

AFRAM — Sat, 25 May 2013 20:31:28 +0000

Breanna Elizabeth Green, center, was named Miss Prairie View A&M University 2013-2014. Chelsea Chore, left, was named first runner-up and second runner-up was Morgan Roe, right. (Photo credit: Henry Darnell)

HOUSTON- The selection of the next crop of student leaders for the upcoming year is nearly complete after a new Miss Prairie View A&M University was chosen.
Breanna Elizabeth Green, a junior Psychology major, was named Miss Prairie View A&M University 2013-2014. Green is the daughter of Ricky Howard and Debra Lockett-Howard. She is a native of Midland and a resident of Dallas.
She plans to attend graduate school and work toward a doctorate degree. Chelsea Chore was named first runner-up and second runner-up was Morgan Roe.
In the Student Government Association, junior political science major Priscilla Barbour is the new president and will serve with vice president Jarrick Brown, a junior Communications major entering his second term in the office.

Church Profile: Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church

AFRAM — Sat, 25 May 2013 20:20:55 +0000

HOUSTON- African-American News&Issues presents: Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Fourth Ward’s Freedmen’s Town Community. Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1898 according to the Houston City Directors. The church was located in the 1100 block of Chambers and Lion Street, on the northeast corner in the original Freedman Town community of Houston’s Fourth Ward. The 1899 city directory states that Pastor Ramsey died on November 12,1898 and it is unknown who succeeded him as pastor. There is no listing of the church in the city directories until nine years later. Daniel Whitley who is listed in the directories as the minister who reorganized Macedonia Baptist Church as Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church as early as 1902. His residence was 809 Andrews Street in the southern half of the Freedman Town Community.
In a deed dated March 16, 1907, Whitley and his wife Millie, purchased lot 7 in block 63 of the W.R. Baker Addition, in the southern half of the Freedman’s Town Community. On August 6, 1907, this property was sold for a dollar to church trustees: Samuel Barton, Ben Coleman and Walter Tyler. This property was located at 1216 Ruthven Street near Matthews Street. Sanborn maps for that year indicate the congregation built a one-story wood structure.
Rev. Whitley died in February of 1908 and Rev. Daniel L. Griffin succeeded him as pastor. Under his administration, church trustees: Robert Brown, Berry Hickman and Johnson Childs incorporated the church, (without capital stock) under the name, “Macedonia Baptist Church” in 1912. Church reverted back to its name of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.
Reverend J.W. Edwards took the helm of the church in 1914 and remained for (24 years). Under his administration, the choir and usher board were organized. The congregation outgrew its building at 1216 Ruthven and in 1928 Rev. Edwards, the church clerk and the trustees were authorized to sell the church property. Afterwards, Dr. L.E. Williford sold the trustees the property, known as lot 1 in block 2 of the Porter and Baker subdivision located at 1401 Ruthven at Wilson Streets. A large one-story wood frame structure with twin towers was built, typical architecture of local African-American congregations in the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s were erected.
After the death of Rev. Edwards the following men served as pastors of the church: Rev. Dennis L. Penn (1939-1942) who organized the Brotherhood Ministry in 1940, Rev. Seymour Marcus Weaver, Jr. (1936-1946) who shepherded the largest number of members during his administration; T.H. Wicks (1946-1949). The latter two men were members of the Fourth Ward Civic Club an organization formed to assess the community’s needs and present them to the Houston City Council for resolutions. During Rev. A.J. Matthew’s administration (1949-1952), the congregation raised enough money in one year to construct a new two-story building in 1950. He along with some of the members erected the building which included a main auditorium, baptismal pool, mezzanine, seven classrooms, two choir stands, complete modern kitchen and dining room. The structure was later listed in the 1984 National Register of Historic Places. Rev. E.B. Johnson (1953-1960) succeeded Rev. Matthews and established a building program for additional improvements to the church including, adding decorative stone to the building’s exterior. During, Rev. T.R. Roberts’ administration (1960-1968) the church joined the Independent Missionary Baptist General Association in 1966 and is still active in this organization. The church’s debts were paid off in seven years and the congregation celebrated with a mortgage burning on October 22, 1967. Rev. Roberts passed away on April 1,1968. August 5,1968, Rev. Robert Lee Washington, Sr. was elected as the next pastor. During his administration, church renovations including: a baby grand piano, new pews, carpet, lighting, paneling and central air conditioning/heating were added in 1973. The church received its non-profit status on March 3, 1997. Pastor Washington died on February 5, 2009 after forty-one years of service. On May 24, 2009, Rev. Ronald Keith Collins was elected as pastor of the historical church. This was definitely history in the making. On July 19, 2009, he was installed officially as the pastor by Rev. Harvey Clemons, Jr. He has done great things in his short time. A complete church renovation, including new carpet, church van, changing the color of the building to white, new pews and ramp for the disabled and others that are in need, have been performed under his administration.
Former members of the church that have branched out to organize their own churches include: Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church (1915); Rose of Sharon Baptist Church (1942); Providence Baptist Church (1947); Great King Solomon Baptist Church (1962).
Throughout the years, Macedonia has maintained high Christian standards and because of the congregations outreach programs, many lives have been enriched. In spite of the recent construction of high-density residential structures and gentrification in Fourth Ward, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, S.B.C., Inc. continues its tradition as a beacon of light in the Fourth Ward Freedmen’s Town Community. Stop by 1401 Ruthven to worship with Macedonia Baptist Church. To contact the church call (713) 651-1257.

