HOUSTON – As we prepare for the 2020 Dr. MLK holiday, let us tell the truth and shame the devil.
When I was a young man, I had the opportunity to be in the presence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King. No one ever noticed if Dr. King wore $500 Brooks Brothers suits or if Ms. Coretta wore $1,000 St. Laurent dresses. All only noticed that she was a grand woman and thought that he ought to be happy if she permitted him to drink her bath water.
It is evident that Martin and Coretta developed their inner life while most of us were developing our exterior lives – our reputations.
This piece is fundamentally about the grand woman that complimented and completed her husband.
In 1956, following the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Dr. King and E D Nixon’s homes were bombed. When Dr. King arrived at home, he checked on the safety of his wife and child. Then he retrieved the shotgun and cartridges and headed for the front porch. Coretta stopped him and told him that if he appeared on the front porch locked and loaded that this movement would be lost. Coretta intuited that this was not the time to be submissive. Coretta knew that a single spark could spark a costly racial war. By this act of defiance by the so-called weaker sex, she would usher in a new America by owning her truth and possessing good judgment.
Given the stakes, brandishing the shotgun before hotheads would have inspired Molotov cocktails and an ill-advised insurrection. Many of the police wanted black targets. Instead, inspired by Coretta, Martin told the crowd, “If you have weapons, take them home. If you do not have them, please do not seek them. We can not solve this problem through violence. Remember this movement will not stop because God is with it.”
Martin and Coretta believed in AHIMSA- do not harm any living thing by word, thought and deed. This belief was transformed in NONVIOLENCE and American-styled soul force.
On the 2020 commemoration of the King national holiday, let us never forget that without the Coretta Scott King’s intervention, it is likely that the movement for democratic rights would have stalled or failed.
Coretta was easy on the eyes, a great mother and was a formidable change agent in the tradition of Ida B. Delaney, Queen Nzinga and Harriet Tubman. Yes, women hold up more than half of the world.
On this Dr. MLK commemoration on January 20, perhaps a teach-in for our children would be appropriate. A vow for every man to never hit, slap or harm a woman would be in order on this day. All of us should read the Violence Against Women Act and support a domestic abuse shelter.
As Martin Woodard would say, A DAY ON NOT A DAY OFF!
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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.
