Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Sr. once rendered these most prolific words.
I thought on his words of wisdom as I pondered over the outcome of the most recent mid-term elections which heavily impacted our nation. I paralleled what I saw in several of the electoral races to one thought: Good versus Evil. There is one thing about evil, it has the tendency to prevail for a little while. But, if goodwill and intentions continue to resonate and remain consistent, the good will win in the end. That is my encouragement to the likes of those genuine-hearted leaders such as Andrew Gillum (Florida) and Beto O’Rourke (Texas).
Although these candidates were not victorious in their election good still overshadowed the election as Democrats regained control over the house. Nevertheless, all these things impact the African-American community. We MUST Understand the perilous time we, Africans living in America are experiencing is nothing new to our culture.
I felt the need to elaborate on the subject after a great outpouring from the community. Our community was once surrounded by people, organizations and leaders who were seriously concerned about the issues that plague those from our communities the most. But, these days our people are suffering and have nowhere to go. They have nowhere to turn to. In fact, African-American News & Issues has become a place of refuge for members from our communities who want to be heard; because they feel there is no place who advocates on the Civil right issues we are dealing with in 2018. We are constantly losing our young Black men and women to the systematic design that was implemented for to be overtaken by. Something has to be done.
With that being stated, I must admit that there is a way to do anything. I always say, “Success without a successor is failure.” To that regard, I presented a feature not too long ago entitled, “WANTED: Black Leadership”. The sentiments that I conveyed in that piece still remain the same. We need young vibrant, motivated and dedicated leaders from within our communities. If the new-age Civil Rights movements are to gain any type of momentum it has to start amongst those that it affects the most. With the same token, while it is true that our young people need to take an active role and step up to the plate. They must understand that it is a different ball game out there. If our youth are to be successful in combatting the issues that have continued to invade our fortress, it can only be done by direction and guidance from those who came before you. There is a cost of leadership, as we are witnessing daily throughout this country. So, while I encourage our young people to step, I would also like to admonish them to be swift to understanding, seeking and adhering to the advice and guidance of the current leadership. Because time has shown that what is happening in real-time is history repeating itself of past transgressions against our people.
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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.