Business Profile: U.S. Veteran Owned Tire Company

AFRAM — Sat, 25 May 2013 20:17:41 +0000

African-American News & Issues presents: U.S. Veteran Owned Tire Company. It is the brain child of it’s President Lieutenant Colonel (LTC.) Jeffery Rector an Iraq war Veteran. Born from a sincere idea to create jobs for returning war veterans (able and disabled), LTC. Rector’s idea has moved from just theory into reality. Located in SouthWest Houston, the USVOTC serves the community and surrounding areas with the sale of NEW and USED car and truck tires. USVOTC has about 2500 sq ft. of space where they do everything from installing new and used tires, tire repairs, valve replacements and digital wheel balancing. USVOTC has recently launched a few new elements to it’s business model with roadside assistance, retrieving keys locked in cars and 24 hour a day 7 days a week on call tire service.
USVOTC is one of a few or maybe the only tire store that is willing to serve its customers needs 24 hours a day 7 days a week with an on-call service. USVOTC is soon to open its second store which is only the next phase in the tentative plan to open a national chain of stores. The second store will be located on Houston’s Northside at the corner of Tidwell and Lockwood.
LTC. Rector has a vision of employing veterans and community members by the hundreds as USVOTC gains community support. USVOTC even has a fund raiser program with tires for organizations of any sort. USVOTC’s president, LTC. Jeffery Rector, was happy to serve the country in Iraq and now is ‘Ready to Serve’ the community’s tire needs. LTC. Rector currently holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Prairie View A&M University and a MBA from Our Lady of the Lake University. His manager and assistant manager is a former Army Lieutenant and a Vietnam War Veteran respectively. When asked, LTC. Rector is undecided if he will franchise USVOTC or not. He has an open mind about business and any new ideas. LTC. Rector wants to be known first and foremost as a man who serves his community and his nation. The US. Veteran Owned Tire Company is located at, 510 Murphy Rd., Stafford, Tx. To contact USVOTC call toll free: (888) 370-3199 or email: usveterantires@gmail.com. USVOTC looks forward to servicing the Houston and surrounding areas for many years to come.

Pastor’s Profile: Pastor R.W. Townsend

AFRAM — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:52:48 +0000

DALLAS- African-American News & Issues presents Pastor Robert W. Townsend. He is a resident of Dallas, Texas and married to Karen (Brown) Townsend. From 15 years of marriage, there has come one daughter, Natalie and one son, Morgan. Licensed and ordained, he has been in the gospel ministry for over 18 years.
Since accepting his call, he has tried to remain faithful and true to his holy calling. His father was also a gospel preacher and pastor. Thus, his father always admonished him that God rewards faithfulness. As a result, Townsend rests assured that he has seen this come to pass in his own life; as God has rewarded him with innumerable opportunities to exercise his gift, as a revivalist, lecture, teacher, preacher and of above all pastor.
Pastor Townsend currently serves as the senior pastor of Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, the oldest predominantly African-American Congregation in Dallas County. Townsend stated that it, “has been my pleasure to serve this historical congregation since August 2006”. Since assuming the pastorate of Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church (“The Rock”) the church has seen significant changes and growth in several areas: spiritually the congregation has become more loving and mature in the Christian faith, on the ministry frontier there has been the formation of new ministries and reviving of dormant ministries, increased excitement and enthusiasm for ministry involvement, attendance is up at all worship gatherings including Wednesday night Bible study that has grown from approximately 35 to 250, and financially the church is much stronger with an approximate 100% increase in giving.
Prior to Townsend’s arrival at Mt. Pisgah, he served as the pastor of the St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church, Little Rock, AR. In his nine years as leader, the church grew spiritually, numerically and financially. Pastor Townsend declared that, “Pastoring has been and will continue to be my central focus, I do serve and have served the Kingdom of God in several other capacities”. These include but are not limited to: Late Night staff of the National Baptist Convention USA inc., President of the Greater Little Rock Baptist Pastors’ Conference, Christian Education Director for Consolidated Missionary Baptist State Convention of Arkansas Young Pastors Division, teacher for the Consolidated Missionary Baptist State Convention Congress of Christian Education, Union District Congress of Christian Education, and the Golden Rule District Congress of Christian Education.
Townsend expresses that he has had a great number of highpoints in his life and ministry. Accordingly he bares record that there are two that rank high on the list, behind his marriage to his wife and the birth of his two children. They are his selection as Pastor of the Year in 1999 by peers of the Greater Little Rock Baptist Pastors Conference and the opportunity to preach in the National Baptist Convention USA Incorporated Ministerial Division in the year 2005.

New Mt. Calvary B.C. Women’s Ministry

AFRAM — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:51:34 +0000

HOUSTON- Pastor Emeritus Willie Jones and the New Mount Calvary Baptist Church family would like to extend an invitation to residents of the Houston and surrounding areas to join in on their Women’s Ministry.
The Women’s Ministry of New Mount Calvary will host three spectacular events. Services will begin Friday, May 24th at 7pm in the New Mount Calvary Youth Sanctuary. Joyous fellowship, games, pizza and plenty of fun is expected to be had by all. On Saturday, May 25th at 8am. a “Denim and Diamonds” celebration will be held at Doubletree @ Hilton, located at 15747 John F. Kennedy Blvd., 77032. The guest speaker will be Marilyn Blackshear of St. Luke Baptist Church. A donation of $27.00 is asked by attendees. Sunday, May 26 at 8:30 am., will conclude the Women’s Ministry activities with their Women’s Annual Day. The theme will be “Portrait of a Godly Woman.”

For more information or to attend any of these events contact the church at 713-635-1955. New Mount Calvary Baptist Church is located at: 4711 Kelley St.,77026.