By Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher HOUSTON – Rodney Reed is scheduled to be executed on November 20. Reed, who was convicted for the rape and murder of Stacey Stites in Bastrop, Texas in 1998 has maintained his innocence since his arrest. Reed has been on death row for the past 21 years, but there is substantial evidence that exonerates Reed and points to Ms. Stites’s fiancé, former police officer, Jimmy Fennell. Rodney Reed is a Black man and Stacey Stites was a White woman. Reed has claimed that he and Stites were involved in a sexual relationship at the time of the murder. Now, new witnesses which include Stites’s cousin and a co-worker, corroborate Reed’s claim that the two were romantically involved. In a taped interview, the co-worker reveals how Stites told her that she was having sex with a Black man named Rodney and that she was afraid what Fennell, her fiancé would do if he found out. Jimmy Fennell was originally a prime suspect in the case, and despite his conflicting statements about where he was at the time of the murder, he was ultimately shielded from prosecution for Stites’s murder. But, according to Reed’s attorneys, former Bastrop County Sheriff’s Officer Wayne Fletcher, has come forward with evidence that Fennell’s motive for killing Stites was that he had discovered that Stites was “fucking a ni%&$#”. At the trial, the prosecution’s case relied on a time of death between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on April 23, 1996. According to the prosecutor, Reed intercepted Stites on her way to work, gained entry to the truck she was driving where he sexually assaulted her and strangled her to death. This apparent random attack resulted in no fingerprints, hair or other evidence connecting Reed to the truck even though he supposedly drove the truck to a remote location after the crime. The state buffered their position with testimony from experts stating that the sperm found on the decedent was left from a sexual assault contemporaneous to the murder. Since Reed’s conviction, nationally-recognized forensic pathologists have all concluded that Reed’s guilt is […]
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,
Why It’s Important to Black Men By Senator Borris Miles State of Black Texas in the Texas Legislature Earlier this year, I passed Senate Resolution 453 to designate September as Prostate Cancer Awareness month to educate the public on early detection of this disease. This year, over 174,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, making prostate cancer the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men. The disease will kill about 1900 men in Texas this year. In Harris County, about 102 of every 100,000 males test positive for prostate cancer, a rate significantly higher than the state-wide average. But what hits home is that this cancer disproportionately affects black men at rates that are 60% higher than white males for reasons that remain unclear to researchers. Statistical data has repeatedly shown that black men in the United States have the highest rates of prostate cancer in the world. Age and race are the two greatest risk factors for prostate cancer, with black men over the age of 65 being at the highest risk. While this data paints a frightening picture, there are ways to be proactive and protect yourself and our community: 1. Talk to your doctor and get screened 2. Know your family history and risk factors. 3. Help raise awareness in your community. Early detection is vital. Catching prostate cancer in its earliest stage is the best way to ensure a swift recovery. However, prostate cancer is slow-growing and usually does not show symptoms until it reaches the advanced stage, making proactive screenings even more important. The American Cancer Society recommends that men should start speaking to their healthcare provider about prostate cancer beginning at the age of 50. The discussion should include reviewing family history, understanding the risk factors and getting screened. Knowledge is power and early detection is essential. Black men are considered high risk for developing prostate cancer if they have close relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65. Men are considered very high risk if they have had several close relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer before
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.
