October 9th, 2024

What about us? Time to step up and support Black students in agriculture!

By: Nevaeh Richards

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo awarded 70 Texas 4-H program members a grand total of $1.4 million in scholarships, but while that’s a great thing, you’ll notice a glaring similarity among the scholarship recipients – they are overwhelmingly WHITE! While there may be a few people of color (POC) dotted among the students who received the award, not one of them is a Black student, and as a Black student, that really ticks me off!

A Facebook post highlighting the “Where’s Waldo” missing Black students gained a lot of comments, and it first made me MAD, but then it made me THINK, and ask myself, “WHO’S RESPONSIBLE?”

The scholarship recipients were chosen from 51 counties across the state of Texas, and I have a hard time believing that there was not one Black student within these 51 counties that qualified for an award.

Your immediate thought might be to place blame on the majority white Executive Committee members of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and wonder if the lone African American member –  Warner Ervin – is speaking up for the people we hope he represents – US! I’m here to tell you, the exclusion of Black children from agriculture programs is, not only on the hands of the 11 HLSR Executive Committee members, but it’s on our school districts, business and political leaders, and the Black community as a whole.

I proudly went from being an honor roll student at Jack Yates High School to a current freshman at Howard University, and  I can honestly tell you, I have NO memories throughout my elementary, middle or high school years of being introduced to any agriculture courses, and upon research, I see they are CLEARLY available at many schools including Stephen F. Austin, Chavez, Bellaire and Madison and high schools, but not many students are participating (nor encouraged to participate) in the programs.

Worthing High School, in the historical Sunnyside area, has a Future Farmers of America (FFA) program, but has never won a livestock or agriculture competition. Are they not getting the resources or support they need? This high school exists in the middle of a food desert, which is even more of a reason for the need to encourage more Black students to learn the trade.

Why are we not thriving in agriculture? Is it because of inadequate teachers? Or is it due to lack of funding? Or is it simply because the educators, leaders and parents in our communities are not encouraging their Black sons and daughters to even consider this particular field of study?

We would like to see both the HLSR and Texas school districts do more to support agriculture programs for majority Black schools and help support underfunded existing programs so more Black students can compete. We’re not asking HLSR to hand out “participation” awards, because after all, these are competitions, but we do know that Black students can and will soar if the deck was not stacked against them. It takes a lot to raise an animal. The animal needs to be fed, groomed, housed, etc. and all of that takes funding. The money is out there, and the Black students need a chance.

It should be noted that the publishers of African-American News&Issues are in the agriculture industry. Mr. Roy Douglas and Shirley Ann Malonson not only own R&S Deer Ranch but are now the ONLY African American ranchers in Texas to sell white tail deer. They’ve seen firsthand how Black students are not getting what they deserve.

Livestock presented by Black students at auctions are often priced lower than their white counterparts. The Malonsons attend many FFA auctions and have witnessed Black students receiving the lowest bids for their animals, so they’ve made it their personal mission to bid HIGH to help those students because the money goes toward their education.

In my opinion, there is a very simple explanation as to why people are bidding lower on the animals presented by Black students. It’s not because their livestock fails to meet requirements, it’s simply because they are Black. So, what are we going to do about it?

For starters, the community and business leaders need to attend these events and bid on our youth’s livestock. Houston is flourishing with Black-owned businesses, and we all have a responsibility to support our children in agriculture. NO MATTER WHAT TYPE OF BUSINESS YOU HAVE – SUPPORT THE BLACK YOUTH AT LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS! If you just attend one, you will see the Black students who ARE in the agriculture programs are top performers who will make you proud. And on the flip side, when you see that there are NOT ENOUGH Black students in the programs, you will WANT to do your part to get more students involved.

There is a misconception that you must be in the agriculture field to participate in these auctions, or that you must take the animal with you once winning a bid on it. Once the animal is slaughtered, you can donate the food to whomever you want to have it – even giving it back to the student who raised it if you choose.

Agriculture education is not only about producing farmers, it is about producing tomorrow’s scientists, nutritionists, teachers, entrepreneurs, and so much more. One major way to end food deserts and promote health and wellness within Black communities is by diversifying and advocating for our youth, especially in agricultural spaces.

Give the students an opportunity to learn how to WORK the land, which could motivate us even more in our efforts to OWN the land. It’s not enough to want to see change, we have to continuously invest in the change that is to come. Never forget the $1.3 trillion worth of buying power and the Black dollar.

 

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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