October 13th, 2024

By: Omowale Luthuli-Allen

According to sage Maya Angelou, courage is the indispensable virtue. In street parlance, courage is the result of nuts and guts, testosterone and estrogen, amygdala and cerebellum seizing the reigns in a distressful moment.

The blood of the children and teachers are on the hands of those who continue to sit on their hunches and push back against meaningful gun resolutions.

Let me share this word with you. BESLAN. BESLAN was a mass casualty event in Russia in 2003. BESLAN was a domestic terrorist attack that targeted a school. 1100 people were taken hostage, 333 were killed and 186 of them were children. Wikipedia reports that over 100 people are missing and that 100 were burned alive. Powerful explosives had been smuggled into the school and snipers had been positioned to repel a rescue. The majority of the children were treated for burns, gunshot injuries, shrapnel wounds and mutilations caused by explosions. Some had limbs amputated and eyes removed, and many children were permanently disabled.

Let me share this word with you. Oklahoma City bombing, 2005. American domestic terrorists exploded fertilizer equivalent to 4,000 pounds of dynamite at the Federal building. The building contained a day care center and among the 168 murdered by the terrorists were 19 children. The youngest child to die was 6 months old.

Let me share this word with you. The 16th street Brimingham church bombing swallowed the lives of four girls who were destined for greatness. Unrepentant white supremacists declared a false victory, but they paved the way for the Mother Bethel mass killing of nine saints.

Red Flagg laws are a bare minimum. A red flag law is somewhat like a restraining order. Think of a deranged husband or lover that is bent on retaliating for being dropped. Often these demented souls kill their exes and often any children or family members that were related to the victim. A Red flag law would allow the courts to confiscate weapons that could be used in an attack. The person then loses the ability to carry a concealed weapon and is prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm.

My mind travels a stairway through time to the epic BOYZ IN THE HOOD movie. The little brother’s mindset after he is insulted is that I will tell my brother and he will shoot you in the face.

We should have acted after the 1963 church killings, after Columbine, after Sandy Hook, after Parklane, after Sante Fe, after El Paso.

Are Senators waiting on their children to be heinously slaughtered? Pontificating and talking smack time is over. We must ban weapons of war and we can do this without disfiguring the second Amendment, but if we don’t act playing sleep and using back packs to defend against AR 15 bullets, the blasts will disfigure torsos, faces and lives.

People are waiting for God to act, and God is waiting on his instruments to act. Plain and simple, WE NEED COURAGE.

 

Latest Articles

NEED PAST ISSUES?

Search our archive of past issues Receive our Latest Updates
 
* indicates required

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.

Scroll to Top
Search