November 11th, 2024

By State Rep. Jarvis Johnson, Texas District-139

Much of the discussion surrounding Confederate Heroes and monuments are centered around preserving heritage. But whose heritage is worth preserving? For some of us, it is not possible to separate the brutality of slavery from the actions of confederate soldiers. This conflict is deeply personal to me, my family line can be drawn back to a slave being raped by her white slave owner. Not everyone has stories from their ancestors they can be proud of.  My great-great grandmother Janie’s life was full of violence and suffering. She was born into slavery, separated from her mother at five, raped remorselessly, bore children from those rapes, and lived separately from her fair-skinned children who lived with their white father. To many, the Civil War was so long ago, the war and the consequences of it are taught in History class, but for me, it was shared through my Mother and Grandfather’s words. Confederate monuments and holiday’s honoring “heroes” is a visualization of how this part of US History has been sanitized and white washed. When I look at monuments honoring the Confederacy, I see a painful depiction of the brutality that created my family line.

The definition of  hero is “a person admired for achievements and noble qualities” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Are the actions of Jefferson Davis and Robert E Lee heroic by this definition so that they warrant an official state holiday to remembering them? While leaders such as Robert E Lee may have fought nobly in a brutal war, it is impossible to separate that he not only was fighting on the side that defended the act of slavery, but he himself was a slave owner.  Owning slaves was inhumane, and a shameful part of America’s past, not a noble quality. If Texans want to remember their family members who fought and died in the fighting for the Confederacy, I encourage them to honor them on their deceased family members birthday, anniversary of their death or any other day of importance. Neither the state nor federal government have holidays to remember veterans of each American war separately, so why do we have a holiday to specifically honor the Confederate “heroes” in Texas?

Holidays like Confederate Heroes Day and the presence of over 170 public spaces with Confederate monuments in Texas offer a sanitized version of history. It is no secret many of these monuments were erected during the Jim Crow Era, a time period when my family was persecuted, segregated and navigated through a society where white supremacy was the law of the land.  These monuments glorify Confederate leaders, while turning a blind eye to the realities of slavery and overlooking the alarmist prophecy poor white men were sold regarding abolition. Jefferson Davis said, “Free the negroes, however, and it would soon be here…the poor white man would become a menial for the rich, and be, by him, reduced to an equality with the free blacks”. [i] Poor white southerners were led to believe that abolishing slavery would be their demise. After the Civil War ended, and slaves were emancipated, we saw no systemic demise of white men. Across the socio-economic spectrum, white men continued to wield greater power than black men, which resulted in sharecropping, forced apprenticeships of black youth, chain gangs, Jim Crow Laws, lynching, and segregation well into the 20th century.

Governor Greg Abbott has said in reference to removal of a Confederate plaque that it “[wouldn’t] erase our nation’s past, and it doesn’t advance our nation’s future.” This plaque has since been removed from the Texas Capitol, and the time is now to abolish holidays like Confederate Heroes Day, which was enacted during a time when the only voices being heard were white men, whose heritage is much different than mine. We know now that Jefferson Davis, Robert E Lee and other Confederate leaders were on the wrong side of history.

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.

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