America’s constitutional founders knew that educational spiritual enlightenment is the life blood of social democracy. The Founders wanted everyone to be able to read the Bible, because the Bible declares, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1: 3).

Reading is spiritually developmental. Thus, the Founders created a mass-universal free public education system to have a stable functioning democracy. Therefore, the educational system must be universalized, and at the same time, particularized because one size does not fit all. The North Forest ISD found out this truism. Now, HISD has found out the hard way, and is facing state-controlled receivership. Incompetence is a deadly enemy of effective educational development, even though, HISD is not totally responsible for its receivership predicament.

Dysfunctional educational development begins in the home with parents who do not set standards of moral conduct and educational developmental expectations. The home (family) is the first school and the first church for any child. Unfortunately, twenty-first century parenting is off-the-chain, and sometimes it is difficult to determine who is in charge, parents are children. Too many parents place all the responsibility for educating children on schools, and at the same time, they have done an inadequate job of disciplining, and providing a spiritual developmental foundation for their children: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will no depart from it” (Proverbs 22: 6). Christian churches must be the foundation for the spiritual educational development of children, and too many churches are failing the families in the local communities they serve. There is a church on every corner, and dysfunction is running wild throughout the community.

This information may shock some, but children spend more quality time in school environments than they do in family environments. Unfortunately, too much politics, and the wrong kind of politics has influenced educational development in most ISDs, especially North Forest ISD and Houston ISD. The entire community must have creative input into how HISD educates our children: community educational development.

Therefore, it is morally imperative that the educational culture concerning how best to educate must change. Natural disasters such as COVID-19-Pandemic kept most our children out of in-class instruction for almost two years this, in and of itself, produced a serious educational handicap. To make matters worse too many families did not have access to WI-FI Internet Connectivity: what an ungodly shame!  Fortunately, there are governmental and private sector initiatives on the horizon to correct this situation. For example, the Houston Library System in collaboration with Bridging the Digital Divide (BDD) acquired a federal grant to distribute Hot Spots and WI-FI ready Chrome Books. Compounding the educational and emotional problem of educating urban children is the issue of school violence, and the threat of mass-school-shootings, as well as the related emotional issues associated with school attendance and academic performance. Without a doubt, we must make our school environments the safest and most secure places in American society. Students cannot learn amidst chaos.

HISD has become a default professional career option for too many teachers. Teaching was not their initial (first) career option. It’s about a paycheck system. Raising teacher pay to attract teachers who love children and have a Godly desire to educate is paramount. American society must establish teaching our children as priority number-one, because our children are gifts from God: “Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Psalm 127:3). Never forget “a mind is a terrible thing to waste”. Additionally, our Grandparents knew the spiritual importance of Godly discipline; “spare the rod, and you spoil the child”, but nevertheless all THINGS must be done decently and in order.

If the state of Texas (TEA) is threatening to place HISD in receivership something is apparently monumentally wrong with educational processes in HISD. Consequently, getting all bent-out-of-shape is not going to resolve the educational dysfunctional issues in HISD. Community-based educators at TSU should craft a corrective action plan designed to improve educational quality in HISD, because one size does not fit all. Houston, this is only a positive suggestion, no more or less. The Afro-American News is wholeheartedly committed to co-hosting in conjunction with TSU’s College of Education a community forum on improving educational quality in HISD. Selah!

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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