Sis. Abigail Ragston was born January 25 1962 and departed this earthly life December 17, 2021 due to a tragic accident. She was a devoted and loving wife to Rev. Frederick Ragston and mother to her 7 children and 7 grandchildren. She was also a sister to Rev. Fred Thomas III, who has been the Senior Pastor of Greater St. Peter’s Baptist Church in Hempstead, Texas for 28 years. She leaves to cherish her memories to a host of family members. She was a dedicated employee of Hempstead Independent School District as a bus aide for 20 years and she loved children deeply, always with their best interest at heart and was an active worker with the youth ministry at Greater St. Peter’s. She is an angel that will be truly missed. Schedule of services are as follows: Visitation will be: Friday, 12/31/21 4 PM-7PM Greater St. Peters Baptist Church 805 18th Street Hempstead, Texas 77445 Funeral service Saturday, January 1, 2022 @11 A.M. Hempstead High School 801 Donoho Street Hempstead, Texas 77445 The funeral will be followed by burial at Hempstead Cemetery and Repass at the Hempstead Recreation Center. Abigail Ragston – View Obituary & Service Information
By: Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Colin Powell has died from complications from Covid-19, his family members have confirmed. The first Black US secretary of state was 84. “General Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, passed away this morning due to complications from Covid 19,” the former General’s family wrote on Facebook. “We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American,” the family wrote. They reported that Powell had been fully vaccinated. Powell became the first Black national security adviser during the end of Ronald Reagan’s presidency. He also counted as the youngest and first African American chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush. Powell was thrust into the global spotlight after leading the United States to victory during the Gulf War, with many even considering him as a presidential candidate.
Robert (Tullie) John Melancon Malonson was born on April 13, 1942 in Bell City, Louisiana to John Curley Sr. and Viola Syon Melancon. Robert married Wilma J. Thompson on October 31, 1960. Robert and Wilma’s union of 60 years and eleven months, was blessed with six children- Keith, Yolanda, Malissee, Curley, Karen, and Kevin. He was raised in a two-story home on a dairy farm in the then, Bammel Community near 1960/Kuykendall. As an infant Robert was baptized at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lafayette, Louisiana. Robert attended Spring Elementary in Spring, Texas. He lived in Jennings Louisiana for a few years with his great uncle Clifford Norman. During his stay he continued his education at Jennings Elementary. After returning to Houston, he completed his education at Aldine George Washington Carver High School. While attending Aldine George Washington Carver High, which was segregated at the time Robert excelled in football (Jersey numbers 71 and 65) playing guard. Robert who earned the nickname “hatchet man”, became the first student to become an All American in that sport. Robert received eleven scholarships offers across the nation. Due to his strong belief in family, Robert chose not to attend college to support and care for his loved ones. Robert had a wealth of passions in life that were family based; Bar-b-queuing, dancing, fishing, music, singing, walking, camping, cycling and picnicking. Also, he loved birds (Red Cardinals), the beach, recreation parks and Casinos. Lastly, his favorite football team was the “Dallas Cowboys.” He retired from Tex-Tube Division of Armco Inc; formerly Cyclops Corporation and an affiliate of the United Steel Workers of America for 32 years. After retiring from Tex-Tube, he completed 10 years in the Commercial/Sales Division of Auto Zone. Robert was a loving and caring husband and father who believed in family first and setting the standard of putting his family before himself. He will be remembered and missed by the many lives he touched with kindness and generosity. He will be most remembered for his diligence and hard work ethics. Robert was always true to his family needs and
THE CHICAGO CRUSADER — On Sunday, March 7, 1965 in Selma, Alabama, Lewis and fellow activist Hosea Williams led hundreds of marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. They were on their way to the state capitol fighting for the right to vote. On the other side of the bridge were the Alabama State Troopers on horses. After crossing the bridge, the troopers attacked marchers and beat Lewis with a club. He suffered a fractured skull that nearly killed him. The incident became known as “Bloody Sunday.”
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.
