On Thursday August 18, 2022, at 9 am another attempt was made to Charter our tax funded schools again. 98% of the speakers whether in person or virtual said ”No“ and that means our Elected EMPLOYEES should say, “Hell NO.”
Regardless of who the superintendent is or who’s sitting on the elected school board partnerships, charters, and closures keep coming up year after year, bond after bond, and lie after lie. There isn’t any trust when our Board can’t be trusted. It seems as if compensation is being chosen over education, even though 90% of Houston Independent School District’s revenue/budget comes from our local tax dollars.
Four years ago, April 24, 2018, the” Death of A School District Protest” took place at the Hattie Mae White Administration Building located at 4400 W. 18th Street in Houston, TX. This was the largest organized protest as well as the largest speakers list in HISD’s history. We were there from 4pm until after midnight. Our elected board wanted to hand over 10 of our schools to charter schools in which some of those same charter schools shut down shortly after we shut their board meeting down on April 24, 2018. Energized for STEM Academy Inc., which was formerly B.H. Grimes Elementary School, was the Charter affiliate that both a former HISD board member and a former NAACP president both sat on its board.
Our former HISD Trustees allowed schools to close and become charter schools on their watch. They would have also become sitting board members of what happened to be the failed 2018 charter takeover of the 10 schools: Blackshear, Dogan, Highland Heights, Mading, and Wesley elementary schools; Henry Middle School; Woodson K-8; and Kashmere, Wheatley and Worthing high schools. Most if not all of our elected employees were working against, We the People, remaining silent, or were M.I.A. Our school trustees didn’t put up much of a fight to prevent it. Our state representatives either wrote bad legislation or voted for bad legislation. Either way, it wasn’t in the best interest of their constituents. Our local NAACP branch president saw dollar signs as well. Our teacher’s union was trying to bring in out of state charters to our district.
NOTE: If all the beneficiaries listed above would fight for our Schools like they support BONDs and CHARTERS our school would be in great shape.
The 4 schools that they closed in 2011 were GRIMES (recognized), RHOADS (exemplary), MC DADE, STEVENSON were said to save the district money because of an alleged deficit of 171 million dollars when in reality it on saved then 1.6 million. They actually spent more money closing the schools vs keeping them open some of these school got millions in renovation from the 2012 BOND only to be closed. I know personally that they tried to bribe the kids, parents, and community with Barbeque, watermelon, and red soda; new uniforms, and etc.
Our tax bill says Houston Independent School District and not Houston Independent School District and Friends . We The People says, NO PARTNERSHIP$$$$$$$$$$, NO CHARTER$$$$$$$$, NO CLOSURE$$$$$$$$$$$$
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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.
